Government of Newfoundland News

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-016 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-2023-016 Report Date: March 31, 2023 Public Body: Town of Pouch Cove Summary: The Complainant sought records from the Town of Pouch Cove relating to a fire at the Complainant’s home. The Town provided the Complainant with records that included an Incident Report and pictures from the fire. The Town redacted the names of the firefighters on the Incident Report and similarly withheld the faces of the firefighters in the pictures. The Town cited section 40(1) of ATIPPA, 2015 as justification for these redactions. The Complainant argued that the redactions in both documents were improper and that the Town had not met its duty to assist, pursuant to section 13(1) and that it conducted an insufficient search for records. The Commissioner determined that the Town had not met its duty to assist and recommended a new search. The Commissioner also determined that the faces in the pictures should remain redacted but that the Town should release the names of the firefighters on the Incident Report.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-016 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, was pleased to announce funding support today for PerSIStence Theatre Company’s “Raise Her Up” statue campaign.

This project aims to raise the first statue of a historical woman in the City of St. John’s. The statue will be of Armine Nutting Gosling, a pioneer in social reform and feminism, who led the fight for women in Newfoundland and Labrador to gain the right to vote.

The Provincial Government is providing $40,000 to the “Raise Her Up” campaign to support the establishment of the Gosling statue.

This statue will become the third named statue of a woman in Newfoundland and Labrador, joining statues of Shawnadithit in Boyd’s Cove and Amelia Earhart in Harbour Grace. Local sculptor Sheila Coultas will also be the first woman to design a public statue in the province.

Minister Parsons was joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, and representatives from PerSIStence Theatre Company for the announcement.

Quotes
“Armine Nutting Gosling was a leader in the fight for women to gain the right to vote in our province. Her statue will serve as a reminder of the path we are still paving towards gender equality. Hats off to PerSIStence Theatre Company for shining a light on an incredible woman in our province’s history.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“As the MHA for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, I am more than pleased to see the Provincial Government support this project. Raising a statue in Bannerman Park to honour Ms. Gosling so close to her original home in St. John’s and the Colonial Building is a fitting tribute to her role in advancing democracy and inclusivity within the province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister for Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi

“We are very thankful for this support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in raising a statue to honour Armine Nutting Gosling and the suffrage movement she led. The Gosling statue will be the first of a woman in our provincial capital, and is an important step in making our public history more inclusive.”
Dr. Margot Duley
Chair of the Gosling Statue Committee, PerSIStence Theatre Company

-30-

Learn more
Raise Her Up – The Gosling Statue

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @WGE_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Provides Funding Support to Raise First Statue of a Historical Woman in St. John’s appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will address the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Newfoundland and Labrador Monthly Membership Luncheon tomorrow (Tuesday, April 4) to discuss new affordable housing investments for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event will take place at the Comfort Hotel, 106 Airport Road, St. John’s, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Speak at Canadian Home Builders Association – Newfoundland and Labrador Luncheon appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will announce funding support for PerSIStence Theatre Company’s “Raise Her Up” statue project tomorrow (Tuesday, April 4).

The event will take place at the Colonial Building, 90 Military Road, St. John’s, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Minister Parsons will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister for Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi, and representatives from PerSIStence Theatre Company.

PerSIStence Theatre Company’s “Raise Her Up” initiative aims to raise the first statue of a historical woman in the City of St. John’s.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Pam Parsons to Announce Funding Support for PerSIStence Theatre Company’s Statue Project appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will provide an update on the Tourist Accommodation Act tomorrow (Tuesday, April 4).

The announcement will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 1:00 p.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Crocker will be joined by Deborah Bourden, Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador. and Heather McKinnon, Chair, Destination St. John’s.

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

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Provide Update on Tourist Accommodations Act appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement regarding pharmacists in the province tomorrow (Tuesday, April 4).

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 11:00 a.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 10:30 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Noelle Patten, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board; and Dr. Janice Audeau, Community Pharmacist and President of the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

-30-

 

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Announcement Regarding Pharmacists in the Province appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize the amalgamation of the four former regional health authorities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information into one entity that came into effect on April 1.

