Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is extending congratulations to Jo Anne Broders, a teacher at Smallwood Academy in Gambo, on receiving the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Throughout her career, Ms. Broders has championed the understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history and culture. Recently, Ms. Broders’ Grade 8 students consulted archives and worked with Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, then-Chief of Miawpukek First Nation, and Fred Jeans of the local area’s heritage committee to explore the identities of the 13 people believed to be buried in a Mi’kmaq cemetery in their town.

Students used their learnings from the project to help design a plaque to honour the individuals and then collaborated with the town to erect signage at the cemetery. As a testament to Ms. Broders’ approach to fostering lifelong learning, the students committed to continue visiting the site in the future and share its history with others.

The Governor General’s History Awards recognize excellence in five categories: Teaching, Museums, Scholarly Research, Community Programming, and Popular Media. Each award category has its own jury, selection process, and prize structure. Each award is accompanied by a $2,500 prize as well as $1,000 for the teacher’s school.

Ms. Broders is a past recipient of the 2023 Premier’s Award for Teaching recognizing her work on this initiative with her students.

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“Congratulations to Ms. Broders on this well-deserved recognition for her work. Ms. Broders dedication is helping to respect the culture of our province as students learn about important facets of our history in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her work is a wonderful snapshot of the commitment that our educators demonstrate each and every day.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in History

Premier and Minister’s Awards in Teaching 2023

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Individuals who receive Income Support payments by cheque will continue to receive their cheques during the Canada Post strike. While most Income Support clients receive their cheques through direct deposit, approximately three per cent of the 21,000 clients receive their cheques by mail. The Provincial Government continues to encourage clients who can switch to direct deposit to do so.

Preparations are currently underway to distribute the December 1 Income Support recurring pay cheques. These cheques will be available for pick up Friday, November 29, 2024. If you are unable to pick up your cheque on this date, or if you receive your Income Support by cheque but are not on recurring pay, please call 1-877-729-7888 to find out when your cheque will be available for pick up.

If you receive your Income Support payment by cheque, your cheque will be available for pick up at the nearest Income Support office or cheque distribution site. If you do not know your nearest Income Support office or cheque distribution site, please contact 1-877-729-7888 or visit our website.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, is recognizing November 24-30 as National Addictions Awareness Week.

This week is a time to learn more about substance use and addictions, to raise awareness about how to support individuals seeking services for addictions issues and to remember individuals who have lost their lives to an overdose. This year’s theme, “Forging Connections,” highlights the important role of collaboration between government, health care providers, community partners, individuals with lived and living experience and their families in addressing challenges related to substance use.

The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with NL Health Services, community partners and individuals with lived and living experience of addictions, continues to advance important initiatives to reduce the harms associated with substance use and help improve overall health and well-being. This includes the five-year Provincial Alcohol Action Plan, which sets a path to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms through a strong collective, public health-based approach.

Individuals seeking mental health and addictions services are reminded of the resources that are publicly available, including harm reduction supports and services, which can be found online at nl.bridgethegapp.ca/

Free naloxone kits are available to reverse the potentially fatal effects of an overdose involving opioids such as fentanyl.

Residents are encouraged to call 811 or visit Naloxone Kit Distribution Sites for information on where to access free naloxone kits. The department encourages the public to follow harm reduction guidelines, such as not using alone, reducing the quantity used at one time and always keeping a naloxone kit on hand.

Other resources include:

• A mental health and addictions crisis line is available by calling 811;
• Individuals seeking support for mental health and addictions can also call 811, visit Doorways or check out nl.bridgethegapp.ca;
• Opioid Dependence Treatment Hubs, which can be reached by calling 1-844-752-3588, provide same or next day access to opioid agonist therapy with expansion planning underway to include treatment for other substances, including alcohol. These hubs are available throughout the province, including:
  • St. John’s:
  • Gander;
  • Grand Falls-Windsor;
  • Stephenville;
  • Corner Brook; and
  • Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• The Recovery Centre in St. John’s is available for people aged 16 and over. Call toll-free 1-877-752-4980.

More information on mental health and addictions resources is available by visiting the department’s Mental Health and Addictions website.

