Government of Newfoundland News
Provincial Government Observing a Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is being observed as a Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador to honour survivors and raise awareness about the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada, including this province.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take the time to learn about residential schools and reflect on the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous Governments and Organization are planning ceremonies and events to commemorate this day.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. The significance of wearing orange honours the children who attended residential schools and recognizes the traumatic experience of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away from her on the first day she attended a residential school.
Confederation Building will be lit in orange on the evening of September 30 to commemorate all those affected by residential schools. Flags at all provincial buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home. The Survivor’s Flag for the Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be flown on the courtesy pole at Confederation Building.
The observance of a day dedicated to honouring the survivors, families and communities who were deeply impacted by residential schools, and children and youth who did not return home, was a Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the Call to Action, governments across the country are observing this day.
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“A Day for Truth and Reconciliation places responsibility on all of us to remember and honour the survivors, families and communities of the residential school system. As they carry the burden of the painful memories, we as individuals and society must educate ourselves about this dark past and resolve to stand as one to ensure these tragedies never happen again.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
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Learn more
Orange Shirt Day
Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador
Federal Government Statutory Holiday
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Provincial Government Recognizes Right to Know Week 2023
The Provincial Government recognizes September 25 to October 1, 2023 as Right to Know Week 2023. Recognized in all provinces and around the world, this week recognizes the importance of the right of access to information held by governments and other public bodies.
Newfoundland and Labrador has been recognized as having one of Canada’s most progressive pieces of legislation governing access to information. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015) ensures government transparency and accountability by providing the public with the right of access to records as well as protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information is collected, used and disclosed by public bodies.
In 2022-23, an estimated 3,000 requests for information were received by the Provincial Government. This is a significant increase from 2015-16, the year ATIPPA, 2015 was introduced, when 1,410 requests were received.
In recognition of the importance of the right of access to information, as well as the challenges that staff experience fulfilling this volume of requests, in Budget 2023 the Provincial Government allocated an additional $2 million in funding to transform departmental access to information and protection of privacy by creating a more integrated approach and streamlined process. This included centralizing access to information and protection of privacy within departments, expanding the role of the ATIPP Office and moving it within Executive Council.
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“As a government, we are committed to openness, transparency and accountability, and our actions reinforce the weight we put on these principles. We proactively share information and reports, and we’ve increased investments in the ATIPP Office. We have also strengthened the Auditor General’s legislation to provide greater oversight, and will soon bring forward amendments to ATIPPA, 2015 following significant consultations. With a more integrated approach, we look forward to contributing to greater consistency and transparency in access to information.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for the Access to Information & Protection of Privacy Office
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Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Address the Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will address the Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit tomorrow (Tuesday, September 26).
The event takes place at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s at 8:45 a.m.
The Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit, hosted September 25-27, will convene social impact stakeholders and leaders from across the region to learn, share and network with the aim of increasing sector coordination and capacity, with an explicit focus on social finance awareness and readiness.
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Applications Available for New STELLAR Program for Mathematics Educators in K-12
As part of continued efforts to support teaching professionals in enhancing math education for students in Newfoundland and Labrador, applications are now being accepted for a redesigned and newly expanded program available to teachers in grades K-12 in the education system.
The Supporting Teachers/Educators in Lifelong Learning And Reflection (STELLAR) Program for Professional Learning in Mathematics is designed to be a flexible model to promote professional learning opportunities in mathematics education. It is intended to support educators who identify mathematics pedagogy or content as a professional learning priority, need, or interest.
There are five funding streams available through the STELLAR Program:
- Availing of a K-12 mathematics bursary;
- Engaging in self-directed learning;
- Establishing a professional learning community;
- Participating in a mentorship program; and
- Attending an institute or conference.
Applications for STELLAR routes must be submitted at least one month (by date) in advance of projected start dates. The only exception is applications for a K-12 Mathematics Bursary, which is guided by a semesterized timeline. Fall applications for the K-12 Mathematics Bursary close October 31, 2023.
As referenced in the Education Action Plan, the goal of the mathematics curriculum in the province must be student achievement that is comparable to the highest achieving Canadian jurisdictions. The plan includes a requirement for a sound and balanced curriculum with well-articulated outcomes and expectations, highly skilled teachers, and an assessment program that adheres to national and international assessment standards.
