Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government has launched the three-year Dementia Care Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan aims to increase awareness, improve supports and services for those living with dementia and their care partners, and improve the capacity of the workforce to better support individuals living with the disease.

The three-year plan has 36 actions within four focus areas:

• Increase awareness, reduce risk of dementia, and address stigma;
• Diagnosis and coordination of care;
• Supports and services for individuals living with dementia, their care partners and families; and,
• Professional learning and development.

Budget 2023 provides an annual investment of $3.5 million to implement and support the Dementia Care Action Plan.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are more than 10,000 people living with dementia in the province, and this number is expected to grow to 14,000 by 2035, as our population ages.

To support the development and implementation of the plan, a Dementia Action Council was established last summer, and is comprised of representatives from various government departments, regional health authorities, the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as individuals with lived experience.

A comprehensive public engagement process took place to inform the Dementia Care Action Plan, including in-person public consultations, focus groups for physicians and regional health authority staff, and questionnaires. Consultations also occurred with the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate and family caregivers. In total, feedback was received from approximately 480 individuals.

Actions identified in the Dementia Care Action Plan also support Health Accord NL recommendations by building capacity within the community to better support individuals with complex needs, including those with dementia, delaying institutional care and reducing unnecessary acute care visits.

Quotes
“A diagnosis of dementia should not define a person; rather, dementia becomes part of their story. We must continue to focus on opportunities to support individuals to live well in their homes and communities, resulting in better outcomes for individuals, their families and caregivers, as well as health care system sustainability. Our Dementia Care Action Plan will go far in helping us achieve these objectives.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“People living with dementia matter, and we are pleased with the Department of Health and Community Services commitment to the Dementia Care Action Plan. This plan is reflective of the diverse needs of those living with dementia and will be instrumental in improving dementia care within our province. We welcome the engagement of key stakeholders, care partners and the community to improve the support and services to enhance quality of life for those living with dementia.”
Shirley Lucas
Chief Executive Office, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Dementia Care Action Plan

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Applications for the 2023-24 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative are now open for 50+ clubs and other eligible organizations throughout the province. Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government allocated $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative.

The application-based initiative provides eligible and successful applicants funding of:

• Up to $2,000 to organize and promote activities and programs that support healthy aging, mental wellness, social inclusion, and overall well-being; or
• Up to $3,000 for intergenerational projects and activities focusing on fostering respect and understanding across generations; as well as increasing interaction and sharing of experiences, knowledge and skills.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, was joined by The Very Reverend Roger Whalen, Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and Brenda Halley, outreach social worker with Eastern Health, to make the announcement.

The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist received funding through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative in 2022-23 to expand the Wellness Collective’s Holistic Health Program offered to individuals living in recovery from addiction and/or mental health issues. This program includes greenhouse gardening, with visits from a horticulture therapist, and exploring various artistic mediums such as photography, painting, sketching, sculpting and upcycling of furniture with instruction from artists in the community.

A total of 112 organizations received funding through the initiative in 2022-23. Further details on all of the recipients can be found in the backgrounder below.

For more information on the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, guidelines and application form can be found on the department’s website, or by emailing CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, or calling toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The deadline to submit an application is May 19, 2023.

Quotes
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthy aging, social inclusion and intergenerational activities. Budget 2023 invests $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, which provides funding to 50+ clubs and seniors’ serving organizations to bring together older persons and seniors to participate in learning and social activities in their communities. I encourage these groups to apply today to help build a healthier and more inclusive province for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“I encounter many people who are struggling in our community. In order to try to meet some of their needs, we are engaging in partnerships with the wider community, to help deepen relationships with and among the people of our community. The Wellness Collective is one such partnership. We are grateful to the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development for their support of this partnership, through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative. It is through this kind of support that we are able to provide programs which cross generational lines and social classes, and bring many different people together to build healthy and meaningful relationships and a healthier community.”
The Very Reverend Roger Whalen
Dean and Rector, Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador)

