Government of Newfoundland News

Transportation and Works

The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, joined Atlantic Canadian transportation ministers in Halifax earlier this week to discuss opportunities to advance transportation improvements and infrastructure in the region. Key aspects of the meeting focused on the Federal Government's review of the Canada Transportation Act, asset management best practices, and the New Building Canada Plan.

Executive Council

Today the Provincial Government released its Greening Government Action Plan outlining several steps to improve the environmental sustainability of government operations.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise today as the Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency to announce the release of a new action plan to create a culture of environmental sustainability within government's own operations.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note that today is Weedless Wednesday, an annual event held during National Non-Smoking Week in Canada. The purpose of Weedless Wednesday is to encourage smokers to stop smoking today, and to let it be the start of a process of quitting for good.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

As part of National Non-Smoking Week, and Weedless Wednesday, the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, will be at Mews Centre, 40 Mundy Pond Road, St. John's, tomorrow (Wednesday, January 21) to attend Quit. Breathe. Live., an information session focused on lung health.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Renovations have been completed on three social housing homes on Wallace Place in St. John's, as the result of a $186,000 contract awarded to TSG Contracting Ltd. this past fall. The work included siding, window, door and roofing replacements, as well as electrical and ventilation system upgrades.

Service NL

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to recognize seven leaders inducted into the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission’s CEO Safety Charter for 2014. This distinguished network of leaders from this province is committed to safety in the workplace and has taken the steps necessary to make their workplaces safer.

Health and Community Services

Mister Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on the Provincial Government’s Understanding Changes Everything social marketing campaign.

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join Premiers across the country in Ottawa on January 30 for the Council of the Federation 2015 Winter Meeting of Canada’s Premiers.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Natural Resources

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada are providing $50,000 to the Egg Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, supporting the organization's ability to take advantage of emerging industry opportunities. Funding will be used to conduct an industry study exploring potential sector growth, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the competitive position of the province's egg farmers.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Research and Development Corporation (RDC) is investing $350,000 in two R&D projects to help personnel survive helicopter ditching or abandonment in water. These R&D projects, related to escape exits and survival skills, are being undertaken by Falck Safety Services Canada with funding from RDC, Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador, and Falck. The total value of the projects is approximately $700,000.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, will attend the official opening of a new building for the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador today (Tuesday, January 20). The event is taking place at 209 Blackmarsh Road, St. John's, and Minister Kent is speaking at 5:30 p.m.

Service NL

The Provincial Government continues to make significant progress in reducing the regulatory burden on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and supporting innovation across many business sectors.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following event relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomed his colleagues, Premier Brian Gallant of New Brunswick, Premier Stephen McNeil of Nova Scotia, and Premier Robert Ghiz of Prince Edward Island to the 25th meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation (RDC), will make an announcement concerning research and development funding in support of offshore safety tomorrow (Tuesday, January 20). Minister King will be joined by Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of RDC, as well as representatives from Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador and Falck Safety Services Canada.

Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today congratulated WestJet on its expansion of services in the province. WestJet announced it is introducing new flights between Deer Lake, Gander, St. John’s, and Halifax and Toronto.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

I rise in this Honourable House to note our government's commitment to supporting innovation in the provincial seafood sector through our Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program. Originally launched in 2007, this program will soon reach the significant milestone of having supported 300 research and development projects.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on the success of the Premier's Summit on Health Care which took place on Wednesday of last week. It was my privilege to join the Premier and over 300 delegates to discuss real issues faced by residents and health care providers in Newfoundland and Labrador today. Attendees included residents, researchers, health care professionals, representatives from the regional health authorities and the education system, and a vast and inclusive array of organizations and key stakeholders. I would also recognize Members of this Honourable House from all parties who joined us for the day-long event.

Health and Community Services

A new antibiotic adherence program is being launched to focus on the effective and appropriate use of antibiotics. This program, which will be available to clients of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, is among the first of its kind in the country to be led by pharmacists and involves an initial consultation and follow-up with patients who are receiving antibiotics. The long-term goal of the program is to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. Pharmacists will implement the program beginning on January 26, 2015.