Government of Newfoundland News

Executive Council

The Provincial Government is pleased to announce the fifth annual Purple Ribbon Campaign to increase public awareness and responsiveness to the issue of violence against women in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s Purple Ribbon Campaign was launched today at Confederation Building by the Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. The minister was joined by representatives from community partners, including the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

Ordinary polling for the Humber East and Trinity-Bay de Verde by-elections is taking place today (Tuesday, November 25). The polls are open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will outline new child care legislation being introduced in the House of Assembly today (Tuesday, November 25). Minister Sullivan will be joined by Mary Walsh, Chair of the Association of Early Childhood Educators, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Natural Resources

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, will participate in a ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the kick-off of the Maritime Link Project tomorrow (Wednesday, November 26). The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Bottom Brook construction site, located approximately 40 minutes from Stephenville.

Finance

Proposed amendments to the Revenue Administration Act were introduced in the House of Assembly today, which will allow for Tax Clearance Certificates to be requested and provided online.

Executive Council

The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, will launch the fifth annual Provincial Purple Ribbon Campaign tomorrow (Tuesday, November 25). The launch and proclamation signing begin at 10:00 a.m. in the West Block Lobby, Confederation Building.

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.