Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Community Sector, is today proclaiming the week of April 16 to 22 as National Volunteer Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Volunteers are pillars of Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector. National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity to celebrate the selfless service of those who give of their time and talents to help improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

This year’s theme is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together”, which highlights the importance of volunteering and acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and impact volunteers make in their communities through their interconnected actions.

In recent weeks Minister Abbott has taken part in a number of activities to recognize and celebrate the province’s volunteers and community sector, including:

• Joined Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim National Volunteer Week;
• Delivered a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Penelope Rowe, who retired earlier this year after a career of over 40 years as the leader of the Community Sector Council;
• Attended Memorial University’s annual Volunteer Day Awards Ceremony to celebrate individuals and groups for their exceptional contribution through volunteerism; and
• Participated in the Volunteer Connections Conference 2023 hosted by Volunteer Canada and the Community Sector Council, which aims to develop a roadmap to a National Action Strategy for Volunteerism in Canada as well as to identify strategic directions for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to invest more than $100 million in grants and core funding to support the community sector. Last year, the Provincial Government invested an additional $5 million to support community-based organizations, which is carried forward through Budget 2023.

Quotes
“I would like to thank all volunteers who generously give their time and efforts to support communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate volunteers for going above and beyond to help keep people safe, healthy and engaged across the lifespan. I encourage everyone to take the time to appreciate our incredible volunteers for all they do, and consider volunteering to help build stronger and more inclusive communities across this wonderful province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Community Sector

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, driving activities that benefit us all. During Volunteer Week 2023, we celebrate their extraordinary contributions in areas like health support, arts and heritage, youth groups, and more. The Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with our partners, is proud to support this week of recognition and appreciation. Let’s come together to show gratitude for the volunteers who make our province a better place.”
Colin Corcoran
Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

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National Volunteer Week 2023

Budget 2023: Community Sector

Community Sector Council

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The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak occurring in eight provinces of Salmonella infections linked to snakes and feeder rodents.

Salmonellosis is a well-known foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria. However, it can also occur if a person does not properly wash their hands after handling pets and farm animals, such as pet reptiles or baby chicks.

Public Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador recently identified an individual that became ill from Salmonella Typhimurium. This case was later determined to have the same genetic type of Salmonella as other cases across Canada. A second case in Newfoundland and Labrador linked to the national outbreak was confirmed on April 12.

The Department of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services are collaborating with the Federal Government and other provinces to identify the source of these illnesses. Based on the information collected to date, many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with snakes and feeder rodents (used as reptile food) before their illnesses occurred.

The public is reminded to:

• Always wash your hands immediately after touching a reptile or rodent, and anything they eat, or after being in the area where they live, play or touch.
• Regularly clean any surfaces or objects your reptile or rodent touches with soapy water followed by a household sanitizer.
• Never kiss a pet rodent or reptile.
• Do not keep reptiles or rodents in homes, child care centers, schools or other facilities with children aged 5 years and under.
• Always supervise children when they touch or play with reptiles or rodents. Children five years of age and under should not handle reptiles or rodents.
• Do not clean or bathe reptiles or rodents in the kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, or bathtubs.
• Do not keep food used for reptiles or rodents in the kitchen or any room where people eat or drink.
• Keep reptiles and rodents and all their food, containers, enclosures, and any objects that have been in their enclosures, such as plants or enrichment items, away from the kitchen and other places where food is made or eaten.
• Do not keep frozen rodents in the same fridge or freezer as human food. Freezing rodents does not kill Salmonella.
• Always defrost and prepare frozen rodents outside the kitchen, using dedicated utensils and containers.
• Be aware of the specific needs of your reptile. Stress for a reptile can increase the shedding of Salmonella.
• Always keep reptiles and live rodents in habitats specifically designed for them.
• If you choose to have a reptile or rodent in your home, talk to your health care provider or veterinarian about the right reptile or rodent for your family, especially if your family includes children five years of age and younger, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, or adults 65 years of age and over.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection often include sudden onset of headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and sometimes vomiting. It may also cause severe dehydration, especially among infants or seniors. Severe complications and deaths resulting from Salmonellosis are uncommon, but may occur in the very young, the very old, or people who are immunocompromised.

Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days. Some people can be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms, but still be able to spread the infection to others.

People who experience symptoms or have underlying medical conditions should contact their health care provider if they suspect they have a Salmonella infection.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Salmonellosis (Salmonella)
• Salmonella and Reptiles
• Key steps to help reduce zoonotic disease transmission from rodents

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An investigation into salmon poaching on the Bay de Verde Peninsula by Resource Enforcement Division officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has resulted in convictions, fines and prohibitions from recreational fishing for three individuals.

Cory Tizzard and Nicholas Morgan, both of Winterton, and Mason Harrington of New Perlican were convicted in Provincial Court in Harbour Grace on January 11, 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 New Perlican on August 26, 2022, by Resource Enforcement Officers acting on information obtained from surveillance activities.

Each individual received a $1,500 fine and is prohibited from participating in recreational fisheries for a period of one year. In addition, items seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown and include an 80 foot gill net, a fish tray, a blanket and a quantity of rope.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations 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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An investigation by Resource Enforcement Officers into salmon poaching on the Bay de Verde Peninsula in August 2022 resulted in the seizure of an 80 foot long gill net.

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As part of the Provincial Government’s continuing effort to enhance math education for students in primary and elementary schools, K-6 Mathematics Bursaries are available for eligible teachers again this year.

The Department of Education’s Mathematics Bursary Program is designed to encourage public school teacher participation in university level courses in mathematics content that is beneficial for the teaching of mathematics in K-6. The program is open for applications three times per year.

Mathematics Bursary Program application timeline by semester:

Spring, Intercession and Summer Applications  Fall Applications  Winter Applications Opens: April 1, 2023
Closes: June 30, 2023 Opens: August 1, 2023
Closes: October 31, 2023 Opens: December 1, 2023
Closes: February 28, 2024

Providing access to the necessary training is a key initiative and the department welcomes applications from administrators and teachers who work with K-6 students, including replacement and substitute teachers.

More information on the bursary program, including the application form, is available here.

Since 2018, more than $330,000 has been invested in mathematics professional learning opportunities for school administrators, classroom teachers and specialists, including $81,000 in bursaries for 140 K-6 teachers.

As referenced in the Education Action Plan, the goal of the mathematics curriculum in the province is to recognize student achievement that is comparable to the highest achieving Canadian jurisdictions. The Plan notes that accomplishing this requires a sound and balanced curriculum with well-articulated outcomes and expectations, highly skilled teachers, and an assessment program that adheres to national and international assessment standards.

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“Math bursaries provide teachers a tremendous opportunity to achieve greater skill and comfort in mathematics teaching. Mathematics skills are foundational for our students. It is important that teachers be knowledgeable, creative, and prepared to help students develop these vital skills. I encourage all of our primary and elementary teachers and administrators to take advantage of the bursary to engage mathematics professional learning opportunities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Mathematics Bursary Program

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Bonavista Microbrewery                                                                               (Reg. 2239)
Proponent: Bonavista Brewing Company Inc.

The proponent is proposing to establish and operate a microbrewery and tap room within an existing and newly constructed commercial building located at 27-29 Church Street, in the Town of Bonavista. The development would include building renovations to existing structure on site (electrical and plumbing upgrades) that will house the taproom as well as construction of a 2000 square foot building that will contain brewing equipment, a kitchen, bathrooms and a patio. The facility will use the municipal water and sewer systems and operate year-round. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/

The undertaking was registered on April 13, 2023; the deadline for public comment is May 18, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by May 28, 2023.

Crown Zone 8 Five-Year Operating Plan Amendment (2023  2027)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture             (Reg. 2240)

The proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 8 Five-Year Operating Plan (2023-2027) that would cover 236 hectares of productive forest lands near Bellburns on the Northern Peninsula. The amendment would provide domestic harvesters with access to an additional 6882 cubic metres of timber for use as fuelwood and sawlogs. The proposed amendment would not mean an increase in the total harvest volume for Zone 8. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/

The undertaking was registered on April 13, 2023; the deadline for public comment is May 18, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by May 28, 2023.

