Government of Newfoundland News

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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Appleton Mineral Exploration Project Expansion                            (Reg. 2273)
Proponent: New Found Gold Corp.

The Proponent is proposing to continue mineral exploration activities including prospecting, geological mapping, geophysical surveys on the ground and from the air, geochemical surveys and core drilling in the Queensway North Property near Appleton. To complete the core drilling activities, drill pads and access trails would need to be constructed by clearing the trees and brush. Reclamation of drill sites and trails is planned to be conducted concurrently with the exploration work. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 25, 2023; the deadline for public comment is November 29, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by December 9, 2023.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED:
Indian Head Hatchery Expansion                                                          (Reg. 1975)
Proponent: Northern Harvest Sea Farms Ltd.

The minister has advised the Proponent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required for this project. Additional information is needed to inform the minister of the following, including but not limited to: environmental baseline information associated with the saltwater farm sites and wild Atlantic Salmon populations in the project area; potential effects of the project on the marine environment, including ecological interactions with, and effects on, wild Atlantic salmon; cumulative effects on the marine environment in the project area; measures that will be undertaken to mitigate adverse environmental effects; monitoring for aquaculture escapees in Bay Management Areas; and methods for identification/traceability of farmed salmon.

The Environmental Assessment Committee will provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and prepare draft guidelines for conducting the EIS. The public will be invited to provide comment on the draft guidelines.

 UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Lac Virot Exploration Access Road                                                     (Reg. 2238)
Proponent: Red Paramount Iron LTD.

The project is released from 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 Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • A minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be maintained from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species, and their habitats.
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology requires that the access road route be amended to avoid an active quarry site.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by e-mailing a written description, documents, 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 this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Canning’s Lake Bee Farm and Forage Area                                       (Reg. 2266)
Proponent: Tuck’s Bee Better Farm

The project is released from 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:

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

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.

To address the challenges stemming from food as commodity and food as charity, the Provincial Government is supporting the Food Producers Forum with its project “Co-operative Solutions for Rural Food Security: Building a Provincial Food Network.” The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $50,000 through the Regional Development Fund towards the development of a Provincial Food Network.

Through the Provincial Food Network project, Food Producers Forum is working to build a network of sites across the province to create a more direct system of food production, distribution and education. Food Producers Forum will maximize and capitalize on the existing processes in place that have been allowing enterprises to produce their own food.

There are 13 sites across the province that have agreed to start the Provincial Food Network:

• The Mercy Centre for Ecology and Justice – not-for-profit organization in St. John’s;
• Avalon Homesteading – family-operated retail and education site in Conception Bay South;
• Knotty Pine Farm and Apiary – family farm and education centre in Port Blandford;
• Burin Peninsula Community Garden Network – located in Marystown;
• King’s Point Community Garden – community garden project in King’s Point;
• Campbellton Berry Farm – commercial berry farm, retail and education site in Campbellton;
• Smith Family Community Farm – community farm in Raleigh;
• Gros Morne Farm and Market & Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital – food production farm in Norris Point;
• Western Environment Centre – community food and composting group in Corner Brook;
• Benoit First Nation – Indigenous Mi’kmaw community group in Bay St. George;
• Upper Humber Settlement – sustainable, non-industrial method gardening site in Cormack;
• Mary’s Harbour Community Garden – community garden project in Mary’s Harbour, Labrador; and
• NunatuKavut Community Council – local food production projects in Southern Labrador (Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Mary’s Harbour – two sites).

Food security is defined as physical and economic access to adequate amounts of nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate food to maintain a health and active life. Access to good food is a key social determinant of health, and increasing food security can improve the well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quotes

“Though this project, Food Producers Forum is supporting community-based food production projects across Newfoundland and Labrador to address issues that include rural economic development, food security and community health. These innovative ideas will help make healthier food more accessible for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Farmers and producers continue to contribute to food self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production with support from funding programs and access to affordable and productive farmland. That good work is enhanced by community-focused initiatives like the Community Garden Support Program, opportunities for hunters to donate wild game to food banks, and educational outreach programs that raise awareness of the importance of agriculture. The Provincial Food Network will be a welcome and vital part of this shared commitment to ensuring more fresh, healthy food is available in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“As we move toward food security, community health and economic resilience, we are lucky to have funding from four sources, and this final piece from IET will be critical to the work we are doing because 90 per cent of those funds will be disbursed directly to community sites In Newfoundland and Labrador, to help develop the missing infrastructure they need to support local, healthy food.”
Dan Rubin
Project Co-ordinator and Founding Chair, Food Producers Forum

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Food Producers Forum

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize October as National Foster Families Month.

