Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invites high school students to an open house at all 19 Employment Centres on Wednesday, February 26, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the services available to support their career goals, including:

• Summer job opportunities
• Youth entrepreneurship support
• Resume writing assistance
• Interview preparation
• Career planning and development
• Information on skilled trades and apprenticeships

The event will feature a guided tour, interactive activities, a presentation on available services and complimentary food and drink.

High school students are encouraged to attend and learn how the Employment Centres can help them plan for their future. Youth are always welcome to visit their local Employment Centre anytime for guidance and resources.

To find an employment centre near you contact 1-800-563-6600 or view this listing.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Open House at Provincial Employment Centres for High School Students appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government, led by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, has taken decisive action to assemble leaders of industry, community and labour to develop strategies for securing new trading partners that reduce reliance on the U.S. market for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses.

This collaborative approach aims to leverage the expertise and insights of various sectors to build a robust and diversified Team NL trade network.

As part of the Provincial Government’s action to identify new export markets for Newfoundland and Labrador products, it will be leading a series of market development and expansion initiatives in the coming weeks.

The market development and expansion initiatives are designed to support new global markets, adaptation and expansion, supply chain resilience and business development activities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s exporters across a number of sectors.

This is part of the broader work of the Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada campaign, which Premier Furey launched earlier this month. A diverse multimedia awareness campaign designed to support industries, workers and those working in the support and service sectors, the campaign aims to help businesses highlight their products and services and help consumers to easily identify Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian products.

Upcoming market development and expansion initiatives include:

• Premier Furey will be in Toronto for the next meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade hosted by the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. They will discuss transformative actions to eliminate regulatory barriers to internal trade, encourage free movement of labour and further standardize regulations across Canada.
• Premier Furey will lead a delegation at the Prospectors and Developments Association of Canada conference in Toronto. This event is the world’s premier mineral and exploration convention and brings together 27,000 attendees from over 135 countries and 1,100 exhibitors for its educational programming, networking events, and business opportunities.
• The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will travel to the United Kingdom to meet with senior government officials and business leaders to advance the Newfoundland and Labrador business and investment trade relationship.
• The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will travel to Boston to attend the largest seafood trade show in North America and meet with key customers of Newfoundland and Labrador seafood exports.
• Premier Furey will travel to Japan with a focus on enhancing government-to-government relations, building on and promoting new opportunities in the energy and critical minerals sectors, and working to expand fisheries opportunities in the Asian market, hand in hand with NL producers and harvesters.

These actions reflect the Provincial Government’s commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and Canadians, who are negatively impacted by the United States’ decision to invoke protectionist trade policies. Presently, the United States is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest trading partner. In 2023, approximately $4.5 billion of goods was exported to the United States, which represented 37 per cent of the province’s total exports. United States tariffs could put roughly 10,000-20,000 jobs in the province at risk.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador has products the world needs. We are actively engaged in a Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada campaign, which includes market development initiatives. The time for action is now given the increasingly unpredictable nature of the United States. With our Team NL and Team Canada approach, we have an opportunity in front of us to embrace new potential and reach that can help shape a future where industries thrive, and every Newfoundlander and Labradorian benefits from a connected, growing economy.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The United Kingdom is one of our oldest trading partners. We’ve recently strengthened our relationship with the launch of our European borrowing program at the London Stock Exchange. This trade mission allows us to further our connections as we look to do more business with like-minded communities, governments and investors. We need to be thinking globally in our approach to open markets and opportunities, to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones abroad, and to better support our interests and businesses here at home.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“We are taking swift action to diversify markets across our fisheries, forestry, and agriculture sectors. The Provincial Government is investing nearly $6 million in market diversification initiatives and trade missions to Europe and Asia for the fisheries sector and we are dedicated to growing and maintaining strong markets for our forestry and agriculture products. We’ve seen unparalleled unity and resolve at recent industry roundtables and I’m confident that together we will secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for our world-class renewable resources.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The post Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Campaign Targets New Export Markets appeared first on News Releases.

