Government of Newfoundland News

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

 Speaker, I am pleased to share an update on our government’s Working Opportunities Program, a new skills-development initiative empowering residents to overcome barriers to employment and obtain education and skills for better jobs, better pay, and improved well-being.

Working Opportunities is a $3.5-million program that supports the Provincial Government’s Poverty Reduction Plan. It enables eligible unemployed or precariously employed individuals to attend a post-secondary program with the benefit of receiving funding for training costs, a living allowance, and childcare.

This September, the inaugural Working Opportunities class of 44 participants began their journey.

These 44 individuals are attending full-time post-secondary programs ranging from 12 weeks to three years in duration, including practical nursing, paramedicine, pharmacy technician, carpentry, and early childhood education. These individuals are learning new skills that will benefit all of us.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in wishing the inaugural class of Working Opportunities success in their endeavors, and I encourage members to suggest this program to their constituents.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address the Mineral Resource Review Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, November 6).

The event takes place at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The Mineral Resources Review Conference and Trade Show takes place from November 5-8 and is a joint venture of the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM NL) and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. The three-day program focuses on activities of the Mining and Mineral Development Branch of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, recent and pending developments, emerging projects, and the potential for future investment and discovery.

Speakers from Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining, exploration and service and supply sectors, as well as representatives from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology will provide updates on industry developments.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, are today congratulating the volunteers, staff and donors of The Gathering Place on the milestone of completing construction of the Mercy House supportive and transitional living space and the O’Callaghan’s Haven emergency shelter.

Mercy House, located in the former Mercy Convent, will feature 52 supportive and transitional living spaces. These spaces provide not only a safe place to stay for those experiencing homelessness, but also provide access to individualized wrap-around supports, which is intended to help them break the cycle of homelessness and move forward with securing more stable housing.

O’Callaghan’s Haven, named after key donor and recent Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipient Patrick O’Callaghan, will include a 40-bed emergency shelter that will replace the current 30-bed temporary shelter in The Gathering Place.

The Provincial Government provided $2 million to The Gathering Place for the expansion. This funding, in addition to $5.9 million in Rapid Housing Funding from the Federal Government and resources from other key donors including Mr. O’Callaghan, supported the renovations that will allow The Gathering Place to serve more people in St. John’s and the surrounding area.

The Provincial Government is currently providing approximately $3.5 million in operating funding to The Gathering Place. This includes an increase of $1.5 million announced in Budget 2024 to ensure it can continue to provide critical services to a vulnerable population.

Quotes
“The Gathering Place, born out of a partnership 30 years ago between the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, has once again expanded through critical partnerships. Our government is a proud partner to the important work of The Gathering Place, and I extend my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers who support our most vulnerable on this momentous day.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“With this expansion, The Gathering Place will not only support those who find themselves in the emergency situation of homelessness but will also help individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness in breaking the cycle and securing more permanent housing. This change will be transformative, and I look forward to hearing success stories from Mercy House in the years to come.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is hosting an international economic mission, including 27 Heads of Mission from around the world. The economic mission, which provides the province with the opportunity to showcase its economic potential and vast resources to the international delegation, started yesterday (November 4, 2024) and will run until November 7.

Delegates will attend a number of sessions with presentations from leaders in industry, academia and government, as well as site visits to the Marine Institute’s The Launch, Genesis, C-Core, Newfoundland National War Memorial, The Rooms, Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studio, Port of Argentia, and Vale Long Harbour Processing Plant.

The purpose of this economic mission is to provide participants with an opportunity to experience Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique culture, gain an in-depth understanding of the province’s contributions to the Canadian economy, and explore opportunities for international collaboration and partnership. Discussions will focus on energy and natural resources, ocean technology and research ecosystem, climate change, internationalization and academic partnerships, as well as business and innovation.

A list of jurisdictions represented can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“Newfoundland and Labrador has been gaining a reputation around the world as a leader in areas such as innovation, technology, research, energy and culture. By bringing world leaders here, they can see first-hand all that we have to offer and make the necessary connections to start relationships that will yield economic growth for the province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Heads of Mission