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“The STELLAR Program is an opportunity for teachers and educators to choose their preferred option on how they would like to expand their professional learning in mathematics. Math skills are vital for students as they prepare to enter opportunities following their academic learning. I encourage those in mathematics education to avail of this opportunity where possible, and I thank all educators for their continued commitment to advancing their skill, knowledge and professionalism.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
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STELLAR – Program for Professional Learning in Mathematics
STELLAR Program Applications and Approval Process
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Provincial Government Recognizes Global Day of Climate Action
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is today recognizing the Global Day of Climate Action and the importance of working together to address the effects of climate change.
As of this year, the Provincial Government has implemented or taken action on all 45 items recommended in the 2019-2024 Climate Change Action Plan, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stimulating clean innovation and growth and building resilience to climate change impacts.
The development of two new climate change action plans are currently underway and will cover the period from 2025 to 2030. The Climate Change Mitigation Plan will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to meet the province’s GHG reduction targets. The Climate Change Adaptation Plan will focus on actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as increased flooding and wildfires. This plan will be the first stand-alone climate change adaptation strategy for the province.
The province continues to invest in programs to combat climate change. The Provincial Government has partnered with the Government of Canada to implement the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, two multi-million dollar cost-shared agreements. These agreements have resulted in securing $157 million to implement new fuel switching and energy efficiency incentive programs over the next four fiscal years, including the new Oil to Electric Incentive Program for residential home heat.
There has also been significant investments in an electric vehicle rebate program and the development of the necessary accompanying infrastructure across Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result of this program and the province’s growing electric vehicle charging network, there has been over a 500 per cent increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road since 2019.
To support the province’s commitment to transition to a green economy, the Provincial Government has also established a Net-Zero Advisory Council, a Renewable Energy Action Plan, and a Green Technology Tax Credit.
These initiatives, combined with emissions reductions from large industry, have lowered the province’s greenhouse gas emissions to 8.3 million tonnes – the second lowest on record and well below the 10 million tonnes average of the past decade.
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“We have a shared responsibility in combatting climate change challenges and protecting our environment for generations to come. Together, we have realized significant milestones in this transition to a lower carbon economy, but there still remains a long way to go. On Global Day of Climate Action, I urge everyone to reflect on ways we can play our role in achieving a sustainable environment and a green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
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Learn more
Climate Change Action Plan 2019 – 2024 Mid-Term Update
Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Oil to Electric Incentive Program
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Right to Know Week 2023 – Protecting Your Rights
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) joins with other information and privacy commissioners from across the country and around the world in promoting Right to Know (RTK) Week from September 25 to October 1, 2023. RTK Week in Canada evolved from International Right to Know Day, September 28, which has been marked around the world since 2002.
RTK Week recognizes the importance of the right of access to information held by government and other public bodies. Access to information is essential to both democracy and good governance, and it provides individuals with the knowledge to address public issues, hold government accountable, and become active participants in the democratic process.
In Newfoundland and Labrador the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015) provides a right of access to information. Since 2015, when citizens demanded that the province’s access to information system be reformed, there has been a continual increase in the number of access to information requests filed each year. While the media, businesses and political parties use the access to information system regularly, individual Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are filing more and more access to information requests. Individuals are now the most engaged in our access to information system, on average making up more than 60% of the requests filed each year. This is extremely positive, reflecting an engaged population and a well-functioning access to information system.
RTK Week also provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of the officials in government departments, agencies, boards and commissions, educational and health care bodies and municipalities, who help process the increasing number of requests.
Having one of the most modern and robust access to information systems, not only in Canada but also worldwide, is an accomplishment for Newfoundland and Labrador of which we can all be justly proud. The priority now is to protect and maintain the principles of accountability and transparency found in our access to information law that members of the public are relying on more and more.
Tune in to hear Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey discuss RTK Week and access to information on CBC’s The Signal, Thursday September 28, 2023, at noon and on VOCM’s News Talk, Thursday September 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Check our social media throughout RTK Week for information about access to information and follow the hashtag #RTK2023.
Commissioner Harvey looks forward to discussing access to information issues with his colleagues from across the country when Federal, Provincial and Territorial Commissioners and Ombuds hold their Annual Meeting in Quebec City, October 3-5, 2023.