“The Wellness Collective is grateful to be a recipient of funding through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, which has helped support our commitment to mental wellness and recovery through social connection and holistic therapeutic activities, and aligns with Eastern Health’s vision of healthy people, healthy communities. Recognizing that there are many pathways to health and healing, the collective combines traditional talk therapy with activities such as gardening, hiking, yoga, meditation, cooking and food sharing. We create a safe, therapeutic, accessible and peer-supported space for people to try new skills, share wisdom and talents, and journey together towards mental, physical, social and spiritual wellness.”
Brenda Halley
Outreach Social Worker, Primary Health Care, Eastern Health

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Learn more
Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative

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BACKGROUNDER

2022-2023 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative Recipients

Applicant Project Amount Funded Active Living for Older Adults Intergenerational breakfast and seniors quilting project $2,000 Alexander Bay 50 + Association Inc. Seniors information sessions $2,000 Anglican Homes Inc. TimeSlips improvisational story-telling $1,200 Barachois 50+ Club Intergenerational baking, knitting/crochet and crafts $1,500 Bauline to Bay Bulls 50+ Club Inc. Social activities $2,000 Bay D’Espoir Seniors’ Care Association Social activities $2,000 Benoit First Nation Inc. Social activities $2,000 Beothuk 50+ Club Christmas hampers/social activities $1,500 Bishop Meaden Manor Social Club Bowling/social activities $1,000 Botwood 50+ Club Christmas/St. Patrick’s Day Dinner $1,500 Boys and Girls Club Bell Island Intergenerational social activities $3,000 Burnside 50+ Club Valentine’s Dinner/intergenerational activities $2,000 Cavendish 50+ Club Social activities $1,500 Clarenville and Area Age-Friendly 50+ Club Social and intergenerational activities. $2,000 Curling Seniors 50+ Club Social activities $1,000 Dermott Lee Memorial Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 62 Intergenerational activities and knowledge sharing $3,000 Eric and MacKay Neighbourhood Centre Healthy meals and snacks/intergenerational baking $1,000 Evening Breeze 50+ Club Social events $2,000 Federation des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador Intergenerational activities $2,000 Fortune Seniors 50+ Club Healthy Together intergenerational physical activity and healthy eating program $3,000 Fox Harbour Shamrock 50+ Club Social events and craft nights $1,400 Froud Ave. Community Centre Intergenerational programming $3,000 Gambo Community Youth Centre Cold plate dinner $2,000 Gander Seniors 50+ Club Inc. Social activities $900 Gaultois 50+ Christmas celebration $1,000 Gladgreeters 50+ Club Club meal and outing $1,000 GNL Community Place Intergenerational meals and social activities $3,000 Golden Meadows 50+ Club Christmas social and hampers $1,000 Golden Seabreeze 50+ Club Christmas dinner and intergenerational activities $1,500 Goodwil Seniors Club Intergenerational Christmas party and social activities $2,500 Grand Bank 50+ Club Meal and social $2,000 Grand Falls – Windsor Communty Kitchen Inc. Afternoon tea party $1,500 Hampden Junction Seniors Club Purchase equipment for dart nights, crafts and social activities $2,000 Hare Bay – Dover Lions Club Christmas celebration $1,000 Hare Bay Recreation Committee Intergenerational activities $2,500 Howley 60+ Christmas celebration $1,000 Humber Valley Senior Citizens Club 40th anniversary celebrations $2,000 International Friendship League Avalon Group Intergenerational Christmas Banquet $1,500 Irishtown-Mountain View 50+ Club Inc. Social activities $2,000 Island Harbour 50+ Club Christmas dinner $1,500 Jolly 50+ Club Social activities $1,250 Lewisporte Area 50+ Club Inc. Healthy eating and entertainment $2,000 Live Sustainably NL Intergenerational activities for residents of Katherine House $3,000 Lord’s Cove Recreation Committee Christmas celebration $1,800 MacMorran Community Centre Healthy meals program $1,000 Makinsons 50+ Go Getters Club Social activities $2,000 Marina Golden Age 50+ Club Intergenerational knowledge sharing and socials $2,500 Marystown Lions Golden Age 50+ Club Inc. Christmas celebration $2,000 Musgrave Harbour 50+ Fun Club Inc. Bowling outing and Christmas celebration $1,500 New Horizons 50+ Club Intergenerational Christmas social $1,500 New Tripple Seniors Healthy lunches/snacks and learning