Ambassador of the Argentine Republic Her Excellency Maria Josefina Martínez Gramuglia High Commissioner for the Republic of Cameroon His Excellency Ngole Philip Ngwese Ambassador of the Republic of Chad His Excellency Bouroumdou Naloum Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia His Excellency Vice Skračić High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus His Excellency Stavros Hatziyiannis Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark His Excellency Jarl Kaare Frijs-Madsen Counsellor of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic Mr. Roberto J. Quezada Thormann Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union Her Excellency Geneviève Tuts Chargé d’Affaires for Ghana Mr. Simon Atieku Ambassador of Hungary Her Excellency Mária Éva Vass-Salazar Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Her Excellency Sabah Nizar
Rashid Al Rafie Deputy Head of Mission and Acting High Commissioner for Kenya Mr. James Moni Manyange Counsellor & Acting High Commissioner for the Kingdom of
Lesotho Mr. Lereko Felix Maine Counsellor of Trade for Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Ms. Ingrida Darasaite Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Her Excellency Souriya Otmani Ambassador of Nepal His Excellency Bharat Raj Paudyal Minister and Acting High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Abba Zanna High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda His Excellency Prosper Higiro High Commissioner for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka His Excellency Uthman Lebbe Mohammed Jauhar Ambassador of Switzerland His Excellency Olaf Andreas Kjelsen High Commissioner for the United Republic of Tanzania His Excellency Joseph Edward Sokoine First Counsellor and Acting High Commissioner for Togo Mr. Tchilabalo Abaki High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Dennis Daniel Moses Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia His Excellency Lassaad Boutara Deputy Head of Mission and Acting High Commissioner for the
Republic of Uganda Mr. Allan Kajik Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Vinh Quang Pham Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen and Dean of the Arab Group His Excellency Jamal A. Y. Al-Sallal

 

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today announced funding to support the establishment of a sustainable redfish fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters.

An investment of $47,000 to the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union from the Fisheries Research Grant Program will support experimental fishing work of Unit 1 redfish in Western Newfoundland. The funding will aid in the development of a redfish fishery that is economically and environmentally sustainable.

The Fisheries Research Grant Program supports the increased understanding of fish stocks adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the province’s role in contributing to sustainable fisheries management. The program provides grants towards collaborative research on valuable species such as cod, snow crab and Atlantic halibut. Proponents include fishing industry groups, academia and non-government organizations.

Quote
“I am pleased today to provide this funding as a recognition of the history and importance of Unit 1 redfish to harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. This support is an acknowledgement of the need to advance gear technology, to enable the necessary data collection that will allow us to better understand our redfish stocks and support responsible management decisions.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The Provincial Government is reminding residents to ensure bonfires are conducted in a safe and legal manner on Guy Fawkes Night (Tuesday, November 5).

While residents are encouraged to attend a community-sponsored event, those having private bonfires need to ensure compliance with municipal and provincial laws. Contact your municipality, local service district, Inuit Community Government or local fire department for more information.

It is illegal to openly burn plastics, tires, asphalt products, paint products, used oil, household garbage and treated wood.

In areas where bonfires are permissible, residents are advised to have ready access to fire extinguishing tools and supplies, and are cautioned to take the following steps:

• Fires should be on a gravel base eight to 10 metres from trees or structures.
• Flammable liquids should not be used to start or accelerate a fire, and aerosol cans and pressurized gas cylinders, such as propane cylinders, should not be added to a fire.
• Only adults should add material to a fire, and children should be kept at a safe distance at all times.
• Property owners in the area of a fire should ensure all combustible materials are properly secured.
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished using water and/or gravel, and the bonfire area should be cleared and returned to its previous condition.

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On October 25, 2024, the Department of Health and Community Services issued a News Release titled Beds to be Added at Health Care Facilities in Western Region. It included an announcement that 15 single occupancy rooms at Corner Brook Long-Term Care would be modified to double occupancy rooms. It was noted that this change was to accommodate alternate level of care (ALC) patients in the region.

The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate (OSA) has reviewed this matter including meeting with representatives from Government and NL Health Services. Today, November 4, 2024, the Seniors’ Advocate wrote the Minister of Health and Community Services, outlining her position on this issue.

The Seniors’ Advocate adamantly opposes the conversion of single occupancy rooms in long-term care homes to double occupancy. Any reduction in the availability of single occupancy rooms in long-term care homes is a regressive policy approach. Modifying these 15 single occupancy rooms to double occupancy negatively impacts the people currently living in these rooms; reduces the availability of single rooms for seniors in the future; creates a risk that other long term care homes could convert single rooms to double; and does not resolve this longstanding issue.

The position of the Seniors’ Advocate is supported by countless research findings documenting the positive impacts of living in a single room with a private bathroom including: privacy, dignity, infection control, family/friend visitation, patient safety, quality of care and person-centred focus. While the OSA acknowledges the efforts made to reduce the impact of this decision on the residents currently living in these single occupancy rooms, this decision is not a solution.