I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of foster families in our province who provide safe and nurturing homes for children and youth in need of care.

Currently, there are close to 600 foster families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador who provide vital guidance and supports to help ensure the well-being of children and youth.

I want to thank all foster families for their crucial role in ensuring a continuum of care for children and youth, whether they provide respite on weekends, daily care or a forever home.

It is also important to recognize the ongoing work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association, which supports foster parents in collaboration with the team in the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

Speaker, I invite everyone in this Honourable House to join me in commending foster families for their unwavering dedication and compassion as they help create positive experiences and lifelong memories for children and youth in care.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Pike Celebrates National Foster Families Month first appeared on News Releases.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Pike Celebrates National Foster Families Month appeared first on News Releases.

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

Speaker, today I raise up the performance and success of the team that has turned the tide on a seemingly intractable problem.

The plan, the effort and the team that this administration has assembled has turned this corner, adding not only numbers but new skills, diversity and social and economic growth. For the last two and a half years, the population of our communities has grown by 12,000 people. New families are arriving daily; where once our schools were seeing declining enrollment of children, for the first time since the 1970’s enrollment is growing.

2022 was a record year when we received 3,400 landed Permanent Residents and ran out of space to nominate more under the federal rules. We successfully doubled our spaces, and halfway into this year we have exceeded the performance of last year. We have received 3,800 new Permanent Residents, well ahead of schedule of meeting our targets of 5,100 by 2026.

And Speaker, our Ukrainian initiative is a model for the world. As of today, the Association for New Canadians informs me that 3,238 Ukrainians are here as our neighbors, choosing Newfoundland and Labrador as their new home. I recently met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada who offered her nation’s gratitude for what we have done.

Newcomers arrive from Ukraine each and every week with a desire for a better life.

Speaker, given this incredible success, I ask all members of this House to say thanks to the team at the Association for New Canadians, to the team at the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the full community of people and organizations who make our province such a welcoming place. For the first time ever, immigration is on the front burner of public policy importance, and it shows.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Byrne Highlights Growing Population and Diversity Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador first appeared on News Releases.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Byrne Highlights Growing Population and Diversity Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will participate in econext’s annual conference tomorrow (Thursday, October 26).

The event takes place at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

Minister Parsons will participate in a panel discussion beginning at 8:45 a.m. titled “Clean Energy – What’s Next?” which will focus on the next steps that various stakeholders are taking with respect to the advancement of this emerging industry. Moderated by AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO of the St. John’s Board of Trade the panel will also include Elizabeth Kidd, President of College of the North Atlantic, John Davis, General Manager of Qalipu Development Corporation, and Elisa Obermann, CEO of Marine Renewables Canada.

Minister Davis will participate in a panel discussion beginning at 10:30 a.m. titled “Achieving Net Zero by 2050”. Moderated by J. Alex Templeton, Partner with McInnes Cooper and econext Chair, the panel will also include Jennifer Williams, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Natasha Reid, Director of Analytics and Insights, The Transition Accelerator, and Mike McCann, President and CEO, IOC.

Working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development, econext is a not-for-profit association of businesses that aims to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The post Media Advisory: Ministers Parsons and Davis to Participate in econext Conference appeared first on News Releases.

Citizens’ Representative, Bradley Moss, has released a report regarding the Challenges of Parents and Caregivers of Medically Complex Children.

The Citizens’ Representative elected to investigate the issue of supports for family caregivers of medically complex children and adults under the own initiative provisions of the Citizens’ Representative Act.

The report contains twelve recommendations for the Departments of Health and Community Services and Education, and can be accessed on the Office’s website at www.citizensrep.nl.ca/pdfs/CaregiversReportOct5-2023.pdf.

