Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government announcement regarding actions to improve access to health care in Baie Verte, Springdale, Triton and La Scie is being rescheduled for a later time today (Friday, May 17) due to travel issues.

Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP Jennifer Konieczny at jenniferkonieczny@gov.nl.ca. 

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The following statement was issued by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, regarding Police Week in Newfoundland and Labrador:

“Every day, the dedicated members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police show their professionalism and commitment as they work to ensure the safety and security of the people of our province.

As a government, we put an emphasis on working with police and community partners to ensure we are living and raising our families in one of the safest provinces in Canada. That security and peace of mind is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of both uniformed and civilian members of our police agencies.

While we all know the job can be rewarding, we also know it comes with significant risks. This week, I represented the Provincial Government at a moving ceremony that remembered and honoured officers who have died in the line of duty. The International Police and Peace Officer Memorial service recognizes the role peace officers have in keeping all of us safe and acknowledges that they often work in dangerous situations. Many of us, myself included, hold in reverence the sacrifices of police and peace officers and are reminded of this every time we pass by the memorial on the grounds of Confederation Building.

The sense of security and quality of life we enjoy is because of the risks they take every day and their devotion to helping others.

On behalf of all residents, during Police Week we say a special thank you to the members of the RNC and the RCMP for the important work they do to protect the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting will be available live on the House of Assembly broadcast channel, website and social media channels (Facebook and YouTube).

Briefing materials for the meeting will be available on the House of Assembly website at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The agenda for the meeting follows.

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House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

Date:            May 21, 2024
Time:           9:30 a.m.

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes
2. 1. February 21, 2024
   2. April 11, 2024
   3. May 1, 2024

1. Speaker’s Report – Rulings on Allowance Use
2. Financial Reports – 31 December 2023
3. Ratification of Urgent Budget Transfer
4. Members’ Compensation Review Committee Report

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The Provincial Government is taking action to improve access to health care in Baie Verte, Springdale, Triton and La Scie based on recommendations from Health Accord NL. The actions include advancing some of Canada’s most generous incentives to help attract physicians to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador and creation of a Family Care Team for Baie Verte/Springdale.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to media today (Friday, May 17) at 12 noon at the Green Bay Health Centre in Springdale to discuss the initiatives. Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Dr. Todd Young, owner and medical director of Medicuro Online Clinic.

Details of the expansion include:

• The opening of the Triton Medical Clinic one day a week.
• Virtual care offered by Medicuro to the La Scie Medical Centre.
• Enhanced recruitment incentives to help attract physicians to work in the region.

Budget 2024 includes $30 million to hire additional health care providers for existing family care teams and new teams including a new Family Care Team for Baie Verte/Springdale.

The Provincial Government is also noting that work is ongoing to expand virtual care services, including offering virtual drivers medicals to seniors.

More information on recruitment and retention incentives for health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“We’re excited about these next steps to increase access to health care in this area. The new services, new family care team, and expansion of virtual care will provide more access to health care, which are also creating opportunities for graduates and other health care professionals to fill positions.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our recruitment and retention incentives are working. Financial incentives have led to more than 100 physicians and 500 nurses agreeing to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. We’re excited about the future of health care for Baie Verte, Springdale, Triton and La Scie and the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Drivers are advised to exercise caution and watch for roaming moose when travelling on provincial roadways, particularly between dusk and dawn.

There is an increased risk for moose-vehicle collisions at this time of year as many yearlings leave their mothers resulting in more moose near roadways.

Motorists are encouraged to adhere to the following guidelines to avoid a moose-vehicle collision:

• Slow down when driving at night to allow more time to respond to a moose on or near a roadway.
• Pay attention to posted warning signs which mark high-risk areas.
• Scan both sides of the road ahead as far as possible, especially when travelling in posted high-risk areas.
• Use extreme caution whenever encountering wildlife, regardless of the animal’s behavior or how far it is from the roadway.
• Focus on the road. Don’t become distracted.
• Maintain a clean windshield and headlights.
• Drive with your headlights on high beam unless approaching, or overtaking, other traffic.
• Wear seatbelts because they save lives.

The public can report moose sightings along or near roadways by calling 1-855-89MOOSE (66673).

Additional moose-vehicle collision awareness information is available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services:

 Speaker, Sunday, May 19, is World Family Doctor Day, and I rise in this Honourable House to celebrate family doctors for the care they provide to our communities.

This year’s theme is Healthy Planet, Healthy People, which highlights the connection between the planet’s health, our well-being, and the role of family doctors.

