Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today outlined next steps in a regionalization approach to advance community sustainability and viability through collaboration and service sharing.

Minister Howell will be available to media at 1:15 p.m. today (Wednesday, April 26) outside the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

Actions to advance collaboration and service sharing among communities include:

• $500,000 for initiatives that help address service gaps and build capacity through a collaborative, shared services approach.
• A review of the Regional Services Boards Act, 2012, including stakeholder and public consultations, to determine if there is a renewed role for the boards to improve access to services and service delivery.
• A community self-assessment tool to be completed by all municipalities and Local Service Districts to identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration.

A review of the Joint Working Group Report on Regionalization identified significant challenges with the proposed governance model. Namely, the province’s large geographic area and lack of population density will not provide the necessary tax base to support an additional layer of government in most parts of the province.

The steps outlined today encourage and facilitate collaboration and service sharing among communities. The approach recognizes the unique geographic and population challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador while building upon the many successful examples of service sharing that exist in the province today.

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“Collaboration and service sharing build resilient communities, and helps ensure residents receive the services they need, such as drinking water, fire protection, economic opportunities and recreational facilities. We will review the role of regional service boards, help communities assess their challenges and opportunities, and support collaborative initiatives that address gaps and build capacity. This is a realistic approach for our province that will support community leaders and build vibrant, sustainable communities.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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The Provincial Government is extending the deadline for online submissions to inform the regulations of the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act.

All members of the public are invited to share their input by visiting EngageNL.ca. The deadline for completing the online questionnaire is May 7, 2023.

In addition to the online questionnaire, government has been hosting targeted stakeholder consultation sessions to gather feedback. Online and virtual sessions have been occurring throughout the province, and will end in early May.

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Applications are now being accepted for the Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Graduating Student Leadership Bursary.

The bursary awards a $500 tuition voucher for post-secondary education to graduating students who have shown leadership in establishing and maintaining safe, caring and inclusive school communities.

The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2023. More information on the bursary, including the application, can be found here.

Applications must be sent to the Safe and Inclusive Schools itinerant for the applicant’s school that falls under the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. For schools under the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve et Labrador, applications can be emailed to pbourdeau@csfp.nl.ca.

The Safe and Caring Schools Policy helps to establish school-based protocols and practices that challenge all forms of bullying, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour and create an environment of acceptance, belonging, respect and empathy.

The Provincial Government promotes an inclusive and welcoming school culture, where all members of the school community feel accepted, are able to realize their potential and contribute to the school community.

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“I encourage all graduating students to bring forward their experiences as part of reflecting on this past year. Sharing your stories will assist in building safe, caring and inclusive school communities in our province. This bursary recognizes those efforts and I look forward to learning about this year’s recipients.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce breakfast tomorrow (Wednesday, April 26).

The event will take place at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 111 Richard Nolan Drive, Mount Pearl beginning at 8:00 a.m. Minister Coady will be joined by Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available here: Budget 2023.

The Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1985 with the goal of helping small and medium sized businesses in the region build a strong and successful future.

Media wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to Wanda Palmer, Executive Director of the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber at Wanda@mtpearlparadisechamber.com

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts tabled a report in the House of Assembly today on its review of the report of the Auditor General on the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire. The MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire report was the result of a request from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to the Auditor General in March 2018, to undertake a review of the process used to purchase the two vessels and the number of concerns related to mechanical issues since they came into service.

The Committee’s review of this matter included briefings with the Auditor General and officials; a request for written responses to the Auditor General’s recommendations from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure; as well as several public hearings with current and former officials from departments within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The PAC’s findings were summarized under four themes including project management, human resources, duty to document and industrial benefits agreements, resulting in six recommendations. The Committee’s report tabled today further outlines in detail its work, findings and recommendations with respect to this matter.

The Public Accounts Committee wishes to acknowledge the Auditor General and employees of that Office for their work on this audit and their support to the Committee in completing its review and follow-up. The Committee also wishes to thank the current and former public servants who participated in the public hearings for their cooperation and thorough testimony.

