Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce that the tentative collective agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) has been ratified. The association represents approximately 6,500 educators and administrators across the province.

The Provincial Government and NLTA worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement that reflects both the value we place on our educators throughout the province and the goals and objectives of improving student outcomes as we integrate the education system into the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• A two per cent wage increase each year for four years (2022-2026);
• A one-time teacher recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Wage recognition to ensure competitiveness;
• Recruitment and retention incentives for teachers in rural and remote regions of the province;
• Improvements in recruitment processes for the timely selection of teachers prior to the start of the academic school year;
• An additional report card day to assist teachers in managing workload;
• Agreement to review the responsive teaching and learning model; and
• Modernization of the definitions of harassment and discrimination.

To date, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated most of its collective agreements with its public sector unions, encompassing nearly 37,000 public service employees. As collective bargaining continues with a number of public service unions, the Provincial Government is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful negotiations.

Quotes
“I am pleased that the educators and administrators who make up the membership of the NLTA have ratified this collective agreement. The negotiating teams from government and the NLTA engaged in fair and respectful negotiations throughout the bargaining process. I thank everyone for their collaboration in reaching an agreement that benefits not only our teachers but the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“I am very pleased that the agreement has been ratified, as collaboration is integral to a strong education system. We will continue to work on further initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of educators in the province. I look forward to continued dialogue with the NLTA to ensure that we are supporting teachers and administrators to provide a high-quality educational experience for students.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Reaches Tentative Collective Agreement with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association

Provincial Government and Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government Highlights Ratified Collective Agreements with CUPE

Provincial Government and NAPE Sign Collective Agreements

Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement

 

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

During a hybrid (in-person and zoom) ceremony today at Government House in St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission presented the 2023 Human Rights Award. The Human Rights Award is presented annually in celebration of International Human Rights Day. It recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

We are pleased to announce that the 2023 Human Rights Award was presented to Courtney Clarke. Courtney received an original painting by Grenfell Visual Arts student, Grace Prince.

Courtney Clarke (she/her) is from Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove (PHMC) and currently lives in Mount Pearl. She has been actively involved in the province’s community sector for most of her life. Whether it’s her work in violence prevention, gender parity in politics, accessibility, or economic well-being, Courtney brings an intersectional, trauma-informed approach to the work that she does.

In her early twenties, she was a Project Manager of an entrepreneurial bootcamp for veterans called Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur with Prince’s Charities Canada, through Enactus Memorial, and spent time volunteering on local arts, heritage and museum committees with her father in her hometown. When COVID-19 began and before NL had a provincial domestic abuse hotline, Courtney, while chairing Violence Prevention Avalon East (VPAE), helped the organization launch Unsafe at Home; a domestic abuse support platform supporting 100+ crisis calls from individuals isolated with abusers. They then partnered with Spirit Horse NL to provide free equestrian-based counselling to 500+ survivors, called Stable & Safe. A survivor of gender-based violence, herself, Courtney established the Jane Doe Graduate Award in Anti-Violence Research at Memorial University to support local researchers.

Chairing Equal Voice NL, Courtney helps women and gender diverse individuals get elected to all levels and parties of government. Through this role, she also sits on the NL Premier’s Roundtable for Gender Equity. In January 2022, she helped Equal Voice co-author a study on sexual harassment in Canada’s legislative Provincial & Federal Assemblies for the Justice of Canada and looks for any opportunity to advance gender parity in the system. Re-elected for a second term as a Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union (NLCU), Courtney represents the financial interests of 20,000+ members. Also passionate about accessibility, Courtney was able to fundraise over $1-million dollars towards accessibility advancements across all regions of NL, between 2019 and 2021. In January 2023, Courtney was appointed to the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Also at today’s ceremony, Dome Lombeida and Émile Sopkowe were named Human Rights Champions. The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year it was awarded to two recipients.