events $2,000 New World Island 50+ Club Technology and equipment to support social inclusion and Christmas dinner $1,000 No Surrender LOL #15 Christmas Dinner $1,000 NorPen Status of Women Council Technology to support digital literacy $2,000 North Harbour (Placentia Bay) 50+ Club Technology to support digital literacy and social inclusion $2,000 North River 50+ Friendship Club Inc. Technology to support learning opportunities $500 Pasadena Ski and Nature Park Snowshoeing and social activities $1,000 Pilley’s Island Recreation Committee Healthy eating/cooking and social activities $1,500 Point Au Gaul Recreation Committee Inc. Holiday social and dinner $1,500 Point Lance Seniors Sewing Club Intergenerational sewing and crafts $1,000 Point May Recreation Intergenerational social and skill sharing activities $1,500 Pondview Seniors 50+ Club Christmas banquet $1,750 Random East Seniors 50+ Club Christmas celebration and social activities $2,000 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50, Conception Bay South Seniors’ dances $1,500 Royal Pandora 50+ Club Inc. Healthy active living and social
activities $1,500 Sandy Cove 50+ Club Education events $1,000 Silver Threads 50+ Club Christmas dinner and outings $1,000 Smith’s Harbour Recreation Committee Inc. Seniors celebration dinner $2,000 Southern Avalon Senior Citizens Housing Association Inc. Healthy snacks and social activities $800 Southern Labrador Development Association Lunch n’ learn sessions to support healthy meal preparation and healthy aging $3,000 Southern Shore Kindred Spirits Group Intergenerational skill sharing $1,500 Southwest Arm 50+ Club Christmas celebration and social activities $1,500 St. John’s Masters Softball Association Intergenerational barbecue and social $1,000 St. Lawrence 50+ Golden Age Club Christmas dinner and supplies/equipment for social activities $1,500 St. Lawrence Retirement Living Intergenerational activities $2,000 St. Patrick’s Parish Valentine’s Day dinner $2,000 St. Peter’s Seniors Club Christmas celebration and weekly/monthly social activities $1,000 St. Shotts Recreation Committee Inc. Intergenerational Christmas social $3,000 Summerford and Area Age-Friendly Social outings $1,500 Summerside Seniors Club Outings and community outreach $1,000 The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Holistic health program $2,000 The Caribou 50+ Club Christmas dinner and dance $1,800 The Singing Legionnaires Intergenerational performances/education $2,200 Time in the Hall Square Dancers Christmas Dinner and intergenerational skill sharing $1,500 Torbay History House and Museum Life-Long Learning Program for seniors $1,500 Town of Conception Bay South Seniors socials $1,000 Town of Englee Social activities $2,000 Town of Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook Intergenerational community quilting class $2,000 Town of Hare Bay Intergenerational programming $2,500 Town of Humber Arm South 50+ Club Intergenerational skill sharing $2,900 Town of Indian Bay Intergenerational knowledge sharing $2,000 Town of Little Burnt Bay Intergenerational skill sharing $3,000 Town of Old Perlican Christmas celebration $2,000 Town of Pasadena Intergenerational activities $1,000 Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s Intergenerational knitting program $2,000 Tri Town Sewers and Quilters Intergenerational sewing activities $1,000 Trinity Historical Society Inc. Seniors lunch and learn events and intergenerational activities $3,000 Twilight 50+ Seniors Club Physical and social activities $2,000 Twillingate Young at Heart 50+ Club Meal, entertainment and fruit baskets $2,000 United Church Bay Roberts Indoor curling equipment $3,000 Victoria Lions Club Thanksgiving meal $2,000 Violence Prevention Avalon East Intergenerational activities/care packages for seniors $3,000 Watts Cove Quilting Bees Luncheon and quilting materials $500 West St. Modeste Recreation Committee Weekly social and educational activities $1,500 Western Environment Centre Intergenerational food skills workshops $1,500 Westport 50+ Inc. Intergenerational and Indigenous skill sharing $1,500 Whiteway 50+ Club Inc. Intergenerational activities $3,000 Whiteway Community Council Christmas dinner $2,000 Wigmore Manor Seniors Association Holiday celebration and dance and intergenerational holiday breakfast $1,000 Worsley Park 50 plus Club Inc. Meals and social activities $1,500 Yesterday’s Youth 50+ Seniors and intergenerational meals and social activities $2,000 YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador All-inclusive memberships for 40 seniors for one month $2,000

