Government of Newfoundland News

The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, at 10:30 a.m.

The televised portion of the meeting will be available live on the House of Assembly broadcast channel website and on Facebook. As provided for in subsection 19(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability Integrity and Administration Act, an in camera session will follow the televised portion of the meeting.

Briefing materials for the meeting will be available on the website at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The agenda for the televised meeting follows.

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Media contact
Mark Jerrett
Policy and Communications Analyst
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

House of Assembly Management Commission

Agenda

Date:               January 10, 2024

Time:              10:30 a.m.

Location:        HOA Committee Room/Videoconference

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes:

1. 1. November 1, 2023
   2. November 8, 2023
   3. November 30, 2023

2. Reports:

1. 1. Rulings on Allowance Use
   2. Financial Reports – 30 September 2023

3. Transfer of Funds – Office of the Commissioner for Legislative Standards

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The Provincial Government has released a report outlining a review of the Operating Grant Program for child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The report includes six opportunity areas for improving the Operating Grant Program, including:

• Governance;
• Funding and rates;
• Program policies, processes and requirements;
• Accountability;
• Workforce; and
• System enablers.

The Department of Education has reviewed the report. Work has begun to address approved recommendations in each of the areas identified for improvements in line with the high-level road map included in the report.

The Operating Grant Program is a key component of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, and helps to address the affordability, quality, and availability of child care services for families with young children in the province. Through the Canada-wide agreement, the Government of Canada is contributing more than $306 million for child care in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2021-2022 and 2025-2026.

The full report can be viewed at https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/OGP-Review_Final-Report_November-2023.pdf

There are currently more than 8,600 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10 a day or less in the province, with almost 1,200 child care spaces created in 2023.

Quotes
“The Operating Grant Program plays a key role in supporting the affordability of regulated early learning and child care services in the province. This report outlined multiple areas to strengthen the Operating Grant Program, and I am confident that our government will implement changes to further support high quality and accessible child care in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Operating Grant Program

Contract Awarded for Review of the Operating Grant Program for Child Care Centres

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Special Ballot voting is now available in the district of Conception Bay East – Bell Island.

Electors can request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit by visiting the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.elections.gov.nl.ca or they may vote in person at any of the office locations:

• District Returning Office located at 1655 Topsail Road, in Paradise; and
• Elections Newfoundland and Labrador’s head office at 24 Stavanger Drive in St. John’s.

Both offices are open for Special Ballot voting during the following hours:

• Monday – 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday – 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday – 9:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday – 9:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday – 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday – 11:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For residents of Bell Island there is an office located at 10 Lance Cove Beach Road (residence of Amelia Highmore) and the office is open during the following hours:

• Monday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday – 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The deadline to request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit, or to vote in person by Special Ballot is Monday, January 22, at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Conception Bay East – Bell Island Returning Office at (709) 781-6430, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca.

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Effective June 1, 2024, high-cost credit lenders must be licensed to operate in Newfoundland and Labrador.

High-cost credit lenders are distinct from banks, credit unions and payday lenders, and offer installment loans at high interest rates. The cost of borrowing may include additional fees and compounding interest. These financing arrangements may be used, for example, for lease-to-own home furnishings, renovations or vehicle purchases.

To better protect borrowers who take out high-cost loans, high-cost credit lenders will be required to comply with the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act, along with the High-Cost Credit Product Regulations and High-Cost Credit Product Licensing Regulations.

The Regulations, published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette, prescribe high-cost credit product rates, detail prohibitive practices and specify guidelines to enter into a credit agreement. The Regulations also establish licensing, notification and document retention requirements.

This new legislation makes Newfoundland and Labrador the first Atlantic Province to implement a regulatory regime specific to high-cost credit lenders.

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, today announced additional improvements for patients who avail of the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP).

These improvements, which are effective for travel beginning on or after December 1, 2023, include:

1. A new 85 per cent flight assistance rate for Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone residents travelling in- and out-of-province with airfare costs greater than $8,000 over a 12-month period
2. Elimination of the $400 deductible for residents of Island health zones who travel for medical appointments out-of-province.
3. An increase in assistance for residents of Island health zones who travel out-of-province by air. This change means that all residents of the province are entitled to the same airfare assistance rates when they must travel out-of-province to access specialized insured medical services. The extra financial help for patients and their escorts (if applicable) is offered upfront or after travel is complete and consists of:
   1. $1,000 in total which can be applied towards the cost of first eligible flight(s);
   2. 75 per cent towards additional eligible airfare costs between $1,000 and $8,000; and
   3. 85 per cent towards costs greater than $8,000 accumulated over a 12-month period.
4. An increase in the claimable per diem rate for purchased accommodations to $150 per night in-province and $175 per night out-of-province.
5. An increase in the private vehicle mileage rate from 20 cents to 25 cents per kilometre for patients who drive more than 4,000 kilometres during a 12-month period.