Now known as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, this new entity is aimed at streamlining programs and services, as well as associated corporate services such as human resources, payroll and finance. It was a recommendation of Health Accord NL and will help us ensure consistent and quality health care delivery across Newfoundland and Labrador.

While there is now one health authority, a focus on specific regional issues will be maintained through the five regional health councils. These councils will be responsible for advising the provincial health authority on the particular needs of the regions, informing health care delivery at the regional level. Work is underway to appoint these councils using a merit-based appointments process.

While transition work continues, patients, clients and residents can continue to access care in the same way they always have. There are no immediate changes to health care services, facilities or contact information as a result of this step in the transition.

I would also like to congratulate the individuals recently appointed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services Board of Trustees. Their effective governance will help support the new health organization moving forward.

Thank you.

 

The post Ministerial Statement – Provincial Health Authority Now in Effect appeared first on News Releases.

Effective Wednesday, April 5, forest access roads in the Point Leamington, Botwood, Lewisporte, Glenwood, Birchy Bay, Gander Bay, Gambo and Glovertown areas will be closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Signage will be posted on roads that are closed during this period.

Temporary closures at this time of year are required to protect forest access roads from damage during the spring thawing period. Roads will remain open for snowmobile and ATV use.

Roads scheduled for temporary closure include:

• Birchy Bay Forest Access Road;
• Burnt Bay Lake Forest Access Road;
• Chapel’s Island Forest Access Road;
• Clarke’s Head Forest Access Road
• Diver Pond Forest Access Road;
• Drover’s Ridge Forest Access Road;
• Island Pond Forest Access Road;
• Kinden’s Ridge Forest Access Road;
• Kippen’s Ridge Forest Access Road;
• Mint Brook Forest Access Road;
• Neil’s Brook Forest Access Road;
• Northwest Pond Forest Access Road;
• Osmonton Arm Forest Access Road;
• Otter Pond Forest Access Road;;
• Rod and Gun Club Forest Access Road;
• Salmon Pond Forest Access Road;
• Second Pond Forest Access Road;
• Shipbuilder’s Pond Forest Access Road
• Southern Lake Forest Access Road;
• Stoneville Forest Access Road;
• Weir’s Pond Forest Forest Access Road; and
• Wings Point Forest Access Road.

For further information regarding forest access road closures, please contact the Lewisporte Forest Management Office at 709-541-0214 for areas west of the Gander River, or the Gambo Forest Management Office at 709-674-1521 for areas east of the Gander River.

-30-

 

The post Public Advisory: Central Area Forest Access Roads to Close During Spring Thaw Period appeared first on News Releases.

To enhance marketing and business development in the ocean technology industry, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced over $138,000 through the Business Development Support Program for two businesses operating in this sector.

Notus Electronics Limited is a privately-owned, St. John’s-based manufacturer of hydro acoustic net monitoring solutions. Incorporated in 1992, the company has developed and commercialized a unique omnidirectional sonar technology, mainly for offshore trawling and netting. Notus’ team of 12 employees has developed a Trawl Positioning System that is capable of communicating trawl net position relative to the trawler’s position and the ocean bed – the only product of its kind currently available in the market. To assist with marketing this unique product both locally and internationally, the company is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $98,169 from the Business Development Support Program.

SubC Imaging, founded by Chad Collett in 2010, designs and manufactures underwater cameras, systems, LED lighting, lasers, DVRs, and remote operations solutions. The company has nearly 30 employees and clients all over the world. Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government is providing a non-repayable contribution of $40,775 to support the purchase of an Enterprise Resource Planning system, which will enable the company to streamline current procurement functions, integrate firm-wide business functions, and provide management with critical key performance indicators to enable better-informed business growth decisions.

The Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to developing and growing their operations through initiatives towards productivity improvement, knowledge/personnel development, and/or expansion of export markets. Support for these projects demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthen the province’s economic foundation by facilitating growth and innovation in our industries and technologies.