 

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Today Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, released a report titled What We Heard: Engagement with Seniors, Family Members and/or Caregivers, and Service Providers. The report is the summary of an extensive engagement process led by the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate NL, with support from MQO Research, to identify the concerns and needs of seniors and give the seniors of this province a voice.

The process involved two components: 15 in-person and two online consultations; and a public survey available online and on paper. The response from seniors was overwhelming and unpreceded, with 1,300 seniors and almost 200 family members and service providers having their say. Given the large sample size, which provides a 95 per cent confidence interval, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate has established a very clear picture of the needs and concerns of seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key findings include:

1. Seniors are equally concerned about access to health care and the cost of living.
2. When asked to rank their priorities, the number one priority was supports to age well in their own home, followed closely by addressing the cost of living and then access to health care.
3. 32 per cent of seniors do not have enough income to meet their needs.
4. 16 per cent of those noting they did not have enough income to meet their needs were receiving greater income than the lowest income seniors in NL (those in receipt of GIS).
5. Seniors who do not have enough income to meet their needs (32 per cent) report being unable to afford food (40 per cent) and going without food (60 per cent).
6. Seniors who do not have enough income to meet their needs do not purchase needed medical supplies and devices (57 per cent), personal items (51 per cent), special dietary requirements (34 per cent) nor attend social events (60 per cent).
7. Seniors noted inability to access primary health care providers and wait times as their most frequent unmet health care needs, which was significantly higher in Labrador.
8. Family members noted home support as the highest need for those living with dementia, followed by training and education for caregivers and family members.
9. 40 per cent of seniors identified home repairs and maintenance around the home as needed to stay in their homes, while 46 per cent of family members/caregivers reported home support as required.
10. 23 per cent of seniors said they were looking for an apartment or condo, and 21 per cent said a senior or retirement community complex. All noted that these were not available in their community or not affordable and had long waitlists.

The findings in this report should help inform policy development, program delivery and spending at all levels of government. Further, the findings may better inform service providers and businesses in their services to seniors.

The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate will use this rich data to guide its strategic direction toward improved services for seniors in the province.

Quote
“I wish to thank the many, many seniors that met with me, called our office, completed a survey and shared their real life experiences, their worries, their needs and their knowledge and wisdom; and our community partners that supported the engagement process. Today, I share the voices of the seniors of Newfoundland and Labrador such that governments at all levels, community organizations, service providers and businesses can hear what nearly half of this province is saying and so we can work together to make positive change.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Sherri-Lee Owens
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

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The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer advises that the NL Alliance have voluntarily deregistered as a political party in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in accordance with Section 280(1)(a) of the Elections Act, 1991.

Deregistration of the NL Alliance is effective immediately.

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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The investigation into the October 2021 cyber attack on the provincial health system is being led by Sean Murray, Director of Research and Quality Assurance at Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) in accordance with the authority delegated to him under section 103 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and section 80 of the Personal Health Information Act.

Media inquiries have sought an update on the status of the investigation. Mr. Murray wishes to advise that a robust investigation is ongoing and active, although there have been delays, due to factors including staff turnover at the OIPC at an earlier stage of the investigation, and timeliness of responses from some of the public bodies in question. Presently, the investigation is awaiting responses to a series of questions which have been put to the affected Regional Health Authorities, the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, and the Department of Health and Community Services.