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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in MADD Canada Commemorative Bench Unveiling
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will participate in the unveiling of a memorial bench on Monday, September 25. The Nick Coates family, in partnership with MADD Canada, has installed a memorial bench in dedication to those who have lost their lives as a result of impaired driving.
The event will take place at Motor Registration, 149 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl at 11:00 a.m.
MADD Canada is a non-profit organization committed to ending impaired driving and supporting victims and families of this violent crime.
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Public Advisory: Repairs Scheduled for Exploits River Bridge
The Exploits River Bridge, located on the Granite Lake forest access road, will be undergoing scheduled repairs from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29. The bridge is located 6.5 kilometres from Millertown, south of the Beothuk Lake Dam.
Traffic delays of up to several hours at a time can be expected while repairs are ongoing.
For further information, contact the Springdale Forest Management District Office at 709-673-3821.
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Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Bring Remarks at the 2023 Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring remarks at the 2023 Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit on Monday, September 25.
Minister Pike will bring remarks at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s at 6:00 p.m.
The Atlantic Social Impact Exchange Summit aims to create a shared understanding of the social impact ecosystem in Atlantic Canada and establish a roadmap for collaboration going forward for the region.
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Public Advisory: Resource Enforcement Officers Seeking Public Information into Recent Poaching Incidents Near Cormack and Near Terra Nova
The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is seeking information from the public to support ongoing investigations of two recent poaching incidents.
Resource Enforcement Officers are seeking information related to a moose poaching incident which occurred at a location north of the Town of Cormack, along the White River Forest Access Road near Deadwater Brook. An investigation was initiated after information was obtained from a social media post related to a moose that was shot and abandoned. It is suspected that the poaching incident occurred between Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, on the weekend the big game hunting season opened.
On September 9, officers discovered the carcass of a caribou which had been shot and left on the side of the road near Lake St. John, approximately 44 kilometers from the Town of Terra Nova. A subsequent investigation and tip from the public confirmed the incident occurred on Friday, September 8, prior to the start of the big game hunting season, between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Anyone with information about these investigations or other incidents where there is suspected illegal activity can anonymously contact the Resource Enforcement Division at 1-877-820-0999 or at stoppoaching.ca. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or anonymously at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.
It is an offence under the Wild Life Act to harvest a big game animal out of season, without a licence or in an area that is not open to hunting. If charged and subsequently convicted for a first offence, the maximum penalty for hunting moose during a closed season is $5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, and prohibition from holding a big game licence for five years from the date of conviction. It is also an offence under the Wild Life Act, for wildlife taken or killed for food, to willfully or intentionally allow the flesh of that wildlife to be destroyed, wasted, or spoiled.
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Media Advisory: Ministers Dempster and Abbott Travelling to Communities on the North Coast of Labrador
The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, are travelling to communities and meeting with leaders and officials on the North Coast of Labrador this week.
The ministers are departing from Goose Bay and travelling to Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish and Nain from September 24-26 via the MV Kamutik W.
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New Accessible Communities Funding Supports Well-Being of Residents
The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced $500,000 for new Accessible Communities Grants to help communities undertake projects or initiatives to improve the well-being of residents.
Minister Haggie made the announcement during Well-Being Week 2023 in Marystown at the Walk of Hope trail system. This project is currently under construction through cost-shared municipal and provincial funding. The trail has been named in honour of all cancer survivors who have faced many challenges, and is intended to be accessible to all ages and abilities.
Accessible communities are a key social determinant of health, including ensuring communities are age-friendly and inclusive. Providing better support to community organizations and municipalities in their efforts to make their communities more welcoming and inclusive is aligned with recommendations outlined by Health Accord NL.
The new Accessible Communities Grants will be available to municipalities and local service districts. The application and program guidelines will be launched this fall.
The Walk of Hope trail system is one example of the types of initiatives that communities can undertake to help improve the physical, mental, financial and economic health and overall well-being of residents.
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“Communities provide programs and services that can positively impact the well-being of residents, and enthusiastically embrace opportunities to enhance their quality of life. The new Accessible Communities Grants are an example of how we can work collectively to incorporate a well-being approach in programs and policies and make life better in the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
“The new Accessible Communities Grant program aligns with the recommendations of Health Accord Newfoundland and Labrador, which highlights an important link between inclusion and overall health. This new program will also help to create a more accessible and inclusive province where everyone has the opportunity to participate meaningfully.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The Walk of Hope trail system is an exciting project for the Town of Marystown. We understand how important such services are for the well-being of residents, and appreciate government’s support in making it a reality. We look forward to taking advantage of the new Accessible Communities Grants to further enhance the well-being of the residents of Marystown.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of Marystown
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Well-Being NL
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Expanded Early Learning and Child Care Advisory Committee Has First Meeting
The Minister of Education’s Early Learning and Child Care Advisory Committee held its first meeting since an expansion of membership to ensure greater representation from the early learning and child care sector throughout the province, first announced in June 2023.
