Government of Newfoundland News

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:

Stephenville Crossing Bridge Removal                                              (Reg. 2255)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

The proponent is proposing to remove the trestle on the T’Railway over Main Gut, Stephenville Crossing.  The project location is 100 metres upstream of the Main Gut Bridge on Route 461. The trestle is currently under an advanced state of deterioration needing to be removed permanently. The project will include widening the T’Railway to enable access to the site, and demolition, removal, and disposal of the bridge. 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 July 18, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 24, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by September 1, 2023.

CBPPL Zone 6 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2024-2028)    (Reg. 2256)
Proponent: Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited

The proponent has submitted a proposal for a five-year Operating Plan for Zone 6, which includes Forest Management Districts 14 and 15 in Western Newfoundland. Zone 6 extends from Burgeo to Port aux Basques in the south to the southern boundary of Gros Morne National Park in the north. The plan describes proposed timber harvesting operations, construction of access roads and silviculture activities covering the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028. 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 July 18, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 24, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by September 1, 2023.

Placentia Area Hiking Trails                                                                   (Reg. 2257)
Proponent:  Hike Placentia Inc.

The proponent is proposing to develop an approximately 22 kilometre hiking trail network within the Town of Placentia that would link the region’s historical sites and natural viewscapes. The trail network would extend from Argentia to Point Verde, incorporating existing trails and roads. Proposed activities include vegetation clearing, construction and/or repairs of trails, boardwalks, footbridges, staircases and lookouts, and placement of signage. 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 July 18, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 24, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by September 1, 2023.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Aggregate Quarry                          (Reg. 2258)
Proponent: Tundra Services Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate a 4.8 hectare quarry located along South Branch Access Road, approximately 19 kilometres west of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador. Construction would include vegetation clearing and grubbing of soils. Operations would include crushing, screening and stockpiling of materials. The aggregate materials produced would be used in local construction projects. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on July 19, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 24, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by September 2, 2023.

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_May-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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The Provincial Government is advising the public of a fraudulent and illegal website that claims to offer provincial driver’s licences in five business days, for a fee.

A valid driver’s licence can only be obtained from a Motor Registration office, and these illegal products would not be consistent with the high-level security features on a valid Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence.

Residents are reminded to never share personal or financial information on an unknown or unsecure website. Take time to confirm a website is legitimate by checking reviews and consumer feedback, and be aware of any website requesting more information than you feel comfortable sharing.

Anyone who may have concerns or who receives a suspicious communication should immediately report it to local police.

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High school transcripts, including final marks, are now available to students throughout the province. Transcripts are available digitally through the PowerSchool portal, which all students can access here.

Ninety-four per cent of this year’s eligible graduates have met the requirements for graduation.

For more information on accessing transcripts, please contact the High School Certification Office at 709-729-7919 or 709-729-7918, or by email at highschooltranscript@gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Hats off to high school students on your academic achievements, especially those students who are graduating. Your hard work and dedication throughout the school year has paid off and new opportunities and experiences await you. I wish you all the best as you begin the next phase of your lives.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Le gouvernement provincial fournit les relevés de notes du secondaire pour l’année 2023

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-035 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-2023-035 Report Date: July 18, 2023 Public Body: Office of the Chief Information Officer Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) seeking records related to restrictions placed on .EML files. OCIO conducted a search pursuant to the application, which returned a small number of responsive records. The Complainant expected a specific record that was not produced. As such, the Complainant submitted a complaint to this Office asserting that OCIO did not meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of ATIPPA, 2015. Upon review of the particulars of the search conducted by OCIO, the Commissioner found that it was reasonable and OCIO had met its duty to assist the Complainant.

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-034 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-2023-034 Report Date: July 18, 2023 Public Body: Town of Witless Bay Summary: The Complainant submitted an access to information request to the Town of Witless Bay under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 for records relating to a sexual harassment complaint made by the Complainant against an elected official of the Town. The Town refused to provide the records to the Complainant, citing sections 33 (information from a workplace investigation) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of ATIPPA, 2015. The Complainant did not agree with the Town’s decision and filed a complaint with this Office. The Commissioner concluded that section 33 did not apply to the responsive records but that section 40 applied to some information in the records. The Commissioner recommended that the Town apply the necessary redactions under section 40 and provide the records to the Complainant within 10 business days.