Quotes
“As a government, we continue to support technological advancements and innovations in our key industries, one of which is the ocean economy. Investing in promising ocean technology companies like Notus and SubC enables them to access the right resources and tools needed to compete in an increasingly globalized market, which in turn enables economic development and creates economic opportunities in the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“For more than 30 years, Notus has developed and supplied unique underwater acoustic solutions to the fishing, scientific and offshore industries. This support from the Provincial Government will be instrumental in introducing the Trawl Positioning System to our worldwide distribution network. The product has become an integral part of our product offering and growth strategy.”
Brad Henderson
Notus Electronics Ltd.

“We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the Business Development Support Program. This investment will enable us to implement a transformative new tool for our company, an ERP system that will enhance our productivity, efficiency, and innovation. This support will help us continue to push boundaries and remain at the forefront of the subsea imaging industry.”
Chad Collett
CEO, SubC Imaging

-30-

Learn more
Business Development Support Program

Notus Electronics

SubC Imaging

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

The post Supporting Innovation and Business Development in Ocean Technology appeared first on News Releases.

Amendments have been made to the Registered Nurses Regulations to give

Registered Nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador the ability to prescribe, including referrals to specialists. These changes build upon ongoing efforts to allow health care professionals to work to their full scope of practice, as the Provincial Government continues to address recruitment and retention challenges.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media today (Monday, April 3) at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the amendments. The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

In collaboration with the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, extensive consultations were conducted with stakeholders regarding the expansion of the scope of practice.

To guide prescribing, a framework has been developed by the College, as well as guidelines. This includes the requirement for Registered Nurses to complete additional prescribing education from a program approved by the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador Council, along with continuing competency requirements. The College is focused on ensuring only those who are authorized, educated and competent can apply for the designation of Registered Nurse prescribing, meeting its public protection mandate.

Prior to the amendments, Registered Nurses did not have the authority to prescribe medications, order laboratory and diagnostic screening tests, or other non-pharmacological interventions, including referrals to specialists.

Additional amendments to the Regulations also provide for the implementation of a Supervised Practice Experience Partnership Program. The purpose of the program is to provide an alternative, practice-based path to licensure for Registered Nurse applicants who have not practiced enough hours to meet licensure requirements in the province. This allows for an additional pathway to supervised licensure for individuals who would currently be required to complete a Registered Nurse re-entry program, which would have cost up to $10,000 and taken up to 18 months. This additional pathway should lead to additional nursing professionals for the province.

Quotes
“Through a collaboration with the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, we have made changes that will have a positive impact on the delivery of health care in our province. Allowing health care professionals like Registered Nurses the ability to expand their scope of practice builds upon our numerous efforts to date to increase health care access for residents. We are also pleased to provide an additional pathway to help get more Registered Nurses into the health care system to support the dedicated professionals currently providing valuable care.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The primary mandate of the College of Registered Nurses is to ensure that RNs provide care that is ethical, safe, and competent. With the introduction of Registered Nurse Prescribing, we are confident that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have a broader access to the health services they need and deserve. The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership program will serve as an additional pathway for nurses to become licensed in our province, and is one of many initiatives being developed by the College to increase the number of RNs in our health system. We are proud to partner with the Provincial Government to introduce these fundamental reforms which will benefit the people of our province.”
Lynn Power, Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Amendments Pave the Way for Prescribing by Registered Nurses and Open Pathways for Additional Nurses appeared first on News Releases.

Motorists on the Northern Peninsula are being asked to watch out for caribou when travelling on the roadway located between Plum Point and St. Anthony Airport.

A significant portion of the St. Anthony caribou herd has overwintered in this area. Over the coming weeks this herd will increase its daily movements as they begin their trek from wintering ranges to spring calving areas. These caribou will have to cross roadways, making them vulnerable to motorized traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to:

• Scan both sides of the highway when travelling;
• Pay attention to caribou warning signs;
• Avoid driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more common alongside highways;
• Encourage passengers to watch for caribou; and
• Reduce speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.

-30-

 

The post Public Advisory: Motorists Encouraged to be Aware of Caribou on Northern Peninsula Roadways appeared first on News Releases.