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are providing combined funding of more than $44 million to help build over 280 new homes in Newfoundland and Labrador. These homes are part of a broader federal initiative, adding to the 965 new homes already announced in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2021.

The announcement was made by Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, alongside the Honourable Pam Parsons, provincial Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and Member of the House of Assembly for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave. Minister Parsons made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The announcement took place at 17-23 Dawe’s Avenue in Clarke’s Beach which received nearly $300,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to build six affordable rental units. The project will be operated by LID Homes and incorporates accessibility and universal design features in a rural setting near local trails and parks.

The AHF provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.6 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

The 26 projects receiving funding through the federal AHF are also proponents of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s $80 million Affordable Rental Housing Program (ARHP), first announced in November 2023. These projects account for $17.9 million of the total ARHP funding, which supports private and community sector construction projects with a one-time forgivable loan. Successful proponents will own and manage their projects and rent to lower income households at or below rates established by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, based on annual market reports published by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Overall the ARHP is expected to result in the construction of more than 800 affordable rental homes throughout the province.

A detailed list of all the projects that received funding through the federal Affordable Housing Fund is provided in a backgrounder to this release.

Quotes
“We are pleased that the Government of Canada has made additional funding available to many of the projects our government is supporting through the provincial Affordable Rental Housing Program. Well-being starts at home, and by working together we can drastically expand affordable rental availability for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
Member of the House of Assembly for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave

“Everyone deserves a place to call their own, and the Affordable Housing Fund is one way we’re helping make that a reality for Canadians. We will keep investing in housing projects like the ones announced today in Bay Roberts, and working with partners across the country, to end the housing crisis.”
Honourable Nathanial Erskine-Smith
Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with communities to meet the challenge of building more housing across Newfoundland and Labrador. Through Affordable Housing Fund, our government is increasing the supply of new housing by investing more than $25 million in the construction of 286 units, benefiting those who need it most.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon

-30-

Learn more
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program

Government of Canada – Housing

Government of Canada – Housing and Infrastructure Project Map

BACKGROUNDER

Projects Receiving Federal Funding Through the Affordable Housing Fund

Project Name  Town Funding  New Construction or Repairs Units  AYC Apartments Springdale $235,221 New Construction 5 Hoskins Terrace Baie Verte $574,056 New Construction 10 Klondyke Affordable Living

  Bay Roberts $855,233 New Construction 10 Wight’s Road Project Deer Lake $954,940 New Construction 8 IDAM – SAWDUST ROAD

  Bay Roberts $1,425,460 New Construction 14 Klondyke Court Bay Roberts $2,030,331 New Construction 20 NLHC Affordable Housing Caledonia Road, Botwood, NL

  Botwood $627,205 New Construction 10 St. Lawrence Affordable Housing Complex

  St Lawrence $406,235 New Construction 8 Morey’s Apartments Port Anson $352,355 New Construction 5 ARHP NL Clarke’s Beach $287,689 New Construction 6 Christopher Street Project

  Paradise $1,959,125 New Construction 12 Ashlen Crescent and St. Thomas Line

  Paradise $1,059,040 New Construction 6 Grandview Ave and Paradise Road

  Paradise $1,022,543 New Construction 6 Seniors Apartment Rentals Twilingate Twillingate $718,000 New Construction 10 My Project – 92971 NL Corp Fortune $633,286 New Construction 10 Affordable Rental Housing-Glovertown Glovertown $548,675 New Construction 10 Airport Avenue Deer Lake $397,165 New Construction 6 Rose’s Cottages Burin $696,383 New Construction 10 85862 NL Corp – Pouch Cove Development Pouch Cove $4,054,696 New Construction 36 Affordable Rental Housing Program – EJB Contracting Ltd. Robert’s Arm $845,000 New Construction 10 NL Affordable Housing Program (85577 NL Inc.) Botwood $1,113,141 New Construction 16 Affordable Housing 2023-2024 (Robert’s Arm Interfaith Senior Citizens Home Inc) Robert’s Arm $753,000 New Construction 12 34 Spruce Avenue, Glenwood, NL A0G 2K0 (“The Morgan on Spruce”) Glenwood $2,843,686 New Construction 20 132 Main Street, Burin Burin $828,592 New Construction 10 North River North River $832,943 New Construction 10 Rockview Estates North River $371,174 New Construction 6 Total:   $26,425,174.00 286