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

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $10 million to support the Town of Lewisporte in pursuing economic development opportunities and the transfer of the Lewisporte wharf and related lands.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador made the announcement today in Lewisporte and was joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Derek Bennett, MHA for Lewisporte – Twillingate and Krista Freake, Mayor of Lewisporte.

The Provincial Government is committed to working collaboratively with the town to explore economic development and diversification initiatives in the area, in an effort to mitigate the impacts of the closure of the freight service operating from Lewisporte.

The support will be provided to the town through two funding streams:

• $5 million for identified projects that support local economic development opportunities and will be administered by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology; and
• $5 million in support of the future transfer of the wharf that was originally used for marine freight service operations, as well as the associated lands.

The specific economic development initiatives that will be pursued, as well as the details regarding the future transfer of the wharf, will be subject to various terms and conditions to be finalized.

This initiative aligns with supports that have been provided to other rural communities that are undergoing economic change and transformation, as the Provincial Government continues to work with businesses and municipalities in all areas of the province on projects aimed at enhancing economic development, innovation, capacity building and sustainability.

Quotes
“In Newfoundland and Labrador we know that where there are challenges, there are new opportunities, and The Town of Lewisporte is showing its commitment to navigating economic changes it faces. Our government is here to support Lewisporte and other communities across the province, and the investment we are providing today is aimed at new economic development opportunities that will help the Town of Lewisporte chart a new path forward.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are committed to the economic success of the Town of Lewisporte. Our government’s collaboration with the town has resulted in a plan forward that will maximize benefits for residents, and we will continue our work regarding the eventual ownership of the wharf and associated properties to benefit the town and residents.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Challenges can often lead to new and exciting opportunities. I commend the leadership of the Town of Lewisporte on their work to build capacity and encourage and grow economic development opportunities that can have a positive impact on the town and the entire region.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“As Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Lewisporte – Twillingate, it gives me great pleasure to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador commit financial support to the Town of Lewisporte as a result of the economic impacts realized since the closure of the Marine Freight Service. Lewisporte has faced adversity, but the community has demonstrated resilience and has a clear vision for a vibrant and prosperous community. I look forward to working with the Town of Lewisporte and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as we work through the various economic development initiatives.
Derek Bennett
MHA for Lewisporte-Twillingate

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our partners in government, council and staff of the Town of Lewisporte for recognizing that the port of Lewisporte is crucial to both our identity as a community and future economic growth.  Our progressive economic diversification strategy, with continued collaboration and collective efforts with government, reflects our vision and endeavour to market Lewisporte as an industry leader in this province and we look forward to a future of possibility.”
Her Worship Krista Freake
Mayor of Lewisporte

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The Provincial Government today announced $10,000 in funding for Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador to support the 2023 Growing Our Strength Cancer Conference for Women.

The Cancer Conference for Women will be held November 17-19, 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s. This year’s conference is open to women who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer. More information on the conference, including the registration form, can be found here or by emailing emily.geary@easternhealth.ca or by calling 709-777-8861.

Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, is a registered charity whose mission is to raise funds for cancer care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The foundation supports four Cancer Centres:

• John’s Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre;
• Gander Cancer Centre;
• Grand Falls-Windsor Cancer Centre; and
• Corner Brook Cancer Centre.

The foundation also supports a number of affiliated chemotherapy infusion sites throughout the province.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government appreciates the commitment and support cancer patients and survivors experience across our province. We are pleased to support Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador in this important initiative. The Cancer Conference for Women is a great opportunity for individuals diagnosed with cancer to socialize and network with fellow participants in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“On behalf of the Cancer Care Foundation and the women of Newfoundland and Labrador, thank you for supporting the 2023 Growing Our Strength Cancer Conference for Women. This conference will allow women with various types of cancers from all across the province, some of which have minimal accessibility to resources and support groups due to geographical location, to participate. This will be a weekend of connection, education, inspiration, and support.”
Joan Aucoin
Co Chair, Cancer Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement in Lewisporte, tomorrow (Wednesday, July 19) at 11 a.m. The announcement will take place at 122 Main Street.

Premier Furey will be joined at the announcement by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Derek Bennett, MHA for Lewisporte – Twillingate and Krista Freake, Mayor of Lewisporte.

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A joint investment of $11.8 million from the Provincial and Federal Governments and the City of St. John’s was announced today to enhance public transit infrastructure.

