Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will announce recipients of the 2023-24 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program tomorrow (Tuesday, November 28).

The announcement will take place at the Town of Gambo’s age-friendly meeting at the Gambo Community Youth Centre, 422 J. R. Smallwood Boulevard, beginning at 2 p.m.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises it will conduct a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Nalcor Energy audit reports on Wednesday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber. The Auditor General released two reports in fall 2022 further to performance audits of Nalcor Energy concerning discretionary expenses, conflict of interest and the use of embedded contractors, and compensation.

The Public Accounts Committee was briefed by the Auditor General and officials on the findings and recommendations of both audit reports and requested an action plan from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro for implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations. Officials from the organization will appear before the Committee to answer questions related to matters contained in the audit reports and the action plan response.

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and audio of proceedings will be streamed live on the House of Assembly website and on Facebook.

The agenda for the hearing follows.

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Public Accounts Committee

Nalcor Energy Audit Report – October 2022

Nalcor Energy Audit Report – November 2022

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Clerk of Public Accounts Committee
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. Welcome and opening remarks by Chair
3. Swearing/affirming of witnesses appearing from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro:
   1. Jennifer Williams – President and Chief Executive Officer
   2. Lisa Hutchens – Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
   3. Gail Collins – Vice President, People and Corporate Affairs Executive Leadership
   4. Jackie Borden – Director, Internal Audit
4. Opening remarks by witnesses
5. Committee questions to witnesses
6. Closing remarks
7. Adjournment

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-048 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-2023-048 Report Date: November 24, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety for all correspondence between themselves and various public officials from January 2020 to the date of the request. The Department responded by providing several hundred pages of records with redactions applied throughout pursuant to various sections of ATIPPA, 2015. The Complainant disagreed with the Department’s application of section 29 to two specific emails and filed a complaint with this Office. After reviewing the emails, the Commissioner concluded the redactions were appropriate and recommended the Department maintain its position on the matter.

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

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The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-048 Released appeared first on News Releases.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT SUBMITTED:

White Hill Pond JCL Quarry                                                                    (Reg. 2246)
Proponent: JCL Investments Inc.

The Proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2246/

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments must be received by December 29, 2023; and the minister’s decision on the EPR is due by January 8, 2023.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Crown Zone 6 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2024-2028)     (Reg. 2261)
Proponent:  Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The project is released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions;

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Climate Change Branch (CCB) of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:

• A Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (GGMP) must be prepared and submitted for approval by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. A draft plan must be submitted within six months of the date of the minister’s decision letter with the final plan to be submitted within one year of the decision. The plan is expected to include:
  • Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
  • Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five-year period; and
  • A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modeling regarding climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.

• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
• A 30-metre protective buffer around the following active hydrometric stations:
• Harry’s River below Highway Bridge (Station ID 02YJ001);
• Isle aux Morts River below Highway Bridge (Station ID 02ZB001);
• Grandy Brook below Top Pond Brook (Station ID 02ZC002 ); and
• Rattler Brook near Mclvers (Station ID 02YL005).
• Prior to the start of forestry operations erosion-susceptible areas in the following flood plain watersheds must be identified to prevent erosion during forest harvesting:
  • Blanche Brook, Warm Brook and Cold Brook watersheds (Stephenville Floodplain Mapping);
  • Harry’s River, St. Georges River, Trout River and Black Duck Brook watersheds (Stephenville Crossing and Black Duck Siding Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Little Codroy River and Grand Codroy River watersheds (Codroy Valley Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Humber River and Steady Brook watersheds (Deer Lake and Steady Brook Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Trout River watershed (Trout River Flood Plain Mapping);
  • Cox’s Brook watershed (Cox’s Cove Floodplain Mapping); and
  • Corner Brook Stream and Bell’s Brook watersheds (Corner Brook Flood Plain Mapping).
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
• The Proponent must work with the Wildlife Division on mitigation measures to avoid roost sites for the Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis (bats) species listed as Endangered under the NL Endangered Species Act (NLESA).
• Black Ash is listed as Threatened under the NLESA and Western Newfoundland is considered part of the species’ core range. Mitigation measures that are in place for Red Pine (including avoidance of cutting, trimming) during road construction, site preparation, or harvesting activities also apply for Black Ash.
• Degelia plumbea is a lichen species listed as Vulnerable under the NLESA. There are known occurrences of this lichen within the operating area CC14021. The Proponent must work with the Wildlife Division to determine survey protocols and conduct a presence/absence survey for Degelia plumbea prior to any clearing activity to confirm the need for mitigations such as buffering and protection.
• Block CC14061 is located within Marten Critical Habitat, and a deferred harvest is required until a down-listed management plan for Marten is in place.
• A designated Sensitive Wildlife Area for endangered plants and species of conservation concern, which also serves as a Significant Wetland known as Robinson’s River and Middle Barachois River, overlaps with Forest Management Plan block CC14018. Any proposed harvesting north of the transmission line and south/southwest of the resource road must be avoided.
• The Provincial Archaeology Office of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation requires a 100-metre buffer along the shoreline of South Brook and Lomond River, as shown in operating area mapping for CC15026 and CC15005 respectively, to ensure archaeological resources are not negatively impacted.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by e-mailing a written description, document, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of release, and to provide additional updates if required.