Speaker, we are committed to supporting our family doctors and value the leadership and broad scope of skill family physicians bring.

The Shared Agenda for Family Medicine with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and our support for the Family Practice Renewal Program demonstrate our commitment to improve family medicine.

Over 100 physicians have been recruited in the past year due to our competitive recruitment incentives, including over 50 family physicians who work throughout the province in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and communities.

We are expanding the number of Faculty of Medicine seats for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, boosting recruitment and retention initiatives, and developing family care teams to increase access to health care and create collaborative environments for family physicians. We are working together to fulfill the promise of the Health Accord’s transformation.

Speaker, I ask the members to join me in applauding family doctors for their invaluable contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the finalization of the rate mitigation plan with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro). This plan applies only to island customers paying for the project. The plan will come into effect on July 1, 2024, and will ensure domestic residential rate increases are capped at 2.25 per cent annually for cost recovery associated with the Muskrat Falls project.

As publicly communicated in July 2021 when the Provincial Government announced its $5.2 billion rate mitigation deal with the Federal Government, without rate mitigation NL Hydro’s rates would have almost doubled (to 23.6 cents per kWh) as a result of the Muskrat Falls project.

Finalizing rate mitigation provides clarity of NL Hydro’s annual electricity rate increases associated with Muskrat Falls up to and including 2030. As a result of the implementation of the Provincial Government’s rate mitigation plan, on an average monthly bill of $300, customers will pay $307 a month in July 2024 compared to $500 a month without the rate mitigation plan; $193 less per month or $2,300 during the period of July 2024 to June 2025.

The total projected investment required from NL Hydro to fund this stage of the rate mitigation plan is over $2 billion including the financial projections up to and including 2030. This includes retirement of the 2023 deferral account balance of $271 million.

As noted, rate mitigation provides certainty on NL Hydro’s annual electricity rate increases associated with the cost of Muskrat Falls up to and including 2030. Through normal regulatory process, the PUB may approve additional rate changes resulting from Newfoundland Power general rate applications, rate stabilization, or municipal tax account or other adjustments.

NL Hydro produces the electricity needed to serve all customers in the province. NL Hydro distributes power directly to 24,000 customers on the island, one of which is Newfoundland Power. Newfoundland Power, in turn, distributes the power it receives from NL Hydro to an additional 275,000 customers on the island.

The Muskrat Falls plant was commissioned in November 2021 and the Labrador-Island Link was commissioned in April 2023. Since then, NL Hydro has been paying the Muskrat Falls project costs.

As part of the commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs for residents, the Provincial Government, in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, provides financial support for residents for fuel switching and energy efficiency incentive programs. More information can be found at https://takechargenl.ca.

Quotes
“Our government recognizes that many people are facing challenges and electricity customers continue to be concerned about electricity rates. The rate mitigation plan mitigates costs associated with the Muskrat Falls project and provides certainty around rates related to the project for ratepayers from now up to and including 2030.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Hydro has worked hard to cut costs and do our part to support government’s rate mitigation efforts. We know our customers expect that of us. Under this plan, Hydro will fund rate mitigation through its own revenue and are pleased to be in position to do our part to support customers.”
Jennifer Williams, President and CEO
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Crown Zone 2 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2310)

The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 2 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2022-2026). The Project is proposed in Forest Management District 2, approximately seven kilometres north of the town of Winterbrook. The amendment would create a new harvest block covering 161 hectares of land and the Forest Management District’s harvest level would be balanced by reducing harvesting elsewhere in the District. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on May 15, 2024; the deadline for public comment is June 19, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by June 29, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

Watson’s Pond Quarry     (Reg. 2309)
Proponent: Marine Contractors Inc.

The Proponent is proposing a 49-hectare quarry area that would include its existing operations and an expanded area between Lewin Parkway and Corner Brook Stream in the city of Corner Brook. Rock aggregate and overlying till would be used for long-term aggregate supply and asphalt production. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on May 15, 2024; the deadline for public comment is June 19, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by June 29, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

Steady Brook Residential Property      (Reg. 2308)
Proponent: Susan Kim Dawson

The Proponent is proposing to construct a two-story dwelling on a residential lot located at 129 Marble Drive in the town of Steady Brook.  Construction would also include excavation of backfilled material, installation of a septic system and landscaping. The development is proposed adjacent to the Humber River, a scheduled salmon river. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on May 15, 2024; the deadline for public comment is June 19, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by June 29, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca .

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Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a Project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will bring greetings at the Atlantic Economic Council’s Building Atlantic Canada conference tomorrow (Thursday, May 16).