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“As a government, we recognize the complexities that exist around addictions, and we appreciate the strong collaboration between all levels of government, health care providers, community partners and individuals with lived experience of addictions that makes it possible to ensure access to critical supports and services for those experiencing substance use challenges. During National Addictions Awareness Week, let us come together raise awareness about addictions, help remove stigma and work towards building stronger and healthier communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Minister of Housing

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Learn more
National Addictions Awareness Week 2024

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Alcohol Action Plan

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters 2024 Manufacturing Insights Conference at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, November 28).

The event takes place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

The title of this year’s Manufacturing Insights conference is Embracing Excellence: Talent • Technology • Technique. The conference will bring together manufacturing professionals, business owners, and stakeholders for panel discussions, keynote speakers and networking.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a Provincial Government investment of more than $477,000 that will enable Memorial University to purchase equipment to help advance important medical research.

Through its Research and Innovation Fund, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is investing $477,860 to assist with the purchase of a micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging suite, including a Micro-CT scanner, 3-D suite software, and a large animal transport system. This investment leverages other contributions of $490,000, for a total project investment of $937,860.

Three Memorial University researchers are spearheading this initiative and will use the equipment to research treatments on diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and arthritis, as well as disorders related to bone density. They include Dr. Noriko Daneshtalab with the school of Pharmacy, Dr. Christopher Kovacs, Faculty of Medicine specializing in endocrinology and metabolism, and Dr. Janna Andronowski with the Division of Bio-Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine. Using animal models that mimic the human condition, the Micro-CT scanner will allow researchers to test treatments and see the effects in real time. The imaging suite will also enable the study of non-living samples.

With its high-resolution and high-accuracy capabilities, this equipment will also be widely used across other scientific disciplines, pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, and the general public. It will bolster cutting edge research at Memorial University in the areas of cardiovascular health, endocrinology, and forensic sciences by providing the rapid digitization of internal and external structures of a sample in three dimensions with great resolution.

The Research and Innovation Fund Program provides support through non-repayable contributions to non-commercial entities for the development and implementation of research and innovation projects for the long-term economic benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments from this fund aim to support highly-qualified people, research, innovative programming and infrastructure in priority areas that have the potential to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development capacity, innovation ecosystem capacity and impact the provincial economy through growth and diversification.

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“This Micro-CT Imaging Suite will be the first of its kind in the province. It will provide strong opportunities to address existing gaps in researchers’ abilities to innovate and translate their research at a pace that will benefit their respective fields. The well-being, health and biomedical discoveries for the people of the province are core drivers of the proposed research, with the main aims of finding therapeutic alternatives that are cost-effective and decrease mortality and increase longevity.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Innovations in health research are integral to our work to transform and modernize the health care system so that it can better meet the needs of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The new Micro-CT Imaging Suite is an important investment into the future of health care, which will contribute to a robust health work force as well as strengthen our health care system.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This Micro-CT suite is an important advancement in the research infrastructure in the province. Our collaborative team will be using it to advance our work in stroke, osteoporosis, and bone metabolism but it is a significant resource for the whole province. We look forward to having the Micro-CT here and seeing the innovative way researchers will use the technology to advance our understanding of diseases and contribute to the potential development of therapeutic alternatives.”
Dr. Noriko Daneshtalab
Memorial University

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Research and Innovation

Memorial University

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The Provincial Government is proposing an updated Personal Electronic Devices Policy for English K-12 public schools to further support a positive teaching and learning environment for students and teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is encouraging school communities to review the proposed policy and share feedback.

The proposed Responsible Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy will reduce the impact of inappropriate personal electronic device usage, such as cell phones, on learning.

Under the policy:

• Students in grades K-6 will not be permitted to have personal electronic devices in schools; and,
• Students in grade 7 to level 4 who bring a personal electronic device to school must switch it off and store out of sight.

The directive is proposed to apply to all regular school hours, including recess and lunch breaks.

Exceptions to the policy may be provided for medical reasons such as glucose monitoring and for students with documented and verified needs. Limited exceptions may also apply for specific instructional and educational needs.

The full proposed policy is available on the NLSchools website here.