Addressing the care needs of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador requires improved community services. I have encouraged the Minister of Health and Community Services to use the Health Accord NL, OSA’s What Golden Years? report, and pending Long Term Care and Personal Care Home Review as the guiding reports and processes to inform decisions to address changes and development in long-term care. Further, we must have provincial Long Term Care Legislation to protect the best interests of seniors living in long-term care.

Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate NL

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Media contact
Arlene Mullins
Administrative Officer
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

2024 11 04                                                    4:30 p.m.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize eight outstanding and inspiring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest honour of the province. The Order recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents.

The recipients this year are Bud Davidge, Clifford George, Liam Hickey, Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Andy Jones, Patrick O’Callaghan, Guy Poole and Dr. Andrea Rose.

Speaker, it was an honour and a privilege last week to take part in a celebration of the incredible contribution of these Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Mr. Jones was not able to be invested into the Order last week and we will be having a ceremony for him at a later date.

Whether through their contribution in arts, culture and sport, or volunteerism, education and health care, these recipients, like those recognized before them, have made a positive and enduring impact on their communities and the province.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in acknowledging and celebrating our newest Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipients for being exceptional ambassadors for the best place in the world.

Thank you.

 

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The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development and the Department of Justice and Public Safety are engaging the public and key stakeholders to help inform the development of a decision-making framework to modernize decision-making legislation and policies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While laws and policies exist to support persons without legal capacity, many do so through imposing guardianship and/or substitute decision-making, which can limit the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in decision-making processes.

The goal in developing this framework is to ensure that individuals are accommodated and supported to participate in decision-making processes. The engagement process will provide individuals and stakeholders with an opportunity to share their insights and perspectives.

Several options will be available to provide input beginning Tuesday, November 5, 2024, including an online questionnaire through EngageNL.

There will also be an opportunity to make written submissions via mail, fax, text or email at the below contact information:

Mail:               Decision-Making Feedback

                                 Children, Seniors and Social Development

                                 2nd Floor, West Block, Confederation Building

                                 P.O. Box 8700

                                 St. John’s, NL

                                 A1B 4J6

Fax:                709-729-6237

Text:                709-725-4463

Email:             decisionmaking@gov.nl.ca

The engagement process will close on November 26, 2024.

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Quote
“As a government, we are pleased to announce that we are seeking feedback on a new framework to modernize decision-making legislation and policy in the province.  A modernized decision-making framework will enable us to respect the rights of all persons to exercise autonomy in decision-making and to access appropriate support. The first vital step in this important initiative is to seek input from our key community stakeholders and the public. This input will ensure that the lived experiences of our communities are embedded in the framework.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador now have access to approximately 10,900 early learning and child care spaces at a cost of $10-a-day or less. An additional 2,100 spaces are in development to further increase access to high-quality, accessible, affordable, and inclusive early learning and child care in the province.

Thousands of parents throughout the province are using the Early Learning Gateway, where new features are added regularly. Recent updates include the ability for parents to view their place on a child care service waitlist, as well as the ability for early childhood educators to add themselves to a substitute list that is available to all regulated child care services.

Further actions to support the early learning workforce and increase access to early learning and child care throughout the province include:

• Implementation of a medical benefits program for early childhood educators;
• Provision of a rural and remote allowance for child care centres in eligible regions;
• Wage grid bonuses for early childhood educators and administrators in Labrador, Francophone early childhood educators, and a further bonus solely for administrators;
• Streamlined paid closure days and statutory holidays for child care services on the Operating Grant Program;
• Creation of an Infant Incentive to provide $91 per day, per infant-aged space for child care providers on the Operating Grant Program; and,
• Continued expansion of pre-kindergarten programming, which is currently available at 34 sites throughout the province with a further 24 sites in development.

These initiatives are part of the $306 million invested through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of 5,895 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador.

All of these actions and initiatives are helping to further improve the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“Our government is making great progress to increase access to child care. In addition to targeted space creation work we are also providing important supports and incentives for early childhood educators and child care services in our province. These measures ensure that the needs of the workforce are balanced with the needs of children and parents as we add child care space capacity to meet our goals.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more 
Medical Benefits Now Available for Early Learning Workforce

Provincial Government Seeking Expressions of Interest for Next Phase of Pre-Kindergarten Program

Improvements to Quality and Inclusion for Early Learning and Child Care Services in Newfoundland and Labrador

Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province

Operating Grant Program

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings at the celebration of completed construction of the new supportive and transitional living space and shelter at The Gathering Place tomorrow (Tuesday, November 5).

The event will take place at The Gathering Place, located at 172 Military Road in St. John’s at 10:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, in bringing remarks. The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development will also be in attendance.