Dome Lombeida (they/them) is a queer migrant settler from Guayaquil, Ecuador who first came into St. John’s in 2017 as an international student and since has worked with different Refugee, Migrant and Social Justice Organizations. They hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and have experience with anti-colonial and feminist science practices. Dome actively volunteers and works closely with 2SLGBTQIA+ community like their research work with Quadrangle NL in the barriers to healthcare and their work with 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer Group formed by the YWCA, as well as being part of the Project Advisory Committee working on the LGBTQ+ Newcomer Settlement and Integration in NL. They are very passionate about hosting and creating community spaces for those with intersectional oppressions and hope to see a better future for those folks in NL.

Émile Sopkowe (they/them/iel) is a trans and queer teacher who has made 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion a keystone of their pedagogical approach. Driven by a desire to create equitable, inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ educators, students, and their families, their passion for advocacy and change led to the creation of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Special Interest Council (GSDSIC) of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) in 2020, of which they are now Vice-President.  Throughout Émile’s career, they established Gender and Sexuality alliance groups in multiple schools in both the English and francophone school districts,  provided countless 2SLBGTQ+ professional development sessions for their colleagues and for NLESD and provincial educational leaders, and worked extensively in the area of restorative justice. In 2022, Émile was honoured with the Barnes Award, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association’s highest award for professional development and curriculum work. In addition to their work within the education system, Émile is devoted to volunteering with diverse community organizations outside of education, and is also the Trans Youth Group facilitator with Parents of Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Kids NL.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission recognizes and sincerely thanks all those who nominated individuals for the 2023 Human Rights Award. The Commissioners had a challenging time deciding this year’s Human Rights Award and Human Rights Champion recipients. Congratulations again to all 8 of the short-listed nominees.

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Learn more
For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission can be followed on Twitter and/or Instagram @nlhumanrights.

Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
hilaryhennessey@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, will attend the annual Port de Grave boat lighting on behalf of the Provincial Government tomorrow (Friday, December 8.)

The event takes place at the Port de Grave Wharf beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be available to the media tomorrow (Friday, December 8) to discuss the province’s participation in the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The availability will take place outside the House of Assembly beginning at 11:30 a.m.

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Federal, provincial and territorial privacy authorities, including Newfoundland and Labrador’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, have launched a set of principles to advance the responsible, trustworthy and privacy-protective development and use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Canada.

The authorities introduced the principles during an international symposium on privacy and generative AI that was hosted in Ottawa by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

While AI presents potential benefits across many domains and in everyday life, the regulators note that there are also risks and potential harms to privacy, data protection, and other fundamental human rights if these technologies are not properly developed and regulated.

Public bodies and custodians of personal health information in Newfoundland and Labrador have a responsibility to ensure that their use of AI complies with existing privacy laws, however those privacy laws will likely prove inadequate to effectively protect the public interest. Governments in Canada and around the world have begun to recognize this, and many have begun to enact specific laws and legislative amendments that are meant to address the unique challenges of AI. Commissioner Michael Harvey stated:

Artificial Intelligence is already embedded within some of the products and services we use, and governments and health care bodies will certainly want to harness the power and potential of AI in Newfoundland and Labrador for the benefit of citizens. It is important that there be laws in place to ensure that privacy and ethical considerations are appropriately addressed. We have made recommendations to government to amend both the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and the Personal Health Information Act to ensure that AI programs are appropriately assessed during their development, and that these assessments are subject to oversight from both a data ethics and privacy perspective.

The joint document launched by privacy regulators lays out how key privacy principles apply when developing, providing, or using generative AI models, tools, products and services. These include:

• Establishing legal authority for collecting and using personal information, and when relying on consent ensuring that it is valid and meaningful;
• Being open and transparent about the way information is used and the privacy risks involved;
• Making AI tools explainable to users;
• Developing safeguards for the protection of privacy rights; and
• Limiting the sharing of personal, sensitive or confidential information.

Developers are also urged to take into consideration the unique impact that these tools can have on vulnerable groups, including children.

The document provides examples of best practices, including implementing “privacy by design” into the development of the tools, and the labelling content created by generative AI.

Principles for Responsible, Trustworthy and Privacy-Protective Generative AI Technologies

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

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The Provincial Government has reached the next phase to establish an integrated ambulance service with a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a proponent to design, manage, and operate a single, integrated road and air ambulance service in the province. An integrated ambulance service was a key recommendation of Health Accord NL and will further modernize the province’s health care system.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to speak to media about the RFP today (Thursday, December 7), outside the House of Assembly, Confederation Building, beginning at 2:30 p.m. He will be joined by Cassie Chisholm, VP Transformation – Health Systems, NL Health Services.

