Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, will be in Gander on Monday, October 7, to provide details on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre and related infrastructure investments.

They will be joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander.

The event will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Air Services Division, 300 Marix Boulevard, Hanger 22, Gander International Airport.

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Earlier this year, the Newfoundland and Labrador sport and well-being community lost one of its most passionate advocates with the passing of Michelle Healey.

To honour her legacy of athleticism and community dedication through coaching and volunteerism, the Provincial Government has created the Michelle Healey Memorial Award. The award will be presented annually at the Premier’s Athletic Awards to a female athlete, currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution, who has demonstrated both athletic success and a commitment to community.

The award, as well as a $5,000 bursary, will be presented at the 2024 Premier’s Athletic Awards.

Achievements from the 2023 calendar year will be considered for this year’s award. The submission deadline for the Michelle Healey Memorial Award is Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Applications and further information on the program can be found here.

Quote
“Michelle Healey was not only a celebrated athlete, she was also a valued public service employee and a member of the Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation team. Her basketball accomplishments were incredible – she was the greatest shooter in Atlantic University Sport history – and her commitment to volunteerism and advancing the involvement of girls in sport was remarkable. We are proud to honour her memory with the Michelle Healey Memorial Award.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Michelle Healey Memorial Award

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

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission is hitting the road in honour of its 50th anniversary.

The Commission will be partnering with the Labrador Friendship Centre and the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN) to host a public presentation and a drop-in information clinic in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area.

The public presentation will take place on October 16 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Labrador Friendship Centre in the multipurpose room. The centre is located on 49 Grenfell Street, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The drop-in information clinic will take place on October 17 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with appointments available in the evening from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. This will take place at the PLIAN Labrador Office, 45 Grenfell Street, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

For more information about this initiative, or to make an appointment for the evening of October 17, please contact hrcinquiries@gov.nl.ca.

Thank you to our partners, the Labrador Friendship Centre and the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, for supporting this initiative.

To learn more about the Commission, visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

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The Honourable Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is participating in two events taking place on the west coast.

The Minister is joining a Sisters in Spirit Vigil event organized by the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network. Activities commence with a walk that starts at Blanche Brook Park this evening (Friday, October 4) at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Healing Garden in Stephenville. Minister Reid will bring remarks at a vigil which is taking place at the local Lions Club at 7:00 p.m.

The Minister is also speaking at the Indigenous Women’s Empowerment Conference, which takes place October 4-6, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Express in Deer Lake. Minister Reid is scheduled to speak during the opening ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, October 5) at 9:00 a.m. The conference is hosted by the Assembly of First Nations, Newfoundland region.

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Today’s (Friday, October 4) health care announcements in Corner Brook and Deer Lake are postponed and will be re-scheduled.

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A contract valued at approximately $450,000 has been awarded to Locke Electrical Limited for a new program trailer that will be located at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. This initiative is one of several interim measures the Provincial Government committed to implementing until a new adult corrections facility is constructed.

The contract includes the construction of a 20-foot by 40-foot double-wide trailer, preparation of a foundation for the structure, followed by assembly on the grounds of the penitentiary. The program trailer will be utilized for Adult Basic Education, literacy programs and pre-employment programming.

The new trailer will allow for many other programs to be offered simultaneously to multiple groups, including: the New Day program; Safety and Repair; Anger Solutions; Seeking Safety; and the First Light Program.

Budget 2024 includes $15 million over two years for enhancements such as open-air courts, video conferencing, new cameras and program trailers at the corrections facility.

Construction of the airing courts – an outside secure recreation area – at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed within the next several weeks.

Procurement is underway for a new admissions building, with construction to begin in 2025.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government remains committed to providing an adult corrections facility that meets the needs of both staff and inmates. These interim measures will help address some of the infrastructure needs until a new facility is constructed.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“A correctional facility is a dynamic environment where there is a need to ensure the safety of inmates, staff and volunteers, while providing important programs and services. I look forward to the completion of the new program trailer at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, which will allow for a wider range of programming available to inmates.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association’s (NLCA) Women in Construction forum tomorrow (Friday, October 4) at 9:00 a.m.

Minister Hutton will also speak at the NLCA’s Rock Awards gala on Saturday (October 5). The event begins at 7:00 p.m.