This funding will support the purchase of up to 18 accessible, paratransit hybrid or electric vehicles to replace the current gasoline-burning fleet used in the GoBus service in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. The project will ensure the stability and continuity of the paratransit service.

Additionally, solar panel kits will be installed on 120 Metrobus shelters, which will allow the city to illuminate the shelters using solar energy instead of electricity.

Funding will also support the construction of a shared-use path from Logy Bay Road to Portugal Cove Road. This project will upgrade the existing gravel trails to a three-metre wide asphalt surface with rest areas, trailheads, landscaping and signage.

As part of the $11.8 million announcement, the Provincial Government will be providing up to a total of $3,959,449 for these projects. Budget 2023 includes more than $161 million for community infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and for projects under the Municipal Capital Works Program.

Quotes
“We know the value of being able to experience our towns and communities, and an important element of that experience is access to reliable transportation. We are happy to support these projects, which support accessibility and provide more active transportation options in two of our largest municipalities. These projects will also reduce our carbon footprint, supporting the health and well-being of all residents in our province now and in the future.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Today’s announcement will make our paratransit system in St. John’s and Mount Pearl more robust while ensuring we continue to reduce our carbon footprint. The shared-use path that will be constructed in St. John’s will increase options for active transportation, making it easier and more affordable to get around the city. Investments like these in public transportation connect residents to local businesses and services while improving the well-being of our communities.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“The City of St. John’s is committed to accessible and active transportation, and climate action. These funds not only help us meet out targets as we build our city-side active transportation network but also help us to achieve sustainability goals identified in Resilient St. John’s, our climate plan, on the road to net zero by 2050.”
Sheilagh O’Leary
Deputy Mayor, City of St. John’s

“I am immensely proud to join our regional partners to take a bold step toward a greener, more inclusive future. This project will significantly enhance our transportation system, improve accessibility, and promote sustainable practices within our city and the region.”
His Worship Dave Aker
Mayor, City of Mount Pearl

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The Provincial Government is encouraging individuals eligible to receive funding to attend post-secondary training for an in-demand career to apply now for the Skills Development program. Under the program, students may receive funding for tuition, books, cost of living supports, child care and other education related costs, making these benefits amongst the most generous in Canada.

Those who may be eligible include:

• Individuals receiving Employment Insurance; or
• Unemployed individuals without the necessary hours to receive Employment Insurance, but who have had a previous claim within the last five years, or paid Employment Insurance premiums in five of the last ten years.

With funding provided through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, this government invests approximately $140 million each year to train and upskill Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. There are many exciting and burgeoning employment opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including expanding mining operations and nine potential multi-billion dollar wind to hydrogen projects in development, making now an ideal time to pursue training for careers with job openings.

Forecasts estimate that in the next ten years there will be 16,500 job openings in trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations. For a list occupations with the highest forecasted job openings with training programs available in Newfoundland and Labrador, please see the backgrounder below.

Individuals interested in developing an employment plan, applying for training, and determining their eligibility for funding can begin the process by completing a Request for Service form and submitting to employmentprograms@gov.nl.ca. Assessments can take between four to six weeks to complete, so those looking to begin a program of study in September are encouraged to get started as soon as possible.

More information on the Skills Development program can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/skills-development/.

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BACKGROUNDER

Forecasted Job Openings 2023-2032 that Have College Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Job Type Forecasted Job Openings 2023-2032 Retail and wholesale trade managers 2,600 Administrative, property and payroll officers 2,137 Transport truck driver 1,576 General office support workers 1,323 Administrative assistants 1,290 assisting occupations in support of health services, including dental 1,248 Building maintenance installers, servicers and repairers 1,196 Carpenters and cabinetmakers 1,133 Longshore workers and material handlers 817 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers 765 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 615 Medical laboratory technologists and technicians 227

 

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing funding to offset the cost of Memorial University’s campus renewal fee to students for the 2023-2024 academic year. This investment supports the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador maintains its position as one of the most affordable post-secondary education systems in Canada.

Memorial University charges undergraduate and graduate students, as well as medical residents completing six-month enhanced skills programs, a campus renewal fee. The Provincial Government is continuing to support student debt relief through this one-time investment of $10 million to the university to enable it to reduce the annual fees for students who are charged the campus renewal fee. For example, the annual cost to full-time undergraduate students completing 10 courses (30 credit hours) will be reduced by $500.