Mr. Murray commented: “Our questions to the Department of Health and Community Services, which were disclosed publicly by the provincial government in a recent court filing, were sent to the Department’s counsel on January 9th, 2023. We expect to receive the Department’s response, as well as those of the other public bodies, no later than mid-April. That is more than enough time to fully answer our questions, and I anticipate nothing less than a thorough, detailed set of responses. I foresee it will take a period of weeks to then analyze what we receive, determine whether any further steps are required, and ultimately issue my report.”

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will open applications for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The event will take place at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 16 Church Hill, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-015 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-2023-015 Report Date: March 28, 2023 Public Body: Town of Flatrock Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Flatrock for records containing advice from the Town Planner to the Town about the Complainant’s property. The Town provided responsive records, but withheld some information pursuant to section 29 (policy advice and recommendations) and section 30 (legal advice). The Complainant requested this Office review the Town’s decision to withhold this information. During the informal resolution process, the Town released an additional six pages of records to the Complainant that it had previously withheld under section 30. The Commissioner found that the Town had appropriately withheld the remaining records.

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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, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program.

Incorporated municipalities, not-for-profit groups and Indigenous Governments and communities are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 to develop, implement and evaluate accessible and inclusive community-based transportation programs.

As part of Budget 2023, the Provincial Government is investing $300,000 for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program.

Projects under the program should focus on helping to enhance and expand community transportation services for people who experience barriers to transportation, including ability and geography, often in combination with low income.

In 2022-23, six recipients were awarded funding through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, as detailed in the backgrounder below.

Program guidelines and applications can be found here. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 26, 2023.

Quote
“I am pleased to open applications for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program. This program supports government’s commitment to improve the health and well-being of residents of this province by increasing transportation options for individuals who experience barriers to accessible, affordable and inclusive transportation. I encourage eligible organizations to submit an application and make a difference in their communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Grants

Minister Abbott Announces Recipients of the 2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program Grants

Applicant Location Proposal Grant Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Happy Valley-Goose Bay Purchase of 25-seat electric minibus to improve public transit especially for seniors, persons with disabilities, single parents, persons in low income and youth among others. $100,000 Town of New-Wes Valley New-Wes Valley and surrounding area Support operations of Shore Ride Community Transportation Program providing free accessible transportation options on a flexible, on-demand schedule. $46,747 St. George’s Indian Band Council Inc. St. George’s-Humber Purchase of wheelchair accessible van to support the startup of the K’Taqmkuk Transportation and Support Service as well as the Emergency Home Program. $100,000 Lions Club of Twillingate Inc. Twillingate Expand services of the Community Wheels Project, which provides free transportation for individuals, especially seniors. $27,859 Town of Harbour Breton Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune Continue the Coastal Rides Community Transportation Program, which utilizes a wheelchair accessible bus to assist seniors with travel to medical appointments, grocery shop etc. $25,394 Bay St. George South Ride for Ages Bay St. George South Help expand weekly services of the accessible and inclusive bus service to include youth and family activities. $11,832

 

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Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media as she releases the report, What We Heard: Engagement with Seniors, Family Members and/or Caregivers, and Service Providers. Ms. Walsh will provide an overview of what seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador are telling us about their concerns, requirements and potential solutions, and will outline next steps for the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will take place on March 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, Sir Brian Dunfield Building, 2 Canada Drive, St. John’s.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Sherri-Lee Owens, please see below.

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Media contact
Sherri-Lee Owens
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Motor Registration website is now available to the public in both English and French.

Digital Government and Service NL continues to work across government to build capacity to deliver services in French, and to contribute to the development and vitality of the province’s Francophone community.

The French version of the website can be found here: www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/fr

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Avis au public : La refonte de la version française du site Web de l’immatriculation des véhicules est terminée

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at econext’s Annual General Meeting tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The event will take place at the Comfort Hotel and Conference Centre, 106 Airport Road, St. John’s, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will announce the details of the province’s Dementia Care Action Plan tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The availability will take place at the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador office, 835 Topsail Road, Unit 107, Mount Pearl at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Shirley Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

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With support of $500,000 from the Provincial Government, Eastern Health will facilitate the development of a Fitness Centre on the first level of the newly opened Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in Bonavista. The addition of the new Fitness Centre at the facility will bring health services and wellness together under one roof.