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“All members of the Public Accounts Committee are united in our responsibility to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the Legislature and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are dedicated to improving public administration in partnership with the Auditor General. It is the Committee’s expectation that the findings and recommendations further to this review will result in improved implementation of public policy going forward.”
Helen Conway Ottenheimer, MHA
Chair, Public Accounts Committee

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Learn more
Public Accounts Committee – 50th General Assembly – Report 2 – Review of the Auditor General’s Report on the MV Veteran & MV Legionnaire

Report of the Auditor General – MV Veteran & MV Legionnaire

Public Accounts Committee

 

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The Provincial Government is contributing approximately $85,000 to Home Again Furniture Bank’s Again and Again social enterprise. The support is aligned with the Provincial Government’s effort to support inclusion and emotional well-being by ensuring individuals have access to furniture they need in a home, which can help transform the lives of individuals and families alike.

Formed in 2015, Home Again Furniture Bank is a not-for-profit organization which collects donations of gently-used furniture to redistribute to people in need. Since its inception, Home Again has partnered with over 35 frontline agencies in the St. John’s region to provide more than 2,400 households with beds, sofas, tables, chairs and other basic furnishings.

In 2022, Home Again launched a new social enterprise pilot project called Again and Again. The project repairs, upcycles and sells donated furniture not deemed suitable for distribution. Participants in the project are often people who have experienced social and employment challenges due to experiences of marginalization, trauma, mental illness, and/or substance use, and receive training to repair and restore furniture for re-sale. Revenue generated helps sustain Home Again as well as provide social integration, skills training, volunteer and employment opportunities for the community.

Support for the initiative is provided under Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan calls for socially-equitable services that “foster connection to self, family, nature, culture and community, and promote the uptake of creative art, music and recreation-based wellness activities and therapies.”

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“Our government is pleased to support this worthwhile social enterprise. The Again and Again project not only increases the capacity of Home Again to provide furniture that is much needed, but also provides opportunities for access to holistic mental health services and crucial social connection to foster a sense of belonging, purpose and identity which are critical for overall health and mental well-being.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This support enables Home Again to pilot Again and Again, our new social enterprise thrift store. The pilot aims to generate revenue to help sustain Home Again, while also providing employment, volunteer and social integration opportunities to our partners at Choices for Youth and The Wellness Group. It will help build the capacity and resilience of Home Again, our partners and their clients.”
Maureen Lymburner
Director of Development for Home Again Furniture Bank

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize that April 22 was Earth Day.

We are experiencing the impacts of our changing climate each and every day. This is why we are working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our natural environment, and reduce waste.

This year’s theme was ‘Invest in Our Planet’.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, our investments of time, energy and funding to battle climate change are paying off. The most recent greenhouse gas emissions for 2021 are 8.3 megatonnes – a 13 per cent decrease from 2020 and the second lowest level of emissions since 1992.  This positions us on our course towards achieving our net zero and emission reduction commitments.

We continue to advance our Climate Change Action Plan, and through our energy efficiency and fuel switching programs we are anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a further 615,000 tonnes by 2030.

Today and every day, I encourage my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to find more ways to recycle, conserve energy used in your homes, plant a tree or participate in a local neighborhood cleanup – we can all do our part to protect the environment for future generations by making greener choices every day.

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Fifteen students from Newfoundland and Labrador have been named recipients of the 2023 Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards. The Honorable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today named the recipients at an awards ceremony in St. John’s.

The RISE Awards recognize Level ll high school students who demonstrate academic excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Provincial Government is providing approximately $200,000 for tuition, accommodations and a travel stipend for recipients to participate in world-class enrichment programs.

There are three enrichment programs being supported for this year’s RISE awards:

• One successful recipient will attend the research-related enrichment program at the Research Science Institute, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
• Four recipients will attend the Boston Leadership Institute, located in Wellesley, Massachusetts; and
• 10 recipients will attend the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program at the University of Toronto.