School communities, including parents/guardians, teachers, and grade 7 to level 4 students, are encouraged to share feedback by December 6. It is anticipated that a final decision related to the policy will be made in time for implementation upon return to classes after the holiday break on January 6, 2025. Feedback on the policy can be provided here.

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“Inappropriate use of cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices is causing challenges within K-12 schools. We must ensure that students have a safe environment that is conducive to consistent, undistracted learning. This proposed policy will help create a more positive educational environment. I encourage all teachers, parents, guardians and students to review the policy and share their feedback.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Consultation on Proposed Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Proposed Responsible Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Safety Initiative for K-12 Public Schools Kicks Off Back-to-School Season

Provincial Government Continues Expansion of Kids in the Know Body Safety Program in Classrooms

Budget 2024 Provides $3 Million to Increase Student Assistants in K-12 Education System

Provincial Government Continues Work on Curriculum Renewal for K-12 Public Education System

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, would like to congratulate Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro on receiving two awards at last night’s Electricity Canada’s Powering Partnerships 2024 Summit in Toronto.

To adequately represent the significant and exceptional nature of the work by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro during the devastating fires this past summer, Electricity Canada’s Extraordinary Service Award was established in honour of the bravery and selflessness of the team at Churchill Falls. The judging panel determined their work saved lives, but also demonstrated the reliability of the electricity system through incredible innovation and thoughtful planning and execution.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was also honoured with the Sustainable Strategy Award, which is given to a company that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and development, implementation, and maintenance of an integrated sustainability strategy within the company. The award recognizes that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has implemented a number of corporate governance improvements that have cultivated a leadership-endorsed, organization-wide sustainability-focused work culture, thus increasing its success in meeting strategic sustainability goals, objectives and performance targets. This is the fifth sustainability award it has received since 2017.

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“During the evacuations in Labrador this past summer, the outstanding team at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro played a vital role in protecting our communities and supporting critical services. Being recognized with these well-deserved awards speaks to their exceptional efforts and commitment to making a difference when it mattered most.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I would like to congratulate Jennifer Williams and the employees at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, particularly the Churchill Falls team, on this significant recognition. These awards highlight the hard work being done to create an electricity system that the people of the province can rely on. It also shows the dedication of the team, who faced tremendous adversity while fires raged in Labrador, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents as well as maintaining essential power generation.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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The 38th annual Winter Lights Across Canada celebration will take place on Thursday, December 5, at Confederation Building in St. John’s.

Winter Lights Across Canada is an annual event where each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony. At the event, thousands of LED lights will illuminate the Confederation Building Christmas tree and other trees along Prince Philip Drive. The initiative contributes to a nationwide effort to symbolically link Canadians together for the holiday season.

The event is open to the public. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, and the lights will be turned-on at approximately 6:15 p.m.

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The Department of Digital Government and Service NL continues to provide services to the public, both online and in person, and is working to minimize the effects of the postal disruption for customers.

In general, licences, permits and certificates are processed and delivered electronically via email, or through MyGovNL. Contact information for each service provided by the department is available online here.

MyGovNL makes it easier for residents to access the services they need online, and more than 300,000 residents use the services available through this portal.

Where possible, customers are encouraged to submit requests and applications via online licensing portals, email, fax or courier. Return correspondence, reports and documents will be delivered by email or fax.

Hard copies of documents, where required, may be available for pick-up at a local Government Service Centre or the appropriate departmental office, or may be delivered by courier if necessary. Customers should ask about available options for hard copies when initiating their transactions.

Specific information for services commonly used by the public:

Motor Registration 
In-person counter service remains available, and many Motor Registration services are also available online on MyGovNL.

While the postal disruption is ongoing, receipts for driver’s licence and registration renewals, which can be presented in lieu of official documents while waiting for them to arrive by mail, are now valid for 60 days, instead of 30 days. In such cases, motorists are reminded to keep their most recent driver’s licence and vehicle registration documents along with the proof of the renewal in their vehicle.

If anything must be sent immediately, Motor Registration will arrange a courier.

Clients may contact Motor Registration Division by phone at 1-877-636-6867 or email at MRD@gov.nl.ca if they have questions.

Residential Tenancies  
Nearly all Residential Tenancies applications are submitted by email, fax, or in-person and mediation is done via email or phone. Most hearings are done via teleconference and are not affected by the postal disruption. Any resulting orders can be issued in-person, via email, or sent by courier, if needed.