Both events take place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, along with Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Fire Chief Fred Hollett, will launch Fire Prevention Week 2024 in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Friday, October 4).

The event is taking place at the fire station, 1119 Thorburn Road, in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, beginning at 11:15 a.m.

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The Provincial Government has reached the next phase in the integration of ambulance services throughout the province as Medavie Health NL Inc. has been identified as the selected proponent to design, manage and operate a single, integrated road and air ambulance service in the province. Medavie Health NL Inc. will be partnering with PAL and Air Borealis to deliver the integrated fixed and rotary wing air ambulance service.

An integrated ambulance service was a foundational recommendation of Health Accord NL. The integration will lead to improvements in the health care system for medical staff and patients, such as ensuring shorter wait times, more training for staff, and better allocation of resources.

Contract negotiations are underway and NL Health Services anticipates negotiations to be finalized in the coming months.

As part of the new contract, Medavie Health NL Inc. will be required to:

• Provide clinical and operational management staff.
• Manage the dispatch of all emergency calls, routine medical transfers, and non-medical transfers throughout a single, integrated road and air ambulance system.
• Support existing operations through the period of establishing a fully contracted air ambulance service.
• Manage the road ambulance base infrastructure and determine the optimal positioning and deployment of road ambulances.
• Implement a 10-year plan to upskill and transition the paramedicine workforce to a minimum of primary care paramedic certification, allowing emergency medical responders to become a part of the public service, including non-medical transports.
• Work with the Provincial Government and NL Health Services to implement a long-term plan for developing a province-wide helicopter emergency medical service.

On June 1, NL Health Services became responsible for operating and managing all former ambulance services across Newfoundland and Labrador and close to 500 private sector ambulance staff. As part of the new agreement, air ambulance bases will be located in St. John’s, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Gander.

More details on this RFP and other open calls for bids issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“We’re happy to reach this next stage of procurement. An integrated ambulance system will lead to a more efficient air and road ambulance service in our province. We look forward to seeing NL Health Services award this contract so that we will see improvements implemented over the coming months and years.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is pleased to advance the next phase of the contract to design, manage and operate an integrated road and air ambulance service. The integration of provincial ambulance services provides an historic opportunity to transform the system and enhance services for people throughout the province. Thank you to our interim management team and our paramedic staff who continue to provide quality care every day in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Cassie Chisholm
Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, will make an announcement regarding health care infrastructure tomorrow (Friday, October 4).

The availability will take place at 12:00 noon on Humberview Drive in Deer Lake.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to media tomorrow (Friday, October 4) to discuss health care investments.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook.

The availability will take place at Western Memorial Regional Hospital beginning at 10:00 a.m. Media are asked to meet in the main entrance of the hospital and will be escorted to the availability.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will attend the launch of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology (IMarEST) Atlantic Canada Branch tomorrow (Friday, October 4).

The event takes place at the Fisheries and Marine Institute, 155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, at 10:00 a.m.

IMarEST is a registered charity and the international professional body and learned society for all marine professionals. They are the largest marine organization of their kind and the first institute to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body. They promote the scientific development of marine engineering, science and technology, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices and upholding the status, standards and knowledge of marine professionals worldwide.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will address the Professional Municipal Administrators (PMA) Fall Forum tomorrow (Friday, October 4) at 9:00 a.m. at the Greenwood Inn and Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook.

PMA is a professional organization of town and city managers, clerks, chief administrative officers, and department heads who are committed to preserving and advancing excellence in municipal administration in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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With continued interest in the Green Transition Fund, today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced $1.36 million to support green projects throughout the province.

Through the expression of interest process, six new projects have been approved for funding through the Fund. These include:

• Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority – $101,000
• Labrador Leasing Limited – $221,851
• Newfoundland Power Inc. – $101,532
• North Atlantic Refining Limited (NARL) logistics LP – $746,952
• Nunacor Development Corporation – $40,000
• Pennecon Hydraulic Systems Limited – $149,200

Information related to the projects can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Green Transition Fund aims to propel the development of the renewable energy sector and clean technologies in the province and position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in the global green transition. This fund supports the greening of commercial operations, research and development, manufacturing and extractive resource development, and other areas that help transition to a greener economy.

