Government of Newfoundland News

Effective January 3, 2024, new commercial motor vehicle drivers will be required to complete an approved educational training program before being issued their Class 1 driver’s licence.

The Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety approved and adopted a Canada-wide standard for minimum entry level training requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

The standard adds a requirement that drivers complete an approved education program before being issued a Class 1 licence, providing consistency for jurisdictions as they work to ensure drivers have access to training that provides basic knowledge and driving skills to safely operate their vehicles.

The Department of Digital Government and Service NL has made amendments to the Highway Traffic Driver Regulations, 1999, to specifically add the requirement for entry level driver training for Class 1 driver’s licences. The Regulations were recently published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

Programs that meet these minimum education requirements are currently available at several post-secondary institutions in the province.

Information on the National Safety Code Standard 16: Commercial Truck Driver Entry Level Training (Class 1) is available online.

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The post Public Advisory: Mandatory Commercial Driver Training to Obtain a Class 1 Driver’s Licence Effective January 3, 2024 first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Mandatory Commercial Driver Training to Obtain a Class 1 Driver’s Licence Effective January 3, 2024 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will join department officials in attending the Mines and Money conference in London, UK, from November 28 to 30.

The conference is Europe’s largest mining investment event, bringing together more than 175 mining companies and more than 2,000 attendees from around the world. Themes at this year’s event include a focus on critical minerals and the energy transition. Newfoundland and Labrador has tremendous potential to be a stable, responsible supplier of critical minerals, which are essential to the world’s energy transition. The province has an established mineral development industry, infrastructure and an abundant supply of renewable energy resources that support responsible resource extraction and development.

Conference sessions include “Capitalizing on the green steel opportunity.” With the province’s renewable energy and mineral resources, Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are strategically positioned to be leaders in development of high-grade, low-impurity iron ore green steel supply chains.

Mining plays a significant role in the provincial economy, especially in rural and remote areas. The Provincial Government released its Critical Minerals Plan earlier this month, which will help unlock the full potential and maximize the value of Newfoundland and Labrador’s critical mineral resources. The plan includes attending high impact events for the purposes of promotion and investment attraction.

Quote
“Our province has 33 of the 48 minerals identified as critical by Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia and South Korea. Our participation in this conference will help communicate to the global mineral development industry and investors that Newfoundland and Labrador is open for business, especially when it comes to mining and critical minerals.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Mines and Money London

Provincial Government Releases Critical Minerals Plan

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will make a multi-year capital works funding announcement tomorrow (Wednesday, November 29) in Mount Pearl.

The event will take place at the Soccer Hut, 44 Arena Road, Mount Pearl at 10:00 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by His Worship Dave Aker, Mayor of Mount Pearl, and Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Announce Multi-Year Capital Works Funding in Mount Pearl appeared first on News Releases.

In advance of Budget 2024, residents are invited to take part in a pre-budget questionnaire. The deadline to provide feedback through engageNL is Friday, December 15, 2023.

The questionnaire is focused on assessing the priorities of residents for the upcoming provincial budget, as well as gauging their support for various measures to reduce the provincial deficit and debt. It includes an interactive tool to illustrate government’s fiscal situation and the challenges of balancing the budget.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues with its plan for financial improvement, which ensures prudent fiscal governance and responsible debt management.

In addition to the online survey, residents can provide a written submission to Budget2024@gov.nl.ca or by mail:

Budget 2024
Department of Finance
Main Floor, East Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

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The post Public Advisory: Residents Invited to Share Views for Budget 2024 first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Residents Invited to Share Views for Budget 2024 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will announce recipients of the 2023-24 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program tomorrow (Tuesday, November 28).

The announcement will take place at the Town of Gambo’s age-friendly meeting at the Gambo Community Youth Centre, 422 J. R. Smallwood Boulevard, beginning at 2 p.m.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Announce Recipients of Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program Grants appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises it will conduct a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Nalcor Energy audit reports on Wednesday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber. The Auditor General released two reports in fall 2022 further to performance audits of Nalcor Energy concerning discretionary expenses, conflict of interest and the use of embedded contractors, and compensation.

