Government of Newfoundland News

A temporary detour on Pitts Memorial Drive heading towards downtown St. John’s will be in place on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to the Kilbride off ramp and then can pick up the highway again at the eastbound Kilbride on ramp on Columbus Drive/Bay Bulls Road.

The closure is necessary due to a culvert installation and electrical work in this area. Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control and be prepared to slow down.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work being completed and the lane being open by approximately 6:00 p.m.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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Salmonier Nature Park is open for the summer/fall season effective today (June 1). The park entrance gate will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and all visitors must be off the trail by 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Park programming includes school and community group visits, Canada Day activities, and family fun days throughout the summer. Due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades, some areas of the park may be inaccessible or closed for portions of the day throughout the summer and fall. Updates will be available on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information or to book tours for schools or community organizations, call 709-229-7888 or email salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador hosted a flag raising event today to celebrate the beginning of Pride Season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pride month is celebrated throughout Canada in June, with events in Newfoundland and Labrador held in various communities, towns and cities during the summer season.

Pride activities are an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This is a dedicated time to acknowledge the history and achievements of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, while raising awareness of the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

During today’s ceremony, the Progress Pride flag was raised on the courtesy flagpole at Confederation Building. Attendees heard from Sarah Worthman, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Queer Research Initiative, about the importance of recognizing and respecting the province’s queer history. Local singer Evelyn Jess helped to promote messages of inclusivity through a musical performance.

Tonight the Confederation Building will be lit in the colours of the rainbow as a visual reminder of the importance of Pride. Additionally, four rainbow crosswalks and rainbow benches are visible on the Confederation Building grounds year-round.

The Provincial Government is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

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“Our government celebrates the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and the diversity found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Each of us can help to create an inclusive province for all people during Pride Season and every month of the year. Kindness, acceptance, and respect are foundational to a vibrant and thriving province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, to make a significant announcement regarding highway infrastructure on the Northeast Avalon tomorrow (Friday, June 2, 2023). They will be joined by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, federal Minister of Labour, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North.

The announcement will take place at the Admiralty House Communications Museum (Annex), 365 Old Placentia Road, Mount Pearl at 9:30 a.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 9:00 a.m. in the Admiralty House Communications Museum boardroom in the main building.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, today acknowledges June as Seniors’ Month and recognizes the important contributions seniors have made and continue to make in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

This month provides the opportunity to encourage seniors to stay active, connected and engaged within their community, as well as to celebrate the invaluable experience and wisdom that seniors share with all ages.

Today, Minister Abbott also proclaims June 1 as Intergenerational Day Canada, which focuses on building relationships and bridging the gap between generations, along with helping those seniors who experience isolation and loneliness.

The Provincial Government continues to support healthy aging and overall well-being across the lifespan. This aligns with the recommendations of the NL Health Accord and is supported by the Cabinet Committee on Seniors.

In addition, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized on June 15. The theme for this year, ‘Rights Don’t Get Old – Let’s Spark Social Change’, reminds the world that there is no age limit to human rights and everyone has a responsibility to stand up for the rights of older people. To report adult abuse or neglect, please call 1-855-376-4957.

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“Seniors have truly enriched the social and cultural fabric of our province and continue to share their knowledge and skills with the younger generations of today. During the month of June, let us all take the time to honour the seniors in our communities for their leadership, contributions and inspiring nature. It is also important that, together, we help to ensure the overall well-being and safety of seniors.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Every day seniors are doing many wonderful things that should be commended and applauded, such as working, creating, showing and teaching. Through their formal and informal volunteer work, seniors help so many and give so much – from their support to other seniors in their communities, volunteering at the local school, cooking and serving food and fundraising for charities. That is why each year the month of June is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the many roles seniors play in improving the lives of individuals, families, communities and the province.

Today, June 1st, is recognized as Intergenerational Day, which celebrates the power of all generations coming together, learning from each other and sharing. Intergenerational connections build stronger communities, enhance our well-being and reduce ageist attitudes and beliefs. These connections highlight the similarities between all generations.