These improvements build on earlier enhancements announced in May and September, which included the expansion of assistance rates to all residents of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone and the establishment of a new in-province Flight Voucher Program in partnership with PAL Airlines. The newest 85 per cent airfare assistance rate will also be available for pre-approved flights booked through the new in-province Flight Voucher Program when airfare costs are greater than $8,000 over a 12-month period.

The improvements in medical transportation assistance are financed through a $1-million initiative announced by the Provincial Government in Budget 2023.

For more information about the Medical Transportation Assistance Program, call toll-free 1-877-475-2412 or see https://www.gov.nl.ca/exec/las/medical-transportation-assistance-program-mtap/.

Quote
“The additional improvements in medical transportation assistance, together with changes which have been introduced in recent months, are making it easier for residents who have to travel long distances to larger centres to access specialized insured medical services. We have received feedback from key stakeholders and patients and their input has contributed to improving the Medical Transportation Assistance Program for patients.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Learn more
Provincial Government Introducing Enhancements in Medical Transportation Assistance

Policy Change Announced for Medical Transportation Assistance Program

Medical Transportation Assistance

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The Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC) wishes to advise that it is extending the deadline for written submissions and registration for virtual sessions as noted below. The 2024 MCRC was appointed to inquire into and prepare a report respecting the salaries, allowances, severance and pensions to be paid to Members of the House of Assembly.

The following options are available for persons and organizations wishing to provide input to the Committee:

1. Written submission:

Must be received on or before January 26, 2024, by:

Email:            mcrc2024@gov.nl.ca
Mail:              Members’ Compensation Review Committee
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6
Attention: Heather M. Jacobs, KC, MCRC 2024

1. Virtual session:

Persons or organizations interested in participating in a virtual session must pre-register on or before January 22, 2024, at:

Tel:              709-729-5870 or 1-833-711-0422
Email:         mcrc2024@gov.nl.ca

These sessions will be scheduled during the week of January 29 to February 2, 2024. Further information regarding available dates and times will be provided following registration.

The Committee is interested in hearing perspectives and ideas regarding matters within its mandate and is encouraging individuals and organizations to participate. Information and feedback gathered from the consultations will be summarized in the final report, but will not include identifying information.

Further information on MCRC 2024, including its areas of inquiry and related references, is available at https://www.assembly.nl.ca/mcrc/.

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

As part of the Provincial Government’s continued focus on providing access to safe and affordable housing, over the coming weeks eight individuals or families will move into newly constructed Newfoundland and Labrador Housing (NLHC) affordable homes in the Pleasantville area of St. John’s.

The two buildings, located at 35 and 37 Janeway Place in Pleasantville, each feature two wheelchair-accessible one-bedroom units on the main level, as well as two one-bedroom units on the second level.

Universal Design features are incorporated throughout the building and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency is also a key element in the design and construction of the buildings.

The units are the result of a combined $1.8 million investment from the Provincial and Federal Governments, including funding under the National Housing Strategy’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Project Stream, Phase 2.

These eight units are the first of 40 NLHC affordable housing units being constructed on Janeway Place, with construction on the remaining 32 units scheduled to begin in spring 2024.

These units are in addition to the 40-unit affordable residential apartment complex that will be constructed nearby on the corner of Charter Avenue and St. John’s Place. This complex will feature one-and two-bedroom units, as well as retail and supportive services space on the ground floor. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2024.

The Provincial Government continues to advance programs and initiatives to increase access to affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes:

• The five-point plan to increase the availability of housing that is affordable. Through targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, this plan will result in upwards of 500 new housing options added to the market; and
• The Affordable Rental Housing Program, an investment of over $80 million to support 91 private and community housing sector projects in constructing approximately 900 new affordable rental housing homes by September 2025.

The Rapid Housing Initiative, delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), provides funding to develop new affordable homes. It covers costs associated with constructing new rental buildings, converting non-residential to affordable multi-unit homes, and rehabilitating buildings in disrepair and/or abandoned into affordable multi-residential homes. These investments made under the Rapid Housing Initiative are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and initiatives that will improve access to safe and affordable housing are crucial to those efforts. These new units feature universal design and accessibility features and will help foster a more positive quality of life for eight individuals or families in our province.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Across this country, there’s an urgent need for more and better-quality housing. This funding provides concrete support here in St. John’s and will help keep people together. In partnership with Indigenous partners and provinces and territories, we are working to build rapid housing in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Our plan is ambitious because access to safe and adequate housing is a human right. It is essential to one’s sense of dignity, safety, and inclusion.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home – a place to live, raise a family, and build a future. As MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, I welcome this new initiative and am pleased to note the special features of universal design that will certainly promote accessibility and inclusivity in our community.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters – Pleasantville

“As we witness the completion of these first housing units as well as others developed through the support of the Rapid Housing Initiative, let’s recognize the profound impact they’ll have on the lives of our fellow residents. With Universal Design features and a focus on energy efficiency, these homes are more than structures; they’re symbols of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and stability for our residents.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

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

National Housing Strategy

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BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts

• The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was launched as a $2.5 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) to help address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians.
• The Government of Canada’s 2022 budget announced an additional investment of $1.5 billion for a third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). This new funding will create up to 4,500 new affordable homes, with at least 25 per cent of funding going towards women-focused projects. This brings the total investment in RHI to $4 billion, which will help build over 15,000 homes in total for people who need them most in this country.
• The Rapid Housing Initiative is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Mapshows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
• As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 and the repair of over 241,133 homes. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.

