Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will attend the 41st annual Federal, Provincial, and Territorial meetings of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from July 31 to August 2.

The ministers will discuss key issues impacting the status of women and gender equality, including the importance of ensuring women’s equal participation in the economy, as well as the key priorities affecting Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people in Canada, including violence against women and girls. They will also share work being done in their respective jurisdictions to support the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which was launched in November 2022.

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The Provincial Government, on behalf of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board, is seeking Expressions of Interest for membership to the Accessible Customer Service Standard Development Committee.

The Accessibility Standards Advisory Board provides recommendations to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities on how to remove and prevent barriers to programs and service delivery and ensure equitable access for persons with disabilities. The committee will report to the board, and will provide technical expertise to support the board in its mandate.

The Expression of Interest seeks submissions from:

• Persons with disabilities with lived experience receiving and/or delivering customer service;
• Individuals from disability organizations;
• Individuals from business and industry sectors with experience in the provision of customer service;
• Individuals who work within core government, agencies, boards or commissions with responsibilities related to customer service standards; or
• Individuals with organizations or public bodies (e.g. government agencies, boards or commissions) that are impacted by customer service standards.

Experience in two or more of the following are required for eligible applicants:

• Business and industry sectors;
• Human resources and customer service;
• Program management and policy development related to the design and delivery of programs and services; and
• Accessibility and inclusion.

Guidelines and application form can be found on the Disability Policy Office webpage. Submissions will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on August 31, 2023. You can also call toll-free 1-888-729-6279; text 709-725-4463; or email disabilitypolicy@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats.

Under the Accessibility Act, the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board is required to establish subcommittees for the development of each accessibility standard. This is in line with Health Accord NL’s recommendation of building a provincial pathway to inclusion for a more inclusive health system and society in which each person feels valued and respected.

The Disability Policy Office under the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development serves as Secretariat to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.

Quotes
“Accessibility standards are the building blocks for making real and effective improvements to accessibility. This committee plays an important role in making recommendations to ensure that design and delivery of programs and services are equitable for persons with disabilities to access goods and services. I encourage eligible individuals to submit an Expression of Interest to join our collective efforts to build a province that is fully accessible and inclusive.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“The Customer Service Standard is the first standard to be developed and implemented under the Accessibility Act, and we cannot do this without the input of those in our province who have lived experiences with disability, technical experts who work with disability related organizations and those who understand the importance of accessible customer service in the delivery of programs and services within business and industry. Together we will create an inclusive province where everyone has the opportunity to live the life the way they choose.”
Debbie A Ryan
Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Board

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Accessibility Act – Children, Seniors and Social Development

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today launched a call for proposals for projects to deliver settlement services for newcomers in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Improving settlement and integration increases quality of life and satisfaction for newcomers, helping them to settle permanently and leading them to encourage friends and family members to view the province as an immigration destination of choice.

Projects will be accepted under two categories:

• Economic integration: to promote economic advancement for newcomers (e.g. improving labour market access, foreign credential recognition and workplace-based English language training); and
• Settlement services and supports: to help newcomers build fulfilling lives (e.g. pre-arrival programming, getting established in rural communities, building welcoming communities and intercultural competency training).

All registered community-based organizations, including municipalities and cultural groups are eligible to submit a proposal. The application deadline is August 11 and full details, including funding guidelines, can be found here.

The Provincial Government recognizes that cultural groups have an innate understanding of the settlement supports newcomers require and are well-suited to deliver programs directly. As an example, last year the Tombolo Multicultural Festival received funding to engage newcomers and residents with music and cultural events. Tombolo’s events, which partner with a wide-variety of cultural communities, included a Canadian Multiculturalism Day international variety show and concert, a weekly multicultural trade show at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, and a traveling multicultural expo that visited Corner Brook, Gander, Brigus and Cupids.