 

The post Governments Investing in New Homes in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

Ocean Trout Canada of Bedford, Nova Scotia, Nova Fish Farm Inc. of St. Alban’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (a subsidiary of Ocean Trout Canada Inc.), and a supervisor with Nova Fish Farm Inc. have been charged with violations under the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Department of Digital Government and Service NL’s Occupational Health and Safety Division following a fatal accident which occurred in July 2023 in St. Alban’s.

Nova Fish Farm Inc. and Ocean Trout Canada Inc. are each charged with:

• Failure to provide and maintain a workplace and the necessary equipment, systems and tools to ensure worker safety.
• Failure to provide the information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities necessary to ensure worker safety.
• Failure to ensure that workers and supervisors are made familiar with the health and safety hazards in the workplace.
• Failure to ensure that safe work procedures are followed at the workplace.
• Failure to ensure that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment.
• Failure to ensure that a fixed or portable ladder, gangplank or other safe means was provided and used where necessary to board and leave floating equipment.
• Failure to ensure that where a worker is working in conditions that may expose the worker to a risk of drowning, the worker is wearing a personal floatation device.
• Failure to ensure that a work area on a vessel is kept clear of unnecessary obstructions.
• Failure to ensure that a work area on a vessel is kept free of slipping and tripping hazards.

A supervisor with Nova Fish Farms Inc. is charged with:

• Failure to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his or her supervision.

The first appearances at Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor for both companies and the supervisor are scheduled for February 26, 2025.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Workplace Fatality Leads to Occupational Health and Safety Charges appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will join Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, for a housing announcement on Monday, February 24.

The event will take place at 17 Dawe’s Avenue, Clarke’s Beach, at 11:00 a.m.

They will be joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace-Port de Grave, for the announcement.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Federal and Provincial Governments to Announce Funding for Housing appeared first on News Releases.

Environmental Assessment Bulletin

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Environmental Assessment – Part 10 – of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED: 

Doyles Beaver Pond Quarry                                                                        (Reg. 2345)
Proponent: Jeremy’s Construction Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop a quarry extension of 10.4 hectares located 2.5 kilometres east of Doyles in western Newfoundland. The undertaking will require manual harvesting of trees for further extraction of gravel, sand and rock with excavators and trucks to support a construction operation based on local demand.  A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on February 21, 2025; the deadline for public comments is March 28, 2025; and the Minister’s decision is due by April 07, 2025.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Gander Area Queensway North Mineral Exploration                                      (Reg.2343)
Proponent: New Found Gold Corp.

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/projects-2343/

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is providing an update on correspondence PowerSchool is sending to those affected by the cybersecurity incident in the PowerSchool platform.

Individuals affected by the cybersecurity incident are advised that if you have received a notification from Ps-sis-incident@mail.csid.com, Ps-sis-incident@mail1.csid.com or Ps-sis-incident@mail2.csid.com titled “PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident,” please be aware that it is an official email from PowerSchool. This email may have been delivered to your Spam/Junk folder and is not a phishing scam.

PowerSchool is offering two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and educators whose information was accessed, and two years of complimentary credit monitoring services to all individuals whose information was accessed and have reached the age of majority (19 years of age). The Provincial Government encourages both current and former students and staff to sign up through the PowerSchool website. PowerSchool will offer these services regardless of whether the individual’s SIN was involved.

The incident is not specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. PowerSchool notified customers in multiple jurisdictions in North America.

A webpage has been set up on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website with public information related to the PowerSchool incident. All inquiries can be sent to PowerSchoolinfo@gov.nl.ca.