There has been significant interest shown for the Provincial Government’s Green Transition Fund with approximately $3.6 million in funding awarded. To date, throughout the province there have been 19 projects approved and seven are currently under assessment by the department. This funding has leveraged significant investment from the Federal Government and private sources.

Quotes
“Just over a year into this program, we are seeing incredible initiative and ingenuity from businesses and organizations in our province as part of the global green transition. Our province continues to be a leader in supporting a green economy. This fund represents the future and is contributing to long-term job creation and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“It is clear, seeing the quality of projects that are being supported through the Green Transition Fund, that the program has already been a catalyst for green economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our province has the potential to become a clean energy leader on a global scale – and investments like these are helping to position us for success.”
Kieran Hanley
Chief Executive Officer, econext

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Learn more
Green Transition Fund Program

Significant Interest in Green Transition Fund Results in Project Approvals and Second Expression of Interest

Provincial Government Launches New Green Transition Fund

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BACKGROUNDER

Below are projects approved to receive funding from the Green Transition Fund.

Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority 
The Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority is receiving $101,000 to support the first step in its efforts to reduce emissions and provide a framework for improvements in the future. Execution of this project will support the Deer Lake Airport’s competitiveness with other airports who have initiated net-zero carbon emission upgrades and Deer Lake Airport will be in a stronger position of supporting travel to the region and bolstering economic development. Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can significantly reduce utility bills, fuel costs, and overall operational expenses.

Labrador Leasing Limited
Labrador Leasing Limited is receiving $221,851 to implement oil recycling technology, which will reduce the environmental impact and operating costs with the implementation of a proven clean technology on seven vessels. This will reduce the company’s consumption, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous lubricating, hydraulic gear, as well as thermal heating oils. This will directly reduce their carbon footprint (GHG emissions) while improving the efficiency, reliability and safety of vessel machinery.

Newfoundland Power Inc.
Newfoundland Power is receiving $101,532 to implement a pilot project involving adding a green alternative, synthetic oil, to their mineral based oil in electrical transformers. This project will provide data for the purpose of greening their operations. The adoption of an environmentally friendly and safe synthetic oil will be evaluated providing a range of potential benefits. Anticipated benefits include reduced environmental impacts, mitigated health risks, reduced costs and improved employee safety.

North Atlantic Refining Limited (NARL) logistics LP
North Atlantic Refining Limited (NARL) is receiving $746,952 in funding to facilitate the planning to establish a Green Energy Hub which will be an essential first step for NARL to become an active contributor to the province’s green economy. NARL intends to utilize their existing infrastructure to develop capacity for the export of low carbon intensity fuels including ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, particularly methyl-cyclohexane.

Nunacor Development Corporation
Nunacor Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC), is receiving $40,000 to better understand green technologies and how they could be incorporated for NCC communities. Nunacor’s Indigenous Power Transmission and Distribution Opportunities Assessment Project explores the potential of electricity transmission and distribution business development in NunatuKavut communities located in Southern Labrador. Nunacor’s long-term vision includes maximizing renewable energy penetration opportunities for communities that currently depend on isolated diesel powerplants for electricity. Focus on green technology developments will help increase the corporation’s energy sovereignty and security by acquiring the capacity and knowledge to develop their own clean energy generation portfolio as an Inuit-owned independent power producer.

Pennecon Hydraulic Systems Limited
Pennecon Hydraulic Systems Limited is receiving $149,200 to advance green innovation and commercial development related to the aquaculture industry. The proposed project will result in a significant positive impact on the aquaculture sector. This funding will go towards the evaluation of the operational and economic feasibility of both a fully electric and hybrid propulsion technologies and provides the opportunity to eliminate the use of diesel-powered Aquaculture barges in Atlantic Canada and elsewhere with the goal of reducing Green House Gas emissions in the sector.

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A contract valued at $5.7 million has been awarded to Trident Construction Limited for the temporary bridge project in Marystown, with work anticipated to start in the coming weeks.

A temporary, pre-fabricated, panel bridge, also known as a bailey bridge, will be installed to provide direct access for local traffic, as well as maintaining emergency vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The bridge will accommodate a single lane of traffic, with temporary traffic signals at either end to control traffic movement. A sidewalk will also be installed to accommodate pedestrian traffic.