The post Eight New Homes in St. John’s Highlight Continued Progress on Affordable Housing Development in Newfoundland and Labrador first appeared on News Releases.

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The Provincial Government, along with its community partners, continues its efforts to address homelessness in the province, and is today announcing a partnership between the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services and Clayton Hospitality, a local hotel operator. This partnership will see the hotel, located at 106 Airport Road in St. John’s, used as a transitional supportive living arrangement for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Transitional supportive living provides temporary accommodations with wrap-around supports for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, with the goal of fostering transition to independent permanent housing. This facility includes 140 rooms for use as transitional units and will include designated rooms supported by NL Health Services. Clients will be identified through an intake process and health care services will include harm reduction, community health nursing, case management, mental health and addiction services and social navigation.

The facility will feature on-site personnel, security and a key card system for each individual room, as well as three-times daily meal service. Hotel staff will be joined by a combination of community-based staff, security and health care professionals.

The facility is expected to begin accepting temporary residents in March 2024. The lease agreement provides for a three-year term until December 31, 2026.

The new arrangement complements the important work to date by the St. John’s Homelessness Acute Response Task Force since its establishment in late-November. All individuals staying at the tent encampment have been offered safe and secure placement with wrap-around supports.

Coordinated services continue to be offered and delivered to individuals engaged in the encampment in downtown St. John’s. Through regular visits by partner agencies including the Provincial Government, End Homelessness St. John’s, and NL Health Services, individuals continue to be offered services and medical care, as required.

The NL Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team, which includes nurse practitioners, psychiatric registered nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, addictions counsellors, peer support and outreach staff, continues to be actively engaged in working with the individuals to understand their health needs, including medications and mental health supports.

The task force consists of the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi; His Worship, Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s; and Doug Pawson, Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s. The task force continues to meet with community partners.

Quotes
“We are very pleased that we have advanced another option for those experiencing homelessness in our province. While we recognize there is no one quick solution that will address the complex issues surrounding homelessness, this represents one more opportunity for individuals to have a safe, warm, transitional supportive living arrangement. We continue to work on securing appropriate options for individuals at the Colonial Building site, and all have been offered a safe and secure placement with wrap-around supports.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi

“This transitional supportive housing initiative is another example of how, in working with dedicated community partners, we can find creative solutions to addressing homelessness, providing wrap-around services to meet individual needs while continuing to work toward more permanent housing solutions.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“We are pleased to see a new transitional housing option being made available to support our most vulnerable neighbours. Building upon models from across the country, we know just how important it is to intentionally integrate health, housing and community supports into this new facility. We are hopeful that combining efforts and resources across NL Health Services, NLHC and community partners will deliver better outcomes and be the catalyst for the transformation of the shelter system in St. John’s and beyond.”
Doug Pawson
End Homelessness St. John’s

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Candidate nominations closed at 2:00 p.m. today, January 7, for the Conception Bay East – Bell Island by-election. The four officially nominated candidates are as follows:

Electoral District Name: Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Conception Bay East – Bell Island CHURCHILL, Kim New Democratic Party HARDING, Darryl J. HUTTON, Fred Liberal Party NEARY, Tina Progressive Conservative Party

Advance polls will be open on Monday, January 22, from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

By-election day is Monday, January 29, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

For more information, call the Conception Bay East – Bell Island Returning Office at (709) 781-6430, Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will officially open eight new NLHC affordable housing units in St. John’s on Monday, January 8.

The event will take place at the NL Housing and Homelessness Network Provincial Learning Centre, 77 Charter Avenue, Suite 100, St. John’s, at 10 a.m. Following the announcement, media will be invited to tour one of the completed units, located at 37 Janeway Place.

Minister Pike will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, as well as the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, and His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s.

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As Newfoundland and Labrador enters the early days of 2024, the Year of the Arts officially begins. This year, the province’s rich and vibrant arts and cultural sector and the artists who comprise it will enrich our communities with artistic creation, presentations and marquee events.

Since the Year of the Arts was announced in 2023, the Provincial Government has provided more than $4 million to support and enable projects for the year ahead. Many events are planned, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of Newfoundland and Labrador artists, with more to be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to igniting new inspiration and projects, the Year of the Arts aims to applaud the success of established arts and culturally related events by helping the community enhance them, taking them to the next level. The Year of the Arts also aims to position Newfoundland and Labrador as a creative and cultural hub where artists can live out their dreams of both creating art and making a living doing so.