This new funding is in addition to the investments made in Budget 2023, including:

• Approximately $28 million for Student Financial Services;
• $295 million for Memorial University’s core operating grant, and $58.4 million for the Faculty of Medicine; and
• $2.2 million to double capacity in Memorial University’s Nurse Practitioner program.

Further details on how the campus renewal fee offset will be applied for the upcoming semester will be provided to students by the university.

In response to Memorial University increasing tuition fees in 2021, the Provincial Government introduced the Tuition Relief Grant, a needs-based grant that provides eligible students with assistance of up to $3,450 per academic year in the form of non-repayable grants, in addition to existing grants and loans. Provincial loans continue to be completely forgivable for eligible students upon graduation through the Debt Reduction Grant Program.

Quotes
“Memorial University is a valued institution to the province, and we are committed to the students who choose our province’s university to lead them on their post-secondary journey. Our government recognizes that there are challenges with the cost of living, including for students who are attending university. This investment will provide some relief to the thousands of students attending Memorial this year.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The students of today are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. This investment in Memorial will relieve some of the financial pressures for students attending classes this year. Our government supports post-secondary learning and will continue to work with Memorial to strengthen the education system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“This investment will have a tangible, positive impact on all Memorial students. Not only will students see a reduction in the amount they pay to attend Memorial, the investment will directly support improving campus infrastructure.”
Dr. Neil Bose
President and Vice Chancellor of Memorial University

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Learn more
Memorial University Campus Renewal Fee

Budget 2023 – Child Care, Education and Growing Communities

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is inviting members of the public, including stakeholders from the arts and cultural community, to provide their input on the new mid-sized theatre in St. John’s.

The information gathered from this consultation will inform decision-making processes such as potential location options, optimal capacity and artistic functionality of the new theatre.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 14, 2023. To learn more about the project and to participate in the consultation, visit www.engagenl.ca.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, first announced the intention to build a new theatre as part of the Year of the Arts launch in May 2023.

Quotes
“The Year of the Arts will be a year-long celebration of our province’s vibrant arts and cultural community. As we anticipate the events of 2024, we will continue recognizing the invaluable contributions Newfoundland and Labrador’s artists make to our communities and economy. By launching this consultation, our government is confirming its commitment to our talented and creative theatre community, which is renowned nationally and internationally. The new theatre in St. John’s will be a fantastic legacy of the Year of the Arts, and I look forward to the project advancing.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This new theatre is something the arts community has been asking for, and I encourage whoever is interested to share their ideas, suggestions and advice. I look forward to receiving thoughtful input that will ensure we deliver a theatre that meets the needs of the community and provides opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s artists to flourish.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Premier Furey Announces 2024 as ‘Year of the Arts’

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Digital Government and Service NL today announced that Aylwards (1986) Limited of Marystown has been charged with violations under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

The charges result from an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety division following an incident, which occurred in October 2021, involving an alleged violation of a stop work order at a hardware store in Gander.

The company has been charged with three violations, which relate to its alleged failure as an employer to:

1. Comply with a stop work order issued regarding a required inspection of a forklift;
2. Provide the information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities to ensure a safe workplace; and
3. Meet the requirements of the appropriate Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for forklifts regarding operator qualifications.

The company’s first appearance is scheduled for August 22, 2023 at Provincial Court in Gander.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will join Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Sheilagh O’Leary, Deputy Mayor, City of St. John’s at an infrastructure announcement tomorrow (Tuesday, July 18).

The event will take place at St. John’s City Hall, 10 New Gower Street, Fourth Floor, Foran Greene Room at 12:30 p.m.

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As part of the new regionalization approach that will advance community sustainability and viability through collaboration and service sharing, the Provincial Government is today announcing the launch of Community Collaboration Grants.

In April 2023, the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs announced that as part of this new approach, $500,000 would be allocated for initiatives that help address service gaps and build capacity through a collaborative, shared services approach.

Grants will be a maximum of $100,000, with a provincial/municipal cost-share ratio of 90/10. The number of projects will be determined by the number of proposals received, the quality of those proposals, and funding availability.

Proposals will be open to municipalities, Inuit Community Governments and local service districts. At least three communities must collaborate on a proposal with the commitment of continued, long-term collaboration. Applications will be evaluated on sustainability, service sharing, community collaboration, replicability and scalability.