-30-

Avis public : Le point sur l’incident de cybersécurité ayant touché la plateforme PowerSchool

Learn more
PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident

PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident – Provincial Government

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Public Advisory: Update on Cybersecurity Incident in PowerSchool Platform appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Health and Community Services has introduced a new initiative to recruit and retain clinical psychologists in Newfoundland and Labrador. The incentive builds on ongoing measures to help improve mental health services and reduce wait times in the province.

A $50,000 recruitment and retention incentive is available for clinical psychologists who are currently employed by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services or who accept employment at the health authority with a three-year return-in-service commitment.

Eligibility criteria includes health care professionals:

• Currently employed or accept employment as a clinical psychologist with NL Health Services.
• Registered and licensed, or eligible to be registered and licensed, as a clinical psychologist with the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychologist Board.
• Who have not received the Come Home Incentive.

Individual eligibility is at the discretion of NL Health Services.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, NL Health Services, Memorial University, the Newfoundland and Labrador Psychology Board and other stakeholders are currently working together to help address recruitment and retention of clinical psychologists and stabilize the workforce in the province.

Health care professionals interested in learning more about the opportunities to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“Clinical psychologists are vital to the health care system’s ability to provide essential mental health services. We continue to work collaboratively with our health professionals and we remain committed to ensuring we have the workforce needed to deliver these services.”
Honourable John Hogan, K.C.
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services recognizes the important role clinical psychologists play in the health and well-being of clients, patients, and residents. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this new incentive program will have on our recruitment and retention of clinical psychologists across the province.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

“This incentive is a positive step toward addressing the urgent need for clinical psychologists throughout the public healthcare system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ensuring competitive recruitment and retention strategies is essential to maintaining high-quality mental health care for our communities. The Association of Allied Health Professionals supports initiatives that strengthen our healthcare workforce, adds support to our members who are already stretched very thin and enhances access for patients of all ages to psychological services. There are high vacancy numbers that need to be addressed and workplace challenges that must be improved, however this is a great first step.”
Gord Piercey, President
Association of Allied Health Professionals

“The announcement from the Department of Health and Community Services is a welcome step in supporting clinical psychologists in our province. Clinical psychologists are a vital part of the healthcare system and with the retention and recruitment initiatives, more will be able to stay in our province to do this critical work.”
Jerry Earle, President
NAPE

-30-

Learn more
WorkInHealthNL.ca

Improving Access to Health Care

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post New Recruitment and Retention Incentive Announced to Support Clinical Psychologists appeared first on News Releases.

Provincial Highway Enforcement Officers with the Department of Digital Government and Service NL are participating in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative from February 17 to 21.

During the week, officers will help raise awareness about human trafficking by passing out wallet cards to commercial drivers during inspections and traffic stops. These wallet cards include the warning signs to look for that may indicate someone is involved in or the victim of human trafficking and how to report a suspected case.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual five-day human trafficking awareness, outreach, identification and prevention initiative aims to educate the commercial motor vehicle industry, law enforcement and the public throughout North America about the crime of human trafficking.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Highway Enforcement Officers Help Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking appeared first on News Releases.

Effective today, individuals between the ages of 40-49 years are eligible for the Provincial Breast Screening Program as part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to health services and improving health outcomes for residents in the province.

The expansion aligns with recommendations in Health Accord NL to place greater emphasis on health promotion and chronic disease management.

With this expansion, individuals between the ages of 40-74 years can now access breast cancer screening through self-referrals. This will help provide more preventative health choices, ensure early detection and treatment of cancer, reduce mortality rates and allow more effective treatment options.

Implementation of this policy has involved significant expansion of infrastructure and resources to support an additional 34,000 people who are now eligible for the program.  This includes investing funding of $805,000 for two additional mammography units in St. John’s and Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as funding to support renovations required to install these two units.

By spring 2025, NL Health Services will expand MyHealthNL to allow patients to self-refer through this application. This expansion is in addition to existing screening pathways.

This expansion aligns with age of screening programs announced by other provinces and territories, ensures timelier access and does not create backlogs by requiring patients to have a referral from a health care provider.