Quote

“As we step into the Year of the Arts, I look forward to the many incredible celebrations being planned. Newfoundland and Labrador is known the world over for its unique and vibrant artistic identity and 2024 will provide many opportunities for us to show everyone just how special and creative this place is.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more

Premier Furey Announces 2024 as ‘Year of the Arts’

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To support women and children at risk or fleeing violence on the Burin Peninsula, the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments came together today to announce more than $7.5 million to build a shelter for women in Marystown. This investment is aligned with the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of women in the province.

Owned and operated by Grace Sparkes House, the new shelter will have 10 private rooms with 20 beds, with a design that will accommodate single women, women with children and trans women that are in emergency need.

The shelter will have a safe interior space with a fenced-in outdoor courtyard. Security features such as cameras monitored by staff, deadbolts and keycard entry will also be in place. The residents will have access to both an in-suite kitchenette and a communal kitchen, as well as laundry facilities in each wing of the building.

Funding for this project includes:

• $6.7 million in funding through the federal Affordable Housing Fund, Women and Children Stream;
• $40,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s SEED funding;
• $722,000 in funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador;
• $250,845 in funding through Reaching Home – Remote and Rural NL Funding Stream; and
• Land donated by the Town of Marystown.

Construction of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize initiatives that support the safety of women and children at risk of or experiencing violence. From the introduction of Clare’s Law this year to our investment in this new shelter, we are focused on helping women find a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives. In addition to supporting this new build, we will continue to provide $9.1 million annually to support the 10 transition houses provincewide.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Every woman deserves a refuge where their dignity is upheld and their journey to healing is supported. This women’s shelter will not only be a physical haven, but a symbol of our collective dedication to creating a society where every individual can thrive free from violence and fear.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Thanks to today’s announcement, women in Marystown and surrounding areas will soon have safe and affordable housing if they need shelter. It’s through facilities like this one that residents will be able to heal and begin building a promising future for themselves and their families.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista – Burin – Trinity

“In early 2023, the Town of Marystown donated a parcel of land to the Grace Sparkes House for the purpose of building a new state-of-the-art facility in Marystown.  The town is looking forward to seeing a brand-new facility allowing more space to assist those in need with regards to domestic violence.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of the Town of Marystown

“Empowering safety and hope: Our commitment to building a new safe haven for women and children affected by violence shines through with our government and community partners as we secure funding for a new, inclusive shelter.  Providing those who use our services with comfort, safety, privacy and support is paramount during their healing in times of distress and the new physical design of Grace Sparkes House will do just that as it was developed through the vision and suggestions of the women and children who have trusted us with their care and safety over the past 23 years.  Grace Sparkes House is unwavering in our dedication to ensuring that no one suffers in silence or lives in fear, and this initiative represents our collective resolve to provide women and children with a nurturing space to heal and begin living their lives free of violence.”
Lisa Slaney
Executive Director, Grace Sparkes House

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Learn more
$13.6 Million In Federal Funding Announced to Help End Gender-Based Violence in Newfoundland and Labrador

Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act Proclaimed

National Housing Strategy

Housing Funding Initiatives Map

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Canada.ca/housing

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Follow us on X at @GovNL, @WGE_GovNL and @NLHousing

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious 10-year plan that will invest over $82 billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) (previously the National Housing Co-Investment Fund) (NHCF) is a program under the NHS that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
• The AHF is part of Canada’s NHS, an $82-billion-plus plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at https://www.placetocallhome.ca/. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
• As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 units and the repair of over 241,133 units.
• As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the address of this project has not been disclosed due to safety reasons.

The post Provincial and Federal Governments Announce 20 New Shelter Beds for Women in Marystown first appeared on News Releases.

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Minister Howell Announces Recipients of Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced the recipients of this year’s Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants.

To help establish safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, the Provincial Government is providing $12,500 for these grants, shared among 26 public schools this year. The Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants aims to support specific initiatives in schools that are student focused. Schools are recognized for their efforts in achieving safe, caring and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates, and sustaining safe and inclusive communities that celebrates equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

A list of award recipients for 2023 is available in the backgrounder below.

The Department of Education is committed to building an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring, inclusive and healthy learning environments for all students and staff in the K-12 public education system.

Quote
“Our schools strive to provide safe, inclusive and caring environments for students and promote positive learning spaces for them. Congratulations to this year’s recipients. I look forward to hearing about the progress of the initiatives that you are about to embark on in your schools.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Safe and Caring Schools

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 709-691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools

Special Initiatives Grants

Recipients 2023-24

 

School Community Project Title École des Grands-Vents St. John’s Salle de bien-être socio-émotionnel, inclusive et sécuritaire A.P Low Primary

  Labrador City Social and Emotional Learning: Calming Kits St. Lewis Academy

  St. Lewis Drumming Towards Inclusion Jakeman All Grade

  Trout River Shining Students Gros Morne Academy

  Rocky Harbour Live Different Elwood High School

  Deer Lake Calm Room Main River Academy

  Pollard’s Point Comfort In Learning Indian River High School

  Springdale School Positivity through Affirmations Sprucewood Academy

  Grand Falls-Windsor La Diversité: Bringing Diversity in French to Sprucewood Academy Exploits Valley High