Quotes
“Immigration is growing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and who better to help settle newcomers than those who share their culture and language. We’ve seen great results when cultural groups work together to deliver services directly to newcomers, and due to historic levels of immigration, groups are maturing to the point where they can administer their own initiatives. This is another milestone toward our goal to lead the nation on immigration settlement and retention.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Our province is growing and becoming more diverse, which is an exciting prospect for the multicultural showcase that is the Tombolo Multicultural Festival. Through partnerships with our many friends we’ve been able harness the power of arts and business to break down barriers and promote intercultural understanding for everyone who calls Newfoundland and Labrador home.”
Dr. Zainab Jerrett
Executive Director, Tombolo Multicultural Festival Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has awarded a contract valued at $2.5 million to Inflector Environmental Services for the demolition of the nurses’ residence at the site of the former Grace Hospital on LeMarchant Road in St. John’s.

On June 6, 2023, the department issued an open call for bids for the demolition of the nurses’ residence, and the tender closed on July 5, 2023.

The scope of work includes hazardous material abatement and disposal, pest control, building demolition, site security, and removal of building service lines. Professional services associated with abatement and safe removal of materials and structures is also part of the contract.

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

Quote
“We know that both residents and business owners in the area have been awaiting this demolition for some time, and I am pleased the contract has been awarded. As we continue to evaluate our infrastructure priorities, this site will be brought to a state where it can be considered for future use.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Tender Issued for Demolition of Grace Hospital Nurses’ Residence 

Budget 2023 – Infrastructure

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be in Huntsville, Ontario this week to attend the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment meeting tomorrow (Thursday, July 27).

A news conference will be held at the Waterhouse Ballroom 5 in Deerhurst Resort, 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville, Ontario, beginning 4:45 p.m. (EDT).

Members of the media may join the news conference in person or via videoconference. To register for the news conference, please contact Georgette Topangu at COM2023@ccme.ca or 204-793-6422. Members of the media should be ready to provide credentials upon registration. Please confirm your participation by 12:00 p.m. (EDT) today (Wednesday, July 26).

The Canadian Council of Environment Ministers is made up of environment ministers from each of the provinces and territories and the Government of Canada, and is the primary minister-led intergovernmental forum for collective action on environmental issues of national and international concern.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will speak at the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference, hosted by The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA), tomorrow (Wednesday, July 26).

The event takes place at the Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety (MASS) Conference, takes place annually in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the 10th annual MASS Conference focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with northern and maritime environments. Specifically, this three-day international event will dive into the topic of emerging threats and how Atlantic Canadian companies are leading the way to provide a safe, secure, and successful future for Canada, North America, and the world with their innovative products, services, and research.

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As part of an ongoing commitment to develop and implement incentive programs to attract new investment that supports innovation, economic development and diversification in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced details of the Provincial Government’s new Job Accelerator and Growth Program.

The Job Accelerator and Growth Program will incentivize qualified, established, profitable companies to establish and grow in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is a valuable tool to attract high-growth companies and investment to the province, and will build on the success of other initiatives undertaken to support business growth.

Minister Parsons will be available to discuss the new program with media outside the House of Assembly today (Tuesday, July 25) at 1:00 p.m.

The application-based program provides qualified companies with a payroll rebate of 10 per cent for each incremental job created. A further five per cent is added for the hiring of a recent graduate in the province or a new resident to the province from another jurisdiction with priority skills that are in limited supply in Newfoundland and Labrador.  In return, the applicant must agree to create at least 20 incremental jobs over a three-year period with a minimum average salary of $50,000, and must demonstrate a long-term commitment to the province in the form of capital or other investment.

The Job Accelerator and Growth program provides Newfoundland and Labrador with a competitive advantage compared to other jurisdictions offering similar incentives to attract companies and investments.

This program is in alignment with the Provincial Government’s population growth strategies and will help to attract and retain companies that employ recent graduates, individuals with priority skills, and newcomers to increase the magnitude and capabilities of the local labour force.

The funds for this program are made available from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology’s existing Investment Attraction Fund allocation, with up to $2 million in funding to be utilized annually for the next five years.