The successful proponent will be responsible for managing the program, staff, and budget on behalf of the provincial health authority, and planning to ensure efficient operations as part of the contract. NL Health Services will employ paramedicine staff.

When the contract is awarded, additional employees will be required. The Provincial Government and NL Health Services anticipate that all ambulance staff currently employed with private and community operators will be offered employment.

In the future, all aviation services related to medivac are to be contracted and all medical flight staff will remain with the public health system. While air services employees will be offered employment in public service positions that they are qualified for, the successful proponent will also be required to make offers of employment in available positions to any impacted Department of Transportation and Infrastructure air services employees identified by the Provincial Government.

Submissions are due in early 2024 and the successful proponent will be required to:

• Provide clinical and operational management staff;
• Manage the dispatch for all emergency calls, routine medical transfers, and non-medical transfers throughout a single, integrated road and air ambulance system;
• Manage the road ambulance base infrastructure and determine the optimal positioning and deployment of road ambulances;
• Implement a ten-year plan to upskill and transition the paramedicine workforce to a minimum of Primary Care Paramedic certification, allowing emergency medical responders to become a part of the public service, including non-medical transports; and
• Work with government and NL Health Services to implement a long-term plan for developing a province-wide helicopter emergency medical service.

Budget 2023 allocated $9 million to begin the consolidation of 60 separate road ambulance services into a single, integrated service with a centralized approach.

More details on the RFP, tenders, and other requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“This integration is a significant undertaking and the right move for government, for people who rely on ambulance services, and for the people providing the services. This is all a part of our plan to make ambulance services better for residents and everyone involved. Improved wages and benefits will lead to a greater retention of ambulance staff under the new system and we look forward to seeing the new service begin in 2024.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Change in paramedicine services in this Province is long overdue. We have been guided by and challenged by Health Accord NL to put in place an integrated network that enables new ways of delivering better healthcare to patients and residents who rely on medical transportation and emergency services. Releasing this RFP is a critical step towards realizing that vision.
Cassie Chisholm, VP – Transformation, Health Systems
NL Health Services

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be available to speak to the media today (Thursday, December 7) regarding a meeting held with the organizers of the tent encampment.

Minister Abbott will be joined by His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s, and Doug Pawson, Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s.

The availability will begin at 1:15 p.m. outside of the End Homelessness St. John’s office at 16 Forest Road, St. John’s.

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission will present the 9th annual Human Rights Award at a ceremony happening today (Thursday, December 7th). The event begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Government House in St. John’s.

The 2023 Human Rights Award recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in the province.

To request a link to the ceremony, please email Hilary Hennessey at hilaryhennessey@gov.nl.ca. For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

You can also follow us on Twitter & Instagram @nlhumanrights

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Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
hilaryhennessey@gov.nl.ca

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The 37th annual Winter Lights Across Canada celebration will take place tomorrow (Thursday, December 7), beginning at 5:30 p.m. in St. John’s in the lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will join a local family from Chalker Place to activate the lights on Confederation Hill.

This event will be hosted by Gerri Lynn Mackey of VOCM and entertainment will be provided by Sarah Loveys, Bishop Feild Elementary Grade 4 Choir, and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band.

The Winter Lights Across Canada celebration is an annual event where each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony. The initiative contributes to a nationwide effort to symbolically link Canadians together for the holiday season.

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Energy systems across the world are rapidly transforming, and offshore wind development will create sustainable jobs and help power Canada’s economy. With the longest coastlines in the world, Canada is well positioned to become a global leader in the $1-trillion global offshore wind energy market, particularly in Atlantic Canada.

Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on offshore wind to enable Newfoundland and Labrador to take the regulatory lead on offshore wind projects within its inland bays to enable the development of offshore wind projects in Newfoundland and Labrador that will power the province’s economy forward. They were joined by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister responsible for Labour and Seniors.