The event takes place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s. Minister Coady will deliver remarks at 11:15 a.m.

The Atlantic Economic Council’s Building Atlantic Canada conference explores key takeaways related to large capital investment projects in the region.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will provide an update on the Provincial Government’s rate mitigation plan. Minister Parsons will be joined by Jennifer Williams, President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The event will take place tomorrow (Thursday, May 16) in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 10:30 a.m.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will address the annual Mari-Tech Conference and Exhibition tomorrow (Thursday, May 16).

The event takes place the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street, St. John’s, beginning at 12:45 p.m.

The Mari-Tech Conference is the premier event for the marine engineering community in Canada, engaging the private sector, government and academia. This year’s theme is Navigating Sustainable Marine Transportation.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, today I have exciting news about the work our government is doing to modernize online service delivery.

Recently MyGovNL reached a significant milestone, surpassing one million online motor vehicle registration renewals since launching in 2019.

During that time, more than 195,000 driver’s licence renewals and 84,000 drivers’ exams have been completed through MyGovNL, and nearly 45,000 driving records have been issued through this convenient online service.

In addition to Motor Registration Division services, residents have also renewed more than 209,000 MCP cards and received more than 61,000 domestic wood cutting permits.

As of this week, there are some 350,000 registered users of MyGovNL, showing that people have embraced our modern and efficient approach to providing government services.

And while recognizing this is the way of the future, those who prefer in-person services can still visit Government Service Centres throughout the province.

Speaker, this is possible because we have talented and dedicated staff at the Office of the Chief Information Officer leading this important work with those in my department and throughout government.

I want to thank them all for their service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and I look forward to sharing their next great achievement.

Thank you.

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The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is calling for Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to pursue commercial timber development opportunities in Forest Management District (FMD) 8 located in the central region on the island and FMD 19 in Labrador. A map of all FMDs in the province can be viewed online here.

Each RFP is open to local individuals, forest harvesting and processing companies, Indigenous Governments and organizations with an interest in the commercial development of Crown timber resources. The RFP application and guidelines are available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

The successful applicant for FMD 8 will be provided a five-year timber allocation to access 40,000 cubic metres of timber (8,000 cubic metres annually), located on designated cutting blocks in an area north of Botwood. Email RFP to MarkLawlor@gov.nl.ca on or before June 12, 2024, 4:30 p.m. NDT.

The successful applicant for FMD 19 will be provided a five-year timber allocation to access 250,000 cubic metres of timber (50,000 cubic metres annually), located on designated cutting blocks located on the north and south sides of the Churchill River in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. Email RFP to MarkLawLor@gov.nl.ca on or before July 16, 2024, 4:30 p.m. NDT.

For additional information about the application process, contact the department at 709-640-7257 or email MarkLawlor@gov.nl.ca.

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Every child deserves the best start in life. But for young families, including Millennial and Gen Z parents, the costs of child care can add up to a second rent or mortgage payment. This makes it harder to start and support a family, and as a result, parents – especially moms – often face impossible choices between their careers and child care fees.

Fairness for every generation means ensuring parents, especially moms, do not have to choose between a career and starting a family. The Government of Canada is taking action to make life cost less for young families and to build a Canada where every generation can get ahead.

Already, all provinces and territories are offering or are on track to offer $10-a-day regulated child care. This progress, made possible by nearly $40 billion in federal support since 2016, including the transformative investment of nearly $30 billion in Budget 2021, is making life more affordable for young families. Women’s labour force participation is now at a record high of 85.7 per cent, meaning more families are bringing home more income and contributing to Canada’s economic growth, while saving thousands of dollars on child care every year.

But more families need access to affordable child care.

That’s why, today in St. John’s, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, joined the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Education, to announce $13.7 million over four years, including approximately $9.8 million through 2025-2026, to help build more inclusive child care spaces across the province through the Government of Canada’s $625 million Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund. This investment will help Newfoundland and Labrador reach the shared goal of building 5,895 new child care spaces by 2026.

Through this fund, all provinces and territories will be able to make further investments in child care, so more families can save up to $14,300 on child care every year, per child.

These investments will aim to support families in rural and remote communities, as well as families in communities that face barriers to access, such as racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, official language minority communities, and children, parents and employees with disabilities. Funding may also be used to support infrastructure to provide care during non-standard hours.

Across the country, over 750,000 kids are already benefiting from affordable, high-quality child care, with some families saving up to $14,300 per child, per year. Alongside provinces and territories, the Government of Canada has also announced over 100,000 new spaces, well on the way to reaching the goal of creating 250,000 new spaces by March 2026.