Applications for the community collaboration grants are available here. Applicants can also email specialassistancegrants@gov.nl.ca or call toll free 1-877-729-4393.

The deadline for receipt of applications is September 30, 2023.

Quote
“We are very pleased to launch this initiative. We know that collaboration and service sharing help to build resilient communities, and these grants will help ensure that communities have the necessary means to provide residents with the services they need to live a happy and healthy life.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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A new family care team for the Deer Lake and White Bay area, as announced as part of Budget 2023, is now operational and open to residents. The advancement of family care teams is an important element in the Provincial Government’s plan to reimagine health care, and to help meet the health care needs of residents closer to home.

The team is located at 4 Clinic Drive in Deer Lake. Residents who do not have a primary care provider now or who expect to not have one within the next three months in the Deer Lake and White Bay area, as well as province-wide, can register with Patient Connect NL online at: https://patientconnect.nlchi.nl.ca/ or via phone at 1-833-913-4679. Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will work to assign those who register to a family care team or primary health care provider when one becomes available in their area.

Aligned with recommendations from Health Accord NL, family care teams represent a new vision of team-based care to transform our primary health care system. They improve access and continuity of primary health care for individuals and families and offer access to multiple health care professionals, including:

• Family doctors;
• Nurse practitioners;
• Nurses;
• Social workers;
• Pharmacists; and
• Other allied health professionals.

Family Care Teams also have clear pathways to connect and affiliate with other health and social services in the communities they serve, and focus on meeting both the health and social needs of individuals and families.

As part of the record investment in health care,  Budget 2023 included $21.2 million to fund 10 teams for 2023-24, along with an 11th team on the Burin Peninsula. Once fully implemented, these new teams will provide access to primary care for up to 80,000 people.

Quotes
“Our government is proud to announce that the Deer Lake and White Bay area family care team is accepting patients. These teams offer comprehensive care so that residents get the right care from the right provider at the right time. I encourage everyone who is without a primary care provider to register with Patient Connect NL so that they can be connected with a provider or family care team when one becomes available in their area.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are happy to announce that this Family Care Team is up and running and ready to serve residents. Our government is committed to improving access to quality primary care and has proudly funded the implementation of over half of the 35 Family Care Teams that are planned for this five-year period.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Family Care Teams are an important complement to advance the health-care needs of residents in the Western Zone. As we implement this family care team, we remain focused on innovative approaches to health care delivery, strengthening collaboration and client engagement, increasing access to primary health care services, and reducing service inequity. In addition to providing after hours and same day access, Family Care Teams deliver collaborative team-based care to meet the needs of clients and their families, reduce wait times for appointments, support chronic disease prevention and management.”
Teara Freake, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Western Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick, will hold a press conference following a meeting of the Atlantic Growth Strategy Leadership Committee.

Minister LeBlanc, Minister Petitpas Taylor and Premier Higgs will be joined by other members of the Leadership Committee, including the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Date:            Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Time:            8:20 a.m. (ADT)
Photo opportunity (cameras only)

3:00 p.m. (ADT)
News conference

(NOTE: photographers should arrive by‎ 8:15 a.m. to collect b-roll footage. There will be no media availability at this time. Media participants should arrive by 2:45 p.m. for the news conference)

Location:     Ballroom C
Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour
750 Main St
Moncton, NB
E1C 1E6

Media are invited to participate in person or via Zoom. All media who want to participate must pre-register online with their name and media outlet. Please indicate if attendance will be in-person or virtual. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Media Registration Link

Registration PIN: 222129

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The Department of Education wishes to advise student loan recipients and the public that a fraudulent email is circulating regarding student loan forgiveness.

The email instructs the recipient to call a number within a set time or their file will be closed. This is not a legitimate email.

Anyone who receives a suspicious communication regarding student loans should not respond and should immediately contact the Student Financial Services Division by email at studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca, or by calling 709-729-5849 or toll free 1-888-657-0800.

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The Provincial Government, via the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is today releasing a Request for Proposals to retain a prime consultant to oversee the design and construction of a new integrated health, housing, and supportive services hub in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The new hub will provide emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing in a safe and culturally appropriate environment where individuals experiencing homelessness have access to necessary supports.

The preliminary design for the new facility includes:

• 30 overnight emergency shelter beds;
• 20 transitional beds;
• 20 self-contained supportive housing units;
• Mental health, addiction supports and other health services;
• Navigational supports to access services; and,
• Culturally appropriate and community-based wrap-around support services.