Conne River Bridge Replacement                                                         (Reg. 2269)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

The project is released from further environmental assessment subject to the following conditions;

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

 

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:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_September-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.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today announced a call for applications for the 2023-24 Accessible Taxi Grant.

The application process is now open for individuals, companies and agencies that are able to deliver accessible taxi services within Newfoundland and Labrador to apply for grants of up to $25,000.

These grants assist with costs of retrofitting a passenger vehicle to meet accessibility standards or assist with the purchase of a new vehicle, which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. The accessible taxi service must give priority to persons with disabilities, but may provide taxi services to all customers.

The Accessible Taxi Grant delivers on the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to help create a more accessible, equitable and inclusive province, where each person feels valued and respected. It also supports the recommendations of Health Accord NL.

In 2022-23, the Department awarded Accessible Taxi Grant funding in the amount of $25,000 each to ASAP Cabs in Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale Taxi in Springdale.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website, email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, call toll-free 1-888-729-6279 or text 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2024.

As part of Budget 2023, the Provincial Government is investing $50,000 for the Accessible Taxi Grant for 2023-24.

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“Accessible transportation plays a vital role in removing barriers for persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities. The Accessible Taxi Grants are opening up opportunities throughout the province, with taxi services in Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale receiving grants last year to better serve the communities in these regions. I encourage interested parties to visit the Disability Policy Office website and submit an application before the deadline.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“With the help of the Accessible Taxi Grant, we have been able to provide an essential service in our community and surrounding area. Our community services multiple retirement complexes. Springdale Taxi is now able to help these residents overcome some accessibility challenges by providing suitable, comfortable, and reliable transportation.”
Stephen Butt
Springdale Taxi

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The Provincial Government is reminding the public that a valid Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence can only be obtained from a provincial Motor Registration office.

Fraudulent websites offering driver’s licences online, for a fee, are illegal and not consistent with the high-level security features on a valid provincial driver’s licence.

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

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, is today issuing the enclosed statement recognizing Holodomor Memorial Day.

“It has been over 90 years since the horrific events of the Holodomor, but the effects are still felt today. Between 1932 and 1933, Ukrainians faced systemic genocide at the hands of the Soviet regime. Holodomor translated from Ukrainian means ‘death by hunger’ as millions were starved and executed for speaking their language and trying to maintain their culture and land and to live in peace.

The Holodomor intended to break the Ukrainian people. Yet, they endured, persevered and ultimately won their independence. As Ukraine defends its freedom and borders once again against the illegal Russian invasion, Newfoundland and Labrador is, and will continue to be, there for Ukrainians in our province.

Today we stand with Ukrainians in denouncing the historical atrocities committed against them and reflect in remembrance of the victims, families and communities who suffered as a result of the Holodomor.”

Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today hosted a flag raising and proclamation signing event at Confederation Building to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, also known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign. Minister Parsons was joined by violence prevention advocates Debbie Hibbs, Lisa Lake and Gemma Hickey.

The Purple Ribbon Campaign officially starts on November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), and ends on December 10 (World Human Rights Day). In addition to the flag raising, the Confederation Building will be lit purple at the commencement of the campaign. These efforts help raise awareness and change attitudes about gender-based violence in the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to ongoing collaboration with community stakeholders and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to ensure culturally-appropriate actions are taken to decrease gender-based violence.

Through Budget 2023, the Office of Women and Gender Equality allocated over $3.3 million in core operational funding to anti-violence organizations and projects to support violence prevention.

Newfoundland and Labrador also recently concluded negotiations with the Federal Government on a four-year bilateral funding agreement to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in this province. Details regarding this multi-million dollar funding agreement benefitting many local groups and organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.

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“Gender-based violence affects our society at its very core. It knows no boundaries, and transcends borders, cultures and socio-economic statuses. The statistics are alarming and the stories heart-wrenching. The Purple Ribbon campaign and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence were created to raise awareness, inspire a call to action, and send a powerful message that society will not tolerate such abuse.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Violence Prevention Initiative

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will speak at the official opening of the Lionel Kelland Hospice tomorrow (Thursday, November 23).

The event will take place at the Lionel Kelland Hospice, 3 St. Catherine Street, Grand Falls-Windsor beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.

Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments and to advance community partnerships to meet the changing demands for housing.

In October, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Point Plan designed to increase the supply of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through these targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, it is expected that upwards of 500 new housing options will be added to the market.

Actions from this plan are already underway. In November, government released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable. That same month, a new First-time Homebuyers Program was launched to support transition to homeownership.

Additional actions taken to address the need for housing include:

• A provincial investment of over $80 million in the Affordable Rental Housing Program, which will support 91 private and community sector projects that will result in the construction of more than 900 new affordable rental homes;
• Continued work to support future construction of a new $30 million integrated health, housing, and supportive services hub in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• Issued a request for quotations for repairs and renovations to 143 provincially-owned vacant units, supported by an investment of close to $6 million;
• Expanded non-profit staffed shelters to support those experiencing homelessness, including ongoing funding of $2 million for the 40-bed staffed Safe Haven Shelter;
• Continued implementation of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has expanded access to affordable housing in the private rental market to over 420 new households; and
• Announced, advanced or completed affordable housing projects in Pleasantville, Gander, Labrador West, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay among others.

These collective actions reinforces the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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“We recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing for the well-being of individuals and families. We are taking meaningful actions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally. Strong partnerships with our federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, along with community and private sector partners will remain important as we work together to deliver innovative housing solutions that allow individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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

Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable

Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program

Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units

Minister Pike Highlights New Safe Haven Emergency Shelter

Update on Development of Key Housing Infrastructure Projects in Pleasantville and Happy Valley-Goose Bay

First-time Homebuyers Program (FHP) – 2023

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Integrated Health, Housing and Supportive Services Hub

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will host a flag raising event to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, also known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign tomorrow (Thursday, November 23)

The event will take place in the main lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.

Minister Parsons will be joined by violence prevention advocates Debbie Hibbs, Lisa Lake, and Gemma Hickey. Attendees to the event are encouraged to bring brightly colored flowers in memory of those who have lost their lives or who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

Parking will be available in front of East Block, and attendees are asked to enter using the main entrance facing Prince Philip Drive. Attendees who require an accessible entrance can use the blue zone parking behind East Block and enter through the “Public Gallery Entrance”. The event will also be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-047 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-2023-047 Report Date: November 20, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made two requests under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to either request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made complaints to this Office. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended that the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, and provide final responses to the Complainant within 15 business days of the issuance of this Report.

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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-2023-047 Released first appeared on News Releases.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-046 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-2023-046 Report Date: November 20, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended that the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, and provide a final response to the Complainant within 15 business days of the issuance of this Report.

