Government of Newfoundland News

A joint investment of more than $306 million from the Federal and Provincial Governments was announced today to expand the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) by adding two additional divided highway sections.

The twinning project will include a 15 kilometre section between Bishop’s Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor in the Central region, as well as a section of approximately 40 kilometres of highway heading west, beginning at Whitbourne in the Avalon region. Twinning these sections of Trans-Canada Highway will help increase traffic capacity and ensure better separation between opposing traffic lanes. These improvements will also support reliability and security of access between rural communities, strengthen year-round transportation connections, improve transportation safety and enhance the TCH’s resiliency to climate change.

The Government of Canada is investing $153 million in this project, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also investing $153 million.

With additional funding of $20 million, the Provincial Government will also make highway improvements that will see the addition of 15 kilometres of passing lane to allow for a continuous passing lane for the first 30 kilometres leaving Port aux Basques. This will allow traffic to flow more efficiently during peak periods of ferry traffic.

The Provincial Government is also moving forward with the completion of the Team Gushue Highway, and has submitted an application to the Federal Government to take the next steps on the project.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to improving our province for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. These significant infrastructure projects will help strengthen the reliability of year-round connectivity between communities, while also making our roads safer and more resilient in response to a changing climate. Today’s investments will also have a positive impact on our tourism industry, and we look forward to tourists and locals alike enjoying all of this infrastructure for years to come.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Projects like these announced today are important for our continued efforts regarding the modernization of our provincial roads infrastructure. They are also significant from a traffic safety perspective, and helping ensure our rural and urban communities are connected to service centres that provide health care and other government-related supports.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Strengthening our supply chains and facilitating the movement of goods and people is key to economic security. As the effects of climate change are felt by communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country, the investment we are making today in the Trans-Canada Highway will ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s key supply route will be more resilient to extreme weather events.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Twinning the Trans-Canada Highway here will lead to safer commutes and better movement of goods across the island. That means spending less time on the road, and more time with your family.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour

“Investments in public infrastructure are crucial to keeping our rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador healthy, strong, and vibrant. These road upgrades will make life easier for commuters in these areas by making the Trans-Canada Highway safer and more reliable, resulting in less traffic congestion, and helping our residents get where they need to go.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“Port-aux-Basques is known as the gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador and this significant investment to our road infrastructure will provide safe and more efficient travel for both visitors and residents. I am pleased to see these improvements in the district of Burgeo – La Poile.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
MHA for Burgeo – La Poile

“This is great news for all of Newfoundland and Labrador. Highway twinning provides safe and more efficient throughout of goods and people throughout our province.  The associated construction and spin-off will employ thousands of Newfoundland and Labradorians. This announcement today represents a significant benefit for all Newfoundland and Labrador residents.”
Jim Organ
Executive Director of the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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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 tomorrow (Monday, May 1).

The announcement will take place at the Admiral’s Green Clubhouse, 460 Allandale Road, St. John’s at 9:30 a.m.

Premier Furey and Minister LeBlanc will be joined by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, federal Minister of Labour, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Joanne Thompson, MP for St. John’s East, and Heather Tobin of the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for the announcement.

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A joint investment of more than $35 million from the federal and provincial governments and the City of St. John’s was announced today to enhance St. John’s public transit infrastructure.

This funding will support 18 transit projects in the St. John’s region, eight of which are accessible hybrid transit buses which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change, while also increasing wheelchair accessibility on the Metrobus service in St. John’s.

Funding will also go towards the construction of shared-use paths throughout the city. This includes construction of the Kelly’s Brook shared-use path from Kings Bridge Road to Columbus Drive to create a continuous five kilometre active transportation route comfortable for use by people of all ages and abilities. The project also includes installation of lighting, rest areas, trailheads, signage and wayfinding. Once completed, this project will offer residents of St. John’s more options for their daily travels, while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Government of Canada is investing $15,845,668 in these 18 projects, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $11,992,016 and the City of St. John’s is contributing $8,141,960.

Quotes
“We know the value of being able to safely and efficiently move around our communities, and an important element of that experience is access to transportation. I am very pleased with this investment which will not only increase accessibility within our busing system, but also increase access to our natural heritage.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The purchase of eight new hybrid buses is a welcomed investment to help address climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador. Passenger transportation accounts for over 20 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, so to see the City of St. John’s make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint, making public transportation more environmentally friendly, is a positive step in the right direction.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“One of our City’s strategic directions is to be a city that moves, with a goal to expand and maintain a safe and accessible transportation network. The funding announced today will help us to achieve this goal, in addition to our goal to fight climate change and to reach net-zero by 2050. Investing in accessible hybrid buses and building new infrastructure such as the shared-use path network will allow more people, of all ages and abilities to move around our city and get where they need to go. Whether you are walking, cycling, using a mobility aid or pushing a stroller, building an accessible and well-connected transportation system is an important part of creating a healthy and vibrant community.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