The Research Science Institute is a partnership between the Center for Excellence in Education, a not-for-profit organization based in McLean, Virginia, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This institute offers a six-week summer enrichment program in the Boston, Massachusetts area, and emphasizes advanced theory and research in STEM fields. This program introduces students to the entire research process, from literature review to experimental design and analysis.

The Boston Leadership Institute is a three-week program held in Wellesley, Massachusetts offering STEM research programs taught by top educators and researchers. Ranked among the top five summer science enrichment programs in the United States, this program provides students with an opportunity to develop high-level research skills and subject matter expertise through lectures, presentations and hands on experiments.

The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program is a four-week program held at the University of Toronto. This program offers pre-university engineering and science enrichment, as well as research project design opportunities.

The process to be selected for the RISE Awards is competitive. It includes an assessment of academic achievement, as well as written essays in which applicants must highlight plans for future study, career and research interests, and how those interests are relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The RISE Awards recognize the need for early development of the talent required to advance research and development, innovation and economic growth.

Information on this year’s award recipients is included in the backgrounder below.

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“Congratulations to the 15 individuals selected for this year’s RISE Awards. It is a great honour to be selected for these competitive and prestigious experiences. Each recipient of a RISE Awards is a youth leader who has demonstrated exemplary competence and passion in the areas of STEM through both their academics and personal interests. I wish them all the best on this incredible experience, and have no doubt this opportunity will help propel their interest in science and technology. They are well on their way to becoming promising leaders in our community.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
RISE Awards Guidelines

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BACKGROUNDER

Lucas Brooks attends Indian River High in Springdale. For RISE 2023, Lucas will be attending the Boston Leadership Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Lucas is an exemplary scholar and a member of the brass band, student leadership council, social justice and badminton clubs at school. After high school, Lucas aims to attend university for a degree in STEM before going on to medical school.

Allyson Chard attends Crescent Collegiate in Blaketown. For RISE 2023, Allyson will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program at the University of Toronto. A two-time silver medalist under the Junior Life Sciences category across provincial science fairs, Allyson is also a dedicated figure skater and the provincial president of Allied Youth. After high school, Allyson aims to pursue a degree in engineering and hopes to stay in the province for university.

Dipayan Dhar attends Gonzaga High School in St. John’s. For RISE 2023, Dipayan will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. Dipayan has participated in multiple science fairs at both regional and national levels, participated in Tech NL’s Summer Program, and is leading Gonzaga’s robotics team on the programming side. After high school, Dipayan aims to pursue a career in computer engineering.

Jenna Hamilton attends Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor. For RISE 2023, Jenna will be attending the Boston Leadership Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Jenna has always had a defined interest in neurology and is currently a volunteer with the local hospital. After high school, Jenna aims to pursue a medical career in pediatric neurology while simultaneously continuing research into neurotechnology, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Allison Hutchings attends Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School in St. John’s. For RISE 2023, Allison will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. A self-taught computer programmer, Allison is currently the coding lead at her school’s robotics team and divides her time between robotics, band, volleyball, soccer, cross-country running and public speaking on top of academics. After high school, Allison aims to pursue post-secondary studies in STEM.

Gargi Kaushal attends Mealy Mountain Collegiate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. For RISE 2023, Gargi will be attending the Boston Leadership Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Gargi is a part of the student government, year-book committee and at Mealy Mountain and has a keen interest in researching neurological disorders. After high school, Gargi aims to pursue a medical career in the field of neurology.

Corey Matthews attends Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Conception Bay South. For RISE 2023, Corey will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. A Scouts Canada member since the age of five, Corey has attended multiple engineering and robotics camps over the years. After high school, Corey aims to pursue a career in engineering.

Jacey Matthews attends Templeton Academy in Meadows. For RISE 2023, Jacey will be attending the Boston Leadership Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts. An avid volunteer, Jacey has been involved in multiple leadership roles at her school and community, including Shad Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament and Relay for Life. After high school, Jacey aims to pursue a career in the medical field.