Quotes
“Our government is working successfully to attract new investment, new industries and new companies to Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the Job Accelerator and Growth Program, we will be further supporting the creation of new, well-paid jobs to generate a positive net return to the provincial treasury while continuing to support the growth of a diversified and innovative economy.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We welcome investments and incentives that help businesses in our province build and grow. This program will provide support to businesses who are already contributing significantly to our economy and community by giving them additional support to expand and attract talent. Whether it’s investing in new technologies, recruiting, developing new products and services, or expanding to new markets – we hope this program gives NL-based businesses an advantage they need to compete and succeed.”
AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO
St. John’s Board of Trade

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Learn more
Job Accelerator and Growth Program Guidelines

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BACKGROUNDER

 

Job Accelerator and Growth Program

The Job Accelerator and Growth Program aims to attract inward investment to the province in existing and emerging sectors, such as information technology and renewable energy.

The key objectives of the program include:

• Attracting inward investment in areas where there are gaps in innovation, technology and supply chain capabilities;
• Attracting individuals with priority skills to the province;
• Fostering inclusive job creation; and
• Increasing the likelihood of success for companies looking to enter or expand in the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.

Eligible Applicants
This program will seek high-growth opportunities presented by companies with a strong management team and a proven track record of success. Applications will be assessed on eligibility and conformance with program objectives, contingent on the availability of program funds. Companies in non-strategic sectors, such as residential and commercial real estate services, wholesale or retail, and lower-growth service operations will not be eligible.

To have a project approved by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for the Job Accelerator and Growth Program, each applicant under the program (“company”) must:

1. Be willing to (to be verified before disbursement):
   • Become a taxable Canadian corporation as defined in subsection 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), which was incorporated in Canada (either federally or in Newfoundland and Labrador) and legally entitled to conduct business in the province;
   • Become a Newfoundland and Labrador registered business in good standing; and
   • Have a permanent establishment in Newfoundland and Labrador.
2. Be an established enterprise and have operated for at least 24 months.
3. Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, that it is financially and commercially viable and has reasonable prospects for continued growth and
4. Be growth and innovative-focused.
5. Commit to creating at least 20 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) incremental jobs in the province after three years with an average gross salary of at least $50,000 annually.  The FTE threshold is 1,820 hours per year.
6. Not be in direct competition with local market entities.
7. Be willing to invest capital in the province or demonstrate intent to be a long-term presence.

Projects may include:

• Strengthening supply chains to enable production in Newfoundland and Labrador (projects that replace existing Newfoundland and Labrador-based producers are not permitted).
• Scaling production capacity for companies producing sustainable products and services that will support Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy.
• Increasing production capacity to enter new markets and produce new products.
• Establishing new production facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Technology development initiatives.

Eligible Costs
The Job Accelerator and Growth Program will provide an annual incentive for up to three years following approval in the program. This non-repayable contribution will be provided to the company at a standard rate of 10 per cent of the annual employee payroll. In addition, employee payroll related to the hiring of recent post-secondary graduates or newcomers to the province (new Canadians or Canadian residents from other provinces) with priority skills in limited supply may qualify for an additional five percent rebate.

Disbursements will occur annually and only after the department has verified that employment targets for each year have been met.

Applicants must commit to a minimum new hire threshold (minimum of 20 full-time equivalents) after three years, and annual targets shall be negotiated for years one and two.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will hold a media availability tomorrow (Tuesday, July 25) to discuss the potential expansion of the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine Undergraduate Program.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Jennifer Lokash, Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Pro tempore, and Dr. Dolores McKeen, Dean of Medicine (Acting), Memorial University.

The availability will take place at the Memorial University Faculty of Medicine Atrium, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

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The public is advised that the T’Railway Provincial Park is closed between Heatherton and Port aux Basques in the southwest coast region. This closure is the result of washouts caused by heavy rain in the area this past weekend.

The public is asked to report any damage or concerns related to the T’Railway to the Parks Division by emailing trailway@gov.nl.ca or by calling 709-637-2040.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is congratulating Team Indigenous NL as they return home from the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) with 40 medals.

Team Indigenous NL athletes won an incredible 10 gold, 14 silver and 16 bronze medals, and finished ninth in the ranking of delegations.