“Safe and reliable public transit systems contribute to making Canadian communities good places to live, work, and raise families. The Government of Canada’s investments in St. John’s hybrid transit buses and shared-use path projects will reduce commute times and help workers, students, seniors and families across St. John’s and beyond get where they need to go faster, cleaner and in affordable ways. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, tackles climate change and builds more inclusive communities.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-24 Active NL Fund. Funding is available to support community-based active healthy living initiatives, infrastructure or equipment that will help increase physical activity, sport, active recreation and healthy eating for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Applications will be accepted up to and including October 31, 2023. Not-for-profit, community-based groups and organizations, municipalities, Indigenous Governments, local service districts and schools are eligible to apply.

An additional $800,000 was allocated to this program through Budget 2023, bringing the total funding available to nearly $2.6 million.

The application form, as well as program guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be found on the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation’s website. Those interested in applying are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines to determine eligibility of applicants, infrastructure projects, equipment and initiatives.

Quote
“When we create and increase opportunities for the people of our province to pursue active, healthy lifestyles, the benefits span generations. I encourage groups and organizations who want to deliver active healthy living projects and initiatives at the local level to learn more about how the Active NL Fund can support their efforts.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Monday, May 1 marks the beginning of the 2023 forest fire season on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. Forest fire season is May 1 to September 30 for the Island and May 15 to September 30 in Labrador.

The public are reminded that a permit to burn is required during forest fire season to burn vegetation, wood and paper products. Permits can be obtained by contacting a provincial Forest Management District Office during regular business hours.

A permit to burn is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on the condition that the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations. Individuals failing to comply with regulations may be subject to fines and penalties, including costs associated with fighting a forest fire.

Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website, and are updated daily.

Individuals planning fires within a municipality should check with local fire officials to ensure any burning activity does not violate municipal by-laws related to outdoor fires.

To report a wildfire call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Quote
“Our province’s forests offer residents many recreational, economic, social and cultural benefits, while also providing a home for wildlife. It is important for everyone to be vigilant and take appropriate action to protect this valuable resource from forest fires. During forest fire season, I strongly encourage all outdoor enthusiasts to check the provincial forest fire hazard risk before lighting a fire near forest areas.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Public Reminders for Forest Fire Season

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Fire Hazard Map

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, is attending the Offshore Technology Conference 2023 in Houston, Texas from April 30 to May 2.

Since 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference has welcomed industry professionals to share and discuss ideas and innovations regarding the most pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector. Newfoundland and Labrador’s delegation includes more than 100 people representing over 45 companies. The province has participated in the Offshore Technology Conference for nearly 40 years.

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Nominations are now open for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, presented annually by premiers from each province and territory to recognize outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2023.

This year, Newfoundland and Labrador nominations are being accepted for the category of Community Organization. This category is for organizations that provide or develop programs, services or projects that promote literacy and/or help to better the lives of others by improving reading and writing skills and preparing them for post-secondary education and/or employment.

The award will be presented this fall. The winner will receive a Council of the Federation Literacy Award engraved medallion and a certificate signed by the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Please take this opportunity to tell us about a community organization that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in the field of adult literacy.

The guidelines can be downloaded here.

Quotes
“We recognize the importance of literacy in the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and the confidence that it builds for them. Our government developed the Adult Literacy Action Plan, and it continues to have a positive impact on people across our province. I always look forward to presenting this award to inspiring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government continues to support adult learners as they acquire foundational skills through the Adult Literacy Action Plan. This broadens their capabilities as they contribute at home, in their community, and in their workplace. This award recognizes community organizations whose work is vital to improving adult literacy in this province. I encourage community organizations or those who have benefited from their support, to consider sharing their stories and apply for this award.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Appel à candidatures pour les Prix d’alphabétisation du Conseil de la fédération 2023

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Nomination Guidelines

The Adult Literacy Action Plan

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony today (Friday, April 28).

The event will take place at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 5 Navigator Avenue, St. John’s beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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A joint investment of more than $674,000 from the Provincial and Federal Governments and the Town of St. Bride’s was announced today, aimed at improving the Southside Water Reservoir in St. Bride’s.

The project involves clearing of vegetation, building an access road, upgrading the existing concrete dam structure, installing primary and secondary screening, including a screen house, as well as building a new concrete spillway.

The Government of Canada is investing $269,952 in this project, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $337,440 and the Town of St. Bride’s is contributing $67,488.

These improvements will prepare for the chlorination/disinfectant phase, and improve services for residents for years to come.