  Grand Falls-Windsor Student Help Line Lewisporte Intermediate

  Lewisporte Wellness Room Conrad Fitzgerald Academy

  English Harbour West Stitched Together Gander Elementary

  Gander Wellness Room Expansion Holy Cross School

  Eastport Wellness Wednesdays Acreman Elementary

  Green’s Harbour/Dildo Play and Learn Project Persalvic Elementary

  Victoria Celebration Corner Cabot Academy

  Western Bay Growing Our Minds at Cabot All Hallows Elementary

  North River All Hallows Healthy Minds Holy Cross Elementary

  Holyrood Creating Mindfulness through Safe and Inclusive Co-Curricular Learning Queen Elizabeth Regional High

  Foxtrap Comfort Corner Paradise Intermediate

  Paradise Intergenerational Learning at PI Octagon Pond Elementary

  Paradise Sarge’s Squad (Student Leadership) St. Augustine’s Elementary

  Wabana, Bell Island Empowerment Walkway St. Teresa’s School

  St. John’s Collaboration Quilt Macdonald Drive Junior High

  St. John’s Coming Together St. Kevin’s High School

  Goulds Diversity in the LRC

 

The post Minister Howell Announces Recipients of Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants first appeared on News Releases.

The post Minister Howell Announces Recipients of Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will announce funding for a new women’s emergency shelter in Marystown tomorrow (Thursday, January 4).

The event will take place at the Marystown Summer Games Building, 2A Harris Drive, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The ministers will join Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. Also participating will be His Worship Brian Keating, Mayor of the Town of Marystown, and Lisa Slaney, Executive Director of Grace Sparkes House.

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The post Media Advisory: Ministers Pike and Parsons to Announce Funding for New Women’s Emergency Shelter in Marystown first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Pike and Parsons to Announce Funding for New Women’s Emergency Shelter in Marystown appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has completed the integration of the former Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.

The NLSchools brand will now represent the K-12 English public school system in Newfoundland and Labrador. All school-facing functions (including the daily operations of schools), teacher hiring and allocation, and school transportation remain unchanged.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will undertake new responsibilities, which include the daily operations of student transportation, as well as supporting maintenance services to school facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Integration allows staff from the former school district and from government to work together to support improved educational outcomes in a more unified way. Aligning program and curriculum development and enhancing service delivery will improve the education experience and help students excel.

The Provincial Government has taken additional actions to improve the educational experience of students in K-12 public education. These include:

• Embarking on a transformative educational process to review and evolve the K-12 educational curriculum;
• Developing and implementing a Grade 10 literacy and numeracy assessment by 2025 to ensure that students have the expected mathematics knowledge and skills as they leave the K-12 public education system;
• Continuing to promote the new STELLAR Program which promotes professional learning opportunities for educators in mathematics education;
• Implementing the Newfoundland and Labrador Standards of Practice for Mathematics Teaching which is designed to promote excellence among math teachers through professional learning, engaging in reflection on practice, and working collaboratively with others in mathematics teaching;
• Phasing out the 1.6 kilometre rule to access school bus services; and,
• Allocating over $127 million through Budget 2023 to educational infrastructure, including new schools in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Cartwright and Kenmount Terrace in St. John’s, to support modern learning environments.

The Department of Education worked closely with the English School District, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association, NAPE and CUPE throughout the integration process to support a seamless transition.

Quotes
“The integration process has been years in the making and will now support a more collaborative and efficient K-12 English public education system. I thank the many people who worked diligently during this process, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association and staff within the Department of Education and former Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. I look forward to our continued work together to support a high-quality education system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Our government is committed to ensuring that students have the support and resources required to be successful in school. I look forward to our department’s new role which includes daily operations, maintenance and support to student transportation and learning institutions across our province. We recognize that these integration policies will benefit higher learning and advance modern and inclusive spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador students.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Teachers Think Tank to be Held in New Year to Inform Recruitment and Retention Initiatives

Provincial Government Introduces Proposed Amendments to the Schools Act

Provincial Government to Introduce New Model of Assessment and Evaluation for High School Students

Applications Available for New STELLAR Program for Mathematics Educators in K-12

Provincial Government Phasing Out 1.6 Kilometre School Bus Policy

The post Provincial Government Completes Integration of English School District first appeared on News Releases.

The post Provincial Government Completes Integration of English School District appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-053 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-053 Report Date: December 29, 2023 Public Body: Department of Finance Summary: The Complainant made an access request to the Department of Finance for records relating to the planning for the release of the Office of the Auditor General’s report on Memorial University. The Department responded that it had no responsive records other than those that had been provided and published in response to an earlier request. The Complainant filed a complaint, arguing that the Department had not conducted a reasonable search under section 13 (duty to assist the applicant) and that the redactions made to the previously published records were inappropriate. On review the Commissioner found that the Department had conducted a reasonable search for records, and that the exceptions were properly applied. The Commissioner recommended that the Department need not conduct a further search, and that it continue to withhold the information.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-053 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-053 Released appeared first on News Releases.