Crown Zone 5 Five-Year Operating Plan Amendment (2021-2025)          (Reg. 2241)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 5 Five-Year Operating Pan (2021-2025) that would allow commercial and domestic timber harvesting in Forest Management Districts 11 and 12. The proposed amendment includes 7,850 hectares in District 11 of a previously burned area from a 2022 forest fire. The amendment would provide for the clean-up of burned timber and residual live timber within the burn over area and the commercial harvest of 33,000 cubic meters of productive forest in District 12, approximately 30 kilometres from Millertown. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on April 13, 2023; the deadline for public comments is May 18, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by May 28, 2023.

PLANS ACCEPTED:

Whitbourne (Junction Pond) Residential Development                             (Reg. 1414)
Proponent: 51710 Newfoundland and Labrador Limited

On April 12, 2022, the minister advised the proponent that the Flora and Fauna Survey for the Whitbourne (Junction Pond) Residential Development project has been reviewed by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and was found to be acceptable. The survey is available on the project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-1414/.

Long Harbour River Outfitter Lodge Spike Camp                                      (Reg. 2088)
Proponent: Beaulieus Caribou Hunts 2005 LTD

On April 12, 2022, the minister advised the proponent that the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) for the Long Harbour River Outfitter Lodge Spike Camp project has been reviewed by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and was found to be acceptable. The EPP is available on the project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2088/.

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-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will attend the public reception for the 71st annual Arts and Letters Awards exhibition tomorrow (Friday, April 14).

The event will take place at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s at 7:30 p.m.

Winners of the 2023 Arts and Letters Awards in visual art, literary arts, media arts and music will be revealed at the event.

First launched in 1952, the Arts and Letters Awards Program recognizes artistic excellence through the awarding of monetary prizes, and offers the opportunity for adjudication to both emerging and established artists.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, is attending the Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Labour from April 13 to 14.

The meeting is being held at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced over $2 million for 137 communities throughout the province in Building Age-Friendly Community Grants. These grants will help municipalities upgrade public areas to accommodate the needs of seniors and all individuals as they age.

Municipalities and Inuit Community Governments were eligible for the grants, first announced on February 20, 2023. The grants provide funding at a 90/10 cost share for individual communities on projects up to $20,000, and for regional projects up to $25,000.

To support the high level of interest in the new initiative, funding was increased from an initial $400,000 to just over $2 million.

A list of approved projects is available here.

Building Age-Friendly Community Grants complement the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program provided by the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Support for initiatives to advance age-friendly communities aligns with Health Accord NL and actions to address the social determinants of health, as well as the work of the Cabinet Committee on Seniors.

Quotes
“Communities play a role in the health, safety, well-being and the economic and social security of residents. Helping municipal leaders in their work to build age-friendly communities is an important part of our government’s efforts to support seniors. These grants assist in creating an environment where seniors can age with dignity and respect and can participate fully in their community. It is very encouraging to see the high level of interest from community leaders in taking the necessary actions to build age-friendly communities throughout the province.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“As a government, we remain committed to addressing seniors’ issues including helping seniors age well in the right place with dignity. Through the new Building Age-Friendly Community Grants, 137 communities from throughout the province will be able to advance age-friendly infrastructure projects to create a more age-friendly province that benefits everyone.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“SeniorsNL is pleased to see such a great uptake of the Building Age-Friendly Community Grants and government’s significant additional contribution to support this initiative. It shows a keen interest and commitment to make communities inclusive and age-friendly for all because everyone wants and deserves to live in a place where they can access and take advantage of everything their community offers.”
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director, SeniorsNL

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Learn more
Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities

Health Accord NL

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The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have begun using the new province-wide radio system on the Avalon Peninsula. This system will improve the way emergency responders and government – such as the RNC, RCMP, firefighters, paramedics and other public service providers – communicate with each other during emergencies.

In the coming months, paramedics and ambulance dispatchers on the Avalon Peninsula will also begin using the system. The Provincial Government is working with Bell to install and support the system across Newfoundland and Labrador. Infrastructure improvements and developments are ongoing, and are expected to be complete in mid-2024 when public safety service providers across the entire province will begin to migrate to the new network.

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, joined RNC Chief Pat Roche, Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill, Criminal Operations Officer, RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador, and Gary Semplonius, Senior Vice President of Sales, Bell Business Markets, today at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to mark the milestone.