The current bridge, which is being used for emergency vehicles and foot traffic, will remain open while the temporary bridge is under construction.

In February 2024, the Provincial Government announced that a temporary bridge would be installed in Marystown, while work continues on the replacement of the Marystown Harbour Bridge, known locally as Canning Bridge.

The work on the permanent replacement of the Canning Bridge will continue in tandem with the preparations for the temporary bridge.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quote
“The awarding of this contract represents important progress on this project. Residents in the Town of Marystown, as well as neighbouring communities, will once again have that important connectivity via a temporary structure, while the permanent structure is being replaced.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“I am very pleased that both the municipal and provincial levels of government could work cooperatively to make this project a reality. This temporary bridge will have a very meaningful impact for residents of the area from various perspectives.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of Marystown

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-043 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/reports/.

Report:  A-2024-043 Report Date: October 1, 2024 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 seeking a spreadsheet containing specific details on deaths that occurred between 2000 and 2024 in the Department, Police Custody, and Correctional Services institutions across the province and examined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Department located a responsive record, but determined that much of the spreadsheet information fell under a mandatory exception to access at section 40 – disclosure harmful to personal privacy. It therefore provided the record disclosing some of the requested information while redacting the rest. The Complainant asked the Commissioner to review the redactions. The Commissioner found the Department was for the most part correct in applying redactions to the record, however, recommended it release some additional information as well.

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

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The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is conducting a series of training sessions beginning today (October 2) on the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act, which comes into force on January 1, 2025.

The Towns and Local Service Districts Act is modern and enabling legislation that reflects the current and evolving nature of towns and local service districts; and will help communities better meet the needs and expectations of residents.

Municipal councillors and officials, as well as local service district committee members can avail of in-person and virtual training sessions to:

• Increase awareness of the substantive changes from the current Municipalities Act, 1999.
• Learn about new and continuing provisions in the new legislation.
• Gain a better understanding of their roles under the new legislation.

These training sessions build on departmental efforts in spring 2024 to inform key stakeholders such as Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, Professional Municipal Administrators of Newfoundland and Labrador, and municipalities about the new legislation.

For more information on the training schedule, please see the backgrounder below or email MAPAtraining@gov.nl.ca.

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“I encourage all councillors, municipal staff, and local service districts committee members to participate in the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act training now available. The training sessions will help empower these community leaders to build stronger and more sustainable communities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Minister Haggie Introduces Modern and Enabling Municipal Legislation – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

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Backgrounder

In-person and virtual training on the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act for municipalities and local service districts.

Towns and Local Service Districts Act Training Location Date Time  

 

 

For Municipal Councillors, Chief Administrative Officers, Town Managers, Town Clerks, Department Heads, and other senior staff College of the North Atlantic Corner Brook (Lecture Theatre) October 2

  1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Operating Engineers College Holyrood (Classroom 1) October 8 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Marystown Hotel (Salon B) October 10 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Quality Inn, Gander (Salon A) October 21 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Virtual November 20 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Virtual November 30 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  

For Local Service Districts Committee Members Virtual November 13 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Virtual November 23 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Virtual December 4 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Virtual January 8 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will bring opening remarks at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Forum tomorrow (Wednesday, October 2).

The minister’s remarks will take place at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, at 9:15 a.m.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association is the voice Canada’s residential construction industry, with 8,500 members across the country that represent home builders, renovators, land developers, manufacturers and suppliers.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts reconvened last week to discuss its priorities for the coming months as it continues to carry out important work ensuring accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The mandate of the Committee, in accordance with Standing Orders of the House of Assembly, is to follow-up on matters related to the Public Accounts of the Province and all reports of the Auditor General.

The Committee conducted a public hearing in June 2024, following up on matters contained in several reports of the Auditor General released in 2022 and 2023. This work will continue over the coming months, following up on matters related to the Public Accounts Consolidated Summary Financial Statements for year ended March 31, 2023; the Auditor General Report on the Province’s 2023 Financial Statement Audits; and the Oil and Gas Corporation (OilCo) audit report.