Today, Mr. Travis Wooley, Chief Electoral Officer (Acting) of Newfoundland and Labrador, issued an election writ to the Returning Officer for the District of Conception Bay East-Bell Island. The by-election will take place on Monday, January 29, 2024.

The following key dates apply to this election:

• Election Day – Monday, January 29. Polls will be open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.
• Advance Poll – Monday, January 22. Polls will be open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.
• Deadline for Candidate Nominations – Sunday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m.

All times listed above are half an hour earlier in most of Labrador.

Electors are encouraged to visit the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador website (www.elections.gov.nl.ca) for information pertaining to voting qualifications, Election Day voting locations, Advance Poll locations, Special Ballot voting, and more.

Inquiries can also be made by calling Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or local at 709-729-0712.

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

The post Election Writ Issued for Conception Bay East-Bell Island By-Election first appeared on News Releases.

The post Election Writ Issued for Conception Bay East-Bell Island By-Election appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, is pleased to announce the province’s newest appointments to the King’s Counsel.

The honourary title of King’s Counsel recognizes senior lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. These lawyers have served a minimum of 10 years as a member of the bar, have gained the respect of the legal community and are in good standing with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Appointments are made after consultation with the Legal Appointments Board as outlined in the Queen’s Counsel Act.

Those appointed to King’s Counsel are: Philip J. Buckingham, Anna Cook, Amy M. Crosbie, John Duggan, Ann Florence Martin, Kathleen M. O’Neill, Nicholas Whalen and Rodney Zdebiak. Biographies of each appointee can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Being appointed King’s Counsel is a testament to a lawyer’s esteemed contributions to their profession and selfless community building that benefit all of us in Newfoundland and Labrador. I offer sincere congratulations to the appointees and look forward to what we will see next from these learned and purposeful individuals.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @JPS_GovNL.

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies for King’s Counsel Appointees

Philip J. Buckingham
Philip J. Buckingham is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.A., 1986) and the University Of Saskatchewan College of Law (LL.B., 1989). He was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador and enrolled as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1990.

He was an adjudicator on the Mental Health Review Board, a former Canadian Representative on the International Rugby Board Judicial Panel, and currently sits as a member of The Law Society’s disciplinary panel. He has contributed to Carswell’s Annual Civil Litigation Review, spoken at various conferences on matters of insurance, and for many years was an instructor in Civil Procedure at the Law Society’s Bar Admissions Course. He is recognized by Lexpert and Benchmark Litigation as a leading practitioner in the areas of insurance and commercial litigation.

He appears regularly before the Superior Courts of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Federal Courts of Canada and has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Anna Cook
Anna is a partner in the St. John’s office of Cox & Palmer. She was admitted to the Newfoundland and Labrador bar in 2000, after earning an undergraduate degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.A. (English, French) 1995) and her law degree from Dalhousie University (LL.B. 1999).

Anna has an extensive and dynamic corporate and commercial practice, advising a broad and diverse group of clients ranging from small business startups to large multinational and international corporations. Anna handles commercial financings, commercial real estate, share sales, asset sales, mergers and acquisitions. As an offshoot of this, Anna has developed specialized expertise in the business matters relating to the fishing industry in this province, representing fishers, processors and lenders as they deal with enterprise sales, financing and regulatory matters.

Anna’s corporate and commercial clients also benefit from her experience in privacy law compliance and access to information requests, both on the federal and provincial level. Anna’s clients appreciate not only her sound and practical advice and counsel, but also her solution-focused approach, her timeliness and responsiveness.

Amy M. Crosbie
Amy M. Crosbie is a partner with Curtis Dawe Lawyers with over 27 years of litigation experience in range of practice areas. She completed a B.Sc.(Biology) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1992 and a LL.B from the University of New Brunswick in 1995.

Ms. Crosbie’s litigation practice includes construction law, natural resource and energy law, family law and media law.  She has, over the past 27 years, appeared before all levels of court in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Federal Court of Canada and numerous regulatory and administrative bodies, including commissions of inquiry.

Ms. Crosbie was peer-selected for inclusion in 2022 and 2023 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada for her work in energy regulatory law, defamation and media law and family law.  She is a member of the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), the Canadian Energy Law Foundation and the Canadian Media Lawyers Association on which she previously served as the Atlantic Canadian representative. She served two four year terms as a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a past Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Crime Stoppers and was appointed an Honourary Life Member of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee after serving for over 10 years as a committee and executive member.

Amy lives in St. John’s with her husband Gary Squires and their teenage children, Kate and Andrew.