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:

Junction River Bridge Removals                                                          (Reg. 2237)
Proponent:  Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

The proponent is proposing to remove two abandoned bridges at Junction River and Little Junction River located between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Exploits River on the former Route 1, approximately 1.2 and 1.5 kilometres east of Badger, respectively. The bridges have deteriorated and pose a risk of collapsing. Project activities include the demolition, removal and disposal of materials. 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 March 30, 2023; the deadline for public comment is May 5, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by May 14, 2023.

Labrador – L1301 Transmission Line Decommissioning               (Reg. 2236)
Proponent:  Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The proponent proposes to decommission the L1301 transmission line located in Labrador, (previously known as TL240), which is a de-energized wood pole transmission line that was completed in 1977. The total length of the line is approximately 269 kilometres and it connects Churchill Falls Terminal Station 1 to Muskrat Falls Terminal Station 1, near the Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Generating Facility.  With the completion of the Muskrat Falls to Happy Valley Interconnection in 2021, the L1301 transmission line is no longer required to deliver power to communities in eastern Labrador. It is anticipated that the decommissioning activities would occur over five years and would involve the dismantling, removal and disposal of material. 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 March 28, 2023; the deadline for public comment is May 5, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by May 12, 2023.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT GUIDELINES ISSUED:

Victoria River Quarry                                                                                (Reg. 2227)
Proponent: Newcrete Investments Ltd.

The minister has approved the final guidelines for the preparation of the environmental preview report (EPR) for the Victoria River Quarry. The EPR guidelines identify the information that the proponent is required to include in the EPR. The EPR guidelines document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2227/

CONDITION OF RELEASE MET:

Victoria Abattoir                                                                                         (Reg. 2222)
Proponent: Omiachi Farm

On March 29, 2023, the minister advised the proponent that the Waste Management Plan for the Victoria Abattoir project was reviewed and was found to be acceptable. The plan was required by a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2222/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Deer Lake Secondary Dairy Processing Facility                              (Reg. 2203)
Proponent: Real Dairy Company of Newfoundland Ltd.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Gosling Lake RV Park                                                                              (Reg. 2226)
Proponent: Abbass and McLean Holdings Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • For slopes less than 30 percent, the proponent must establish a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone around all waterbodies and wetlands, from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in the buffer zone.
• For slopes greater than 30 percent, the proponent must calculate and maintain an undisturbed riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slopes (percent). Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in this zone.
• Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

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.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

Effective Monday, April 3, 2023, fines will increase under the Highway Traffic Act as follows:

• An increase of $100 for exceeding the speed limit, and excessive speeding in construction and school zones. Fines are based on excessive speeds ranging between 11 and 20 km/h, 21 and 30 km/h, 31 and 50 km/h, and 51 km/h and over.
• An increase of $100 for racing vehicles or bicycles on highways, and performing or engaging in stunts while driving.

Demerit point penalties will also increase from two or four points, to six points, for exceeding the speed limit by 51 km/h and over. The number of days a vehicle will be impounded will also increase from three days to seven days for racing vehicles on highways, or performing or engaging in stunting.

This action to strengthen penalties for driving violations will help support efforts to deter dangerous and life-threatening behaviours. Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it will continue to work with law enforcement, safety partners and stakeholder groups, seeking ways to raise awareness about road safety.

The new fine amounts were set out in Bill 9, which received Royal Assent on November 9, 2022.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Increased Fines for Traffic Offences Come Into Effect appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is congratulating Shelly Kawaja on winning the 2022 BMO Winterset Award for The Raw Light of Morning. The prestigious award, which celebrates excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador writing, was presented yesterday afternoon at a ceremony at Government House in St. John’s.

Ms. Kawaja received an award of $12,500 for her work. The other two finalists, Meghan Greeley (Hunger) and Lisa Moore (This is How We Love) received awards of $3,000 each.

This is the third year in a row that all three finalists for the BMO Winterset Award have been female. In total, there were 40 works by Newfoundland and Labrador authors (either native-born or resident) submitted by publishers from across the country. Books from any genre, published in 2022, were eligible for nomination.