The MOU establishes a clear process for Newfoundland and Labrador to administer land tenure and life-cycle regulation. Recognizing that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has ambitious growth plans and wants to move ahead quickly, this agreement will allow the province to dictate the speed and pace of development in the bays. With the predictable and efficient approach presented by the MOU, our governments are sending a direct signal to investors, workers and communities that Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are collaborating to unlock offshore renewable energy development within provincial bays while affirming our shared commitment to joint management under the Atlantic Accord Acts as part of a thriving and sustainable offshore energy sector in the province.

The MOU outlines the framework for Newfoundland and Labrador to administer land tenure and life-cycle regulation, including revenues for offshore renewable energy projects within provincial bays. The MOU announced today is made possible by Bill C-49, which establishes the legislative framework for offshore wind in the joint-management areas. Land tenure and life-cycle regulation of existing offshore energy activity, as well as offshore renewable energy projects located beyond the bays, will be regulated by the Offshore Energy Regulator, according to the authorities set out under the Atlantic Accord Acts and as amended by Bill C-49. This approach builds on our long-standing commitment to collaboration with our joint management partners, including through Bill C-49 and the Regional Assessments for Offshore Wind Development in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Together, Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are taking another important step forward to ensure a thriving offshore energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, while contributing to our shared goal of creating sustainable jobs, developing a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and developing a net-zero economy in 2050.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in renewable energy resources that make us well positioned to meet our net-zero targets, mitigate the impacts of climate change and grow clean energy jobs and economic development. Our government will continue to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the principal beneficiaries of our valuable resources. This MOU recognizes waters within provincial bays and will expedite the development of renewable energy in our province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Newfoundland and Labrador have incredible offshore wind potential, and Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are seizing this economic opportunity. Today’s agreement with the province furthers our ability to attract investments and create good-paying jobs in Newfoundland’s offshore by establishing a framework to enable the province to move ahead with its ambitious renewable energy development plans. Combined with significant federal investments in renewable energy and our work to strengthen the Accord Acts, we are furthering Canada’s commitment to build a strong and attractive renewable energy sector in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades to come.”
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“This MOU allows the province to continue to move forward with the development of renewable energy while providing clarity and certainty around the land that is jointly managed and that is within provincial bays.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The world has taken notice of Newfoundland and Labrador’s incredible natural resources and our dedicated workforce. This agreement positions our province as a supplier of choice for the net-zero future and secures good jobs for workers across our province.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the principal beneficiary of our resources in the offshore oil and gas industry. We want to do the same for offshore wind. This MOU and amendments to the Atlantic Accords will help our Province lead the world in offshore renewable energy.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan,
Minister of Labour and Seniors

“This MOU between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador marks an important step toward catalyzing an offshore wind industry in the province. With a Regional Assessment of offshore wind underway, green hydrogen facilities under development and now this MOU, Newfoundland is laying a strong foundation for a locally driven offshore wind sector. Marine Renewables Canada looks forward to working with both governments and its members throughout the offshore wind supply chain to advance this promising industry.”
Elisa Obermann
Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada

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Learn more
Memorandum of Understanding 

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Daniel’s Harbour Marine Terminal                                                        (Reg. 2278)
Proponent: Shawn Perry

The Proponent is proposing to develop 15 hectares of land in Daniel’s Harbour. The land would be used for forage production and pastureland for sheep and cattle. Development would include clearing of vegetation, stumps and stones as well as the construction of a fence. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 5, 2023; the deadline for public comment is January 10, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by January 19, 2024.

Cooper Cove Marine Terminal Expansion                                         (Reg. 2279)
Proponent: Port of Argentia

The Proponent is proposing to expand the existing marine terminal located at Argentia Harbour to address the lack of wharf space and quayside infrastructure to enhance berthage and cargo flow. The expansion would include a roll-on-roll-off ramp to streamline vessel loading and increased storage to support cargo activities. A phased approach spanning 29 months is proposed and construction would include seabed dredging, armour stone shoreline protection and infilling. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 6, 2023; the deadline for public comment is January 10, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by January 20, 2024.

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_December-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be forwarded to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project Proponent.