John Duggan
John attended Dalhousie Law School in 1988 graduating in 1991. He articled with the late Barry Heywood then with the late Judge Gloria Harding at the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission. Upon his call to the bar on April 8, 1992, John remained with the Legal Aid Commission as a staff solicitor then went on to become the first Area Director for the St. John’s office for approximately four years then as Deputy Director – Legal until his retirement in June 2013.

John continued with his legal career as a sole practitioner with concentrations on criminal, family, and civil litigation. John also acts as a crown agent and as amicus curie when requested to do so.

Since the early days of his legal career, he had a keen interest in therapeutic justice, believing that treating the person was the best approach to ensuring a reduction in repeat offenses. John prepared the first funding submission for the creation of the present mental health court then continued with this work until the court was operational. John was then appointed by the Legal Aid Commission to the steering committee for the creation of the family violence intervention court and remained there until this court was operational.

John was also appointed to function as co-chair for the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the creation of a Drug Treatment Court in Newfoundland and Labrador. John continued this work on a volunteer basis for over two years until this court also became operational.

John has been married to his wife Debbie for over forty-six years where they reside in St. John’s and Charleston, Bonavista Bay.

Ann Florence Martin
Ann Florence Martin was born in St. John’s and attended school in Ferryland, St. John’s and Carbonear. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Hons (1986) from Memorial University, receiving the gold medal for French Language Arts. After teaching in France for a year, she attended McGill University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 1990. She articled at Martin Whalen Hennebury Stamp and practiced law there after being called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1991.

Ms. Martin first joined WorkplaceNL, the provincial workers’ compensation board, as Legal Counsel in 1995 and in 2006 was appointed General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In 2023, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer for WorkplaceNL.

Ms. Martin’s career has focused on delivering legal, policy and other corporate services within Newfoundland and Labrador’s workers’ compensation system, participating as a member of the senior management team and providing legal and governance advice to the Board of Directors, as well as representing WorkplaceNL before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and administrative tribunals.

Ms. Martin was elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2013 and served on the insurance committee, the complaints authorization committee, the executive committee and as president from 2020-2021. Ms. Martin is an Honorary Bencher and continues to serve as a member of the code of professional conduct review committee and the fitness to practice committee.

Ms. Martin is married to John J. Harris K.C. and mother to Amelia, Sarah and John.

Kathleen (Kate) M. O’Neill
Kate O’Neill was born and raised in St. John’s. She commenced her university studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and concluded her studies in French, with a minor in English Literature, at L’Université Laval with a Bachelière ès Arts.  She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Communications at University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Laws at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Kate began her legal career with O’Reilly, Noseworthy as a summer student in 1998 and has continued to work with that firm and its successors, now Cox & Palmer, since her call to the Bar in 2001.  She was called to the Nova Scotia Bar and practised in Halifax for a short period before returning to her home in St. John’s.  Over that time, Kate’s practice has focused on civil, insurance, and commercial litigation, as well as employment and labour law, including formal training as a workplace investigator.  She represents her clients before all levels of court in the province, as well as in arbitrations, professional disciplinary matters, and at the labour board and Human Rights Commission.

Kate has been a partner with Cox & Palmer since 2008, having served on the management committee of the firm, and acting as a member of the recruitment and diversity and inclusion Committees. She is a director of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers.  Additionally, she is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and Canadian Defence Lawyers, and has been recognized in the Best Lawyers in Canada and Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for her work in personal injury law, commercial litigation, and employment and labour.  She is a senior member of the Cox & Palmer insurance group, which was recognized in 2022 as law firm of the year for insurance law by The Best Lawyers™ in Canada.

Kate is proud of and inspired by her long-time work as a member of the board of directors of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. She is kept happily busy on adventures with her husband, Robert Evans, and her family, Maggie, Siân, Lucy, Jake and grandson, Sullivan.

Nicholas Whalen
Nick Whalen was born and raised in St. John’s, graduating from Bishops College in 1991 as class valedictorian.  He first studied and trained to be an engineer at Queen’s University, B.Sc.(eng) ’96, M.Sc.(eng) ’98, earning the D.S. Elliott Memorial Award for contribution by an engineering student to Queen’s University in athletics, academics and extra-curricular activities.  While studying engineering, Nick spent three summers in Gratkorn, Austria with Philips Semiconductors, before deciding to pursue a career in patent law.

Nick’s legal education at McGill University, was supported by a Newfoundland and Labrador Law Foundation Scholarship and a McGill Law School National Programme Entrance Scholarship. While at law school, Nick was awarded the Patricia Allen Award for outstanding contribution to the faculty.

Being unable to train as a patent agent in Newfoundland at the time, Nick undertook articles with Deeth Williams Wall LLP, in Toronto, where he specialized in intellectual property and technology law, and was first called to the Ontario bar in 2002.   He was then called to the New York State bar in 2005 and qualified as a patent agent in 2007.  From 2007 until 2009, he worked Stikeman Elliott in Toronto, where he practiced primarily in mergers and acquisitions for technology companies.