More than 100 Mi’kmaw, Inuit and Innu athletes from all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador proudly wore the colours of Team Indigenous NL and competed in golf, swimming, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and athletics. Athletes were supported and led by Jerry Wetzel, Chef de Mission, and the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador.

A full list of medal recipients is included in the backgrounder below.

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games, which were held on the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaw people in Halifax, Nova Scotia, brought together more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials from more than 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and connect through sport and culture.

Competition results and video segments from the 2023 North American Indigenous Games 2023 can be viewed online.

Quotes
“Congratulations to all medalists, athletes, coaches and officials proudly representing Newfoundland and Labrador and their Indigenous communities as members of Team Indigenous NL. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and the drive, determination and passion you demonstrated at the Games in Halifax.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“It is truly inspiring to see these young people succeed in their respective sports, and I congratulate them, their coaches and mission staff on a brilliant showing at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. Through your commitment to training and preparation, and all the hard work you have done to achieve this success, you are role models for others to pursue active, healthy lifestyles.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“I am very proud of the inspirational effort exhibited by athletes on the courts and playing fields and the exemplary manner in which they represented their Indigenous communities and their province. When you give youth the opportunity to succeed, they will seize the opportunity to excel and conduct themselves as ambassadors for their Indigenous heritage and their families.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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NOTE: A photo accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.

Learn more
Medal Standings and Results from NAIG 2023

Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Team Indigenous NL Medal Recipients

Gold 19U High Jump Christopher Penney, Charlottetown, Labrador 14U Long Jump Jack Sharpe, Stephenville 16U 4x100m Relay Tristan Bullen, Kippens

Philip Reid, Fox Island River

Carter Roberts, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Griffin Simon, Port au Port East 19U 4x100m Relay Evan Hefferan, Stephenville

Ethan March, Cold Brook

Nicholas Shea, Stephenville Crossing

Brady Young, Stephenville 14U 4×100 Freestyle Relay Myles Best, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Isaiah Coombs, Bay Roberts

Eli Moulton, Conception Bay South

Isaac Smith, Carbonear 16U Javelin Griffin Simon, Port au Port East 16U Badminton Singles Olsen Ford, Makkovik 19U Beach Volleyball Jorja Pevie, Trout River

Megan Williams, Corner Brook 16U Badminton Doubles Brooklyn Wolfrey and Sierra Wolfrey, Rigolet 16U Badminton Mixed Doubles Olsen Ford, Makkovik and Sierra Wolfrey, Rigolet Silver 14U 80m Jack Sharpe, Stephenville 16U 800m

16U 1200m Ashlee Adams, Happy Valley-Goose Bay 16U 800m Tristan Bullen, Kippens 16U 4x100m Relay Morgan Gabriel, Stephenville

Liberty Hollett, Kippens

Victoria Shea, Stephenville Crossing

Gabrielle Simon, Port au Port East 19U Shot Put Chenoa Gabriel, Stephenville 19U 4x100m Relay Evan Hefferan, Stephenville

Ethan March, Cold Brook

Nicholas Shea, Stephenville Crossing

Brady Young, Stephenville 19U Beach Volleyball Samuel Warren and Partrick Dobbin, Pasadena 14U 4x50m Freestyle Relay

14U 4x50m Medley Relay Myles Best, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Isaiah Coombs, Bay Roberts

Eli Moulton, Conception Bay South

Isaac Smith, Carbonear 19U 4X50m Freestyle Relay Allan Hancock, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Aaron Porter, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Jacob Sheppard, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Christian Strickland, Torbay 19U 8K X-Country Matthew Cornect, Happy Valley-Goose Bay 16U Badminton Mixed Doubles Gavin Lovell, McIvers and Brooklyn Wolfrey, Rigolet 19U Badminton Doubles Clear Brooke Blake-Pottle and Ella Jacque, Rigolet Bronze 19U 100m Jewel Boland, Stephenville 19U Discus Chenoa Gabriel, Stephenville 19U 400m Maria Shea, Stephenville Crossing 16U Shot Put Griffin Simon, Port au Port 19U 4x100m Relay Marley Bennett, Kippens