Vital Statistics
The Vital Statistics Division continues to receive applications online. These are being processed and held on file and customers may pick up documents at the Vital Statistics office on Smallwood Drive in Mount Pearl.

If someone outside St. John’s and the surrounding areas needs their certificate immediately, the Vital Statistics Office will arrange a courier.

It is recommended that customers contact Vital Statistics in advance to make arrangements if they choose to have someone pick up their documents on their behalf, as consent may be required.

Customers may contact Vital Statistics by phone at 709-729-3308 or via email at vstats@gov.nl.ca if they have questions.

Water Sample Results
Homeowners in the Avalon Region who have submitted water samples for analysis can access their results online by following the instructions on their information sheet.

Homeowners outside of the Avalon Region can make arrangements to receive results over the phone or by email, by calling their local Government Service Centre.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, joins with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador in welcoming its new Commanding Officer of B Division, Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill. Minister Davis participated in a change of command ceremony earlier today.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill takes command of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador following the departure of Jennifer Ebert who has taken on a new role at RCMP National Headquarters in Ottawa.

Born and raised in St. John’s, Assistant Commissioner Cahill brings more than 32 years of dedicated service to his new role, most recently serving as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador Criminal Operations Officer, where he oversaw police operations across the province in RCMP jurisdictions. His extensive experience in operational leadership and his roots in the province uniquely position him to lead Newfoundland and Labrador’s RCMP team with a strong focus on community engagement and public safety.

A full biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“I look forward to working with Assistant Commissioner Cahill towards our shared goal of ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe place to live, work and raise our families. I also wish Assistant Commissioner Ebert much success on her new path and offer our sincerest thanks for her contributions to B Division.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Commanding Officer Pat Cahill

Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill assumed the leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador as Commanding Officer in August 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill was born and raised in St John’s. He joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1992 and upon completion of training at Depot in Saskatchewan, was posted to Thompson, Manitoba. He performed general duties there, including Rural and Municipal Policing, and also served in the General Investigation Section.

In 1999, he participated in a United Nations Mission where he was assigned to the Central Criminal Investigation Unit in Kosovo investigating War Crimes. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of corporal in charge of Wabowden, Manitoba, Detachment. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in charge of Gillam, Manitoba, Detachment, and in 2005, he was promoted to the staff sergeant rank as a District Advisory Non-Commissioned Officer for Manitoba North District. He transferred to the Placentia Whitbourne District as District Commander in 2007. During the course of his duties, he has had numerous relief assignments throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

In 2008, Assistant Commissioner Cahill received his National Certification as a Critical Incident Commander. In 2011, he was commissioned to the rank of inspector as the District Policing Officer of Labrador. In 2015, he transferred to St. John’s as the Officer in Charge of Major Crimes. Then, in 2017, he was promoted to the rank of superintendent as the Administration and Personnel Officer for Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador, followed by his promotion to chief superintendent as the Criminal Operations Officer for Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022.

As a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University, he holds a Business Administration Degree, along with a Diploma of Management from Cornell University. He has been awarded the Order of Merit, Queen’s Jubilee Medal, Canadian Peace Keeping Medal, United Nations Mission in Kosovo Medal, and the Long Service Medal.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill has been married for over 35 years and has three daughters and three grandchildren. He resides in the community of Flatrock and enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities.

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Today, the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, 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.

The Purple Ribbon Campaign officially starts on November 25 of each year (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and concludes 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.

This year’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, emphasizes the role for everyone, including men and boys, in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.

The campaign also invites everyone to use their voices and actions to help create a safer, more equitable Newfoundland and Labrador, free from violence, discrimination, and fear.

This year’s Purple Ribbon ceremony included memorial banners of women and girls connected to this province whose lives were tragically taken as the result of gender-based violence. These women and girls were real people, who lived and will be forever loved.