The interoperable communications system for all emergency responders in the province is part of the Atlantic Network supporting all four provinces. This network allows for immediate interprovincial support during emergencies and natural disasters, without having to reconfigure radios or dispatch.

The Provincial Government is investing over $181 million over 12 years to support the province-wide radio system, including $21 million in Budget 2023.

Quotes
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure that will ensure Newfoundland and Labrador not only has a radio system for first responders that is effective and efficient, but one that helps keeps residents and service providers safe. This system allows communication among emergency services in this province, and allows us to work with first responders throughout Atlantic Canada during an emergency.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“The new province-wide radio system will improve the way first responders communicate with each other during emergencies and will lead to better response times. We look forward to when first responders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, especially in rural regions, begin using this system in the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“A consistent and reliable method of communication is vital to safe and effective police operations. With the improvements to the radio systems being implemented across the province, our officers can be confident that they have this essential tool to support them as they provide our communities with the highest standard of police service. The ability to open prompt communication with appropriate emergency services and partner agencies will promote an efficient response to the community, and enhance the workplace experience of RNC employees.”
Chief Patrick R. Roche
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

“Reliable radio coverage to support police operations is critical to both the safety of the public and our officers. This new radio system provides that reliability, as well as interoperability with other first responder agencies not just in Newfoundland and Labrador but throughout Atlantic Canada. It’s a significant advancement that is welcomed by the RCMP and our employees.”
Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill
Criminal Operations Officer, RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are proud to partner with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to provide the region with a reliable public safety radio network that will enable first responders across the province to communicate with each other. This advanced radio network will also allow all four Atlantic provinces to communicate with one another immediately during an emergency, the first of its kind in North America.”
Gary Semplonius
Senior Vice President of Sales, Bell Business Markets

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Learn more
Provincial Government to Modernize Public Safety Radio System

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On this day in 1925, women in Newfoundland and Labrador gained the right to vote and hold public office for the first time. This was made possible after years of campaigning by suffragists, who worked tirelessly to make their voices heard and their votes count.

Nearly a century later, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador acknowledges progress while continuing to support efforts to advance gender equality and promote equitable democratic participation and representation.

This past fall, the Office of Women and Gender Equality provided $30,000 in funding to Equal Voice NL to coordinate the Future of the Vote event. Through the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, the Provincial Government also provided $10,000 to support a partnership with Equal Voice NL and Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador to showcase inclusion and diversity in municipal governments in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Most recently, the Office of Women and Gender Equality provided $40,000 to PerSIStence Theatre Company to raise the first named statue of a woman in St. John’s. This statue will be of Armine Nutting Gosling, who was a leader in the suffrage movement and a dedicated social justice advocate.

The Provincial Government will continue to action initiatives to encourage, promote, support, and retain women in leadership roles while making progress towards true gender equality in this province.

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“Less than 100 years ago, women did not have the right to vote. Today, women are leading various sectors and industries throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and the number of women and gender diverse people holding public office continues to grow. It is humbling to reflect on the progress made since 1925, and a reminder of the important work that remains ahead of us.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Learn more
Minister Pam Parsons Announces Funding for Future of the Vote to Inspire Political Participation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Minister Howell Provides Financial Support for Inclusion and Diversity Work in Municipal Government

Provincial Government Provides Funding Support to Raise First Statue of a Historical Woman in St. John’s

Office of Women and Gender Equality

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Media contact
Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 709-687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will mark a milestone in the establishment of the province-wide radio system tomorrow (Thursday, April 13).

The event will take place at the Emergency Services Division, Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, 45 Major’s Path, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

The ministers will be joined by Pat Roche, Chief of Police, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary; Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill, Criminal Operations Officer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Newfoundland and Labrador; and Gary Semplonius, Senior Vice President of Sales, Bell Business Markets.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will announce funding for Building Age-Friendly Community Grants tomorrow (Thursday, April 13).

The event will take place at the Pearlgate Track and Field Club, 120 Old Placentia Road, Mount Pearl at 1:00 p.m. Accessible parking is available next to the main entrance, while general parking is available at the Glacier Arena.

Minister Howell will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North, and Kelly Heisz, Executive Director of SeniorsNL.