Andrew Moyles attends Holy Trinity High School in Torbay. For RISE 2023, Andrew will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. Andrew has always had a keen interest in the sciences and participated in numerous programs and events to that effect. After high school, Andrew aims to pursue an education at Memorial and a career researching microbiology and cell mutation to study ways to prevent cells from mutating into diseases.

Robert McCarthy attends Crescent Collegiate in Blaketown. For RISE 2023, Robert will be attending the Research Science Institute, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts. With a strong interest in researching the potential for sustainable energy resources, particularly from a Newfoundland and Labrador perspective, Robert has long been participating in STEM initiatives, including multiple science fairs and Shad Canada. After high school, Robert aims to pursue a career in engineering.

Fiona Park attends Holy Trinity High School in Torbay. For RISE 2023, Fiona will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto for four weeks. Having grown up in a family heavily involved in the sciences, Fiona gained a similar interest very early on in life and has participated in a number of related opportunities, including an enrichment program at Memorial University. After high school, Fiona aims to pursue a career in STEM.

Meghna Saha attends Gonzaga High School in St. John’s. For RISE 2023, Meghna will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. An engaged student leader and community volunteer, Meghna has a keen interest in vaccine research and has participated in enrichment programs such as Shad Canada as well as science fairs and many math competitions. After high school, Meghna hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy

Melissa Smith attends Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Conception Bay South. For RISE 2023, Melissa will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. Melissa’s interest in STEM began early on in life, which lead to participating in the robotics team, various contests, student groups and audio media production. After high school, Melissa hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy, with a focus on researching digestive and reproductive issues in women and adolescents.

Peter Trinh attends Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School in St. John’s. For Rise 2023, Peter will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. Peter has won local Skills Canada team coding competitions and math competitions, and tutors with the tutoring for tuition program. Peter intends to pursue post-secondary studies in STEM.

Lakshmi Prajwala Chedella Venkata attends Holy Heart of Mary High School in St. John’s. For RISE 2023, Lakshmi will be attending the Da Vinci Engineering Program at the University of Toronto. Winner of the 2022 Skills Canada coding competition, Lakshmi has participated in multiple competitions and is a member of the school’s robotics and coding clubs. After high school, Lakshmi hopes to pursue a career in engineering.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Child and Youth Care Association’s Provincial Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, April 26).

The conference will take place at the Capital Hotel, 208 Kenmount Road, St. John’s, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, tomorrow (Saturday, April 22).

The event will take place at the Delta St. John’s Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street at 6:30 p.m.

SportNL is a volunteer-led organization that promotes amateur sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2023-24 Inclusion and Capacity Grant Programs.

In Budget 2023, the Provincial Government allocated $325,000 for the Inclusion and Capacity Grant Programs. These application-based programs help to advance accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities. The two programs include:

• The Inclusion Grant Program is project specific and available to eligible community-based and non-profit organizations to help create more accessible and inclusive facilities and events. This can include renovation projects or disability-related accommodations for events and meetings. A copy of the program’s manual and application form can be found here.
• The Capacity Grant Program is designed to help non-profit community-based organizations, incorporated municipalities, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to build capacity to prevent and remove barriers to inclusion by building a positive image of disability, and enabling persons with disabilities to become fully engaged in their community. More information on the grant, the manual and application can be found here.

The deadline for applications for both programs is Friday, June 2, 2023. A list of recipients that received funding in 2022-23 can be found in the backgrounder below.

Alternate formats of the information available on the department’s website are available upon request by calling toll-free 1-888-729-6279 or emailing CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are welcome.