 

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, will bring greetings at a ceremony to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the recipients of Empower Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual Independent Living Awards, today (Tuesday, December 5).

The ceremony takes place at 3:00 p.m. at Government House, 50 Military Road, St. John’s.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-051 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-2023-051 Report Date: December 1, 2023 Public Body: The House of Assembly Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the House of Assembly for records relating to the planning for the release of the Office of the Auditor General report on Memorial University. The House of Assembly advised the Complainant the day after the request was submitted, that it had no access to the records of the Office of the Auditor General as it was its own independent statutory office. The Complainant asserted that the House of Assembly likely has access to the material requested and was obligated to perform a thorough search related to their request and the quick response from the House of Assembly suggested it had not met its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of ATIPPA, 2015. This Office confirmed that the House of Assembly did meet its duty to assist and that the length of time for a response is not determinative as to whether the statutory duty is met. The quick response was appropriate and a benefit to the Complainant.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, was pleased to raise the United Nations flag at Confederation Building and recognize December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The United Nations annually observes this day to build awareness and understanding of issues concerning persons with disabilities and to mobilize support to protect their dignity, rights and well-being. This year’s theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities.”

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to building a more inclusive and accessible province and ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone to participate fully in society. Following the principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” the Provincial Government’s Accessibility Act, continues to work to improve accessibility and inclusion by identifying, preventing and removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full participation in society.

Under this legislation, the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board was established in 2022 to develop priorities for the establishment of accessibility standards. Earlier this year, an Expression of Interest was opened for membership to the new Accessible Customer Service Standard Development Committee.

The Accessibility Act also requires public entities to prepare and make public accessibility plans that will help to address the prevention, identification and removal of barriers in policies, programs and practices of public entities within two years of the legislation coming into force.

In accordance with this requirement, public entities including the Provincial Government; agencies, boards and commissions; provincial courts; public and private educational institutions; public school boards; Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services; and municipalities, are responsible for making the initial Accessibility Plans public by December 31, 2023.

Quotes
“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to recognize and celebrate persons with disabilities and their important contributions throughout our province. We are making important strides towards removing barriers for persons with disabilities and building a more inclusive and accessible province for all.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day that aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains received from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. As development and implementation of accessibility plans and accessibility standards unfold, we look forward to our continued collaboration to creating a barrier-free Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kathy Hawkins, Executive Director
Empower, The Disability Resource Centre

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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 

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To address gaps and deficiencies in cellular service infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a Call for Proposals to cellular providers. This follows an Expression of Interest (EOI) from communities who wish to be considered for improved cellular service, which closed in September 2023.

A listing of communities identified during the Expressions of Interest will be given to service providers interested in submitting proposals during the Call for Proposals phase of the initiative. The list of communities will be reviewed and technical commentary provided on solution feasibility and the potential of enhancing coverage in the noted areas. Service providers interested in submitting proposals and receiving a list of EOIs received from communities/regions can get more information in the backgrounder below.

After the close of the Call for Proposals from providers, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology will review each community EOI in relation to cellular service provider’s proposed solutions and interests. Based on best-fit solutions, providers may be invited to submit an application for funding for a cellular enhancement project in a number of communities, as identified by the Department.

This is part of the Cellular Service Improvement Initiative, a cost-shared program to encourage partnership to improve connectivity services.

Quote
“Our government continues to provide funding to support the enhancement of cellular services across the province and we will continue to make it a priority. The cell coverage initiative is a strategic investment to support residents, as well as help generate economic growth and create employment for the people of our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Cellular Service Improvement Initiative

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BACKGROUNDER

Call for Proposals from Service Providers – Cellular Service Improvement Initiative

The objective of the cost-shared Cellular Service Improvement Initiative is to improve the business case for telecommunication carriers to expand coverage to communities that are currently unserved or underserved and facilitate new investments in the province’s cellular service infrastructure. At the conclusion of this Call, it is expected that cellular service providers, working in partnership with interested communities/municipalities, regional organizations, and other government partners, will be invited to prepare cost-shared proposals for consideration.

To assist with identifying unserved and underserved areas in the province, the Department launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) in June 2023 for communities and regions who wish to be considered in the initiative. EOIs were received until September 15, 2023.