The event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-018 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-018 Report Date: April 10, 2023 Public Body: Town of Port au Port East Summary: The Complainant made five access requests to the Town of Port au Port East under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Town did not respond to the requests within the timeframe set by section 16 of the Act. Section 16 says that a failure to respond by the deadline is considered to be a refusal of access by a public body, and the Complainant asked the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to investigate the Town’s refusal. As a result of this investigation it was found that the Town had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). It was therefore recommended the Town provide a final response and records to the Complainant within 20 business days, undertake training, review its records management policies and procedures, create access to information policies and procedures, seek additional support as available, maintain communication with applicants, and comply with its statutory duties in the future.

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

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A Newfoundland and Labrador company operating in the energy market and ocean technology sector is looking to expand internationally with support from the Provincial Government.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a provincial contribution of over $51,000 in non-repayable funding support through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to Angler Solutions Inc.

Angler Solutions Inc. is a local consulting and technology-focused company that was incorporated in December 2020. Since then, the company has grown steadily. With specialist expertise in areas such as research and development, technological innovation, techno-economic analysis, and a broad range of skill sets in support of early phase project development and execution, Angler Solutions is focused on four key areas: offshore oil and gas, energy transition, renewables, and ocean technology.

As the world undergoes the transition to clean energy, Angler Solutions is poised to make the most of available opportunities. With a workforce that offers a unique set of transferable skills built up in the oil and gas sector over 25 years, the company is embarking on a 12 month project to develop and implement market and business growth initiatives, provide knowledge development and energy transition training to its employees, and enhance the scope of technical assistance services.

The Provincial Government funding will support the identification of priority markets for service offerings, assessment of the company’s ability to expand into new markets, and development of strategic marketing plans to support international business initiatives and potential partnerships. This funding also includes travel stipends to facilitate company attendance at international trade shows and sector supplier diversity missions.

Quotes
“This funding will support Angler Solutions Inc. in growing its sales in international markets, including expansion into Europe and other jurisdictions globally. We are pleased to support this work and help leverage clean technology and related initiatives for development and adoption with emerging industries.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Angler Solutions is very grateful for the funding provided by the Provincial Government. This support will be instrumental in Angler’s ability to grow its business outside Newfoundland and Labrador with an aim to establish new partnerships strategically focused on decarbonization in the energy sector and advancement of technologies in support of a sustainable ocean economy.”
Chad Fowlow
Founder, Angler Solutions Inc.

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Angler Solutions Inc.

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Nominations are now open for the 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors of Distinction Awards. These awards recognize the contributions and achievements of seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The deadline for submissions is May 26, 2023.

Seniors may be nominated if they have made notable contributions through paid or volunteer work activities. To be eligible, a senior must:

• Be nominated by an individual or group;
• Be 50 years of age or older; and
• Be a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nominations from previous years will be considered upon the request of a nominator or nominee. Posthumous awards may be given.

For more information about the Seniors of Distinction Awards or to obtain a nomination package, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/seniors/sda/ or call toll free 1-888-494-2266.

Quotes
“Older adults and seniors truly enrich the communities in which we live. The prestigious Seniors of Distinction Awards provide the opportunity to celebrate and honour the lives and work of seniors throughout our province. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to nominate a senior to become a 2023 Senior of Distinction.
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Each day seniors and older adults give of their time and talent to make a difference here at home and abroad. The Seniors of Distinction Awards is an important way to recognize distinguished service and achievements on the part of older Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I encourage all who have witnessed or benefited from such exemplary contributions or achievements to nominate a deserving individual.”
Pam Anstey
Chair, Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors

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Learn more
Seniors of Distinction Awards

Premier Furey and Minister Abbott Present 2022 Seniors of Distinction Awards

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has awarded a contract valued at approximately $956,000 to Allnorth Consultants Ltd. for engineering and architectural services relating to extension and redevelopment of Dorset Collegiate located in Pilley’s Island.

Dorset Collegiate currently consists of students from Grades 7 to 12. The consultant will plan for an extension and redevelopment to accommodate the addition of students from Kindergarten to Grade 6, including associated programming space and infrastructure.

This contract includes the planning and design for the extension, redevelopment of the existing school, redevelopment of the site for parking and traffic space due to increased enrolment, connection of the school to the municipal water services, and safety modifications and upgrades.

The department anticipates construction of the extension beginning later this year.