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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-2023-046 Released first appeared on News Releases.

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The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable was held today in Conne River and hosted by Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi.

Participating in the discussions were Indigenous leaders representing Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Hononourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The roundtable opened on November 20 with a reception at the community centre.

Discussion at the roundtable included:

• Statements by Indigenous Leaders; and
• A presentation on Health Transformation and Well-Being.

Quotes
“I am grateful for the meaningful discussions we had today on a wide range of topics. Today was an opportunity for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to listen to the views, concerns and aspirations of Leaders who represent Indigenous Governments and Organizations, people and communities.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The opportunity to share ideas and exchange experiences was an important step on the continuing path of Reconciliation. Our thanks go to Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe and the Miawpukek First Nation for providing a warm welcome to representatives of Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Provincial Government.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister for Labrador Affairs

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L-R: Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation; Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; Todd Russell, President, NunatuKavut Community Council; Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation; Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; Andrew John, General Manager, Miawpukek First Nation; Central Vice-Chief Andy Barker, Qalipu First Nation; Dr. Stewart MacNeil and Cory LaSaga, No’kmaq Village (Flat Bay Band). Missing from photo were: Stacey Howse, St. John’s First Light Friendship Centre; Dr. Amy Hudson, NunatuKavut Community Council; Patrick Park Tighe, People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre; and Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation. Representatives of the Labrador Friendship Centre and the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network participated in the Roundtable virtually. Due to scheduling circumstances, the Newfoundland Native Women’s Association, the Mi’kmaq First Nation Assembly of Newfoundland, and the AnânauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women’s Association were not able to be represented at the Roundtable.

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Motorists are being encouraged to be vigilant when travelling on the Northern Peninsula between St. Anthony Airport and Eddies Cove, the Cook’s Harbour roadway, and on the roadway between St. Anthony Airport and the Town of Main Brook.

A significant number of caribou are currently active in these areas, and the likelihood of caribou-vehicle collisions may increase. These animals are expected to remain in the region throughout the remainder of the fall and during the upcoming winter.

Motorists can reduce the risk of a caribou-vehicle collision by:

• Scanning both sides of the highway;
• Paying attention to caribou warning signs on provincial roads and highways;
• Avoiding driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more common alongside roadways;
• Encouraging passengers to watch for caribou; and
• Reducing speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.

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Newfoundland and Labrador is today joining the global community to mark World Fisheries Day 2023 and celebrate the vital role the fisheries play in supporting our coastal communities.

Since 1998, World Fisheries Day has been celebrated annually on November 21. It offers the ideal opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reflect on the contribution the fishery makes to our province’s economy and rich maritime heritage.

Among the activities the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture planned for World Fisheries Day, staff members encouraged youth participation and raised awareness of the fisheries with a ‘World Fisheries Day Sustainability Challenge Contest’ that was open to elementary students in the province.

In 2022, the province’s fishing sector was valued at $1.4 billion and provided incomes for over 17,000 residents of the province. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing sector continues to feed the world’s increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably-sourced seafood by exporting to over 40 countries annually.

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“As we celebrate World Fisheries Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, we take pride in our rich maritime legacy and acknowledge the role our fisheries play in shaping our identity and economy. I encourage residents to mark this day by saluting fisheries workers throughout our province and the hard work they do to ensure the health and longevity of our ocean resources.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Approximately 550 pieces of winter maintenance equipment and 67 highway depots are involved in winter operations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, helping ensure the safety of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians traveling provincial highways during the winter season.

Winter equipment operators take appropriate measures to improve the safety of highways. The crews have staggered start times, beginning at 4:30 a.m., and continue to operate until 10:00 p.m. as conditions require.