Each year, the BMO Winterset Award jury consists of celebrated Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from the arts sector. This year’s judges were Carmella Gray-Cosgrove, Douglas Walbourne-Gough and Mary-Deanne Shears.

Sponsored by BMO Financial Group and the Sandra Fraser Gwyn Foundation, the BMO Winterset Award honours the memory of Sandra Fraser Gwyn, a St. John’s-born award-winning journalist and author, as well as a passionate advocate of Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts community. Her husband, journalist and author Richard Gwyn, established the award in her memory in 2000.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich tradition of storytelling, which is evident through our highly productive and extremely talented writing community. The prestigious BMO Winterset Award celebrates this excellence in the literary arts and the way that the written word reflects on, examines and shapes our culture. I extend my warmest congratulations to Shelly Kawaja, Meghan Greeley and Lisa Moore for their achievements and contributions to this valuable sector.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Newfoundland and Labrador is known worldwide for our abundance of talented people. I congratulate Shelly Kawaja, Meghan Greeley and Lisa Moore for this well-deserved recognition. These women are helping to shape the literary landscape of our province and country.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

-30-

Learn more
BMO Winterset Award

ArtsNL

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @TCAR_GovNL  and @WGE_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Shelly Kawaja Named Winner of the 2022 BMO Winterset Award for The Raw Light of Morning appeared first on News Releases.

To limit future customer rate increases and reduce financing costs accumulating in the Supply Cost Variance Deferral Account, the Provincial Government is paying the remaining 2022 balance of approximately $190.4 million.

This is one of the initial steps to implement rate mitigation. The deferral account records the differences between the costs to supply the Island Interconnected System and the costs currently collected from customers in electricity rates. By paying the 2022 deferral balance, customers avoid having the cost recovered on their bills.

Significant work has been concluded with respect to rate mitigation. Term sheets have been signed and financing has been secured for the $1 billion federal loan guarantee; capital restructuring for Muskrat Falls and the Labrador Transmission Assets; and, the $1 billion investment by Canada in the province’s portion of the Labrador-Island Link.

Funding the deferral account balance is a further step in the Provincial Government’s commitment to mitigate customer rates. The implementation of the final components of rate mitigation cannot be finalized until full commissioning of all aspects of the Lower Churchill project, including the Labrador-Island Link.

As a result of the Muskrat Falls plant commissioning in November 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) was required to begin making payments under the Power Purchase Agreement for the associated costs to build, finance and operate the plant. NL Hydro is putting plans in place for Labrador-Island Link high-power testing to continue until April 6, 2023.

Quote
“This action to pay the deferral account balance demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to rate mitigation. Full implementation of rate mitigation cannot be finalized until full commissioning of the project, including the Labrador-Island Link.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

Backgrounder: Supply Cost Variance Deferral Account

In December 2021, the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities approved the creation of the Supply Cost Variance Deferral Account.

• As a result of the Muskrat Falls plant commissioning in November 2021, ahead of full project commissioning, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was required to begin making payments under the Power Purchase Agreement for the associated costs to build, finance and operate the plant.
• The deferral account incorporates supply costs related to the Muskrat Falls Project.
• The deferral account has allowed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to defer the expense associated with the Muskrat Falls Power Purchase Agreement.
• The account records the differences between the costs to supply the Island Interconnected System and the costs currently collected from customers in electricity rates.
• The balance that has accumulated in the account represents an amount owing from customers that is primarily due to payments made under the Muskrat Falls Power Purchase Agreement and offset by fuel savings.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is currently financing the deferral account through short-term borrowing facilities.

The post Implementing Initial Steps of Rate Mitigation appeared first on News Releases.

Today the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the International Transgender Day of Visibility and celebrates the progress and achievements of people who are transgender throughout the province.

This day is marked around the world as a day to lift up transgender communities and acknowledge the discrimination that is still often felt by many transgender people.

The Provincial Government condemns hate of all kinds, and is committed to ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for people of all gender identities.

As the province continues to grow and evolve, it is more important than ever to celebrate the diversity of the individuals who help make Newfoundland and Labrador such a vibrant place to live, work and play.