With the permission of their families, those recognized today included:

• Deidre Michelin – Rigolet, Nunatsiavut
• Chrissy Predham – Ottawa
• Cortney Lake – Mount Pearl
• Dana Bradley – St. John’s
• Judy Benoit – Port au Port
• Julianne Hibbs – Conception Bay South
• Loretta Saunders – Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Quinn Butt – Paradise
• Samantha Walsh – Fleur De Lys
• Chantel John – Miawpukek First Nation (Conne River)
• Kimberley Jararuse – Nain, Nunatsiavut

These banners are of no cost to families, and others wishing to have one created in memory of a loved one are encouraged to contact the Office of Women and Gender Equality at wgeinfo@gov.nl.ca, or by calling 709-729-2987.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s violence prevention efforts are grounded in multi-departmental and community partnerships focused on finding long-term solutions to gender-based violence.

In December 2023, a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government was announced that is seeing an investment of nearly $13.6 million over four years to support provincially tailored National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence initiatives.

As proposed to government in the Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador report, a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council has been formed, where positive strides are being made to prevent violence, while creating a path forward toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also establishing a multi-department, ministerial-level committee to end gender-based violence, that will work with community agencies, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders, to ensure supports are in place for people who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

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“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the family members who have bravely shared personal stories of their loved ones. Your courage in revealing the humanity of those taken from us, helps us see them not just as victims, but as individuals with dreams, aspirations, and a unique place in the world. Your openness honours their memory and reminds us of the profound loss that violence causes, not only to the victims, but to everyone who loved and cherished them. I challenge all residents of this province to commit to change and work tirelessly until gender-based violence is a thing of the past.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will participate in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “B” Division Change of Command Ceremony tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26).

The ceremony takes place at RCMP NL Headquarters, 100 East White Hills Road, St. John’s, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today announced an investment of more than $260,000 through the Labour Market Partnership Program to support Newbornlander’s innovative Sewing Hope initiative.

This two-year initiative provides refugee women with sewing and English as an additional language training, equipping them with the skills needed to build brighter futures for themselves and their families and explore future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The first group of Sewing Hope participants began their training this month and are on track to complete the initiative by summer 2025.

Newbornlander, a local social enterprise specializing in sustainable and ethically manufactured accessories, has also partnered with the Northpine Foundation, which has contributed $465,000 in funding to the initiative.

Now operating for seven years, Newbornlander is committed to empowering refugee and other newcomer women by addressing barriers to employment, such as language proficiency and limited Canadian work experience.

By investing in programs like Sewing Hope, the Provincial Government continues to recognize the vital contributions immigrant entrepreneurs and skilled newcomers make to the economy and community.

This funding supports the Provincial Government’s efforts to introduce empowerment-focused employment initiatives for newcomer women and positions the province as a national leader on newcomer settlement and retention.

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“Empowering refugee women is a critical step towards building a stronger, more inclusive workforce in our province. Through the Sewing Hope program, we’re not only equipping women with essential skills but are enabling their future financial independence and growing our economy. We are proud to support Newbornlander’s efforts to reduce barriers faced by immigrant and refugee women.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“We are thrilled to partner with Newbornlander on this vital initiative. This program provides refugee women with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workforce and addresses the isolation and disempowerment they often face. By investing in social enterprises like Newbornlander, we are also bringing communities closer and strengthening the local economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Bayan Khatib
Impact Director – Refugees, Northpine Foundation

“Newbornlander is a social enterprise founded by immigrants, dedicated to empowering women to dream big, build meaningful connections, and make a difference in their communities. With support from the Northpine Foundation and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we equip refugee women with the skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce. We invite the private sector to embrace the potential of refugee women. Trained by Newbornlander, they are ready to make a meaningful impact, fostering innovation and creativity within your organization.”
Constanza Safatle Ferrari
Newbornlander Founder and CEO

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In advance of Budget 2025, residents are invited to take part in a pre-budget questionnaire available here. The deadline to provide feedback through engageNL is Monday, January 6, 2025.

The questionnaire is focused on assessing priorities and understanding concerns. It includes an easy-to-use interactive tool that illustrates the Provincial Government’s fiscal realities in balancing a budget over $10 billion.

In addition to the online survey, residents may send a written submission to Budget2025@gov.nl.ca.