Opened in 2022, the Wellness Centre provides centralized access to primary health care services, public health, home and community supports, and mental health and addictions services in the Bonavista region. Through a partnership with the Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation, this facility represents best practice and community integration with a vision for client-centered services and increased access.

Tip-A-Vista recently entered into a partnership with the YMCA to operate the Fitness Centre. Through this partnership, the YMCA will share their expertise, knowledge and resources, allowing for the development of a new and innovative, multi-faceted centre as a way of building a healthier community.

Quotes
“Well-being is about all aspects of our health, and opening a fitness centre at the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre allows the people of the area an opportunity to contribute to their health objectives and be proactive about their health. Our government continues its efforts to increase access to health services, including means to help build healthier towns and communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“On behalf of Eastern Health, we are pleased to be an active partner of the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in Bonavista. The addition of a gym to the centre further enhances our vision of community integration. The Wellness Centre provides an ideal space where our teams can provide primary and public health services, and support enhanced mental health and community services, while also promoting a healthy community for the residents of Bonavista.”
Ron Johnson
Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health, Eastern Health

“This investment will allow completion of the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in the heart of historic Bonavista. The multimillion dollar facility offers various health supports for the community and region. The addition of a gymnasium, weight room, cardio room, and multipurpose space offers amazing opportunities to enhance both our mental and physical wellness. Bonavista once again leads the way in a unique service space that will be mirrored in other municipalities. The Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation is thrilled to share this news today.”
His Worship John Norman
Mayor of Town of Bonavista and Co-Chair of the Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation

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From left to right: John Norman, Mayor of Town of Bonavista and Co-Chair Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation, Honorable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services and Ron Johnson, Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health, Eastern Health

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at Memorial University’s School of Social Work Pledge of Professionalism Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, March 29).

The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Auditorium, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John’s.

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Anyone encountering dead, injured, sick, or potentially abandoned wildlife should report it to the nearest Forest Management District Office or call 709-685-7273. Wild birds and other wildlife, including dead wildlife, may carry and transmit diseases such as avian influenza, rabies, or canine distemper. Handling wildlife can be dangerous and pose threats to human health, pets, and domestic livestock.

Department staff recently responded to reports of people attempting to rehabilitate injured or sick wildlife. Two sick foxes removed from the wild on the Avalon Peninsula tested preliminary positive for avian influenza, and test results are pending for two more foxes from the Avalon Peninsula and Notre Dame Bay areas. Due to the high risk of avian influenza in wild birds and their predators, the department is not currently issuing taxidermy permits.

The instinct to assist wild animals that appear to be sick, injured, newborn, orphaned, or abandoned, or to remove dead animals from the wild, is understandable; however, all wildlife should be left undisturbed in their natural habitat. Conservation Officers trained in the safe handling of wildlife will determine whether a public safety concern or other reason warrants removing wildlife from its natural surroundings.

Information on preventing the spread of avian influenza is available from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website. Hunters and trappers should also follow Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines regarding wildlife and avian influenza.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education and MHA for Gander, will bring greetings at the 2023 Water and Wastewater Workshop in Gander tomorrow (Wednesday, March 29).

The event will take place at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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A week-long employment tour of western Newfoundland for a group of 50 skilled Ukrainian newcomers seeking full-time, year-round work is well underway. A partnership between the Provincial Government, the Association for New Canadians and TaskForceNL, the tour is a novel approach to familiarize talented newcomers with employment and lifestyle opportunities outside the Northeast Avalon region.

The tour kicked off yesterday (Monday, March 27) with a job fair hosted by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills at the Corner Brook Civic Centre. The job fair featured 29 employers from sectors including construction, hospitality, forestry, fisheries, health care, retail, finance and food service.