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Media contact
Jocelyn Walsh
Office of the Citizens’ Representative
709-729-7647
citrep@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will travel to Japan today (Wednesday, October 25) to participate in Team Canada’s Trade Mission to promote Newfoundland and Labrador’s creative industries and tourism opportunities.

Minister Crocker will be joined by officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and representatives of Miki Enterprises Inc., a Newfoundland and Labrador based tour operator with a specific focus on the Japanese and Asian tourism market since 1989.

There is increasing awareness and attention among Japanese travellers toward sustainable and responsible travel options. Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are well positioned as destinations that lead in these areas, connecting people to the communities they visit and inspiring purposeful travel.

With the hit Broadway Musical Come From Away set to premiere in Tokyo starting in March 2024, interest in travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to increase. As well, the province’s growing film and television industry is growing increasingly attractive to international film makers, following the success of Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy.

The latest Global Tourism Watch research shows that 21 per cent of Japanese long haul travelers, approximately 2.3 million visitors, are likely to visit Canada in the next two years.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, yesterday introduced proposed amendments to the Schools Act, 1997, for second reading in the House of Assembly. If passed, these amendments will enable the transition of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Provincial Government.

The proposed changes to the Act include:

• Dissolving the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, its operations and successor in law would move to the Crown;
• Updating powers of the Minister to include regulatory making authority; and
• Removing reference to a board and replacing with the Crown, or the department and the conseil scolaire as applicable.

These proposed changes support the final stages of the integration process as it moves toward completion by the end of 2023.

Quote
“These proposed amendments are necessary and serve to enable the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Provincial Government. Every step that we take is with the goal of improving the educational experience of students and improving educational outcomes by aligning program and curriculum development to help students excel.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Schools Act, 1997

Government Introduces Proposed Amendments to the Schools Act

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The Provincial Government is taking action to strengthen the legal name change process by providing the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL discretionary authority to prohibit sex offenders from legally changing their names.

The proposed amendments identify 16 designated offences from the Criminal Code of Canada, including sexual assault, child pornography, trafficking and aggravated sexual assault (a full list of designated offences is outlined in the Bill). The minister would have the authority to refuse the requested name change for anyone convicted of any of these 16 offences.

Enacting this legislation would make Newfoundland and Labrador the fourth province in Canada to allow for the denial of name change applications by sex offenders. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia have similar legislation.

The proposed amendments will also require criminal record checks from applicants seeking legal name changes. The submission of a criminal record check as part of the name change process is necessary to be able to identify persons convicted of any of those 16 designated offences.

It should be noted that anyone under the age of 16 seeking a name change with the consent of their parent or legal guardian would not have to provide a criminal record check.

Consistent with the current Act and the practice in all other jurisdictions, persons changing their name for reasons of marriage or divorce are exempt from the legal name change process under the Change of Name Act, 2009.

Quote
“You can’t change your name and evade the law. The proposed changes establish a stringent process to restrict convicted sex offenders from changing their name. These changes improve transparency, improve public safety, and reduce the re-traumatization of victims.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador will be speak at the Federation of Integrated Youth Services Network’s annual convening tomorrow (Wednesday, October 25).

The event will take place at the Alt Hotel, Cyan Room, 125 Water Street, St. John’s at 9:30 a.m.

Premier Furey will be available to speak to media following his remarks. Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth and Dr. Steve Mathias, Executive Director, Foundry will also be available to speak to media following the Premier’s remarks. The rest of the event is closed to the media.

With support from Health Canada and the Bell-Graham Boeckh Foundation partnership, a pan-Canadian collaboration called the Federation of Integrated Youth Services Network was formed in late 2021. The goals of the Network are to generate, share and advance best and innovative practices for improved access to quality, integrated health and social services for young people nationwide.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will present the Premier’s Award for Innovation in Teaching and the Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

The award presentation ceremony will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, October 25) in the lobby of the East Block, Confederation Building, St. John’s at 3:30 p.m.

The event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

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

I stand to acknowledge the 6,000 brave volunteer firefighters in our province.