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“As a government, we remain committed to improving accessibility and inclusion so that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can participate in, and contribute to, their communities. The Inclusion and Capacity Grants help create long lasting and transformative change that is key to improving the accessibility of the built environment and disability-related accommodations. I encourage all those who are interested to learn more about each of these grant programs and apply today.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more
Inclusion Grants Funding

Capacity Grant Program

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BACKGROUNDER

2022-2023 Inclusion and Capacity Grant Projects

Inclusion Grant Recipients

Applicant Region Project Description Kinsmen Club of Gros Morne Humber – Gros Morne Accessible outdoor features – purchase beach wheelchairs, accessible picnic tables and beach mobility mats Flat Bay Band Inc. St. George’s – Humber Accessible entranceway and community kitchen – improve space in entranceway/ kitchen area and upgraded lighting for wayfinding and navigation Botwood Seventh Day Adventist Church Exploits Accessible entranceways – upgrade doors width Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation Corner Brook Part 1: Accessible pathway and accessible play equipment – construct pathway parking lot and playground area; purchase 1 buddy bus for accessibility

Part 2: Accessible benches, direction signs Little Bay Heritage Centre Baie Verte -Green Bay Accessible ramp, switches, washroom Perchance Theatre/New World Theatre Inc. Quidi Vidi – St. John’s East Disability supports – sign language interpretation services for plays/events Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Mount Pearl – Southlands Disability support – ASL interpreting services for events in Nov 2022 and March 2023 St. John’s Rowing Club St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi Accessible dock area – dock renovations to support access to accessible sail boating and rowing YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador Placentia West – Bellevue Accessible wall mount change bench for washroom for Marystown YMCA Harbour Main Recreation Committee Harbour Main Accessible entrance and accessible community garden area – install ramp and pathways, accessible seating St. John’s Elks Lodge #245 St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi Accessible entrance and washrooms – accessibility upgrades to washroom and ramp build MacMorran Community Centre Windsor Lake Accessible entranceway, lighting, ramp build with lighting for emergency exit

Capacity Grant Recipients

Applicant Region Project Description Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre Inc. Mount Scio Improving accommodation services in program to ensure access and supports Saltwater Community Association Bonavista Gift it Custom Gifts – Host craft workshop to hire people with disabilities with meaningful employment in Trinity and Bonavista Town of St. Lawrence Burin Grand Bank A Playground for All – Laurentian Grounds 2023 – Install accessible playground equipment Community Action Group for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Inc.

(Broadening Horizons) Gander Improving Communication – Increasing Awareness and Communications in adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Town of North West River Lake Melville Specialized Mats for Beach Accessibility – to create an accessible beach environment by incorporating accessible beach mats, water accessible wheelchairs and signage indicating the change in location CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador Virginia Waters CNIB Mobile Hub – outreach and education programs to communities across province Town of Torbay Cape St. Francis Pine Ridge Neighborhood For All – upgrade playground accessibility in subdivision Harbour Breton Lions Club Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune Harbour Breton Community Inclusion Playground – upgrade lions club playground for accessibility (landscape, equipment)

 

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Following the receipt and validation of all eligible ballots for the vote on relocation by residents of the Town of Gaultois, a count of the ballots has been conducted. The results of the vote are as follows:

• 64 per cent in favour of relocation; and
• 36 per cent opposed to relocation.

Under the Community Relocation Policy, a vote of 75 per cent or more of voting-age permanent residents in favour of relocation is required for relocation to proceed. With the results of the vote not meeting this threshold, the Provincial Government’s consideration of the relocation request will now cease.

The vote count was conducted by an independent third party on Friday, April 21. Returned ballots were received from all eligible, permanent residents. There were no spoiled or missing ballots.

The Town of Gaultois has been advised of the results of the vote.

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Learn more
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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will announce the recipients of the 2023 Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards on Tuesday, April 25.

The luncheon will take place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s beginning at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The RISE awards recognize Level II high school students who demonstrate academic excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Recipients are awarded an opportunity to attend research-related enrichment programs in Canada and the United States.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will deliver the keynote address at Opportunity Placentia Bay 2023 on Monday, April 24.

The event takes place at the Marystown Hotel and Convention Centre, 180-190 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown. Minister Parsons is scheduled to speak at 12:15 p.m.

Taking place from April 23 to 25, Opportunity Placentia Bay 2023 highlights work in facilitating industrial development in the Placentia Bay region.