Service providers interested in submitting proposals during this Call may receive a list of EOIs received from communities/regions by contacting: Dion Sheppard (ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-7274). The list of communities should be reviewed and technical commentary provided on solution feasibility and the potential of enhancing coverage in the noted areas.

After the close of the Call for Proposals from providers, the Department will review each community EOI in relation to cellular service provider’s proposed solutions and interests. Based on best-fit solutions, providers may be invited to submit an application for funding for a cellular enhancement project in a number of communities, as identified by IET.

Any resulting projects will be cost-shared with the following funding parameters:

Provincial Government – up to 40 per cent.
Cellular service provider – minimum 50 per cent.
Community/municipal and other government partners, other private sector, non-profit organizations – remaining 10 per cent. Shortlisted communities must verify financial contributions prior to funding being approved for projects.

Proposals are to be submitted via email to:

Dion Sheppard
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Telephone: 709-729-7274
Email: ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca

Proposals must be submitted by 12 noon NST, January 29, 2024. The Department will provide written confirmation that the proposal was received.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring greetings during the We Care Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Multicultural Gala Night today (Monday, December 4).

The event will take place at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market Hall, 245 Freshwater Road, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Hosted by the We Care Foundation, Multicultural Gala Night will honour and recognize inspiring immigrant women in the community.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is part of the Canadian delegation participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

COP28 is designed to unite a diverse range of stakeholders – government, youth, business and investors, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and others. Discussions will focus around specific solutions that must be scaled up this decade to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, build resilience, and mobilize finance at scale. Key agenda items include: a global “stocktake” of progress since COP21 in Paris, France and COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland and agreement on clarifying the rules on a new international offsets system.

The Provincial Government is committed to addressing climate change, through the implementation of a climate change action plan, a new renewable energy action plan, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, establishing a Net-Zero Advisory Committee, and advancing electrification and innovation to further the transition into more renewable energy sources. In addition, work has commenced on the development of a Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan (2025-30) and a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (2025-30), both of which build on the success of the existing Climate Change Action Plan (2019-2024).

On December 6, Minister Davis will speak on a panel entitled “Capturing Your Attention: Carbon Capture and Storage Dialogue”, hosted by the Clean Resource Innovation Network Pavilion.

Quote
“As we continue to face the global impacts of climate change, the opportunity to network and meet with numerous international jurisdictions and organizations at COP28 is very important. COP28 will see a wide range of discussions focused on future actions and goals to address this crucial global issue. I look forward to participating on a panel discussion on carbon capture, storage and utilization, which will be essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero emissions at the provincial, national, and international levels.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Learn more
COP28 UAE

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Provincial Government websites are undergoing required network maintenance on Sunday, December 3 between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. in parts of Labrador).

Please be advised that although an outage is not anticipated, there may be brief network interruptions during this time.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-050 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-2023-050 Report Date: November 30, 2023 Public Body: Memorial University of Newfoundland Summary: The Complainant made an access request to Memorial University for records relating to a security risk assessment conducted by the University and records about the cost of security hardware for the University’s Core Science Facility. Memorial provided records to the Complainant, though some information was redacted under section 29(1)(a), 31(1)(c), and 37(1)(b) of ATIPPA, 2015. The Complainant sought a review by this Office of this withheld information, while also arguing that Memorial University did not meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of the Act. After a review of the redactions, this Office concurred with Memorial University that the information withheld should not be disclosed. This Office further held that Memorial University had met its duty to assist.

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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-2023-050 Released first appeared on News Releases.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-049 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-2023-049 Report Date: November 30, 2023 Public Body: Town of Stephenville Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Stephenville for records relating to investigations into the conduct of Town councilors dating from September 2021 to August 2023. The Town responded by refusing access to the responsive records, citing sections 35 and 40 of ATIPPA, 2015. The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office. After reviewing the submissions and responsive records, the Commissioner concluded the Town failed to meet its burden of proving that section 35 applies to the responsive records. As such, the Commissioner recommended the Town disclose the records to the Complainant subject to any necessary redactions for personal information under section 40.

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

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