Volunteer fire departments are the heart of so many of our communities. From fighting fires, to responding to emergencies, to organizing community events, volunteer firefighters make our towns safe and enjoyable places to live.

Recently, I witnessed firsthand the community-building efforts of volunteer firefighters with a visit to the Jack Connors Fire Training Centre in Pouch Cove. Through fundraising and support from the town council, a new training facility was built to service the local fire department, as well as departments from neighbouring communities – a project that epitomizes volunteer fire service.

As we put our faith in volunteer firefighters, we must ensure they are equipped with the right tools. This year our government doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment, enabling us to work strategically with communities and fire departments to enhance the protection of property, infrastructure and public safety.

Speaker, province-wide Public Safety Radio is another tool that we are delivering into the hands of volunteer firefighters. Last month at the Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Annual General Meeting, we announced that each volunteer fire department in our province will receive at least two portable and mobile radios – that’s over 780 radios at a cost of $2.6 million. This will improve communication during emergencies.

These brave volunteers help protect this province, and we are forever grateful. I ask all Honourable Members to join me in acknowledging Newfoundland and Labrador’s volunteer firefighters. Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Hogan Acknowledges Volunteer Firefighters first appeared on News Releases.

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Contracts totaling approximately $2.4 million have been awarded for renovations to two schools in the province.

A contract for $1.45 million has been awarded to Eastern Contracting Limited for the replacement of windows and doors at Macdonald Drive Elementary in St. John’s.

In Labrador, a contact valued at $938,481 has been awarded to Pittman’s Enterprises Limited for renovations at St. Mary’s All Grade School in Mary’s Harbour.

Investments in infrastructure not only benefit a city, town or community’s sense of belonging, but also generate employment opportunities and economic benefits. Support of educational infrastructure projects help ensure safe and modern learning environments for students and teaching staff throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Budget 2023 includes a historic investment in provincial highways and roads, as well as new schools and health care facilities. More than $1.1 billion has been allocated for infrastructure, including more than $127 million for new schools in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Cartwright and Kenmount Terrace in St. John’s, as well as the redevelopment of the school in Pilley’s Island.

Quotes
“I am pleased we have awarded contracts for school infrastructure projects that are important for these learning spaces. Modern and efficient learning environments translate into better outcomes for our students, and our government remains focused on this critical infrastructure.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Investment in educational infrastructure is one way that our government is fostering more modern and inclusive learning environments for students. The renovations at Macdonald Drive Elementary and St. Mary’s All Grade School are positive changes that will support the entire school community.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“MacDonald Drive Elementary is an incredibly important place of teaching and learning in the District of Windsor Lake and I couldn’t be happier to see these upgrades happening at the school.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General and MHA for Windsor Lake

“It is important for governments to invest funding to improve and renovate schools. We have an obligation to ensure that learning environments for students, teachers and staff are safe and secure. Renovations at the school in Mary’s Harbour represent an essential investment in students and their future.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair

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The Citizens’ Representative for Newfoundland and Labrador, Bradley Moss, will release and hold a media availability on a public report tomorrow (Wednesday, October 25, 2023) on the Challenges of Parents and Caregivers of Medically Complex Children.

A lock-in, where media representatives will be provided with an advance copy of the report, will commence at 9:30 a.m., at the Office of the Citizens’ Representative. During the lock-in, until the report is released publicly, media representatives are reminded that wireless communication devices such as cellular phones and portable computers, cannot be used.

The report will be available at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, on the Office of the Citizens’ Representative website at www.citizensrep.nl.ca/investigativereports.htm.

As space is limited, media representatives should pre-register by 8:45 a.m., on Wednesday (October 25, 2023) by calling the Office of the Citizens’ Representative at 709-729-7647.

The Citizens’ Representative will make a statement at 10:00 a.m., and will then be available to the media.

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Media contact
Jocelyn Walsh
Office of the Citizens’ Representative
709-729-7647
citrep@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Citizens’ Representative to Release Public Report on the Challenges of Parents and Caregivers of Medically Complex Children first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Citizens’ Representative to Release Public Report on the Challenges of Parents and Caregivers of Medically Complex Children appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced that Kids in the Know, a body safety program for kids, will be available in all K-9 classrooms in Newfoundland and Labrador by September 2025. Kids in the Know is the Canadian Centre for Child Protections’ national safety education program. The program engages student with interactive activities to help build skills that increase personal safety and reduce risk of victimization online and offline.