The Provincial Government wishes to remind the travelling public that as of December 1, overnight winter road operations occur on the 12 most traveled routes in the province as conditions warrant. These routes are listed in the backgrounder below. In the case of emergencies on the other provincial highways, staff are available to clear routes and escort emergency personnel after hours.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Drivers are reminded to slow down and drive to conditions. There are various tools available to support safe winter driving, and the motoring public is encouraged to make it a habit to use these tools before they drive on highways. These include:

• Reports on highway driving conditions and cameras on ca;
• Provincial plow tracker; and
• Weather warnings via Environment Canada 

Budget 2023 allocated an additional $4 million this year, as well as $25 million per year for the next five years, to renew the winter fleet in the province. A multi-year tender is also in place, and 44 new snow plows have been ordered. This winter, eight new heavy-duty single axle trucks with plows and salters were purchased and added to the fleet to service a number of rural routes, and 14 new loaders are also being procured for this winter.

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“We remain dedicated to helping ensure the safety of our traveling public throughout the winter season, and I commend the many equipment operators who serve the residents of our province each day of the season. When it comes to winter road maintenance, it is important to remember that these vehicles have to start and stop somewhere – they cannot be everywhere at once. It is important that we all use the tools available to us to be aware of driving conditions, slow down and allow for extra traveling time.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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BACKGROUNDER

24-Hour Snow Clearing Operations

Avalon Region 24/7 Route 1 (TCH) – Logy Bay Road to Foxtrap (Includes the Outer Ring Road) Route 2 (Pitts Memorial Drive/CBS Bypass) – New Gower Street to Seal Cove Route 3A (Team Gushue Highway) – TCH to Topsail Road

  24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Foxtrap to Whitbourne Route 75 (Veterans Memorial Highway) – TCH to Carbonear

  Eastern Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Whitbourne to Clarenville

  Central Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Gander to Grand Falls Windsor Route 350 (Botwood Highway) – TCH to Botwood

  Western Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Deer Lake to Stephenville (Exit 3 – Route 460, White’s Road) Route 430 (Great Northern Peninsula Highway) – Deer Lake to Rocky Harbour (through Gros Morne National Park – Parks Canada Jurisdiction) Route 450/450A (Lewin Parkway/Ring Road) Route 460 (Port au Port Highway) – TCH to the Stephenville Cold Brook Depot

 

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The Provincial Government is inviting input from stakeholders and the public on improvements to adult literacy and high school equivalency programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Beginning today until December 11, 2023, feedback can be provided as part of a virtual consultation process at engageNL.ca. This will include an online questionnaire and the option of providing a written submission. Further engagement will be held with adult literacy program participants through coordination with program providers.

All input is welcome, especially from those who may need extra supports to obtain high school equivalency, as well as their friends, family, and supporters.

Feedback from the consultation process will inform the development of a robust response to adult literacy issues, particularly foundational literacy and high school equivalency programs.

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“Adult literacy is an important component to supporting the social and economic well-being of people throughout the province. I encourage everyone to visit engageNL to participate in the consultation process to ensure that adult literacy and high school equivalency programs meet the needs of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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EngageNL – Enhancing Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join Leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations for the Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable tomorrow (Tuesday, November 21).

Premier Furey, along with the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Labrador Affairs, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune, and participating Indigenous Leaders will hold a media availability at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The availability will take place via audio conference call. To participate, please RSVP to Allan Bock (allanbock@gov.nl.ca).

Also joining the roundtable for a virtual presentation is Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister, Health Transformation.

The sessions are hosted by Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi, a First Nation reserve located at Conne River, and will take place at the community centre.

The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable provides an opportunity for discussion on matters of mutual interest.

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The post Media Advisory: Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi Hosting Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today announced the creation of the Policing Transformation Working Group that will help shape the future of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Policing Transformation Working Group is mandated to evaluate the current provincial policing model, conduct public engagement, and provide ongoing advice to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible. It will consider best practices in other jurisdictions and the community safety needs of all people and groups who reside here, including urban, rural, Labrador, racialized and Indigenous communities.

Led by an executive with broad senior-level government experience, this multi-year initiative features a team of individuals with extensive operational and strategic expertise in police services. For more information on the objectives of the Working Group and member biographies, please refer to the terms of reference in the backgrounder.