Minister Howell met all members of the committee this week, who discussed multiple important topics related to early learning and child care, including space creation and early childhood educator recruitment and retention efforts. The committee was also provided an update on the status of multiple consultations and engagement sessions with early childhood educators, parents and child care licensees. Information was provided related to four separate reviews that are underway: legislation, inclusion, Family Resource Programs, and the Operating Grant Program.
At present, the members of the committee have a combined experience of over 370 years in the early learning and child care sector. A list of committee members is available in the backgrounder below
Members of the advisory committee contribute to the development and implementation of the provincial Early Learning Action Plan. The committee provides advice to the Minister of Education respecting early learning and child care, programs and services, and funding and activities that support early learning and child care and ensure a high quality, accessible and inclusive system. The next meeting for the committee will take place in October 2023.
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of approximately 6,000 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. This plan is made possible by federal investments in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. These include $306 million for the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement, a one-time investment of nearly $6.5 million in 2021-22 to support the early childhood workforce, as well as over $34 million for the 2021-22 to 2024-25 Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement.
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“Thank you to all new members of the committee for participating in this initiative to improve early learning and child care services in our province, and thank you to those staying on as members for your contributions so far. Following our productive meeting this week, I am looking forward to all of us working together. With your combined knowledge and experience in the early learning and child care sector, I am confident we will find solutions that will work for families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
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BACKGROUNDER
Members of the Minister of Education’s Early Learning and Child Care Advisory Committee
Member Organization/Background Skye Taylor, Co-Chair Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador Lisa Baker Worthman, Co-Chair Assistant Deputy Minister – Early Learning and Child Development Valerie Collins Family and Child Care Connections Joanne Morris Early Childhood Educators Human Resource Council Zaenab Kazam Francophone Early Childhood Educator Lori Chaulk Post-Secondary Education/Early Learning Child Care Program Kaitlyn Hines Parent representative from ABCs and ECEs NL Serena Pomeroy Family Resource Centre Dr. Sheila Garrity Academia Tom Mugford Lead for Indigenous Co-Design Karina LaMontangue Francophone communities Marie Anne Hudson Child Care Inclusion and Diversity – Lead for Inclusion Review Sarah Hollett Department of Health and Community Services – Early Intervention Colleen Smith Department of Children Seniors and Social Development Christie Warren Program and Policy Development Specialist Jessica Bishop Clerical Support Mary Watkins Rural Licensee/Manager Jennifer Quilty Urban Licensee/Manager Glenda Osmond English Early Childhood Educator Melissa Ryan Parent representative David Philpott Special advisor Helen Sinclair Special advisor
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Provincial Government to Introduce New Model of Assessment and Evaluation for High School Students
As part of the ongoing work to modernize the K-12 education system, the Provincial Government will be engaging with its partners in education to introduce a new evaluation framework for high school students. This step marks the elimination of public exams from the public education system.
A consultation process will launch this fall with parents/guardians and educators on proposed options for assessing high school students as the development process continues. It is anticipated that a new model of assessment and evaluation will be implemented for the 2025-26 school year.
The Department of Education is proposing to introduce a new assessment approach for literacy and numeracy that is not attached to a particular subject or course, and measures a student’s skills in realistic situations. These assessments would take place in grade 10, with additional opportunities for assessment in grades 11 and 12.
Modular course evaluation is also being considered for implementation as a part of standard assessments for students. These would be computer-based evaluations that could occur in select 3000-level courses, including English, mathematics and laboratory sciences. Modular evaluations would take place three times throughout the school year and would be adapted for the semesterized school model. Unlike with public exams, students would have the choice to retake modular exams to improve their grade. The total value of modular assessments would be less than the value of public exams.