Quotes
“Expansion of the provincial breast screening program for individuals aged 40-49 marks another important step towards our government’s commitment to improving health care access and establishing health equity in the province. This expansion will help ensure that more individuals can exercise greater control over their own health and well-being and self-refer for breast screening which can lead to earlier intervention and treatment.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Breast cancer doesn’t wait, and for women aged 40-49, screening can be a lifesaving step in early detection. Regular breast cancer screening increases the chance of finding cancer early, when it is most treatable.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has been working to implement this policy change to expand the age for the provincial breast screening program. By making breast screening available to people aged 40-49, there will be more opportunities for early detection, intervention, and provision of care. We thank the Provincial Government, our partners, and the many people who work with the Provincial Cancer Care program for their leadership, dedication and unwavering support in administering and continually improving the provincial breast screening program.”
Beth Snow
Provincial Senior Director, Cancer Care Program, NL Health Services

-30-

Learn more
Provincial Government to Lower Age for Recommended Breast Cancer Screening

Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

 

The post Breast Cancer Screening Now Available to Individuals 40-49 Years Old Through Self-Referrals appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to speak to the media today (Thursday, February 20) to discuss breast cancer screening expansion.

The availability will begin at 1:30 p.m. at 35 Major’s Path, St. John’s. Members of the media are asked to meet at the main entrance for escort to the availability.

Minister Hogan will be joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and Beth Snow, Senior Director, Provincial Cancer Care Program, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Hogan Available to the Media to Provide Update on Breast Screening Expansion appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is advising the public of a fraudulent advertisement circulating on social media that claims the Premier is endorsing a cryptocurrency scheme.

Neither the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, nor the Premier, are in any way involved with promoting or endorsing any cryptocurrency scheme.

For more information about how to identify scams and stay safe online visit:

Tips and tools to spot disinformation

Break the Fake – YouTube video

Get Cyber Safe

CyberSafeNL

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Provincial Government Advising of Fraudulent Ad appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will hold a media availability today (Thursday, February 20) to discuss the proposed changes to Grades 7 to 9 program of studies and the feedback process.

The availability will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the lobby of West Block, Confederation Building.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Hold Media Availability appeared first on News Releases.

As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to expand options for individuals seeking help with mental health and addictions, work continues on establishing a new 10-bed substance use treatment centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a technical advisor to guide the Provincial Government on the planning and design of the centre.

The substance use treatment centre will improve access to services for individuals seeking withdrawal management, substance use rehabilitation and recovery services closer to home, reducing the stress on clients and caregivers of travelling outside the zone for services. Through co-design with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the centre will deliver culturally appropriate care.

The new centre will include:

• 10 beds providing services for withdrawal management, rehabilitation and recovery/sober living.
• An opioid dependency treatment hub.
• A managed alcohol program hub.
• A community/day programming, including group space.
• Peer support.

The successful proponent will be required to develop an RFP package for a leased space that meets the needs of the developed concept design, oversee commissioning services, and provide contract administration services throughout the design, construction, and commissioning stage of the project.

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

Submissions are due in March 2025.

Quotes
“We are excited to move forward with our plan to establish a substance use treatment centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will help ensure rapid community-based care for individuals living with substance use and addictions. This request for proposals is an important step in that direction and will help ensure improved health outcomes and overall well-being for all residents while promoting and facilitating important cultural connections.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“This request for proposals is the first step to providing substance use and addictions treatment in Labrador. We know that family and cultural connections are key to successful mental health and addictions treatment. This centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will provide those seeking supports the important care they require right at home in Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“With our government clearly focused on getting addictions treatment and recovery support in Lake Melville, I welcome the involvement of third-party expertise to ensure we get this right. Our relatives, friends and neighbours are depending on us to provide professional and effective assistance.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

“In line with provincial initiatives such as Towards Recovery and the Alcohol Action Plan, NL Health Services has undertaken significant steps to increase accessibility to innovative, comprehensive mental health and addictions services across the province. We recognize the importance of increasing access to mental health and addictions services and supporting individuals closer to home, allowing for cultural connections during their substance use recovery. We are pleased to work with the Provincial Government to continue progress on establishing a substance use treatment centre in Central Labrador.”
Joanne Pelley
Vice President – Chief Operating Officer (Acting)
NL Health Services – Labrador-Grenfell Zone

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Request for Proposals Issued for Technical Advisor for Substance Use Treatment Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is now welcoming applications from eligible non-profit and private sector employers for the 2025 Summer Employment Program for Students.