The Public Accounts Committee was briefed by the Auditor General and officials on the findings and recommendations of both audit reports and requested an action plan from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro for implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations. Officials from the organization will appear before the Committee to answer questions related to matters contained in the audit reports and the action plan response.

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and audio of proceedings will be streamed live on the House of Assembly website and on Facebook.

The agenda for the hearing follows.

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Public Accounts Committee

Nalcor Energy Audit Report – October 2022

Nalcor Energy Audit Report – November 2022

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Clerk of Public Accounts Committee
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Welcome and opening remarks by Chair
3. Swearing/affirming of witnesses appearing from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro:
   1. Jennifer Williams – President and Chief Executive Officer
   2. Lisa Hutchens – Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
   3. Gail Collins – Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs Executive Leadership
   4. Jackie Borden – Director, Internal Audit
4. Opening remarks by witnesses
5. Committee questions to witnesses
6. Closing remarks
7. Adjournment

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-048 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-048 Report Date: November 24, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety for all correspondence between themselves and various public officials from January 2020 to the date of the request. The Department responded by providing several hundred pages of records with redactions applied throughout pursuant to various sections of ATIPPA, 2015. The Complainant disagreed with the Department’s application of section 29 to two specific emails and filed a complaint with this Office. After reviewing the emails, the Commissioner concluded the redactions were appropriate and recommended the Department maintain its position on the matter.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-048 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-048 Released appeared first on News Releases.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT SUBMITTED:

White Hill Pond JCL Quarry                                                                    (Reg. 2246)
Proponent: JCL Investments Inc.

The Proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2246/

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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

Public comments must be received by December 29, 2023; and the minister’s decision on the EPR is due by January 8, 2023.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Crown Zone 6 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2024-2028)     (Reg. 2261)
Proponent:  Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The project is released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions;

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Climate Change Branch (CCB) of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:

• A Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (GGMP) must be prepared and submitted for approval by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. A draft plan must be submitted within six months of the date of the minister’s decision letter with the final plan to be submitted within one year of the decision. The plan is expected to include:
  • Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
  • Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five-year period; and
  • A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modeling regarding climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.

• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
• A 30-metre protective buffer around the following active hydrometric stations:
• Harry’s River below Highway Bridge (Station ID 02YJ001);
• Isle aux Morts River below Highway Bridge (Station ID 02ZB001);
• Grandy Brook below Top Pond Brook (Station ID 02ZC002 ); and
• Rattler Brook near Mclvers (Station ID 02YL005).
• Prior to the start of forestry operations erosion-susceptible areas in the following flood plain watersheds must be identified to prevent erosion during forest harvesting:
  • Blanche Brook, Warm Brook and Cold Brook watersheds (Stephenville Floodplain Mapping);
  • Harry’s River, St. Georges River, Trout River and Black Duck Brook watersheds (Stephenville Crossing and Black Duck Siding Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Little Codroy River and Grand Codroy River watersheds (Codroy Valley Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Humber River and Steady Brook watersheds (Deer Lake and Steady Brook Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Trout River watershed (Trout River Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Cox’s Brook watershed (Cox’s Cove Floodplain Mapping); and
  • Corner Brook Stream and Bell’s Brook watersheds (Corner Brook Flood Plain Mapping).
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
• The Proponent must work with the Wildlife Division on mitigation measures to avoid roost sites for the Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis (bats) species listed as Endangered under the NL Endangered Species Act (NLESA).
• Black Ash is listed as Threatened under the NLESA and Western Newfoundland is considered part of the species’ core range. Mitigation measures that are in place for Red Pine (including avoidance of cutting, trimming) during road construction, site preparation, or harvesting activities also apply for Black Ash.
• Degelia plumbea is a lichen species listed as Vulnerable under the NLESA. There are known occurrences of this lichen within the operating area CC14021. The Proponent must work with the Wildlife Division to determine survey protocols and conduct a presence/absence survey for Degelia plumbea prior to any clearing activity to confirm the need for mitigations such as buffering and protection.
• Block CC14061 is located within Marten Critical Habitat, and a deferred harvest is required until a down-listed management plan for Marten is in place.
• A designated Sensitive Wildlife Area for endangered plants and species of conservation concern, which also serves as a Significant Wetland known as Robinson’s River and Middle Barachois River, overlaps with Forest Management Plan block CC14018. Any proposed harvesting north of the transmission line and south/southwest of the resource road must be avoided.
• The Provincial Archaeology Office of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation requires a 100-metre buffer along the shoreline of South Brook and Lomond River, as shown in operating area mapping for CC15026 and CC15005 respectively, to ensure archaeological resources are not negatively impacted.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by e-mailing a written description, document, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of release, and to provide additional updates if required.