Minister Howell will be available to media to provide more details about the Kids in the Know program today (Tuesday, October 24) outside the House of Assembly, Confederation Building at 11:30 a.m. Minister Howell will be joined by Bev Moore Davis with the Miles for Smiles Foundation.

Modern learning environments require responsive tools to support safety inside and outside the classroom. The Provincial Government has been working closely with stakeholders to identify additional measures that can be implemented to support student safety and well-being.

Body safety is a part of the Department of Education’s K-12 public education curriculum, with age and developmentally appropriate resources used at each grade level. The Kids in the Know program will enhance the teaching and learning strategies occurring in classrooms.

Kids in the Know is currently available in 38 schools in kindergarten to grade 3. A further 20 schools will be added in winter 2024, ahead of full implementation for the 2025-26 school year.

Quotes
“The personal safety of students is a very serious matter. Government acknowledges the recommendation for additional tools and information to be used in conjunction with our current curriculum. I am very pleased that the Kids in the Know program will be utilized in all our K-12 schools as a focused complement to current programming by 2025. It is our hope that announcements like this highlight the importance of body safety, and brings these conversations to the forefront so everyone feels supported in asking questions and raising concerns.”
Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Educating children in body safety skills will increase the likelihood that they will be protected from most forms of abuse (including online crimes).  For many children, school is the only option for learning these life-saving skills. I would like to thank Minister Howell and Premier Furey for their commitment to the children of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Bev Moore Davis
Miles for Smiles Foundation

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Learn more
Foundation Document for Health Curriculum

Safe and Caring Schools Policy

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I rise today to highlight the amazing work that is being done by the staff and leadership at The Rooms in preserving, celebrating and sharing our province’s unique history and culture.

Since 2020, the Board of Directors, led by Chair Margaret Allan, and the staff, led by Chief Executive Officer Ann Chafe, have made it their singular purpose to bring attendance and membership back to pre-pandemic levels – and they have more than succeeded!

For 2022-23, attendance and memberships at our provincial museum, archives and art gallery were higher than they’ve ever been.

The Rooms welcomed more than 129,000 visitors last year, and more than 2,000 people purchased annual memberships.

With more than 70,000 visitors this summer, The Rooms is on track to welcome more than 130,000 people in 2023-24.

Special events to mark Come Home 2022, as well as collaborations with groups such as the Association for New Canadians, Music NL and Memorial University, which offered a wide array of programming that appealed to a diverse audience of local and non-resident visitors, contributed to this success.

The Rooms also offered curriculum-linked programming in person and online for more than 15,000 K-12 students this year, and every Friday they offer free admission to post-secondary students.

As we plan to celebrate The Year of the Arts in 2024, I look forward to the important role The Rooms will play in making it a success.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful contributions of those at The Rooms who work so hard to share the incredible stories of our province and its people.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Crocker Congratulates The Rooms on a Record-setting Year first appeared on News Releases.

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The Provincial Government today released the Auditor General’s Audit Report on Memorial University. The report is available online.

The audit report was received on Thursday, October 19. Following its receipt, officials took the time to undertake the necessary review to ensure the report that is released publicly is consistent with privacy legislation.

As part of ongoing work to update the Memorial University Act, the Provincial Government requested the Auditor General to undertake a full and comprehensive review of operations and spending in April 2022.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced the introduction of a provincial approach to ride sharing. This approach, developed after many discussions with multiple community partners, municipalities and ride sharing companies, will provide a clear and simple set of rules to enable ride sharing services to operate safely in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will also help to ensure consistency in regulation and enforcement.