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As part of the Provincial Government’s historic investment of close to $1.4 billion in provincial roads and highways over the next five years, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has begun awarding contracts to strengthen provincial roads and highways to withstand the impacts of climate change.

Awarding construction contracts early in the year allows road builders to plan their expenditures and be ready to start working as soon as possible.

Five contracts were recently awarded, including:

• A $2.9 million contract awarded to Marine Contractors Inc. to replace six culverts, rehabilitate, and pave sections of approximately five kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway between Pinchgut Lake and Blue Pond, southwest of Corner Brook;
• A $5.5. million contract awarded to Municipal Construction Ltd. for paving and brush clearing on the Trans-Canada Highway between Birchy Narrows and Main Brook Bridge;
• A $4.2 million contract awarded to Municipal Construction Ltd. to rehabilitate and pave sections of the Trans-Canada Highway between Springdale and Baie Verte, to pave a section of the highway near Bishop’s Falls, and to replace a culvert on Beothuk Trail (Route 380);
• A $5.3 million contract awarded to J-1 Contracting Ltd. to replace culverts and pave sections of the Trans-Canada Highway between Gander and Appleton; and
• A $7.6 million contract awarded to JCL Investments Inc. to rehabilitate and pave sections of North West River Road between Dump Road Access and Goose River Bridge, and from Goose River Bridge toward Gosling Lake; and to pave approaches to Munik Pone Memorial Bridge (Pinus River), Route 500.

These contracts are part of a $225 million investment in highway construction in 2023-24 and close to $1.4 billion over the next five construction seasons, as announced in Budget 2023. Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

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

Quotes
“Issuing tenders and awarding contracts early in the year is good news for the highway construction industry and motorists in our province. We are happy to award these contracts now, so road builders will be ready to start the season and take full advantage of our short construction season again this year. More contracts will be awarded in the coming weeks.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Regular, long-term investments and improvements to provincial road transportation networks are sound asset management principles. This year’s $5.3 million in culvert replacement and pavement work along sections of the Trans-Canada Highway between Gander and Appleton are welcomed upgrades.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education and MHA for Gander

“It is critically important to have a sound road system to provide for the efficient and safe movement of people and goods around our province. I am so pleased to see $4.2 million awarded for improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway between Baie Verte and Springdale and a culvert replacement on Beothuk Trail.”
Brian Warr
MHA for Baie Verte – Green Bay

“The early awarding of contracts is prudent planning and allows for timely upgrades to our highway infrastructure. These $2.9 million in upgrades, as a part of the continuous, extensive investments in our highways, ensure safe and efficient transportation throughout our province.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s – Humber

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Learn more
Minister Loveless Announces Unprecedented Investment in Multi-Year Roads Program

Provincial Government Announces Largest Ever Five-Year Investment in Highway and Road Infrastructure

 

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 The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has reduced the maximum load limit on Ochre Pit Brook Bridge in Ochre Pit Cove from the vehicle’s legal limits to 20 tonnes, effective immediately.

The reduction in the maximum load limit is related to recent inspection of the bridge. Traffic can safely continue to use the bridge, pending the required load limit.

Planning is underway for a temporary structure in the coming weeks, followed by a tender for the permanent replacement of the bridge. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, is participating in a funding announcement in the Town of Conception Bay South tomorrow (Friday, April 21).

The event takes place at the Richard Parsons Rotary Clubhouse, 1706 Conception Bay Highway, Seal Cove, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, and His Worship Darrin Bent, Mayor of Conception Bay South, as well as other municipal leaders from the Town of Conception Bay South.

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With camping season just around the corner, ParksNL is launching spring and summer 2023 with updates and changes aimed at modernizing visitor experiences.

Butter Pot Provincial Park will be converted to solar power this year, replacing its reliance on diesel generators. The conversion to solar power was made at Barachois Pond and Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Parks last season. These upgrades significantly reduce the parks’ carbon footprint and noise pollution levels.