Tour stops include major employers and industries in western Newfoundland, such as:

• College of the North Atlantic headquarters in Stephenville and campus in Corner Brook;
• Grenfell Campus of Memorial University;
• Tourism sites in Steady Brook, Corner Brook and Deer Lake;
• Corner Brook Pulp and Paper;
• Farms in Cormack;
• Western Health long term care facilities;
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Wheeler’s Road location; and
• Nomad Stages dance studio in Stephenville.

Job fairs for Ukrainians are also being held in Deer Lake (Wednesday, March 29) and Stephenville (Thursday, March 30). Employers wishing to host a booth at one of the remaining job fairs can register by emailing ukrainewestcoast@ancnl.ca or calling 709-634-2656. Interested employers can view the skillsets of these job seekers in the backgrounder.

Ukrainians have already settled in 39 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and this initiative has the potential to double the number of Ukrainians living and working on the west coast. The Provincial Government will be looking to undertake similar employment tours to other regions of the province throughout 2023.

Quotes
“This tour is about showing skilled Ukrainian newcomers they can live prosperous lives on the west coast, and it has the potential to be a model for successful settlement in other areas of the province. Credit to the many municipalities and employers who have opened their arms to embrace the vast economic and social value newcomers bring to our communities.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Over the past year, the Association for New Canadians has worked closely with the Provincial Government to resettle over 2,400 newly arrived Ukrainians. We are delighted to partner on this important initiative to showcase the many vibrant communities across this province and the great opportunities that await those who choose to live and work on the west coast.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

“This initiative will bring more diversity to the region and be a magnet for other newcomers, revitalizing the local economy. It can be a new model to embrace multiculturalism in our province. At TaskforceNL we strive to action big ideas and are proud to partner on this initiative”
Constanza Safatle
Executive Director, TaskForceNL

“Ukrainians we’ve hired possess a skillset that is hard to find in our province – they have experience working on commercial farms. These skilled newcomers have been able to hit the ground running and I strongly encourage fellow business owners across the western region to consider the benefits Ukrainian talent can bring to their operations.”
Ian Richardson
Owner, Larch Grove Farm

“The Glynmill Inn hired a talented Ukrainian baker who is a wonderful addition to our kitchen team. With many Ukrainians having backgrounds in service and sales, these newcomers are a boon for our hotel and the entire hospitality industry in the western region.”
Connie Rose

General Manager, The Glynmill Inn

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Ukrainian newcomers arriving for a week-long employment tour of western Newfoundland (March 27, 2023).

BACKGROUNDER

Ukrainian West Coast Employment Tour: Resume Summaries

Experiences and Skills by Industry

Ocean Economy

Third Engineer Able Seaman Third Mate Fish Harvester Ordinary Seaman Second Officer Third Officer Sailor – Merchant Navy Stevedore Marine Course Instructor    

Services

Barista Cleaner Security Guard Waiter Cook Sous Chef Masseuse Hairdresser Customer Service Technical Support (telecoms) Receptionist Translator Brewmaster Retail Manager Baker Table Tennis Coach    

Business

Administration Sales Economist Marketing Human Resources  Recruiter Accountant Bookkeeper Financial Analyst Purchasing Manager Account Manager (Agriculture) Web Master e-Commerce Manager Project Manager Realtor  

Trades, Construction and Engineering

Plumber Welder Carpenter Energy Systems Engineer Fibre Optic Technician Forklift Operator Boiler Operator Labourer HVAC Technician Quality Assurance Specialist Bricklayer Architect Pipefitter Fire Fighter General Contractor Handyman Electrician Tile Installer Construction Manager    

Manufacturing and Logistics

Front Loader Driver Commercial Driver Assembly Worker Freight Forwarded Machine Operator Warehouse Supervisor

Health Care

Administrative Assistant Pharmacy Technician  

Education

• Master’s Degree in Heat and Power Engineering
• Master’s Degree in International Economic Relations
• Diploma in Construction Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Business Economics
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
• Master’s Degree in Commodity Science and Customs
• General Practice Nurse
• Bachelor’s of Philology
• Master’s Degree in Navigation
• Master’s Degree in Management of Foreign Economic Activity
• Master’s Degree in Finance
• Master’s Degree in Psychology
• Diploma in Massage Therapy
• Master’s Degree in Management (Human Resources)
• Master’s Degree in Firefighting and Emergency Rescue Operations Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Document Studies and Information Activities
• Master’s Degree in External Economic Management
• Diploma in Industrial and Civil Construction