The Committee also recently returned from informative discussions with colleagues across Canada at the Canadian Council of Public Accounts Committees and Canadian Council of Legislative Auditors annual conference. The event brings together Auditors General and members of Public Accounts Committees from all Legislatures in Canada, where best practices in auditing, accountability and oversight are among the topics of discussion. Members of the Committee were pleased to join the Auditor General for this year’s deliberations in Quebec City.

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“The Public Accounts Committee’s oversight and accountability role is fundamental in our system of parliamentary democracy. All members of the PAC view this work of the utmost importance, and as Chair, I commend them for their dedication and collegiality. I also wish to thank Auditor General, Denise Hanrahan, and the employees of that Office for the important work they do and invaluable support they provide to our Committee.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair of Public Accounts Committee

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Public Accounts Committee – Work and Proceedings

 

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Following engagement with stakeholders, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the release of the Provincial Government’s 2024-26 HealthTech and BioTech Ecosystem Action Plan. The announcement was made at techNL’s Innovation Week Conference in St. John’s.

The HealthTech/BioTech sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is in its early stages in terms of the number of commercialized companies; however, there is a growing number of companies entering the sector. Efforts by Bounce Health Innovation initiative, hosted by techNL and supported by Genesis and other early-stage ecosystem partners, have led to a significant increase of new start-up firms within the province. Supports by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services have also helped to establish a concentrated cluster of promising companies in all levels of business development.

HealthTech is the innovative application of technology in the field of health care. It encompasses various technological tools and advancements that cut across industries, such as software, hardware and devices, artificial intelligence and data analytics, to enhance the delivery and management of health care services.

From telemedicine to wearable medical devices and in-patient hospital care, these technologies transform how health care is accessed and managed. The importance of HealthTech innovation to the province lies in its potential to revolutionize the approach to health care, improving patient outcomes, streamlining processes, and increasing access to quality care, while also expanding economic growth and trade opportunities for the province.

BioTech primarily focuses on the use of living cells and other cell materials to better understand and improve human health. The science involved includes the use of these tools for research to find more efficient ways of maintaining human health, understanding pathogens, and understanding human cell biology. Key areas of focus for BioTech in this province include genomics and precision medicine applications.

The Action Plan will provide a path forward to guide the ongoing growth of this sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. It was developed in response to a stakeholder consultation report commissioned by the Provincial Government in partnership with Bounce Health Innovation and responds to the key challenges that were identified.

The Action Plan presents a vision of a HealthTech/BioTech sector that supports innovative technologies, accelerates access, invests in research and development, enhances coordination and collaboration, and supports companies to develop locally and employ highly qualified people to grow and scale their opportunities globally. It achieves these goals through four key pillars:

• A connected innovation ecosystem.
• Access to capital, R&D and business supports.
• Data driven insights and personalization.
• Regulatory excellence, guidance, and ethical leadership.

The plan lays out six key objectives and 12 actions for the Provincial Government and its partners. By working together to address key challenges and seize emerging opportunities, these partners will work to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Through implementation of the Action Plan, the Provincial Government will support growth within the ecosystem, seek to develop a critical mass of HealthTech/BioTech start-up companies, and globally promote the potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s excellence in HealthTech and health research to spur further growth and investment.

Quotes
“The HealthTech and BioTech sector holds much promise for improving the quality of life for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The companies that make up this ecosystem are providing unique solutions to a variety of health care challenges within the province and globally. This action plan will help lead us towards providing a sustainable path to commercialization for emerging start-up companies and established companies seeking research and development opportunities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Technological innovations in health care have tremendous potential when it comes to improving the quality and delivery of health care services in the province. This Action Plan will support our government’s ongoing efforts to transform our health care system, and also aligns with the Health Accord’s recommendations to leverage technology to improve health across the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This sector has seen tremendous growth over the past five years and the Action Plan announced today shows the province’s commitment to removing barriers and building the foundations for continued success. It’s a real joy to see so many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s brightest minds build successful companies by using advanced technology to tackle health care’s biggest challenges. Health care is rapidly being transformed and companies from this province are a part of that wave.”
Andy Fisher
Director, Bounce Health Innovation

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HealthTech and Biotech Ecosystem Action Plan

techNL

Bounce Health Innovation

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