The proposed location for the new integrated hub is 264 Hamilton River Road, site of former tree nursery. This is a large section of Crown land that is close to important services and can accommodate the building’s footprint.

The preliminary design for the new hub was developed in partnership with members of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Action Team, comprised of representatives from Federal, Provincial and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and community partners in the housing and homelessness sector and mental health and addictions services in the region. The collaborative work over the past two years draws on expertise in this area which acknowledges the importance of bringing health, housing, and other supportive services together to meet people where they are, improve access to these supports, and provide individualized and client-centered supports to individuals experiencing homelessness. The current emergency shelter and overflow shelter response will transition to the new integrated hub with appropriate staff and access to programming.

Consultation sessions with community stakeholders were held in Happy Valley – Goose Bay in spring and summer of 2022. The objective of these sessions was to identify gaps in services, partnership opportunities, design considerations for the building plan and program offerings. Public information sessions were held in November 2022 and provided an important opportunity to share the preliminary concept, design and proposed site location with the community. This next phase of the project will advance detailed design and site considerations, as well as provide ongoing opportunities for public consultation. To learn more about the proposed new hub, visit hvgbhub.ca.

The request for proposals can be accessed by visiting Merx.com (Reference Number 0000251961).

Quotes
“Providing vulnerable persons with safe, secure housing with supports is a ‘Housing First’ best practice and a proven approach to addressing homelessness. We look forward to advancing the detailed design of the new integrated hub in consultation with our partners and the community.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“This initiative is a direct response to addressing chronic homelessness in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. The new integrated hub is intended to provide a more appropriate and staffed emergency shelter response for the area, address current gaps and bring together housing options, along with health and other wrap-around services to provide holistic, culturally appropriate and client-centered supports.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“As a government we remain committed to working together with community partners, Labrador-Grenfell Health Zone, Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the RCMP to identify short-term responses and long-term plans to meet the needs of all residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This new hub builds on the recommendations of frontline expertise to support people in need and will contribute to the ultimate goal of a safer, more inclusive community.”
Perry Trimper
MHA, Lake Melville

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Residents looking to pursue a career in public safety will have an opportunity to receive training at a reduced cost through a new partnership between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Atlantic Police Academy.

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today announced provincial support of up to $130,000 for 13 confirmed seats for Newfoundland and Labrador residents to obtain a Correctional Officer Certificate at the Atlantic Police Academy in Prince Edward Island.

The Correctional Officer Certificate program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in provincial correctional facilities. Students learn how to monitor, supervise and interact with incarcerated offenders, developing the skills required to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates and colleagues. More information is provided in the backgrounder below.

The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, August 11, 2023. To be considered, all applicants must meet recruitment requirements, commit to a return in service agreement, and successfully complete all stages of the screening process. The Correctional Officer Certificate program at the Atlantic Police Academy begins in January 2024.

Quote
“The safety and security of staff and inmates at our correctional facilities is a top priority. A career in corrections can be a very challenging but rewarding experience. We recognize there is an ongoing need for more correctional officers, and this financial incentive is a creative solution to help fill positions.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Learn more
Adult Corrections is Hiring

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BACKGROUNDER

Correctional Officer Recruit Training Program, Adult Corrections, Department of Justice and Public Safety

The 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Adult Corrections Recruit Training Program application process is now open with a closing date of Friday, August 11, 2023.

All applicants must successfully complete all stages of the screening process to be considered. The Provincial Government is providing funding to reserve 13 seats for students from Newfoundland and Labrador.

To be considered interested applicants must:

• Meet all pre-requisites prior to being selected as a recruit-in-training;
• Commit to a two-year service agreement whereby the tuition balance upon early exit is repaid at a formula divided by the 24-month service contract;
• Sign a service contract specific to a location/correctional facility, prior to starting the Correctional Officer program at the Atlantic Police Academy; and
• Complete the Atlantic Police Academy Correctional Officer program, otherwise candidates will be responsible for the full tuition amount.

The Correctional Officer Certificate program at the Atlantic Police Academy begins in January 2024. To be considered for this public safety opportunity, all applicants must meet recruitment requirements and successfully complete all stages of the screening process. To learn more about the application process, visit Adult Corrections is Hiring.

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