While email is preferred, particularly during the postal disruption, residents may also send submissions via mail at:

Budget 2025
Department of Finance
Main Floor, East Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Input will help the Provincial Government plan for Budget 2025 as it continues to support Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and deliver on its strategic plan for financial improvement. All efforts are towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable province.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced its plan to proclaim into force amendments to the Tourist Accommodations Act later this fall.

New legislative amendments within the Act require short-term accommodation hosts who list their primary residences to register with the Provincial Government. Additionally, short-term rental platforms are also required to register with the province, remove any listing that is not registered and share information about their listings with the Provincial Government.

These measures, which will require all short-term rentals to be registered, will provide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a more complete picture of the scope of short-term rentals throughout the province.

Short-term accommodation operators in the province who have not registered with the Provincial Government are required to do so. All short-term rentals not registered once the Act is proclaimed will be in contravention of the Act. To date, close to 2,700 accommodations have been registered.

Amendments to the Act received Royal Assent in May 2024, with a delayed proclamation.

The Act received Royal Assent in the House of Assembly in November 2020, replacing the former Tourism Establishments Act. Prior to its introduction in the House of Assembly, an online questionnaire was administered that engaged tourism and hospitality stakeholders on short-term accommodations in the province. Since then, the department has been regularly engaged with key stakeholders, such as Hospitality NL and Municipalities NL.

Further information on the Tourist Accommodations Act, including details on the regulations and how to register your short-term accommodation, can be found online.

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“Another successful tourism season has come to an end and we continue to focus on the registration of short-term rentals in the province. We urge all short-term rental accommodations who have not yet registered with the Provincial Government to complete their registration promptly to avoid being in contravention of the Act. So far, the registration process has been progressing smoothly. By collaborating, we can ensure that the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador continues to thrive and prosper.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Tourist Accommodations Act Regulations Expected to Come into Effect in Fall 2024

Provincial Government Moves Forward with Amendments to the Tourist Accommodations Act

New Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations Proclaimed

New Tourist Accommodations Bill Introduced

Tourist Accommodations Bill

Minister Davis Announces Framework to Address Short Term Accommodations

Engaging Stakeholders on Modernizing the Tourist Establishments Act

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Upper Humber River Residential Subdivision                                   (Reg. 2335)
Proponent: Town of Deer Lake

The Proponent is proposing to develop a residential subdivision on a 16-hectare site connecting to an existing residential area at the northern end of Humber View Drive in the town of Deer Lake. The proposed development includes 98 residential lots and a recreational open space comprising a small community park and playground. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 22, 2024; the deadline for public comment is December 27, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by January 6, 2025.

PLANS ACCEPTED:

Valentine Gold Project Expansion – Berry Pit                                   (Reg. 2262)
Proponent: Marathon Gold Corporation

On November 20, 2024, the Minister advised the Proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan, Updated Baseline Groundwater Quality and Quantity Report, and Hydrogeological Testing Report for the Project were acceptable. These plans were required as conditions of release from environmental assessment and are available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2262/. The Minister also advised that the conditions requiring the installation of additional real-time water quality/quantity stations; review of the Caribou Protection and Environmental Effects Mitigation Plan, including mitigations for the fall 2024 migration; and updating of the Valentine Gold Benefits Agreement have been met.

George’s Brook-Milton Cannabis Production Facility                    (Reg. 2051)
Proponent: 82994 Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.

On November 20, 2024, the Minister advised the Proponent that the Waste Management Plan for the Project is acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2051/.UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Corner Brook and Massey Drive Multi-Use Trail                                (Reg. 2328)
Proponent: West Coast Cycling Association

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/projects-2328/.

Blaketown to Riverhead 94L Transmission Line Rebuild               (Reg. 2322)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2322/.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

North River Watercraft Launch                                                              (Reg. 2324)
Proponent: Town of North River

The Project has been withdrawn by the Proponent.

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_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on X: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent 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.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will announce funding for a new program to empower refugee women on Monday, November 25.

The event takes place at Newbornlander, 3 Cashin Avenue, St. John’s, at 1:30 p.m.

Minister Stoodley will be joined by Newbornlander owner Constanza Safatle Ferrari and Mark Lane with the Northpine Foundation.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to rehabilitate the CN Viaduct on Pitts Memorial Drive and is pleased to advise that all work on the westbound lanes has now been completed.