The program provides up to $4,032 in funding per full-time equivalent (FTE) position for private sector businesses and up to $7,800 for non-profit organizations and municipalities to create summer employment opportunities for students.

The Summer Employment Program for Students will see students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador secure meaningful employment to help prepare them to enter the workforce and assist businesses to operate more affordably. Employers are encouraged to provide rich and rewarding work experiences for students during this formative stage of their work lives.

For more information on the 2025 Summer Employment Program for Students and how to submit an application, please click here. Employers with questions can contact 1-800-563-6600 or EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.

Applications close Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Funding for the program is partially provided by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Applications Open for 2025 Summer Employment Program for Students appeared first on News Releases.

To ensure the best use of the province’s limited economic immigration capacity, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) have moved to an expression of interest model.

An expression of interest model uses a two-step process requiring individuals to first submit a short form identifying key characteristics, such as their occupation, education, language and willingness to reside in the province. These forms will then be reviewed and select individuals will then be invited to complete a full NLPNP or AIP application. This change ensures immigration spaces are allocated strategically throughout the year, while helping employers respond to evolving labour market needs in sectors such as health care and education.

Applications submitted prior to the transition to this new model will remain valid in the Provincial Government’s Immigration Accelerator platform. All individuals with an active application submitted to the department will be contacted regarding their next steps. Some individuals will move directly to application process, while others will be prompted to submit an expression of interest. The determination on those who will bypass the expression of interest step will be made based on a case-by-case assessment of their application alongside the same criteria that will be used for expression of interest assessments.

Due to this change, decisions on applications may now take three months or more in some cases. The commitment to excellent customer service remains and applications will continue to be processed as efficiently as possible. Questions about this change can be directed to immigration@gov.nl.ca.

Historically, the Provincial Government processed immigration applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. This changed in late 2024 when historic demand and limited economic immigration spaces resulted in a shift to priority processing. Implementing an expression of interest model further builds on the shift to priority processing with a model widely used across Canada.

In January 2025, the Provincial Government also announced a pause on the processing of Job Vacancy Assessments and AIP Designations for employers. This pause continues, and further updates will be made in the coming weeks.

After successfully negotiating the return of 1,000 economic immigration spaces from the Federal Government, Newfoundland and Labrador currently has 2,525 spaces for 2025. This capacity remains well below demand and the Provincial Government continues to advocate for further increases to economic immigration spaces to support provincial economic and population growth.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Priority Immigration Processing Continues With Expression of Interest Model appeared first on News Releases.

A Newfoundland and Labrador business making plant-based, no-sugar-added oat bars has been finding success in markets across Canada. Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced support totalling $58,000 for food manufacturing firm The Oat Company to assist with its export development strategy.

The Oat Company has been manufacturing and selling oat-based energy bars and snacks since 2019 and has differentiated itself by selling products using only 100 per cent natural ingredients without any added sugar. Since 2022, the company has been steadily gaining traction in the local market by developing local sales channels at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ cafeterias and local grocery stores. It has also found success outside the province, to the point where more than 60 per cent of its revenue comes from sales outside Newfoundland and Labrador.

This funding will support the company as it works to build its brand in stores and online, while also building relationships with distributors and retailers.

Through the Business Growth Program, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology supports increased market development and expansion, international trade activity, and accelerated growth via support for: market research, readiness, planning and development; product and service demonstrations; and participation in trade conferences and missions. The department also works with Global Affairs Canada, and with the other Atlantic Provinces and the Federal Government under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy, to plan and participate in trade missions in foreign markets.