All provincial camping parks have also undergone renovations to install brand new, accessible playgrounds for users to enjoy. This project was approved in Budget 2021 and work was completed in late 2022.

ParksNL is also pleased to partner with the recently launched Connect Pass. Connect Pass allows Newfoundland and Labrador Public Library card holders to book a free day-use vehicle entry pass to a provincial camping park through their library card.

ParksNL will be launching the campsite reservation service for the 2023 season on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. in most of Labrador). A campsite can be reserved by calling toll-free 1-877-214-CAMP (2267) or by visiting www.nlcamping.ca.

Most camping parks are scheduled to open for the Victoria Day weekend, with others opening in late May and early June. The opening and closing dates of the 13 provincial camping parks can be found in the backgrounder below.

For any enquiries on the 2023 camping season, please contact ParksNL at 709-637-2040 or info@ParksNL.ca.

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“Camping is a beloved recreational activity for many people in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors. ParksNL has enhanced provincial parks to ensure visitors have the best experiences possible. The 2022 season was the busiest on record for our provincial parks and I trust the 2023 season will be equally successful with the addition of these upgrades.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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 BACKGROUNDER

Opening and Closing Dates For Provincial Camping Parks

Park Name Opening Date Closing Date Barachois Pond May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 Butter Pot May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 Frenchman’s Cove May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 J.T. Cheeseman May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 La Manche May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 Lockston Path May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 Notre Dame May 17, 2023 September 18, 2023 Sir Richard Squires Memorial May 26, 2023 September 11, 2023 Sandbanks May 26, 2023 September 18, 2023 Blow Me Down June 2, 2023 September 11, 2023 Dildo Run June 2, 2023 September 18, 2023 Pinware River June 2, 2023 September 18, 2023 Pistolet Bay June 2, 2023 September 18, 2023

Please note: All dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon tomorrow (Friday, April 21).

The event will take place at the Albatross Hotel, 114 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education and MHA for Gander.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available here.

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, with over 300 members, is organized to advance the area’s commercial, industrial, civic, and general interests so that all areas of the business community will prosper.

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Work will begin this construction season on further improvements to North West River Highway (Route 520) near Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador.

A contract valued at approximately $7.6 million has been awarded to JCL Investments Inc. to rehabilitate and pave sections of more than eight kilometres of the road between Dump Road Access and Gosling Lake. The contract also includes culvert replacements, brush clearing, clearing of ditches, installation of guiderails, work to raise the subgrade for two kilometres, and paving sections leading to the Munik Pone Memorial Bridge (Pinus River) on Route 500.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates this work being completed during this construction season.

These improvements are in addition to work completed in 2022 on approximately three kilometres of paving and shoulder repairs on North West River Highway between its intersection with Edmonton Street and North West River.

This year’s contract is part of a $225 million investment in highway construction in 2023-24 and close to $1.4 billion over the next five construction seasons, as announced in Budget 2023.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl. Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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“Last year was a great year for transportation improvements in Labrador, as it marked the completion of paving on the Trans-Labrador Highway and the beginning of improvements on North West River Highway. We are happy to continue making important investments in Labrador’s transportation infrastructure. This year’s work on North West River Highway will help improve safety and help the communities that depend on it stay connected.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I am pleased that our government is following through on a commitment to make improvements to the highway connection between Sheshatshiu, North West River and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Building on the work started in 2022, this work, along with improvements that will be done on the approaches to the Munik Pone Memorial Bridge on Route 500, enhances safety for area residents and travelers.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“The $7.6 million in upgrades to North West River Highway are welcomed improvements. This year’s investment demonstrates the ongoing commitment to enhance Labrador’s highway network to ensure safe and efficient transportation of residents, goods and services between communities.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

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Learn more
Contracts Awarded for Highway Improvements in Labrador

Minister Loveless Announces Unprecedented Investment in Multi-Year Roads Program

Provincial Government Announces Largest Ever Five-Year Investment in Highway and Road Infrastructure

 

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