The two eastbound lanes will remain closed, and jersey barriers have been installed to replace the current temporary traffic pylons for the duration of the winter.

Traffic will continue to flow in both directions within the two westbound lanes during the winter months.

Construction will resume in the spring, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2025.

The department reminds the travelling public that fines for speeding in construction zones range from $100 to $1,500.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, joins all levels of government throughout Canada in recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.

To help address housing and homelessness, and ultimately the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the Provincial Government is working closely with community partners and other levels of government.  Examples of some of the work underway include:

Provincially owned homes

• Funding for more than 100 new homes in Corner Brook, Central Newfoundland, and Labrador West through Budget 2024.
• Completed construction of eight homes in St. John’s and 16 homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• Construction is underway on 32 homes in St. John’s, while pre-development work is ongoing for a 40-unit apartment building in St. John’s.
• Refurbished more than 200 provincially owned homes in 2024-25 through an increased budget for repairs and renovations.
• Modernizing and upgrading more than 850 provincially owned homes over three years in partnership with the Federal Government.

Incentivizing community and private sector housing development

• Community and private sector projects under the Affordable Rental Housing Program will create approximately 850 affordable rental units.
• Under the Provincial Government’s Five-Point Plan, private sector partners will construct an estimated 450 new rental units through the Rental Housing Development Loan Program.
• The Five-Point Plan also made Provincial Government-owned land available in St. John’s, with five projects conditionally approved to construct an estimated 300 new rental units.
• Introduced the Community Housing Growth Fund in partnership with the national Community Housing Transformation Centre, which supports community affordable housing projects with funding for planning and pre-development work.

Community partnerships

• Partnered with End Homelessness St. John’s on Horizons at 106, a transitional living program which is currently serving close to 60 individuals and has helped an additional seven individuals successfully move into more stable housing.
• Partnered with The Gathering Place on Mercy House and O’Callaghan’s Haven, an expansion that will see 90 individuals receive emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing supports.
• Partnered with the Central Residential Services Board to create a Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander.
• Released shelter standards, developed after extensive consultations with community partners, and will undertake implementation in consultation with these same partners.

Affordability

• 271 families have been approved for loans under the First-Time Home-Buyers Program, with 168 already purchasing homes.
• A Secondary and Basement Suites Incentive has been launched to provide homeowners with a forgivable loan for the construction of affordable rental units within their home.
• Partnered with Federal Government to expand the Canada-Newfoundland Housing Benefit, providing housing supports for survivors of gender-based violence. This expansion is expected to support over 580 individuals or households over five years.

Every year, November 22 is National Housing Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about housing and homelessness throughout Canada. National Housing Day calls on the entire housing sector – including governments, financial organizations, developers, communities, and Indigenous and other partners – to work together to develop impactful solutions and ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable home.

Quote
“Our government recognizes that there isn’t one single approach that can address our current housing challenges. In partnership with other levels of government, and community and private sector partners, we’ve actioned a diverse range of initiatives. On this National Housing Day, we reflect on our progress while recognizing that we must maintain this momentum to improve access to safe and affordable housing for all.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Learn more
16 New Affordable Rental Homes Coming to Happy Valley Goose Bay

Provincial Government Issues RFP to Build 50 New Homes in Corner Brook

Contracts Awarded to Construct New Homes in Labrador West

Funding Approved for Three Projects Through Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund

Five-Point Plan Supporting Families in Securing First Home, Promoting Creation of Hundreds of Affordable Rental Housing Builds

Federal-Provincial Partnership Will Provide Rent Support for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Provincial Government Investing in Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander

Provincial Government Releases Shelter Standards

Provincial Government to Partner with End Homelessness St. John’s to Operate the Transitional Supportive Living Initiative

Federal and Provincial Governments Sign Agreement to Support Modernization of NLHC Homes

Eight New Homes in St. John’s Highlight Continued Progress on Affordable Housing Development in Newfoundland and Labrador

Follow us on X at @GovNL and @NLHousing

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The post Provincial Government Recognizes National Housing Day 2024 appeared first on News Releases.

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

The event will take place on Monday, November 25, at 11:00 a.m. in the main lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block. The event is open to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to bring brightly coloured 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.

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