Since 1994, The Gathering Place has offered shelter, programs and services to individuals experiencing homelessness or who live in less than desirable housing conditions.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-051 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-051 Report Date: November 1, 2024 Public Body: Labour Relations Board Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Labour Relations Board. After receiving responsive records, the Complainant filed a complaint with this Office taking issue with some information withheld by the Board and also alleging records from some officials of the Board were missing. During the investigation the Board removed some of the redactions and located one additional responsive record that did not exist at the time of the initial request. The Board also provided an explanation as to why one official of the Board was found to be in possession of only one record responsive to the request, when the Complainant thought there should be more records. This Office found that after the disclosure of additional information to the Complainant during the investigation process, that the Labour Relations Board has disclosed all of the information to which the Complainant is entitled, and furthermore that the Board conducted a reasonable search and thus met its duty to assist the Complainant.

 

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Media Contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-050 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-050 Report Date: November 1, 2024 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary seeking records relating to a criminal complaint. The RNC has records responsive to the request but has withheld them pursuant to section 5(1)(m) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant disagreed with this determination and requested that the RNC’s decision be reviewed. Section 5 lists categories of public body records to which ATIPPA, 2015 does not apply, and section 5(1)(m) is one of six subsections for which there is no statutory authority to require that the public body provide the records to the Commissioner for review. This Office was not convinced by the reasons given by the RNC in support of its application of section 5(1)(m), however, in light of the statutory constraints on the Commissioner’s ability to review the records, this Office recommended that the RNC maintain its position, leaving the door open to the Complainant to bring the matter to Court should they choose to do so.

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Media Contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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A new acute care hospital campus in Kenmount Crossing will help modernize the delivery of health care services on the Northeast Avalon and the entire province.

Recommended by Health Accord NL, the new hospital further advances the Provincial Government’s actions to ensure that modern infrastructure exists to support the transformation of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the site for the new health care campus. He was joined for the announcement by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services; the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development.

The health care campus will be located at Kenmount Crossing—west of Kenmount Terrace—in St. John’s. It will serve as the home of the new hospital and new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The opening of the hospital campus coincides with the realignment of health care services on the Northeast Avalon that are currently provided at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, the Health Sciences Centre, and the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre.

The new hospital campus complements other ongoing projects in the region, including:

• A new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre at the Health Sciences Centre;
• A new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre, which will be located on the site of the former Grace Hospital;
• Urgent care centres on Stavanger Drive and Topsail Road; and
• A ambulatory care hub on Stavanger Drive.

Health care realignment

The new hospital campus at Kenmount Crossing will support the secondary acute care needs for the region and the tertiary care services for the province. It will include:

• The consolidation of general medicine, general surgery programs, and orthopedic programs to a single site;
• Other tertiary diagnostic and interventional services;
• A focus on acute care of the elderly;
• The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute; and
• A hub for clinical teaching.

In addition, the Health Sciences Centre will continue to:

• Support adult mental health and addictions, and:
• Provide provincial tertiary-level services, such as cancer care, provincial children and women’s health, palliative care, nuclear medicine, and laboratory services;
• Provide enhanced rehabilitation, restorative care and transitional care services;
• Provide expanded access to day surgery;
• Support NL Health Services’ academic, teaching, research and innovation mandate in collaboration with the Medical School.

Work is ongoing with the consultant to complete the functional program and master plan for the site.

Transportation infrastructure

To support the new hospital, there will be investments in the provincial transportation network in the area to alleviate traffic pressures, which include completion of the Team Gushue Highway and linkages to the Outer Ring Road.

Quotes
“This new hospital and the redevelopment of the Health Sciences Centre will realign health care services on the Northeast Avalon and further advance the steps we are taking to transform health care. We look forward to the construction of the new hospital and the impact it will have on health care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is an exciting day for the future of health care in our province. We are committed to implementing recommendations of Health Accord NL and providing timelier access to quality health care. New infrastructure, such as this new hospital, the redeveloped Health Sciences Centre, the new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre, and the new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre, will create improved working environments for health care professionals to deliver health care in a modern setting.”
Honourable John Hogan , K.C.
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Modern health care infrastructure creates better working environments and that is why it is important to replace the century-old St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. Work is ongoing with the consultant to complete the functional program and master plan for the site, as well as new transportation links to facilitate traffic in the area. We look forward to the next steps of building a new hospital for our province.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development

“Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased with the announcement by the Provincial Government today for a new acute care hospital at Kenmount Crossing. This new facility, along with the realignment of health-care services on the Northeast Avalon, will modernize how we deliver health care. The new hospital will be state-of-the-art which will have benefits for our health-care teams and employees so that they can provide high-quality care to patients and clients.”
Karen Stone, KC
CEO (Interim), NL Health Services

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Learn more
Heath Accord NL

Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Provincial Government Establishes Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a health care infrastructure announcement today (Monday, November 4), beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development.