Delivering policing services that maintain public safety and meet societal expectations is becoming increasingly complex. Examples of emerging provincial policing trends and topics informing the scope and timing of this initiative include:

• Evolving profile of crime;
• Oversight and accountability;
• Technological advancements;
• Delivery of services to rural and remote communities; and
• Recruitment, training and retention.

On a national scale, reports published in the last five years, such as the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission report and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report, have both called for government to rethink the delivery of policing services. Efforts to modernize the policing system works to ensure it protects the people of the province, and also supports health and well-being.

While provincial police services operate independently from the Provincial Government, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety maintains responsibility and authority for the administration of justice within the province. This includes the administration and provision of policing services under the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, 1992, and the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) for the RCMP, which expires in 2032. Budget 2023 contains over $154 million for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“In light of the evolving dialogue about policing here and throughout the country, now is the time to evaluate and inform the province’s current policing model. Our government is taking action to transform the future of policing so we are well-positioned to continue enhancing and ensuring public safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The highest priority for the RCMP and our dedicated and skilled employees who work throughout this province is to ensure public safety for the people and communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. We welcome and fully support a policing review and look forward to being actively engaged throughout the process as we work toward our shared goal of a sustainable and modernized policing model.”
Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

“This is welcomed news. This review will help shape the future of policing in the province and ultimately lead to improved services for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to participating in the process and am eager to see what the Policing Transformation Working Group will recommend.”
Chief Patrick Roche
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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RCMP Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill, Hon. Minister John Hogan, KC, RNC Chief Pat Roche

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BACKGROUNDER

Policing Transformation Working Group Terms of Reference and Member Biographies

Overview
The Policing Transformation Working Group (“The Working Group”) will conduct a review of the provision of policing services in the province. The overall objective of the review is to evaluate Newfoundland and Labrador’s current policing model, meaningfully engage with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about policing services and community safety, and to advise on policing models to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible.

Specifically, the Working Group will:

• Work closely with the 10-person policing and crime prevention team within the Department of Justice and Public Safety to analyze the current state of policing in the Province;
• Consult with the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Policing to consider opportunities for improvements to the current policing service delivery model; and
• Recommend short and long term steps to transition from the current police service delivery model to any proposed alternatives.

The Working Group will consider best practices in other jurisdictions and the community safety needs of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, including urban, rural, Labrador, and racialized and Indigenous communities.

Background
The Minister of Justice and Public Safety is responsible for the administration of justice in the province, including the administration of policing services. Policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador are provided by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The RNC provides frontline policing services to 18 per cent of the geography of the Province and 44 per cent of the province’s population, and has detachments located in the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook, Labrador City and Churchill Falls. The RCMP provides frontline to 82 per cent of the geography of the province and 56 per cent of the province’s population in 42 detachments. RCMP provincial policing services are provided under the authority of two agreements – the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) and the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. The current PPSA came into effect in 2012 and expires in 2032.

Policing and crime prevention are growing areas of concern for the public and significant changes have been proposed for policing in this province and across the country. Areas of concern include crime rates, police oversight, the growing cost of policing, training, recruitment and retention, the role of technology, legislative and other accountability frameworks, and service delivery models. The Federal Government is also currently reviewing RCMP contract policing services in advance of the upcoming 2032 expiration of the PPSA.

The delivery of policing services has a direct impact on the communities within Newfoundland and Labrador. In light of the evolving dialogue about policing throughout Canada, the Working Group will seek opportunities to enhance policing services delivery and ensure the safety of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mandate
The mandate of the Working Group is to provide advice and recommendations reflecting the diverse communities of Newfoundland and Labrador as it relates to the delivery of policing services in the province. The Working Group will also lead and oversee the implementation of any approved recommendations put forward.

