Government of Newfoundland News

Transportation and Works

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are no strangers to winter weather. In many ways, it has helped shape our province’s culture and defines us as we take pride in our ability to brave heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and high winds. However, such a familiarity with weathering harsh conditions can create a sense of over-confidence among motorists.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues some information on November’s Good Food Challenge, organized by the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

I rise in this Honourable House to recognize provincial seafood companies that are pursuing export opportunities and building strong reputations in international markets.

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

Elections Newfoundland and Labrador would like to notify qualified electors in the districts of Humber East and Trinity-Bay de Verde that the by-elections will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Transportation and Works

Weather permitting, the front entrance of the Confederation Building, East Block, will be closed from Monday, November 24, to Friday, November 28. The closure is required to allow a crane to complete work at high elevation. The entrance will re-open if weather conditions prevent the crane from operating.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will speak at College of the North Atlantic’s annual Business Case Competition Awards Banquet tomorrow (Saturday, November 22). The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Mount Peyton Hotel in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Finance

Dominion Bond Rating Services (DBRS) has again confirmed Newfoundland and Labrador’s credit rating at A, with trends remaining stable.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

A crab processing facility on the west coast of the province is receiving support from the Provincial Government to test new processing technology that could benefit producers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced $99,780 to help Allen’s Fisheries Limited integrate new processing technology to enhance quality, productivity and product yield at the facility.

Natural Resources

Clayton Forsey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, will present the Daphne Taylor Milk Quality Award of Excellence 2013-14 at the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador annual general meeting tomorrow (Friday, November 21). The event begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook.

Service NL

Legislation was introduced in the House of Assembly today that will clarify the rules of the road for drivers approaching, entering and exiting a roundabout. The amendments will define drivers’ duties when using roundabouts and also provide police with the tools to enforce the safe use of roundabouts.

Service NL

Legislation was introduced in the House of Assembly today that will create a newly established organization known as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPANL). Three pre-existing accounting designations – Chartered Accountants, Certified Management Accountants and Certified General Accountants – will combine to form a single new organization known as Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPAC) with provincial chapters across the country.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will speak to members of the Exploits Valley Community Coalition during the organization’s 20th anniversary luncheon celebration tomorrow (Friday, November 21). The event begins at 1:00 p.m. at the Botwood Lions Club, 249 Water Street, Botwood.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, today we celebrated the launch of Upopolis, a social network for young patients which will further enhance the care of children and youth here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

I rise in this Honourable House to recognize World Fisheries Day, an annual celebration that takes place on November 21. Tomorrow, people throughout the world will take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of fishing and aquaculture to our economy, environment, and culture.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize National Child Day, which takes place annually on November 20. National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the adoption of two documents focused on children's rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the convention.

Natural Resources

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, and Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, today announced a $345,000 investment in an innovative robotic milking system for Pure Holsteins Ltd. The technology is a first for Newfoundland and Labrador and is being used to improve milk production at the farming operation in Little Rapids.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Newfoundland and Labrador students scored above the international average, ranking seventh overall, in a recent assessment of students’ understanding and use of information and communication technology. The 2013 International Computer and Information Literacy Study collected data and examined the outcomes of student computer and information literacy across countries. Computer and information literacy refers to an individual's ability to use computers to investigate, create and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace and in the community.

Justice and Public Safety

Today, the Human Rights Commission is joining with residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, held annually on November 20. The day is specially designated to memorialize those who have faced discrimination, violence, and murder due to transphobia.

Executive Council

Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 and honours individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence and raises public awareness of injustices that have been perpetrated against the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, will be in Toronto this week to participate in provincial, territorial and federal meetings.