Languages

• English
• Ukrainian
• Polish
• Russian
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Bulgarian
• Serbian
• Hungarian

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Interested parties and individuals are invited to contribute to the statutory review of the Independent Appointments Commission Act.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Provide written comments or written submissions to IACreview@gov.nl.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
• Arrange a time to speak with Mr. David Conway, the review consultant, by calling 709-729-5800 or emailing IACreview@gov.nl.ca.
• Participate in the online public consultation meetings or observe the meetings scheduled for the week of May 8-12, 2023 by emailing IACreview@gov.nl.ca or calling 709-729-5800 by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023.

The review of the Independent Appointments Commission Act will be comprehensive and identify improvements to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes of the legislation, and the subsequent processes that support its administration.

The review will also look at ways to maximize the diversity of candidates identified as qualified and recommendable for appointment, including but not limited to Indigenous candidates, and ways to maximize regional representation from all parts of the province.

The final report will be submitted to the Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission outlining the results of the review and its recommendations on or before May 31, 2023. The report will also be made publicly available.

Please note that the final report will state the names of individuals or parties who made comments and submissions in writing and in-person at the public consultation meetings; or were consulted as part of the review process. Comments and submissions may be included as part of the written report of the review with identifying information such as name and organization.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating the cast and crew of Son of a Critch, which has been picked up for a third season on CBC and CBC Gem.

The show is based on comedian Mark Critch’s best-selling memoir, ‘Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir,’ and features Critch, along with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Malcolm McDowell, Claire Rankin, Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera. It is filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador, and employs more than 200 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

In support of the province’s film and television industry, Budget 2023 provides $10 million for the Film and Television Equity Investment Program and increases the All-Spend Film and Video Production Tax Credit to 40 per cent. In 2022-23, production activity in Newfoundland and Labrador was over $97.5 million, supporting more than 1,600 full-time equivalent positions.

Quote
“It is heartwarming to see how a production rooted in our province’s rich history of humour and humility is being so warmly embraced by audiences across the country. Son of a Critch creates a true portrait of our province as it was in the 1980s by drawing on the exceptional talents of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, not only in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes. I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to bring this show into our homes and wish them many more seasons of success!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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As part of the Provincial Government’s effort to improve health and social outcomes, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced plans to issue a call for proposals in May that will support the construction of more than 850 new affordable homes in the province’s rental market. This announcement stems from a new, three year, $70 million Affordable Housing Program that will include partnerships with private and non-profit sectors, municipalities and Indigenous organizations.

This is in addition to the more than 750 new housing options that have been created over the last two years or are under construction, in partnership with the Federal Government.

Joining Premier Furey in making the announcement was the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Alexis Foster, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador and Kelly Heisz, Executive Director of SeniorsNL.

Highlighted in Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. this new Affordable Housing Program will provide access to affordable housing for hundreds of families and individuals. The program will focus on seniors, and will support other vulnerable populations including young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness.

Quotes
“Every Newfoundlander and Labradorian deserves a safe space to call home, and our government recognizes that access to affordable housing is key to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. This $70 million investment for a new Affordable Housing Program allows us to develop a broad range of affordable rental housing options, throughout the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. Our success with past community housing initiatives has proven that working with our private and non-profit sectors and other partners to develop new safe and affordable housing options, enables us to go further and do more. The program will also generate significant economic benefits to the retail and labour sectors of the housing industry.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is thrilled with the announcement of the new Affordable Housing Program in Budget 2023. This program is vital and we look forward to working with our government and its stakeholders to achieve the program’s goals.”
Alexis Foster
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Inquiries to our organization from seniors looking for affordable housing have increased this year, especially as rents and the cost of living continues to rise. Easing the financial pressures that many seniors face is welcome news.”
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director
SeniorsNL

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