Scope
The Working Group is responsible for working with the 10-person policing and crime prevention team within the Department of Justice and Public Safety to review the provision of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Working Group will propose options that address the policing and community safety requirements of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Working Group will consider the following:

• Findings and recommendations from analogous policing reviews within the province, across the country, and in other comparable jurisdictions;
• Alternative service delivery models and their effectiveness;
• Cost and financial data;
• Contractual impacts of any advice proposed;
• Public Safety Canada’s review of contract-policing services provided by the RCMP;
• Relationship between police and the diverse communities of the province;
• Role of police in addressing gender-based and intimate partner violence;
• Role of police in community safety and well-being;
• Emergency calls for service response responsibilities and resourcing;
• Diversity and inclusion within policing services;
• Police oversight and accountability mechanisms;
• Legislative requirements and policing standards to support any recommendations;
• Training and education of law enforcement officers;
• Effective recruitment and retention models;
• Police crime rates, clearance rates, calls-for-service data and response times;
• Infrastructure such as detachments and training facilities;
• Administrative and managerial requirements to support the recommended model(s);
• Equipment and fleet requirements;
• Police resource and workload data;
• Data collection and evidence-based decision making;
• Records management and other IT systems;
• Technology advancements and opportunities; and
• Demographics within Newfoundland and Labrador.

Working Group Tasks
The Working Group will prepare a project plan to outline the review tasks and timelines. The Working Group will develop a project plan, verify scope, goals and objectives, develop methodology and identify internal and external stakeholders.

The Working Group tasks will include the following:

• Completion of  a comprehensive jurisdictional scan of related reviews across Canada and other comparable jurisdictions, inclusive of a categorized database of findings or recommendations potentially relevant to improving policing and community safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The collection of information, opinions, and perspectives on policing in Newfoundland and Labrador from numerous stakeholders including the public, subject matter experts, existing policing services, other governmental departments, community groups, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations. These perspectives will be gathered through public engagement and regular meetings with the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Policing. The Working Group will also work collaboratively with the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s 10-person policing and crime prevention team to complete their work.
• The provision of regular updates to the Minister and/or Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety detailing key findings and advice. Advice and recommendations will occur on an ad-hoc basis and will result in short and long term actions required to transition from Newfoundland and Labrador’s current policing service delivery model to any proposed alternatives. Any advice will include estimated costs, implementation plans and timelines.

Working Group Membership
The Working Group will be comprised of the following individuals:

• Executive Lead: Andrea McKenna
• Project Manager: Kim Harding
• Working Group Member: Pete McKay
• Working Group Member: Andrew Warren

The Working Group will report to the Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety, or designate.

Support
Support throughout the review will be provided by the policing and crime prevention team in the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Working Group Member Biographies

Andrea McKenna – Executive Lead
With nearly two decades of senior level public administration experience, Andrea McKenna is the Executive Lead of the Policing Transformation Working Group.

She has held a wide array of executive positions in a variety of departments with both the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Ireland.

Ms. McKenna holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University, as well as a Master of Business Studies from the University College Dublin.

Kim Harding – Project Manager
For over 30 years, Kim Harding has held numerous progressively responsible leadership positions with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).

Ms. Harding brings extensive knowledge and understanding about policing methodologies, work procedures and administration within the policing environment. She has represented the RNC on a variety of national committees and working groups, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Canadian Center of Justice Statistics.

Ms. Harding is a graduate of Memorial University Business Administration.

Peter McKay – Working Group Member
Peter McKay is a 31-year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, serving general duty and administrative posts in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Throughout his policing career, Mr. McKay held a variety of key roles and responsibilities, including as Chief Reviewer for Criminal Operations, Non-Commissioned Officer for the Operations Strategy Branch, Senior Criminal Operations Reviewer, and Detachment Commander. Most recently, he served on Workplace Review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary by Harriet Lewis.

A recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the RCMP long service medal, Mr. McKay retired from active duty in 2019.

Andrew Warren – Working Group Member
Andrew Warren brings extensive experience in rural and urban policing environments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Appointed to the rank of Inspector in 2020, Mr. Warren is familiar with the existing complaint oversight mechanisms and understands the importance of accountability in policing. Throughout his policing tenure, he has served in numerous leadership roles such as Public Order Unit Commander, Honour Guard Commander, and Drug Recognition Evaluator Instructor.

Mr. Warren has a Bachelor of Arts and a Police Studies certificate from Memorial University.

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