Investing in affordable child care is about helping more families save thousands of dollars on child care and ensuring that every child has the best start in life. The measures highlighted above complement what the Government of Canada is doing in Budget 2024 to build a fairer Canada for every generation. The Government is building more homes, strengthening public health care, making life cost less, and growing the economy in a way that is shared by all – to make sure every generation has a fair chance at building a good middle-class life.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador has made child care more affordable for families throughout the province. With over 9,100 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less and an additional 2,200 spaces in development, there is no doubt that momentum is building to ensure that all families in the province have access to the early learning and child care that they need. The Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund is a welcome addition to further enhance the resources and supports available to child care providers as they grow their services.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Young families who don’t yet have access to affordable child care spaces are paying as much as a second rent or mortgage payment for unregulated child care. This is unfair to today’s generation of parents, especially Millennial and Gen Z parents, who need and deserve the relief of $10-a-day child care. We are working with provinces and territories to build more spaces across the country, so that more families can access affordable child care and save thousands of dollars every year.”
Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“Every family should have access to high-quality, inclusive child care. More child care spaces mean more high-quality spots for kids, and more relief for parents as they access affordable child care. The Government of Canada remains committed to working with Newfoundland and Labrador so children in Canada have the best possible start in life. The Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund will help child care providers across the province so they can continue to provide access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care to underserved communities.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“We look after each other around here. More child care spaces means more support for young families. And that’s good for us all.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Seniors

“Whether parents work in an office or on a shop floor, in Labrador City, St. Anthony, or St. John’s, everyone deserves access to reliable child care. With this continued investment today, we are helping Newfoundland and Labrador build more daycare spaces so families have child care they can rely on, no matter where they live.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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Toward $10-a-Day: Early Learning and Child Care

Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care

Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, is pleased to announce that the Newfoundland and Labrador Legislature is participating in the Moose Hide Campaign today.

The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians committed to protecting women and children and speaking out against gender-based and domestic violence. The campaign is grounded in Indigenous ceremony and traditional ways of learning and healing, and this year marks the seventh consecutive year of our Legislature’s participation.

The Campaign began over 10 years ago, when co-founders Paul Lacerte and his daughter Raven were hunting a moose on their traditional territory along the Highway of Tears, where dozens of women have gone missing or been murdered.

The heart of the Moose Hide Campaign is a small, square moose-hide pin – a symbol of solidarity in taking a stand against violence, supporting reconciliation and honouring Indigenous culture. This year, the Moose Hide Campaign is celebrating gifting five million pins across Canada in the campaign’s efforts towards reconciliation and ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus individuals.

Members of the House of Assembly began the day with reflection and prayer in the Chamber. The ceremony included a video message from Raven Lacerte, co-founder and national ambassador of the Moose Hide Campaign, a short video documentary regarding the Campaign, as well as reflection and prayer from Inuk Elder Emma Reelis.

Quote
“As Speaker, I am pleased that the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly is participating in the Moose Hide Campaign for the seventh consecutive year, and I congratulate the Campaign on five million pins gifted in Canada. Each year, the House of Assembly looks forward to encouraging our Members to act to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus individuals and to take tangible steps towards reconciliation. I am also pleased to welcome Elder Reelis to our House of Assembly and honoured that she was present to offer reflection and guidance to Members during this important ceremony.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Provincial Highway Enforcement Officers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will be participating with law enforcement agencies in the International Roadcheck Initiative from May 14-16.

International Roadcheck is an annual regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It is a high-visibility, high-volume inspection and enforcement event, where Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle and driver safety.

This year, International Roadcheck will focus on tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substances.

International Road Check is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world. Across North America, on average, nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches will be inspected every minute during a 72-hour period.

Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck, providing an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

More information about the 2024 International Roadcheck Initiative is available on the CVSA website.

Results will be published on the CVSA website here.

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The Provincial Government is lowering the age for recommended breast screening from 50 to include women between the ages of 40 and 49.

The decision is based on new national guidelines published by the Canadian Cancer Society following a review of evidence and consultation with breast cancer experts and people with lived experience.

By lowering the recommended age to 40, the Department of Health and Community Services estimates an additional 24,000 people will become eligible for the Provincial Breast Screening Program

Lowering the age will help:

• Provide more preventative health choices.
• Lead to early detection of cancerous cells and allow for timely intervention and treatment.
• Reduce mortality rates through early detection and intervention.
• Provide opportunities for less invasive treatment options when cancer is detected at an earlier stage.
• Lead to treatment that is more effective and less costly.