Jewel Boland, Stephenville

Charity Hollett, Kippens

Maria Shea, Stephenville Crossing 14U 4x100m Freestyle Relay

14U 4x50m Freestyle Relay

14U 4x50m Medley Relay Rebekah Adey, Corner Brook

Claire Crocker, Gander

Maria Parsons, Cold Brook

Katie Turner, Pasadena 14U 200m Breaststroke Eli Moulton, Conception Bay South 14U 150m Jack Sharpe, Stephenville 16U 2000m

16U 3K X-Country Ashlee Adams, Happy Valley-Goose Bay 16U 4x400m Relay Amy Baird, Kippens

Morgan Gabriel, Stephenville

Victoria Shea, Stephenville Crossing

Gabrielle Simon, Port au Port East 19U 50m Breaststroke Allan Hancock, Happy Valley-Goose Bay 19U 100m Breaststroke Jacob Sheppard, Happy Valley-Goose Bay 19U Badminton Singles Clear Brooke Blake-Pottle, Rigolet

 

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As a result of a ratification vote held over the last several weeks, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing that a collective agreement has been ratified with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador (RNUNL). This collective agreement represents 5,800 RNUNL members across the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and RNUNL worked together to reach an agreement that is a significant step towards the retention and recruitment of nurses, which will help provide stability in the health care system. Highlights of the agreement include:

• A two per cent wage increase each year for four years (2022-2026);
• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Step changes to ensure competitiveness;
• Improvements to recruit and retain permanent full-time employees;
• Increases to travel allowances when travelling on employer business, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace;
• The addition of a mentorship program as a means to support nurses as they adapt to new practice environments;
• Enhancements to the existing preceptorship program; and
• Operational improvements to shift scheduling.

Since last year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated collective agreements with five unions. As collective bargaining continues with other public service groups, the Provincial Government is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful sets of negotiations.

Quotes
“I am pleased that the members of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador have voted to ratify this collective agreement. I would like to thank the negotiating teams from government and the RNUNL for their work in reaching an agreement that speaks to how we value and respect our nursing community and the dedicated care and service they provide to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“We are happy that the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador has ratified this agreement, which provides a compensation package that is competitive with other provinces. While this agreement will help with retention and bring stability to the health care system, we continue to work on bringing more nurses into the system. Our recruitment programs are working, and we look forward to more nurses filling vacancies this year and working with the RNUNL to improve work-life balance.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Provincial Government Reaches Tentative Collective Agreement with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador

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 Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today welcomed delegates of the 2023 Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) conference to the province, which is hosting for the first time since 2009.

The 2023 SEUS-CP conference runs from July 23 to 25, 2023. The theme for this year’s conference is “The Edge of Opportunity,” and focuses on the green and blue economies, which support the sustainable and efficient use of land and ocean resources for low carbon economic growth, improved livelihoods and increased jobs while preserving environmental health and the ocean ecosystem. Key topics for this year’s conference include clean energy adoption, sustainable transportation, port modernization and asset monitoring and observation.

The 30 participating companies and organizations from Newfoundland and Labrador exemplify how innovation, investment and collaboration can drive expansion into international markets, strengthen the local economy and attract global companies to this province.

Conference delegates will participate in a wide range of activities, including networking events, a business-to-business matchmaking program, panel sessions, keynotes within identified sectors, and site visits/tours. This conference demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting trade and investment opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador companies, as well as our long standing economic ties with neighbouring Canadian provinces and the southeastern United States.

The SEUS-CP Alliance was established in 2007 to enhance trade and investment, promote business partnerships, and encourage technological and scientific exchanges between member provinces and states. The conference brings together top government officials including governors and premiers, business leaders from companies of all sizes in a variety of sectors, as well as trade, investment and economic development stakeholders. Opportunities to forge connections, grow partnerships, as well as share views and ideas on ways to expand commerce between members of the alliance are a few of the many benefits expected during this three-day event.

Joining Newfoundland and Labrador in the alliance is New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec; as well as Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The combined GDP of the six states is $2.7 trillion USD.