Seniors Month 2023 is a great reminder of the importance of showing gratitude in the moment through words and actions and spending time with the seniors in our lives. To all seniors, we recognize you and express our heartfelt gratitude for all you have done, and continue to do, to support your family, neighbors, community and province.

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“Seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to the growth and development of their families, neighbors, communities and province. During Seniors Month, let’s thank them for all they have done and continue to do to positively impact our lives. Seniors’ Month is also the perfect time to raise awareness about the impact of ageism in our society and the importance of creating age-friendly communities where seniors can thrive! After all, if we are lucky, we will all grow old.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has reduced the maximum load limit for vehicles on Pitts Memorial Drive to 15 tonnes between 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 4. Trucks heading west from downtown and exceeding 15 tonnes will have to use the Kilbride exit onto Bay Bulls Road.

The weight restriction is necessary as part of the ongoing bridge work on Pitts Memorial Drive.

Highway Enforcement Officers will be on site to enforce this temporary reduction in maximum load limits in accordance with section 106 (52) of the Highway Traffic Act. Under the Act, all drivers must obey the instructions of a traffic-control signal or traffic-control device. In such circumstances where a sign restricts the use of a highway or part of a highway to vehicles of certain maximum gross mass, failure to comply may result in a fine of a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $900. Failure to pay this fine could result in imprisonment of no more than 30 days, but at least two days.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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A new program to make cultural institutions more accessible to adult learners and their families was officially launched this afternoon at The Rooms. The Department of Education is providing $56,000 in funding to support a year-long pilot of the Learning at the Museum program between the ABC Life Literacy Canada and The Rooms.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is a national charitable organization that champions literacy by empowering adult learners, raising awareness, and supporting the adult learning sector. The organization created the Learning at the Museum program to increase learner confidence in cultural activities by making cultural spaces more accessible. ABC Life Literacy Canada has been working closely with staff at The Rooms on the development of this project.

Museums are important places in communities where people come together to share stories and experiences. This pilot project provides an entry point into learning for vulnerable adults and their families who may not currently feel connected or engaged with cultural institutions as a community resource that they can access.

The program fosters increased confidence in adult learners encouraging them to participate in cultural activities with their families by making these spaces more accessible through interactive workbook-based workshops and custom family literacy activities.

Museum staff have received relevant training to deliver the Learning at the Museum program. Staff use the custom workbook and family literacy materials to better understand how to engage and work with adult learners.

The Honourable John G, Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development was joined by Anne Chafe, CEO of The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Jelena Tomescu of ABC Life Literacy Canada for the announcement.

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“Cultural literacy helps us connect with others, understand different perspectives, and actively participate in cultural activities. The Learning at the Museum pilot program, in partnership with ABC Life Literacy Canada and The Rooms, will help foster literacy and offer engaging workshops for adult learners. This program provides free resources that make cultural spaces more accessible and encourage active participation in our communities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“The Rooms is excited to work with ABC Life Literacy Canada on this project. Reaching new audiences from within our community who engage with The Rooms is an extremely important goal for us. We are very excited to work on this meaningful project that helps to further our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism.
Anne Chafe, CEO
The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are delighted to expand the Learning at the Museum program to Newfoundland and Labrador and bring it to The Rooms. We are pleased to work together to reach adults who are disengaged from cultural institutions and to help them connect with, and feel a sense of belonging to, their local museums.
Alison Howard, Executive Director
ABC Life Literacy Canada

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, will bring greetings at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work’s Global Café and Resources event to celebrate National AccessAbility Week tomorrow (Thursday, June 1).

The event will take place at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, 245 Freshwater Road beginning at 12:00 p.m.

The Canadian Council for Rehabilitation and Work is a national organization that promotes and supports meaningful and equitable employment for persons with disabilities.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will attend meetings of federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for rural economic growth from June 1 to 2 in Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The meetings will focus on understanding Canada’s rural realities and exploring opportunities for enhanced collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions and National Indigenous Organizations.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will host a flag raising event to celebrate the beginning of Pride season in Newfoundland Labrador tomorrow (Thursday, June 1)

The event will take place in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building at 12:00 p.m..