Quote
“Today is an important reminder that we should continue to promote respect and inclusivity, and stand up to hate and discrimination. Our government supports the transgender community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Every person should be able to live safely and freely as their most authentic self.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

-30-

Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @WGE_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Diversity and Inclusion Celebrated on International Transgender Day of Visibility appeared first on News Releases.

Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Address Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at a Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (Friday, March 31).

The event will take place at St. Gabriel’s Hall, 254 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available at gov.nl.ca/Budget2023.

The Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce works to foster a positive economic climate for the region as a whole.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Address Burin Peninsula Chamber of Commerce appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government continues to move forward with the establishment of a single Provincial Health Authority on April 1, 2023. Today, government announced 13 appointments to the Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees.

Appointed for three-year terms, the members include:

• Robert B. Andrews, KC (chairperson);
• Michelle Baikie;
• Catherine Bradbury;
• Janet Bradshaw;
• Sharon Forsey;
• Edward Goudie;
• Colleen Hanrahan;
• Tara Laing;
• David Oxford;
• David Peddle;
• David Sutherland;
• David Thornhill; and
• Lloyd Walters.

These appointments were recommended through the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission process. Members of the public interested in opportunities to serve on provincial agencies, boards and commissions are encouraged to complete an application at www.iacnl.ca.

Announced as part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government began the process of integrating the existing four health authorities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information into one entity, with a view to streamlining programs and services, as well as associated corporate services such as human resources, payroll and finance.

The creation of a single health authority will maintain a focus on specific regional issues through the creation of Regional Health Councils. The councils will be responsible for advising the Provincial Health Authority on the particular needs of various areas of the province to deliver health care at the regional level. Once established, a representative from each Regional Health Council will be appointed to the Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees. The number and locations of Regional Health Councils will be determined in the coming months.

Quotes
“The establishment of the Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees will allow for greater consistency and efficiency in the health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador. I welcome the 13 members to the Board, and congratulate Mr. Andrews on his appointment as chairperson. The combined members will help provide strong governance as we strive to improve health care for individuals throughout the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“I welcome these appointments to the new Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees. Each of these individuals brings expertise, experience and a valuable perspective that will be important to providing strong governance as we move this new health organization forward. I congratulate them on their appointments and commend them for their commitment to health care. I also Iook forward to their contributions on identifying new strategic priorities for the organization and working together within the new provincial health authority to transform and enhance health care for residents across the province.”
David Diamond
Chief Executive Officer, Provincial Health Authority Board

“At this pivotal point in health care delivery across Canada, it is an honor to be asked to be further involved in this province. The composition of the Executive Team and the Board is very reassuring as to what lies ahead, as is the quality of our health care workers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Robert Andrews
Chairperson, Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

The post Provincial Government Announces Appointments to Provincial Health Authority Board of Trustees appeared first on News Releases.

Residents are reminded that following a decision of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), effective April 1, 2023, local 10-digit dialing will be in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador.

People looking to call Provincial Government offices or Government Service Centres, as well as any other local numbers, should now dial the 709 area code, in addition to the standard local seven-digit number. It is suggested to program the 709 area code into saved contacts in any device with a telephone function in advance of the change.

Between April 1 and May 31, local calls originating within Newfoundland and Labrador that are dialed using seven digits will hear a recorded announcement reminding callers to dial 10 digits.

The public is advised to continue to call 911 for any threat to health, life, safety or property, where an immediate response is needed from emergency services.

911 is available province-wide in Newfoundland and Labrador. 911 Call Takers located right here in the province are available 24/7 to connect you to the local emergency response agencies in your area.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Residents Calling Provincial Government Offices are Reminded that 10-Digit Dialing Takes Effect on Saturday appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will speak at the Baie Verte Peninsula Chamber of Commerce today (Thursday, March 30).

The event takes place at the Baie Vista Inn and Suites, 292 – Highway 410, Baie Verte at 7:30 p.m.

The Baie Verte Peninsula Chamber of Commerce brings together the business community in the region to promote and foster a healthy business environment.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Speak at the Baie Verte Peninsula Chamber of Commerce appeared first on News Releases.