Quote
“Our government is focused on creating the conditions needed to advance innovation and sustainability, regional economic development, business growth and investment throughout the province. When we come together, we give ourselves the possibility to foster relationships to create opportunities that will be beneficial for years to come. We look forward to collaborating with all members of the alliance in the coming days to learn and connect in ways that can help us make advances in these areas.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
2023 SEUS-CP Conference

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring remarks at WestJet’s 2023-24 winter schedule announcement this morning (Monday, July 24).

The announcement will take place at St. John’s International Airport Atrium, 100 World Pkwy, St. John’s at 10:30 a.m.

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Please be advised that the agriculture funding announcement scheduled to take place at Hammond Farms in Little Rapids tomorrow (Monday, July 24) at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

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Please be advised that the housing announcement scheduled to take place at St. John’s City Hall tomorrow (Monday, July 24) at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.

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The Provincial Government is monitoring forecast information on an approaching weather system anticipated to bring significant rain to parts of the southwest coast of the island this weekend (July 22 – 23).

Environment Canada is forecasting upwards of 100 mm of rain between Saturday morning and Sunday evening. Residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is available from Environment Canada.

Due to the high amounts of rain anticipated, there is a possibility of localized flooding. Municipalities and local service districts should review their emergency management plans and ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris.

Residents are asked to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Homeowners should secure loose items around their properties, ensure sump pumps are in working order, and consider moving important documents to higher ground.

Motorists are reminded to check NL 511 via the mobile app, nl511.ca or call 511 to check driving condition reports. Remember to always drive according to the conditions in your area. One should never cross floodwaters on foot or in a vehicle as the water may be deeper than it looks

Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will join the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) at an announcement related to housing in St. John’s on Monday, July 24.

The announcement will take place at St. John’s City Hall, 10 New Gower Street at 10:00 a.m.

Ministers Davis and Hussen will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Sheilagh O’Leary, Deputy Mayor of the City of St. John’s.

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will participate in the official launch of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cost-shared programming under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) on Monday, July 24.

Minister Loveless will be joined by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development; and Wayne Simmons, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture.

The event will begin at Hammond Farms, 1 Hammond Farms Road, Little Rapids at 10:00 a.m.

Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5 billion initiative that aims to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. Sustainable CAP builds on the success of the previous $3 billion, five-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which provided $37 million to more than 700 agricultural initiatives in the province from 2018 to 2023. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and other initiatives, Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector has exceeded the Provincial Government’s goal of doubling food self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, reaching more than 21 per cent by the end of 2022.

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Avis aux médias : Les gouvernements fédéral et provincial lancent un programme de financement agricole

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A Request for Proposals has been issued by Memorial University to review increasing the Faculty of Medicine from 80 students to 90 students. These additional seats would be used to allow for an additional 10 medical students from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The current 80 seats in the Faculty of Medicine’s four-year undergraduate medical program includes 65 seats for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, with the remaining 15 seats allocated for learners from other parts of Canada.

The successful proponent will review the requirements of the expansion, such as infrastructure and staffing, resourcing and equipment. Information on the RFP is available here, and information on RFPs and tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available at merx.com/govnl.

Research shows that students who study and complete their medical education in their home province have a higher rate of staying in that province as a practicing physician. Increasing the number of reserved seats for students from Newfoundland and Labrador will provide an opportunity for more learners from this province to study medicine right here at home. The expansion would help ensure that more physicians who receive their education at Memorial University will continue to practice in the province once they have obtained full licensure.

In addition, as a result of the department’s recruitment incentives, in the past month, more physicians have agreed to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador communities, including Bonavista, Springdale and on the Burin Peninsula. A physician has also agreed to offer service via virtual clinics for Bishop’s Falls.