Budget 2023 includes more than $127 million for new schools in Cartwright, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Kenmount Terrace in St. John’s, including more than $18 million for the redevelopment of Dorset Collegiate.

Construction of the new extension will lead to the consolidation of all students in the region into one school, and the closure of Green Bay South Academy in Robert’s Arm and Brian Peckford Primary in Triton.

Quotes
“Our government invested $127 million for new and redeveloped schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this year. We are happy to reach the next stage of the redevelopment of Dorset Collegiate, which will lead to better and safer learning environments for students and enhanced working environments for teachers. We look forward to seeing more work completed on this school this year.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I am pleased to see that these upgrades to Dorset Collegiate are moving forward. Renovations and modifications to the school will ensure students, teachers and staff have an optimal learning and teaching environment for the future.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“I am pleased to see the ongoing commitment to the redevelopment of Dorset Collegiate. Young people are our future, and providing them with a safe and modern learning environment ensures they are better equipped to be the leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to the positive impact this will have for students, staff and the communities served by Dorset Collegiate.”
Brian Warr
MHA for Baie Verte – Green Bay

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Learn more
Budget 2023 – Child Care, Education and Growing Communities

Ministerial Statement – Government Celebrates Four New Schools Opening in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association Annual Awards Ceremony today (Tuesday, April 11).

The event will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, 66 The Boulevard, Pleasantville, St. John’s, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

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Today, the Provincial Government announced $900,000 in funding for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services to implement a Community Care Home Accessibility Improvements Grant Program to support projects for specialized supportive housing for persons living with mental illness. This investment is aligned with the Provincial Government’s commitment to support community-based mental health services.

This application-based grants program provides an opportunity for privately-operated community care homes to access funding for renovations to existing infrastructure or equipment. The upgrades will support improved accessibility within community care homes and provide residents with long-term mental illness with the supports needed for coordinated, integrated care.

One-time funding up to $75,000 per home will be provided to modernize homes to address accessibility needs of residents. Applicants will have to demonstrate an unmet need related to improved accessibility in the home which supports both physical and mental health needs. As the initiative is aimed at supportive housing, funding for these grants is available under Our Path of Resilience, an action plan to promote life and prevent suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Community care homes are an integral component of the Newfoundland and Labrador health and community services residential care system, providing specialized supportive housing for approximately 140 individuals living with long-term mental illness in home-like settings. More information on the program can be found here.

Quotes
“Community care homes play an integral role in our mental health and addictions program, as they provide residential care and support to those living with severe and persistent mental illness. This funding reinforces our government’s commitment to working with community partners to address their concerns and support them as they provide quality care for persons with long-term mental illness, helping them to transition back into the community. These grants will provide funding for necessary renovations and improvements to support improved accessibility for residents in these homes.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The Community Care Program, which specializes in mental health and addictions, has been serving the province for over 40 years on the Avalon Peninsula with generations of experience and aging infrastructure. These funds will go a long way to enable community care homes to address long-standing accessibility issues that have negatively impacted client placement and will allow our residents to age in place which is critical in their care. While this does not address all of our challenges, it is a great start and we would like to thank the Department of Health and Community Service and Minister Osborne for recognizing the need and responding to it.”
Pauline Porter
President, Community Care Home Owners Association

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The post Provincial Government Announces Funding for Community Care Home Accessibility Improvement Grants appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-017 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2023-017 Report Date: April 6, 2023 Public Body: Independent Appointments Commission Summary: The Complainant sought information from the Independent Appointments Commission on the merit-based review of applicants for two Vice-Chairperson positions with the Labour Relations Board. There were 125 pages of responsive records, 84 of which were withheld pursuant to section 27 (cabinet confidences) and section 32(a) (confidential evaluations). The Complainant asserted that the Commission had not met its section 13(1) duty to assist, alleging that it had not performed a reasonable search for records and that sections 27 and 32(a) were not applied properly to withhold information. The Commissioner found that the Independent Appointments Commission did meet its duty to assist and that it had properly applied sections 27 and 32(a), and that the information should continue to be withheld.

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at Memorial University’s annual Volunteer Day Awards ceremony today (Monday, April 10).

The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. at The Landing, UC-3015, St. John’s Campus, Memorial University.

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