Conne River Bridge Replacement                                                         (Reg. 2269)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

The project is released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions;

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

 

Learn more
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:

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

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_September-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be forwarded 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.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today announced a call for applications for the 2023-24 Accessible Taxi Grant.

The application process is now open for individuals, companies and agencies that are able to deliver accessible taxi services within Newfoundland and Labrador to apply for grants of up to $25,000.

These grants assist with costs of retrofitting a passenger vehicle to meet accessibility standards or assist with the purchase of a new vehicle, which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. The accessible taxi service must give priority to persons with disabilities, but may provide taxi services to all customers.

The Accessible Taxi Grant delivers on the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to help create a more accessible, equitable and inclusive province, where each person feels valued and respected. It also supports the recommendations of Health Accord NL.

In 2022-23, the Department awarded Accessible Taxi Grant funding in the amount of $25,000 each to ASAP Cabs in Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale Taxi in Springdale.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website, email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, call toll-free 1-888-729-6279 or text 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2024.

As part of Budget 2023, the Provincial Government is investing $50,000 for the Accessible Taxi Grant for 2023-24.

Quote
“Accessible transportation plays a vital role in removing barriers for persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities. The Accessible Taxi Grants are opening up opportunities throughout the province, with taxi services in Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale receiving grants last year to better serve the communities in these regions. I encourage interested parties to visit the Disability Policy Office website and submit an application before the deadline.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“With the help of the Accessible Taxi Grant, we have been able to provide an essential service in our community and surrounding area. Our community services multiple retirement complexes. Springdale Taxi is now able to help these residents overcome some accessibility challenges by providing suitable, comfortable, and reliable transportation.”
Stephen Butt
Springdale Taxi

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Accessible Taxi Grant

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The Provincial Government is reminding the public that a valid Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence can only be obtained from a provincial Motor Registration office.

Fraudulent websites offering driver’s licences online, for a fee, are illegal and not consistent with the high-level security features on a valid provincial driver’s licence.

Anyone who may have concerns, or who receives a suspicious communication should immediately report it to local police.

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The post Public Advisory: Residents Warned of Fraudulent Website Offering Fake Driver’s Licences appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, is today issuing the enclosed statement recognizing Holodomor Memorial Day.

“It has been over 90 years since the horrific events of the Holodomor, but the effects are still felt today. Between 1932 and 1933, Ukrainians faced systemic genocide at the hands of the Soviet regime. Holodomor translated from Ukrainian means ‘death by hunger’ as millions were starved and executed for speaking their language and trying to maintain their culture and land and to live in peace.

The Holodomor intended to break the Ukrainian people. Yet, they endured, persevered and ultimately won their independence. As Ukraine defends its freedom and borders once again against the illegal Russian invasion, Newfoundland and Labrador is, and will continue to be, there for Ukrainians in our province.

Today we stand with Ukrainians in denouncing the historical atrocities committed against them and reflect in remembrance of the victims, families and communities who suffered as a result of the Holodomor.”

Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today hosted a flag raising and proclamation signing event at Confederation Building to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, also known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign. Minister Parsons was joined by violence prevention advocates Debbie Hibbs, Lisa Lake and Gemma Hickey.

The Purple Ribbon Campaign officially starts on November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), and ends on December 10 (World Human Rights Day). In addition to the flag raising, the Confederation Building will be lit purple at the commencement of the campaign. These efforts help raise awareness and change attitudes about gender-based violence in the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to ongoing collaboration with community stakeholders and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to ensure culturally-appropriate actions are taken to decrease gender-based violence.

Through Budget 2023, the Office of Women and Gender Equality allocated over $3.3 million in core operational funding to anti-violence organizations and projects to support violence prevention.

Newfoundland and Labrador also recently concluded negotiations with the Federal Government on a four-year bilateral funding agreement to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in this province. Details regarding this multi-million dollar funding agreement benefitting many local groups and organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.

Quote
“Gender-based violence affects our society at its very core. It knows no boundaries, and transcends borders, cultures and socio-economic statuses. The statistics are alarming and the stories heart-wrenching. The Purple Ribbon campaign and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence were created to raise awareness, inspire a call to action, and send a powerful message that society will not tolerate such abuse.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Violence Prevention Initiative

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The post Purple Ribbon Flag Raised at Confederation Building to Mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence first appeared on News Releases.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will speak at the official opening of the Lionel Kelland Hospice tomorrow (Thursday, November 23).

The event will take place at the Lionel Kelland Hospice, 3 St. Catherine Street, Grand Falls-Windsor beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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This release is being issued on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.

Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments and to advance community partnerships to meet the changing demands for housing.

In October, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Point Plan designed to increase the supply of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through these targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, it is expected that upwards of 500 new housing options will be added to the market.

Actions from this plan are already underway. In November, government released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable. That same month, a new First-time Homebuyers Program was launched to support transition to homeownership.

Additional actions taken to address the need for housing include:

• A provincial investment of over $80 million in the Affordable Rental Housing Program, which will support 91 private and community sector projects that will result in the construction of more than 900 new affordable rental homes;
• Continued work to support future construction of a new $30 million integrated health, housing, and supportive services hub in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• Issued a request for quotations for repairs and renovations to 143 provincially-owned vacant units, supported by an investment of close to $6 million;
• Expanded non-profit staffed shelters to support those experiencing homelessness, including ongoing funding of $2 million for the 40-bed staffed Safe Haven Shelter;
• Continued implementation of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has expanded access to affordable housing in the private rental market to over 420 new households; and
• Announced, advanced or completed affordable housing projects in Pleasantville, Gander, Labrador West, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay among others.

These collective actions reinforces the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“We recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing for the well-being of individuals and families. We are taking meaningful actions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally. Strong partnerships with our federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, along with community and private sector partners will remain important as we work together to deliver innovative housing solutions that allow individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable

Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable

Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program

Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units

Minister Pike Highlights New Safe Haven Emergency Shelter

Update on Development of Key Housing Infrastructure Projects in Pleasantville and Happy Valley-Goose Bay

First-time Homebuyers Program (FHP) – 2023

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Integrated Health, Housing and Supportive Services Hub

Follow us on X @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing

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The post Minister Pike Recognizes National Housing Day first appeared on News Releases.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will host a flag raising event to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, also known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign tomorrow (Thursday, November 23)

The event will take place in the main lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.

Minister Parsons will be joined by violence prevention advocates Debbie Hibbs, Lisa Lake, and Gemma Hickey. Attendees to the event are encouraged to bring brightly colored flowers in memory of those who have lost their lives or who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Parking will be available in front of East Block, and attendees are asked to enter using the main entrance facing Prince Philip Drive. Attendees who require an accessible entrance can use the blue zone parking behind East Block and enter through the “Public Gallery Entrance”. The event will also be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-047 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-047 Report Date: November 20, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made two requests under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to either request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made complaints to this Office. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended that the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, and provide final responses to the Complainant within 15 business days of the issuance of this Report.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-047 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-047 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-046 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-046 Report Date: November 20, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended that the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, and provide a final response to the Complainant within 15 business days of the issuance of this Report.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-046 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-046 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable was held today in Conne River and hosted by Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi.