More information for health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador is available at WorkInHealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“We recognize there is a global shortage of physicians. While our recruitment incentives and initiatives are working to attract and retain health care professionals, we also recognize the importance of more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receiving their education here in the province. By expanding the number of seats in this program, we can help ensure more physicians from Newfoundland and Labrador are educated here and will practice here. This is one more step to securing more local physicians for the future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We appreciate this partnership with government to review the possibility of expanding the doctor of medicine program. Memorial University is committed to improving educational opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labadorians in a sustainable way. The Faculty of Medicine has received national recognition for the number of graduates working in rural practice 10 years after graduation. This initiative aligns with Memorial’s priority to help improve the lives of people in this province.”
Dr. Neil Bose
President and Vice-Chancellor, Memorial University

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Province Adds Seats for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at Memorial University’s Medical School

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The following is being distributed at the request of Her Honour, The Honourable Judy M. Foote P.C., O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

An investiture ceremony on October 4, 2023 at Government House will see seven people named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. This will be the 16th investiture ceremony since the first appointments were made in 2004, bringing the total number of recipients to 142.

This year’s recipients and the categories in which they are being honoured are:

• David A. Elms – Volunteerism
• Noreen Golfman – Cultural
• Kevin Noel Melvin – Health Care
• Rick Mercer, O.C. – Communications
• Patrick Parfrey – Health Care
• Jean Claude Roy – Art/Literature
• Andrus Voitk – Environment/Conservation

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the province’s highest honour and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an exemplary manner the province and its residents. More information about the award can be found in the backgrounder below.

Appointments to the Order are made by the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador as Chancellor of the Order on the recommendation of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Advisory Council. For more information about the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, or to nominate someone, visit www.gov.nl.ca/onl.

Quotes
“As Chancellor of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, it will be my honour on October 4 to invest another eminent seven fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians into the Order, the province’s highest level of recognition. The Order is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our province and its citizens. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and the differences they have made, and continue to make, to ensure our province is the best it can be.”
Honourable Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L.
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I extend congratulations to these seven outstanding Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who will be invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. These individuals have dedicated the better part of their lives to improving our province, and it is our great honour to see their achievements celebrated. I look forward to formally honouring them at a ceremony in October.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

About the Award
The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest honour of the province. The object of the Order is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents. The first investiture took place in 2004.

Any Canadian citizen who is a present or former long-term resident of Newfoundland and Labrador is eligible for nomination to the Order. According to the legislation governing the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, the exceptions are public officials such as; judges, members of the Senate, House of Commons, House of Assembly or legislative assembly of a province, members of municipal, town, regional councils or local service district committees who may not be nominated while they are in office. Posthumous nominations are not accepted. Organizations, groups, or couples may not be nominated; the Order is for individuals only. Additionally, an individual who is not a Canadian citizen or current or former long-term resident of the province, but who has demonstrated excellence in their field of endeavour, and who has benefited the province and its residents in an outstanding manner, may be nominated as an honorary member.

If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents, you are encouraged to nominate them for the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

At a formal ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, as Chancellor of the Order, will present each recipient with a medal bearing the shield of Newfoundland and Labrador surmounted by the Crown. A member will receive a certificate signed by the Chancellor and sealed with the seal of the Order, as well as a miniature medal and a lapel pin. The medal is worn with a blue, green, white and gold ribbon. Members of the Order are entitled to use the initials O.N.L. after their names.

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Advisory Council selects members to be invested into the Order each year after considering all nominations received.

Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Insignia
The insignia of the Order is in the shape of a stylized pitcher plant (sarracenia purpurea Linnaeus), which was declared Newfoundland and Labrador’s floral emblem in 1954. The petals are crafted with the provincial mineral, Labradorite. The pitcher plant is found primarily in bogs and marshland throughout the province. It has a large wine-red flower with a red and gold centre, and hollow pitcher-shaped leaves are attached to the base of the stem.

The insignia of the Order has at its centre the Arms of the Province, granted by King Charles I, in January 1638. The Arms incorporate some of the most ancient heraldic symbols, the unicorn representing Scotland and the lion representing England.

The gold elements of the medal represent the excellence of achievement that the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes. The Crown is taken from the official standard of the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chancellor of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. It symbolizes honour and merit, and recalls Newfoundland and Labrador’s place as a province of Canada, a constitutional monarchy, and as part of the Commonwealth. The insignia of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador was approved by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on June 3, 2003.

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