During the consultation and development stage, school administrators and educators will continue to evaluate students using a suite of assessment practices. This includes evaluation tools such as individual and group projects, unit tests and year end/semester end tests that focus on student achievement and engagement.The Department of Education is committed to creating a modern system of assessing and evaluating high school students that aligns with best practices from across the country.
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“Improving the assessment process is vital to give all students equal opportunity to succeed in learning and expanding their knowledge throughout their school years, and allows teachers to have more tools available to evaluate them. Updating the assessment process is a part of transforming and modernizing education for students in our province so they can reach academic goals to the best of their ability.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
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Regional Development Funding for Channel-Port aux Basques
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $50,795 through the Regional Development Fund for the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques to support community economic development.
This investment will support the town’s revitalization strategy and will complement a number of additional capital works and community development projects. Funding will be used to invest in equipment for outdoor events and festivals, such as collapsible indoor/outdoor staging, portable washrooms, steel security fencing, as well as some necessary electrical upgrades.
Through the Regional Development Program, the Provincial Government provides support by way of non-repayable contributions to organizations for the development and implementation of economic initiatives with respect to regional and sectoral development, diversification, innovation, and key emerging sectors. The funding is intended to support and enhance infrastructure, capacity building, marketing and research.
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“The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques knows all too well the importance of community, especially following the impact of Hurricane Fiona. We are pleased to provide this investment that will give the town the opportunity to enhance the ability for community events and festivals. This will be a benefit for both the well-being of residents, as well as to create experiences that will attract tourists to the region.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile
“The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques is pleased to receive this important investment that will contribute to both strengthening and revitalizing our community. As the gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador, this will also help boost our local tourism efforts to provide a great experience for both residents and visitors.”
His Worship Brian Button
Mayor of Channel-Port aux Basques
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Regional Development Fund
Town of Channel-Port aux Basques
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Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Attend Police and Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the 21st Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony and Parade on Sunday, September 24.
The ceremony will be held at the Memorial Monument Site outside of the Confederation Building East Block, St. John’s beginning at 11:00 a.m. The flags at Confederation Building will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset to mark the Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day.
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Two New Provincial Court Judges Appointed
The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today announced the appointment of two new Provincial Court Judges.
Karen Rehner is appointed to the Provincial Court in Grand Bank, and Jennifer Standen is appointed to the Provincial Court in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Biographies of both appointees can be found in the backgrounder below.
Both appointments are effective immediately.
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“Congratulations to Judge Karen Rehner and Judge Jennifer Standen on their appointment to the Bench. To create the strongest possible Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, appointees are among the most capable, conscientious and energetic members of the legal profession. These appointments also express the diversity of the judiciary, as more than half of our Provincial Court Judges are now women. Both Ms. Rehner and Ms. Standen demonstrate high levels of professionalism, legal acumen and decisiveness, and their appointments will be of great benefit to the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of Newly Appointed Provincial Court Judges
Karen Rehner
Since 2020, Karen Rehner has served as Crown Counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Toronto, Ontario.
Prior to this, Ms. Rehner spent over ten years working as a staff solicitor with the St. John’s Area Office, as well as Special Defence of the Legal Aid NL.
A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Ms. Rehner attended Interlochen Arts Academy and Brown University in the U.S., and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law at York University in Toronto with Juris Doctorate in 2010.
A board member of Perchance Theatre at Cupids, and with Nickel Independent Film and Video Festival, she also worked as a freelance costumer for theatre and film from 1994 to 2007.
Karen Rehner lives in St. John’s with her partner Simon Babineau.
Jennifer Standen
Jennifer Standen graduated from the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in 2009.
Upon her graduation, she was recognized with the Roger Carter Scholarship, the Harvey Bell Scholarship, and the Chief Justice of Saskatchewan Access to Justice Prize for her academic achievement, indigenous ancestry, and community involvement, as well as promoting access to justice.
Ms. Standen has served the public as Senior Crown Attorney-Eastern Region, with the Department of Justice and Public Safety since 2018; and prior to this, she served as Crown Attorney and Senior Crown Attorney with the department in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for six years.
A practicing member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Law Society since 2010, she has also worked in Nova Scotia as a Civil Litigation Associate with Muttarts Law Firm, and as a per diem Crown Attorney with Nova Scotia Public Prosecutions.
Originally from Benoit’s Cove, Ms. Standen is a proud Mi’kmaw woman and member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. She lives in St. John’s with her husband, Andrew and their three children Jack, Avah and Ashton.