The event will take place on Nils Way, which is located off Kenmount Road, west of Kenmount Terrace, in St. John’s.

 

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Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, will present an update on the status of Health Accord NL at the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade Keynote Luncheon on Monday, November 4.

The luncheon will take place at the Glynmill Inn (Cobb Lane, Corner Brook) at 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Parfrey will be joined by Dr. Sean Connors, Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, NL Health Services, Cassie Chisholm, VP -Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services, and Darla King, VP – Transformation (Well-Being), NL Health Services.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will bring greetings at Diwali, the festival of lights tomorrow (November 2, 2024).

The event is taking place at St. John’s Hindu Temple, 26 Penny Lane, St. John’s, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Minister Stoodley will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services and Member of the House of Assembly for Windsor Lake.

The Diwali gathering will include traditional rituals, the lighting of Diyas (lamps), a cultural program, and a sumptuous feast.

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador and Community Justice Connect.

Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL), in partnership with Community Justice Connect and First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, today hosted a proclamation signing, in recognition of Restorative Justice Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The event was held at the Core Science Facility at Memorial University. This year’s theme is Inspiring Collaboration & Igniting Social Change.

Restorative justice is a holistic framework for engaging individuals, organizations, and communities in dialogue. This approach empowers all to contribute to a culture of care, equity, and connection when engaging with one another. Restorative justice emphasizes the nurturing of relationships, fostering of collaboration, and the development of more resilient communities through mutual respect and shared responsibility.

In addition to the signing, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador formally launched their provincial restorative justice scan document, Restorative Justice in Newfoundland and Labrador: a catalogue, summary, and history. Copies of the scan document will be available on the Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador website at a later date.

The report is a 75-page document which includes the findings of a provincial scan that was initiated to identify all people and organizations with experience in and an understanding of restorative justice.

Since 2014, significant work has been made to re-imagine education delivery through a restorative justice lens in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many of the schools, with the support of the Department of Education, are engaged to varying degrees to help promote and implement restorative justice principles and practices. This includes NL Schools, Indigenous schools, independent schools, and the Conseil Scolaire Francophone Provincial.

To learn about Relationships First NL, and restorative justice in education, visit: www.rfnl.org

 

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“Momentum is growing in Newfoundland and Labrador for restorative justice as an action-based collective response that nurtures community well-being, belonging, and connectedness while addressing harm when we face challenges. Proclaiming Restorative Justice Month spotlights our commitment for working together to make such responses a reality.”
Dr. Dorothy Vaandering
Professor, Faculty of Education, Memorial University
Director, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is advising that the date of the 2025 general municipal election for all cities, towns, and local service districts, previously set to take place on September 30, 2025, will be deferred to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2025.

The 2025 general municipal election will now take place on October 2, 2025.

In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, general elections are held every four years on the last Tuesday in September. In 2025, this date coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors and raise awareness about the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada.

As per the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act, which comes into force on January 1, 2025, an election for local service districts will also take place every four years with the first being on October 2, 2025.

More information regarding the 2025 General Municipal Election can be found here.

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The Provincial Government has issued a request for information to community-based agencies to establish and operate sober living homes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sober living homes, also referred to as recovery homes, are substance-free living environments that support people as they abstain from alcohol and other drugs and pursue personal growth.

They also offer a structured and supportive setting that help residents develop the skills and confidence needed to abstain from substance use, reduce hospital stays, reduce readmission to hospital, and increase connections to community supports.

The submissions from community organizations will be required to provide details on sober-living housing, peer support, access to clinical services, other recovery-focused supports, a plan for partnership with NL Health Services, and details on:

• Location and number of beds;
• Referral criteria;
• Service delivery and staffing;
• Service quality and safety standards;
• Length of stay and housing transition planning; and
• Timeline and financial considerations.

Information on open calls issued and awarded by the Department of Health and Community Services and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

This is another step toward improving the social determinants of health and further supporting health outcomes and the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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“Community organizations have advocated for sober living homes, which help people who leave inpatient treatment and transition back in the community. Research shows that the homes help lower readmission rates, reduce substance use, improve community connections, and increase employment rates. The homes will complement other services our government provides and we look forward to meeting with community organizations interested in taking the next steps to help further support the well-being of residents in the province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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The post Provincial Government Requesting Information from Community-Based Agencies for Sober Living Homes appeared first on News Releases.