Participating in the discussions were Indigenous leaders representing Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Hononourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The roundtable opened on November 20 with a reception at the community centre.

Discussion at the roundtable included:

• Statements by Indigenous Leaders; and
• A presentation on Health Transformation and Well-Being.

Quotes
“I am grateful for the meaningful discussions we had today on a wide range of topics. Today was an opportunity for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to listen to the views, concerns and aspirations of Leaders who represent Indigenous Governments and Organizations, people and communities.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The opportunity to share ideas and exchange experiences was an important step on the continuing path of Reconciliation. Our thanks go to Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe and the Miawpukek First Nation for providing a warm welcome to representatives of Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Provincial Government.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister for Labrador Affairs

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L-R: Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation; Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; Todd Russell, President, NunatuKavut Community Council; Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation; Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; Andrew John, General Manager, Miawpukek First Nation; Central Vice-Chief Andy Barker, Qalipu First Nation; Dr. Stewart MacNeil and Cory LaSaga, No’kmaq Village (Flat Bay Band). Missing from photo were: Stacey Howse, St. John’s First Light Friendship Centre; Dr. Amy Hudson, NunatuKavut Community Council; Patrick Park Tighe, People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre; and Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation. Representatives of the Labrador Friendship Centre and the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network participated in the Roundtable virtually. Due to scheduling circumstances, the Newfoundland Native Women’s Association, the Mi’kmaq First Nation Assembly of Newfoundland, and the AnânauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women’s Association were not able to be represented at the Roundtable.

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The post Matters of Common Interest Discussed at Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable first appeared on News Releases.

The post Matters of Common Interest Discussed at Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable appeared first on News Releases.

Motorists are being encouraged to be vigilant when travelling on the Northern Peninsula between St. Anthony Airport and Eddies Cove, the Cook’s Harbour roadway, and on the roadway between St. Anthony Airport and the Town of Main Brook.

A significant number of caribou are currently active in these areas, and the likelihood of caribou-vehicle collisions may increase. These animals are expected to remain in the region throughout the remainder of the fall and during the upcoming winter.

Motorists can reduce the risk of a caribou-vehicle collision by:

• Scanning both sides of the highway;
• Paying attention to caribou warning signs on provincial roads and highways;
• Avoiding driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more common alongside roadways;
• Encouraging passengers to watch for caribou; and
• Reducing speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.

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The post Public Advisory: Motorists Warned to be Aware of Caribou on Northern Peninsula Roads first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Motorists Warned to be Aware of Caribou on Northern Peninsula Roads appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador is today joining the global community to mark World Fisheries Day 2023 and celebrate the vital role the fisheries play in supporting our coastal communities.

Since 1998, World Fisheries Day has been celebrated annually on November 21. It offers the ideal opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reflect on the contribution the fishery makes to our province’s economy and rich maritime heritage.

Among the activities the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture planned for World Fisheries Day, staff members encouraged youth participation and raised awareness of the fisheries with a ‘World Fisheries Day Sustainability Challenge Contest’ that was open to elementary students in the province.

In 2022, the province’s fishing sector was valued at $1.4 billion and provided incomes for over 17,000 residents of the province. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing sector continues to feed the world’s increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably-sourced seafood by exporting to over 40 countries annually.

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“As we celebrate World Fisheries Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, we take pride in our rich maritime legacy and acknowledge the role our fisheries play in shaping our identity and economy. I encourage residents to mark this day by saluting fisheries workers throughout our province and the hard work they do to ensure the health and longevity of our ocean resources.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The post World Fisheries Day Celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador first appeared on News Releases.

The post World Fisheries Day Celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.