To ensure timely access, the department is also ensuring that breast cancer screening will be available through self-referrals. This ensures timelier access and does not create backlogs by requiring patients to have a referral from a health care provider.

The department is working with NL Health Services to ensure the proper resources are in place to accommodate the change and additional patients. More details, such as additional resources for NL Health Services and the date the change becomes effective, will be provided ad more information becomes available.

Quote
“Earlier detection of breast cancer lead to earlier intervention and treatment. Lowering the recommended age for breast cancer screening to 40 will help ensure more people get the screening at an earlier age. By establishing self-referrals for breast cancer screening, we help ensure that people who want to have screening can get the screening without placing an extra burden on primary health care providers.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

It is my honour to congratulate individuals from Northern Labrador who have received special recognition.

We were pleased to learn that projects from Nunatsiavut were awarded the prestigious Arctic Inspiration Prize. The program celebrates innovative ideas from Canada’s North, and awards funding to make them happen.

A $1 million prize was awarded to Inotsiavik, which means a place to live well. The goal is a cultural centre in Hopedale, which will offer educational programming, build Inuit cultural skills and enhance well-being in a safe, welcoming environment.

This is an incredible achievement for enterprising Indigenous youth who are dedicated to the revitalization of their language and culture.

A second project supports former residents of Hebron, Nutak and Okak Bay who are returning to their homeland this summer. The reunions will provide Inuit with an opportunity to heal and come to terms with their forced relocation.

The third project is the L.O.V.E. Inuktut project, which will help youth revive and safeguard 11 main dialects of Inuktut.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Praise also goes to the Arctic Inspiration Prize network for standing with northern communities and helping individuals turn their passion into action.

We look forward to hearing more about these projects as plans are implemented in Labrador.

Join me in celebrating the recipients of the Arctic Inspiration Prize.

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The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, being a victim of a crime can be life altering, and the provincial Victim Services Program is here to help.

Whether it is safety planning, providing case updates, court preparation, completing victim impact statements, or offering counselling referrals, the compassionate staff of Victim Services helps to ensure victims of crime have access to a variety of services to meet their individual needs.

Speaker, as a government, we recognize the importance of the trauma-informed approach Victim Services provides to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Last year, more than 3,500 individuals were offered these services.

That is why, Speaker, through Budget 2024, our government is providing an additional three full-time positions for Victim Services so we can enhance our ability to continue offering services that benefit individuals impacted by criminal activity. This provides people with continued access to services that assist them in the aftermath of experiencing crime, and in navigating the justice system.

Speaker, the work done by Victim Services is often difficult, and it is personal. However, I can assure you it is making a difference in the lives of the individuals they serve.

I encourage all victims of crime to reach out for help, and to visit gov.nl.ca/victimservices for more information.

Thank you.

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Provincial and territorial labour market ministers held an emergency meeting on May 7 to discuss the Federal Government’s decision to cut more than half a billion dollars in workforce training funding and the impact it will have on all Canadians.

Last month, Federal Budget 2024 cut $625 million from workforce development programs that help people find jobs in sectors facing labour shortages like construction, child care and health care.

Contrary to federal minister Randy Boissonnault’s recent public remarks, provinces and territories were not advised of the funding cut prior to the release of the federal budget. In those same remarks, Minister Boissonnault further stated that the $625 million in funding was specifically provided to provinces and territories to address the need for more workforce training across Canada. While this implies that the needs have diminished and the funding is no longer required, ministers assert that the need for training has only increased as employers continue to struggle to find the skilled workers they need.

Ministers unanimously decried the Federal Government’s decision because it will reduce programs and services that help Canadian jobseekers – including newcomers, persons with disabilities and Indigenous peoples – develop the skills and training needed to enter the workforce.

Ministers are united in their belief that these essential programs must be prioritized in bilateral engagements and that the Federal Government must give these programs – and the Canadians they support – the urgent attention they deserve.

Despite requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Boissonnault immediately following the federal budget, he has not agreed to meet until mid-June. In the meantime, the future of the essential programs and services Canadians rely on to find and train for work remain at risk because of this federal cut.

Until that meeting occurs, provinces and territories must focus their attention on addressing the impact of this decision in their home jurisdictions and will not engage in the work of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Provincial and territorial ministers remain resolute in their view that worker training is still a national priority and they will continue to advocate for workers and employers.

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April 23, 2024: Provincial and Territorial Labour Ministers Call on Federal Government to Reinstate the $625 million in Labour Market Transfer Cuts in Budget 2024

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