Quotes
“Our government’s investment in infrastructure translates into better outcomes for towns and communities by improving access to services such as drinking water. I am very pleased with the upgrades to the water reservoir, which will result in improved drinking water for the residents of St. Bride’s.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Reliable and efficient drinking water infrastructure is key to the health and well-being of communities. The improvements to the Southside Water Reservoir will help improve services and improve the quality of life for St. Bride’s residents.”
Ken MacDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Investing in infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth for communities. As the MHA for the district of Placentia – St. Mary’s, I have been working alongside the town of St. Bride’s to ensure all residents have access to clean water, which is essential to a healthy lifestyle.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s

“This round of funding brings the Town of St. Bride’s one step closer to safe, clean drinking water and prepare the Southside Water Reservoir for the last phase: chlorination of the water. Provision of clean, safe water without incurring debt is the main goal of the council and I am proud to say we are just about there. Thank you to our federal and provincial counterparts for their support over the years to provide clean, safe water for all.”
His Worship Eugene Manning
Mayor of St. Bride’s

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change will participate in a transportation funding announcement in St. John’s tomorrow (Friday, April 28).

The event will take place at the Metrobus Depot, 25 Messenger Drive, St. John’s beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Davis will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings at the Central MinEx 2023 Mineral Industry Showcase luncheon tomorrow (Friday, April 28).

The event takes place at the Gander Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Eric Sprott, one of the world’s premiere gold and silver investors with over 50 years of experience in the investment industry.

The Central MinEx Mineral Industry Showcase is an inaugural event to promote dialogue featuring industry leaders, technical experts, suppliers and the local business community to exchange ideas and ignite new opportunities in the mineral exploration and development sector.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will attend the St. John’s and District Labour Council’s National Day of Mourning Ceremony tomorrow (Friday, April 28).

The event takes place in the East Block lobby, Confederation Building starting at 12:00 p.m.

Taking place on April 28 each year, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. It is also a day to collectively commit to improving occupational health and safety, and work to prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a monitoring report on outstanding performance audit recommendations to the House of Assembly. The report covers audit reports issued from 2014 to 2020 and provides a status update on those recommendations.

The report is also a response to discussions the Auditor General had with the Public Accounts Committee, which inquired about the status of outstanding recommendations.

The full report can be found by visiting the link below.

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“Recommendations are a critical part of audit reports and it is important for the departments and entities we audit to fully implement or otherwise resolve our recommendations. As a result of recommendations not being fully implemented, risks remain, or further risk may be created. Given there are numerous outstanding recommendations, some nearly a decade old, resolving them is an important process. It provides government the opportunity to demonstrate its responsiveness to improving the delivery of the programs and services that are critical to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Speaker, access to stable and affordable housing is key to improving health and social outcomes. That is why our government has prioritized the creation of new housing options, with more than 750 new housing options constructed or under construction over the past two years.

Budget 2023 includes almost $140 million to further increase affordable housing options through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, including:

• $70 million over three years for a new Affordable Housing Program, to construct over 850 new affordable rental homes through private and non-profit sector partnerships for seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with disabilities, and recent immigrants;
• $25 million for emergency shelters, transition homes and supportive living for those experiencing homelessness or intimate partner violence;
• $17 million to maintain, repair and modernize provincial social housing, including vacant units, for individuals and families in need;
• $10 million in grants to help lower-income homeowners complete repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficiency retrofits to their homes. These programs primarily serve seniors, supporting them to age in place; and
• $30 million for an integrated health, housing and supportive services hub to support those experiencing homelessness in the Happy Valley – Goose Bay area.

Speaker, everyone deserves a home and a safe place to live. We will continue to work with federal, municipal and Indigenous Governments and community partners to address the diverse housing and homelessness needs in this province.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will be available to the media today (Thursday, April 27) to discuss Marine Atlantic’s decision to impose a transparent fuel surcharge on its vessels.

The availability will take place outside the House of Assembly at 1:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, congratulates the winners of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada awards, which provide recognition to persons or organizations that have made a significant contribution to rural medicine in Canada.

Memorial University’s Family Medicine Residency Program was awarded the Keith Award for the 10th time and the Faculty of Medicine was awarded the Rural Education Award for the fifth time. The Keith Award is presented to a Canadian post-graduate program which has excelled in producing rural doctors, while the Rural Education Award is given to the medical school program matching the most graduates to rural family medicine residency programs based on the Canadian Resident Matching Service data for the preceding year.

Several Memorial University physicians and medical students were also recognized:

• Dr. Lyn Power received the Rural Service Award;
• Dr. Samantha Harper received the Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada;
• Allison Best received the Student Leadership Award; and
• Daniel Pearce received the Student Essay Award.