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Public Advisory: Blast at Construction Pit Leads to Multiple Occupational Health and Safety Charges
Digital Government and Service NL announced today that three companies, two supervisors and a certified blaster have been charged with violations under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
Charges against Weir’s Construction Limited and Triple J Aggregates Limited, both of Conception Bay South, Dyno Nobel Canada Inc. of Mount Pearl, and the three individuals are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety division following an incident, which occurred in September 2021, at a pit located off the Trans-Canada Highway near St. John’s. The incident was a blast that resulted in damage to vehicles and equipment at the site.
Weir’s Construction and Triple J Aggregates have each been charged with five violations that relate to their alleged failure as an employer to:
- Ensure its workers and supervisors were familiar with the hazards;
- Ensure as a Principal Contractor that employers and workers complied with Occupational Health and Safety legislation;
- Ensure that the Assistant Deputy Minister was notified of the incident;
- Take precautions to protect persons and property at or near the workplace, and to minimize the hazards of flying material from the blast; and
- Ensure that loose rocks were scaled off the face of excavations and removed from the crest before work was resumed after a blast.
Dyno Noble Canada Inc. has been charged with seven counts that relate to its alleged failure as an employer to:
- Ensure the health, safety and welfare of its workers;
- Ensure its workers and supervisors were familiar with the hazards;
- Ensure that the Assistant Deputy Minister was notified of the incident;
- Ensure that where more than one blaster is involved, all blasters and supervisors consult sufficiently to coordinate safety;
- Take precautions to protect persons or property at or near the workplace, and to minimize the hazards of flying material from the blast;
- Ensure that a blasting mat was used where there is a danger to the safety of persons or property; and
- Ensure that a misfire was treated at a safe and suitable time under the direction of a blaster in order to ensure the removal of hazards.
The blaster has been charged with six counts that allege that the blaster failed to:
- Consult with a supervisor so that both were aware of all work being conducted in the blasting area, and to ensure that no work was conducted in a manner which creates risk of an accidental explosion;
- Prevent another person from entering the place where a blast occurred until personally examining the blasting area and given permission for work to proceed;
- Ensure that after firing a blast, the blaster made a thorough inspection of the site before permitting other employees to return to work;
- Ensure that after a misfire or suspected misfire, a person did not move about the danger area until the expiry of the waiting time;
- Take precautions after a misfire or suspected misfire and then approach the misfired hole after the required waiting time, to assess for hazards; and
- In consultation with a supervisor, to determine the safest and most practicable means of treating the misfire.
The two supervisors have each been charged with four counts that allege that they failed to:
- Ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under their supervision;
- Advise workers under their supervision of the health and safety hazards that may be met by them in the workplace;
- Provide the proper written or oral instructions regarding precautions to be taken; and
- Consult with a blaster so that both were aware of all work being conducted in the blasting area and to ensure that no work was conducted in a manner that creates risk of an accidental explosion.
The first appearance at Provincial Court in St. John’s is scheduled for September 25, 2023.
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The post Public Advisory: Blast at Construction Pit Leads to Multiple Occupational Health and Safety Charges first appeared on News Releases.
The post Public Advisory: Blast at Construction Pit Leads to Multiple Occupational Health and Safety Charges appeared first on News Releases.
Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Speak at Reopening of Majestic Theatre
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will bring greetings at the reopening of the Majestic Theatre tomorrow (Friday, September 22).
The event will take place at the Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth Street, St. John’s at 10:00 a.m.
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The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Speak at Reopening of Majestic Theatre first appeared on News Releases.
The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Speak at Reopening of Majestic Theatre appeared first on News Releases.
Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Bring Remarks at the 44th Atlantic Mayors’ Congress Meeting
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring remarks at the 44th Meeting of the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress tomorrow (Friday, September 22).
Minister Pike will bring greetings at the Memorial University Labrador Campus, Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 12:00 p.m.
Spanning the Atlantic provinces, the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress is an organization that works to improve municipal government and develop a strong and unified voice to advocate for municipalities in the Atlantic Region.
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The post Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Bring Remarks at the 44th Atlantic Mayors’ Congress Meeting first appeared on News Releases.
The post Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Bring Remarks at the 44th Atlantic Mayors’ Congress Meeting appeared first on News Releases.