Attendees will hear about new and ongoing initiatives to support the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, such as the NL Queer Research Initiative. Local singer Evelyn Jess will help promote messages of inclusivity through a musical performance.

The Provincial Government is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

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The 2023 salmon angling season for the island portion of the province opens June 1 and closes September 7. The season in Labrador begins on June 15 and closes September 15. Salmon licences are available at retail vendors including gas stations, convenience stores, and major chain stores.

Management measures announced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including river classes, possession limits, and guidelines for hook and release and retention angling are available in the Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2023-24 Angler’s Guide.

Anglers are reminded of three important recommendations stemming from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s recent study on the effects of hook and release angling on Atlantic salmon, available on the department’s website:

• Do not practice intentional hook and release in water temperatures over 18 degrees Celsius;
• Do not remove salmon from the water; and
• Do not touch or handle salmon unless absolutely necessary, and use bare wet hands if needed. Use a knotless rubber net or sling.

For more information, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will speak at the annual Energy NL Conference and Exhibition tomorrow (Thursday, June 1).

The event takes place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Energy NL was founded in 1977 to represent the supply and service sector of the energy industry. The organization represents over 460 members worldwide which are involved in, or benefit from, the energy industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and His Excellency Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland, will be available to the media at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, May 31).

The availability will take place in the main lobby of Confederation Building, East Block, prior to a meeting between the Premier and President.

His Excellency Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland and First Lady Eliza Reid will be in St. John’s on Wednesday, May 31 during their state visit to Canada. During their visit, President Jóhannesson will meet with business and community leaders in the oceans, fisheries and health technology sectors.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at SportNL’s 2023 Scholarship Awards Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31).

The event will take place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s beginning at 12:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided the following statement regarding the Federal Government’s proposed amendments to the Atlantic Accord legislation:

“Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased that the proposed legislative amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act will ensure joint management of our valuable offshore wind resources and recognizes exclusive jurisdiction of waters, lying between the jaws of the land and certain coastal waters.

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are committed to supporting offshore renewable energy projects that have the potential to contribute towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Electrification and increasing opportunities to support decarbonization of the economy are essential to achieving these shared goals.

Our province is rich in renewable energy resources which well-position us to meet our net-zero targets, fight climate change, and to grow clean energy jobs and economic development. Our government will continue to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the primary beneficiaries of our valuable resources.

The proposed legislative amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act are significant for us as we work to develop our renewable energy offshore. They will:

• Ensure the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities;
• Allow for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Rename the C-NLOPB as the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Board and expand its mandate to become the lead regulatory body for offshore energy in the offshore area. This furthers joint-management of the offshore area and builds upon extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects; and
• Define the offshore area for offshore renewable energy that excludes areas within provincial jurisdiction, to ensure that the Provincial Government can move forward to regulate developments within provincial jurisdictional waters.

Thank you to Minister Wilkinson for his work on this important file and for being a champion for the development of renewable energy in this province and across the country. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, MHA for Lewisporte – Twillingate and Speaker of the House of Assembly, will attend Fire and Emergency Service Training school tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31) at the Gander Rescue Training Grounds at 10:00 a.m.

Approximately 250 volunteer firefighters will be attending training school, which runs from May 27 to June 2 in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. The specialized courses being offered include live fire training, vehicle rescue, basic emergency management, Incident Command System and HazMat.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will attend a funding announcement for the Learning at the Museum Program tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31).

The event will take place at Level Four Boardroom at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by representatives of ABC Life Literacy Canada and The Rooms.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings at the opening ceremony for Rio Tinto IOC’s new executive office tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31).

The event takes place at 100 New Gower Street, St. John’s beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.

Rio Tinto IOC produces high-grade, low-impurity iron ore from operations integrated across a mine and processing plant in Labrador City. The company is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, Mitsubishi and the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Corporation.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will participate in a “Beginning the Build Ceremony” hosted by The Gathering Place tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31).

The ceremony will take place at The Gathering Place (former Mercy Convent), 170 Military Road, St. John’s beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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