To assist ride sharing operators in expanding business into the province, legislative and policy changes will be introduced in the House of Assembly, including:

• Eliminating the requirement for a written test and an on-road practical test in order to get a Class 4 driver’s licence to drive either a taxi or ride sharing vehicle;
• Waiving the requirement for a taxi licence plate to be on any ride sharing vehicle;
• Providing clear and concise definitions for a transportation network, a transportation network company and a ride sharing service;
• Clarifying the definition of taxi to not include ride sharing services;
• Introducing a system of licensing transportation network companies; and
• Amending municipal legislation to limit their jurisdiction to taxi services only and not ride sharing.

If passed in the House of Assembly, these changes will require the same safety standards for both taxis and ride sharing providers in Newfoundland and Labrador. They will also ease some of the administrative burden to help meet demand for affordable, reliable and safe transportation services in the province. The rules for both taxi and ride sharing drivers will be the same, supporting a competitive industry that will continue to thrive.

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“Residents and visitors alike need to have the option for safe, affordable and reliable transportation to help them get where they need to go, when they need to get there. Ride sharing can help provide this, and is another viable transportation option for the province that will complement the valuable services already being provided by the taxi industry. In many other cities, in many other provinces, taxis and ride sharing services co-exist and both are able to operate successfully, and we believe there is room for both taxis and ride sharing in this province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We have heard from stakeholders that having a single province-wide approach to ride sharing will increase the likelihood that ride sharing services will operate in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to introduce legislation into the House of Assembly this session to provide this clarity and certainty, with modified requirements to obtain a Class 4 taxi license. The amendments we are bringing forward today are intended to help both our taxi industry and ride sharing services grow and thrive.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“It is great to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador take positive steps to introduce a modern province-wide legislative framework that will support safe, affordable and reliable rideshare trips. If passed, this legislation will be a great step towards welcoming ridesharing to the province. As a next step, we look forward to reviewing the regulations and remain hopeful to launch in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Michael van Hemmen
General Manager of Mobility, Uber Canada

“The St. John’s Board of Trade applauds the step that government is taking today; increasing transportation options throughout our province will generate real economic impact. The business community, including many of our members, will directly benefit from the changes being made today. Ridesharing will allow residents, visitors, and newcomers to move around our province with an increased ease and convenience. We look forward to welcoming rideshare providers to Newfoundland and Labrador.”
AnnMarie Boudreau
CEO, St. John’s Board of Trade

“Destination St. John’s is delighted to learn of the proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to allow for ride sharing in the province. As we market our destination to today’s traveller, this introduction of ride-sharing helps meet our visitor’s needs and supports our efforts to provide high-quality, market-ready services. This will increase our ability to meet our visitor’s expectations in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Cathy Duke
CEO, Destination St. John’s

“Access to, from and around the province is a critical factor for tourism growth and development. Modernizing legislation to regulate ridesharing companies will enhance and complement our current transportation offerings and ensure Newfoundland and Labrador, as a destination, can offer industry standard options to the traveling public.”
Deborah Bourden
Chair, Hospitality NL

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The post Premier Furey Announces Provincial Approach to Ride Sharing first appeared on News Releases.

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The Department of Industry Energy and Technology will join three companies from this province in attending Grocery Innovations Canada from October 24 to 25, 2023 in Toronto.

Grocery Innovations Canada is the premier grocery and specialty food show in Canada. It gives local food and beverage producers access to over 4,500 buyers. At the event, companies explore new markets, gather product information, find suppliers, and meet one-on-one with buyers.

The Newfoundland and Labrador companies attending this year are Collaskins, Land & Sea Pets and Jumping Bean Coffee.

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“Helping local companies bring their goods to new markets is one of the main focuses of this department. Exposure at trade shows for food and beverage companies is the key to marketing success, and I wish this year’s participants all the best as they connect with brokers, wholesalers and retailers in order to export more of the amazing products coming from right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Grocery Innovations Canada

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The post Provincial Government to Participate in Grocery Innovations Canada first appeared on News Releases.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement today (Monday, October 23) about the provincial approach for ride sharing.

The announcement will take place at the Alt Hotel St. John’s, 125 Water Street at 11:00 a.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, as well as AnnMarie Boudreau, Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s Board of Trade and Cathy Duke, Chief Executive Officer, Destination St. John’s.

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The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce Provincial Approach for Ride Sharing first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce Provincial Approach for Ride Sharing appeared first on News Releases.