Nick and his wife, Dr. Sarah Noble, finally moved home in 2009 to raise their children, Sophie and Isaac. Nick was called to the bar in Newfoundland and Labrador in May 2009, and practiced law with the firm McInnes Cooper, being named a partner in July 2011.

From November 2015 until October 2019, Nick was the Member of Parliament for the Riding of St. John’s East. In addition to duties in the House of Commons and in his riding, Nick served as chair of the Atlantic Liberal Caucus, chair of the House of Commons standing committee on citizenship and immigration and as a member of the House of Commons standing committees on natural resources and government operations and estimates.

After politics, Nick joined Benson Buffett PLC Inc. as counsel in the practice of law, and Deeth Williams Wall LLP for the prosecution of patent and trademarks as a registered agent.

Since 2012, Nick has been recognized by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Canada for intellectual property, information technology and technology Law.

Rodney Zdebiak
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Rod completed a Bachelor of Arts (with distinction) at the University of Manitoba in 1987, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University in 1992. While attending Dalhousie, he served as a student member of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (1989-1992). After graduation, Rod and his spouse Wendy, moved to St. John’s, where Rod began articles at the St. John’s office of Stewart McKelvey. He was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1993 and became a partner at Stewart McKelvey in January 2000.

Rod practices primarily in the areas of insurance litigation and education law. Other areas of practice include real estate and municipal law.

In the 1990’s, Rod was a member of the Canadian Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Conference, and went on to become the Newfoundland and Labrador chair. Rod continues to be a member of the Canadian Bar Association, and in 2022, he was the recipient of the Honourable Robert Wells, QC Award, which recognizes outstanding public service and commitment to community and charitable causes.

From 2005 to 2018, Rod was a member of the Canadian Association for the Practical Study of Law and Education (CAPSLE), a nation-wide resource for those in the field of education law. In addition to attending annual meetings, Rod twice presented to CAPSLE on the topics of school closures and school re-organizations.

Rod was appointed as a bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2017 to fill a vacancy and has since been twice re-elected. As a bencher, Rod has served on the discipline committee and acted as chair of the insurance committee. Rod currently serves on the code of professional conduct review committee and is the chair of the complaints authorization committee.

In 2015 Rod was appointed to the board of commissioners for Legal Aid NL. He currently sits on the board of commissioners human resources sub-committee and is the chair of the appeal board. Since 2018 Rod has taught a portion of the civil procedure section of the bar admissions course. In 2023, Rod was appointed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission

Throughout his career, Rod has also volunteered his time and expertise to charitable organizations outside the legal community. In the 1990s, he was a member of the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, an organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness. He also served on the board of directors of the Newfoundland Society for the Physically Disabled (now known as Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador) until 2010, and from 2006 – 2007 was vice-president. In addition to governance issues, he was involved in re-drafting the by-laws of the organization. Since 2003, he has served on the board of directors for Computers for Schools NL, an organization that provides students, non-profit organizations and families with computers and related technologies. He is also co-chair of the board of directors for Sound Arts Initiatives, which produces musical festivals, symphonies and concerts that celebrate music and sound in St. John’s and an organization for which he as volunteered in various capacities for over 30 years.

The post Minister Hogan Announces King’s Counsel Appointments first appeared on News Releases.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today announced the first Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Plan for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.

The Accessibility Act requires all public entities, including the Provincial Government; agencies, boards and commissions; provincial courts; public and private educational institutions; Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services; and municipalities, to prepare and make accessibility plans public by December 31, 2023.

Accessibility plans are intended to help address the prevention, identification and removal of barriers in policies, programs and practices of public entities in collaboration with the community of and for persons with disabilities.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Accessibility Plan aims to promote and foster equity in order to build a more accessible and inclusive province. This plan was informed by contributions of key stakeholders including persons with disabilities, representatives from the Network of Disability Organizations, and all Provincial Government departments.

A copy of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Plan 2024-26 can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/accessibility-act/.

Quote
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring all policy and legislative work is grounded in the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’ We value the input of persons with disabilities, members of the Network of Disability Organizations, and departments across government for helping to inform the development of our government’s first accessibility plan. This new plan is a living document that will continue to evolve as we progress toward full inclusion and accessibility.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Accessibility Act

Provincial Government Provides Update on Accessibility Plans

Provincial Government Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Proclaims New Accessibility Legislation 

Follow us on X @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

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Effective immediately, a bridge located at the 2.7 kilometre mark on the Squid Cove Resource Road is closed to all vehicle, ATV, snowmobile and pedestrian traffic until further notice.

Forestry officials have identified structural damage to the bridge making it unsafe for public use. Warning signage is posted and the bridge is marked with yellow caution ribbon.

Squid Cove Resource Road is located approximately 3.5 kilometres south of the community of Castors River.

For additional information, contact the Roddickton Forest Management Office at: 709-457-2300.

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The post Public Advisory: Squid Cove Resource Road Bridge Closed Until Further Notice first appeared on News Releases.

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