Quotes
“The Oat Company is offering a unique product in this large and fast-growing market. The demand for healthy snacks, specifically organic, vegan and gluten-free snacks, is growing. We are pleased to support the company with its ongoing effort to expand to new markets across Canada.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Our vision is to be a North American natural foods brand, exporting our healthy snacks right from here. We are working towards that goal customer by customer, store by store, across Canada. This support and partnership can really help us be better and move faster. The timing could not be better in the current environment, so we’re excited to get started.”
Patrick Griffin
Founder, The Oat Company

-30-

Learn more
Business Growth Program

The Oat Company

Follow us on X @IET_GovNL

Like Industry, Energy and Technology NL on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Supports The Oat Company With Exporting Goals appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government announced today $103,000 in funding for five new dialysis machines at Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. Dialysis is a renal replacement therapy provided to patients with advanced kidney failure and is an important part of management of chronic kidney disease.

The investment in new dialysis machines is based on the Health Accord NL recommendation on placing greater emphasis on health promotion and chronic disease management.

A dialysis machine is used for hemodialysis, which is a life-saving treatment that replaces the work of a person’s kidneys to clear waste and fluid from their body.

Adding five more dialysis machines at Western Memorial Regional Hospital will allow greater flexibility for NL Health Services in scheduling treatments to meet operational needs and, more importantly, accommodate patients’ needs.

These additional machines will support future demand and growth in the area, including for people who are travelling to the area and require hemodialysis. This will improve the quality of life for individuals who require this life-saving service.

Quotes
“We’re excited about the addition of five new dialysis machines and what it means for health care in our province. Adding new machines to Western Memorial Regional Hospital will ensure people who need dialysis will get the necessary patient care and enable better health outcomes for the patient. We look forward to when the new machines are operational.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services welcomes this announcement from the Provincial Government for additional dialysis machines at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. These machines are crucial to providing care to patients receiving hemodialysis for conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and end stage kidney disease. As well, these machines will aid in improving dialysis schedules, making them more flexible to better support patients and their families.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
Chief Executive Officer, NL Health Services

“Improved access to renal care is a positive step towards both the future expansion of health services in Western Newfoundland, and the health and care of our residents. The addition of five dialysis stations to Western Memorial Regional Hospital’s renal care program will further expand regional health services and increase our capacity to provide essential long-term care and support for our loved ones right here at home.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Adding Five New Dialysis Machines to Western Memorial Regional Hospital appeared first on News Releases.

To help inform individuals on how to access support and information about the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit and Disability Tax Credit, the Provincial Government will be hosting a series of community webinars.

Officials from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development will be joined by representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development of Canada and community partners.

Three community webinars will be held between February 26 and March 26. Each session will include presentations from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development of Canada. There will be a moderated question and answer session following each presentation.

Webinar Dates and Times:

• Wednesday, February 26, 2:30-4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 13, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 26, 12:30-2:00 p.m.

How to Register: Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP through email at NLDBinfosessions@gov.nl.ca or call 709-729-6279 to secure your spot.

Those who are unable to stream the sessions via the Internet may register for a telephone-only option.

Accommodations: ASL interpretation and real-time captioning will be provided for all sessions. If you require any other disability-related accommodations or need documentation in an alternative format, please let us know when registering.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Provincial Government to Host Series of Community Webinars on Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, issued the enclosed statement regarding the proposed changes to the program of studies for students in Grades 7 to 9.

“Following the announcement that the Department of Education was seeking feedback on proposed changes to the program of studies for students in Grades 7 to 9, we have heard from many in the school community and partners in education. I appreciate their valuable input and would like to thank them for submitting their feedback.

We are extending the opportunity for school communities, including parents, guardians, teachers and students to share their feedback through the online platform until March 21, 2025. In addition, the Department of Education is extending the consultation process with stakeholders and will consult with more educational partners to gather as much feedback as possible.

While this robust consultation process continues, we will pause implementation of the proposed changes in the selected 14 schools for the 2025-26 school year.”

-30-

The post Statement from Minister Howell on Proposed Changes to Grades 7 to 9 Program of Studies appeared first on News Releases.