Information on the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada Awards can be found here.

Quote
“Congratulations to Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, Family Medicine Residency Program and the doctors and medical students who were recognized this year by the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. Their well-deserved awards are a testament to their dedication to providing rural and remote health care.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, is today announcing the opening of nominations for the third annual Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

The Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes primary, elementary or secondary teachers in all disciplines who have demonstrated innovation in instruction and a commitment to preparing their students for future success.

The Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

These awards recognize teaching excellence in areas that are meaningful and impactful for K-12 students in Newfoundland and Labrador. Information on the awards is available here and the deadline for submissions is May 26, 2023.

Quotes

“Teachers do incredible work every day as they guide our children through the early years of schooling, while shaping their minds as they work towards graduation. These awards are a way to recognize the important contributions teachers make to our whole province, by inspiring our youth – who are the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I was heartened to see the pride and passion of all teachers during the ceremony last year for these awards, and the support they have from their families and colleagues. I encourage students, teachers, colleagues and administrators to nominate an educator today.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Premier and Minister Teaching Awards 2023

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An investigation into salmon poaching by Resource Enforcement Division officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has resulted in convictions, fines and recreational fishing prohibitions for two individuals.

Roy Jacobs and Robert Ricketts, both from Westport, were convicted in Provincial Court at Grand Falls-Windsor on April 5, 2023 for unlawfully fishing for salmon by means of a net contrary to Section 42.1 of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations.

The individuals were apprehended in Westport on July 6, 2022 by Resource Enforcement Officers acting on information obtained from surveillance activities initiated after receiving a tip from the public about possible poaching activity.

Both received a $3,000 fine and a conditional prohibition of being on coastal waters for a period of three years. In addition, an 18-foot fiberglass boat and motor seized during the investigation were forfeited to the Crown.

The public is encouraged to continue to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity, as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations being conducted by Resource Enforcement Officers.

The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time, by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Photo caption: Boat and motor confiscated by Resource Enforcement Officers during an investigation into salmon poaching on the Baie Verte Peninsula in July 2022.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

There is absolutely no doubt a new chapter is being written in our province’s storied history and, Speaker, all of us are helping to write it. For decades we have been facing down an almost insurmountable challenge. For decades, our population has been shrinking due to a demographic reality that has been difficult to correct.

Well Speaker, when Newfoundlanders and Labradorians see a challenge, one that allows their generosity, their progressiveness and their hardworking attitude to shine through, a solution will be found. And Speaker, the solution has been found.

I am pleased to report to the House that, for the last seven consecutive quarters, Statistics Canada is reporting the population of our neighborhoods has grown by over 12,000 people. For the first time in 50 years, enrollment of children in our schools is increasing; not shrinking. This coming fall will see more children in schools for the second consecutive year.

Our internationally recognized Ukrainian Family Support efforts certainly support this result, but it is not its only driver.

Newfoundland and Labrador is actively welcoming talented refugees and asylum-seekers from South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and anywhere where systemic persecution exists. We are attracting new communities to call this their home. Today, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a vibrant Muslim community at over 7,500 strong and growing. These are our doctors, our educators, our entrepreneurs, our frontline workers. These are people who are now embedded in the story of our future.

As testament to this success, I am pleased to inform the House that we have achieved a doubling of our yearly immigration spaces from 1,500 to 3,050 people. This, along with their families, represents a capacity of 6,700 newcomers nominated annually.

Newfoundland and Labrador is writing a new chapter. Speaker, I want to thank all Members of this House and all who support newcomers for helping to hold that pen and add to this story.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, this is National Tourism Week, which is an opportunity for us to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism operators and the incredible benefits that the tourism industry brings to our communities, and province.

It is fitting that this year’s theme is ‘Canada: Powered by Tourism.’ Tourism is a significant economic driver in our communities – employing thousands of residents and creating economic spin-off opportunities.

Tourism operators are helping to tell our story to visitors from all over the world.  They help build and enhance experiences and support cultural and recreational assets in their communities, which also improve the quality of life for residents.

I would like to thank Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador and our destination management organizations for their incredible work to support tourism efforts throughout the province.

Their collective work has resulted in an unmatched pride of place, and a celebration of what Newfoundland and Labrador is, and who we are as people.

In December, we joined the industry to launch Vision 2026, a plan to transition the tourism industry from the effects of the pandemic and transform it into a thriving tourist destination. It will take work, but we will get there. The potential for this industry is endless, and we have proven that if we work together to advance our collective goals, we can achieve great things.

I ask all members to join me in thanking our tourism operators and partners, and in wishing them a wonderful National Tourism Week.

Thank you.

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