Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced details of a new wage grid for early childhood educators working in regulated child care centres that are part of the Operating Grant Program.

The wage grid takes effect on April 1, 2023 with a base rate of $25 an hour for Level II early childhood educators who hold a two-year diploma. This is the starting rate for a new graduate. Early childhood educators who continue to further their education and are awarded a higher certification level will be placed at Step One of their new level. Each step on the grid lasts 12 months, and are effective as of January 1, 2023.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, made the announcement today at Gander Academy and was joined by Christine Penney, an early childhood educator and Jason Brown, President and CEO of YMCA-NL.

Additionally, there will be a 10 per cent adjustment for administrator positions, as well as a Labrador Allowance of just over $5,000 to early childhood educators working in regulated child care centres in that region.

Legacy wage rates will be in place for staff whose current earnings exceed the proposed wage scale. This will ensure no one will earn less than they are currently.

A one-time payment will be made directly to early childhood educators to cover the period from January 1 to March 31, 2023.

Full details on the wage grid can be found here.

Increasing the number of early childhood educators working in the sector continues to be a priority. In addition to the new wage grid, the province has introduced a number of initiatives, including:

• Providing funding to the College of the North Atlantic, Keyin College and Academy Canada to expand the number of seats they can offer in early learning programs. These agreements will see an increase of over 700 seats at the end of this year;
• Enhancing grants and bursaries for early childhood education students and graduates;
• Conducting in-person information sessions across the province to attract more individuals to the profession;
• Providing a recognition bonus for early childhood educators; and
• Increasing funding for operators, including family homes.

The Provincial Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to increase available child care spaces. Further information may be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“We recognize the important work and impact early childhood educators have on our children, and the need to create more affordable child care spaces across Newfoundland and Labrador. Creating solutions for an affordable and accessible child care system is one of our government’s priorities. An important factor in that work is recognizing the valuable contributions of early childhood educators. The new wage grid will provide incentive for prospective students to choose early childhood education as their career. Our close work with child care centre operators will continue as we create a bright future for everyone.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Early childhood educators are at the heart of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system. Implementing a new wage grid for early childhood educators is a meaningful step in valuing their essential work. Newfoundland and Labrador has made tremendous progress in making access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive regulated child care a reality across the province, and I look forward to continuing this work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as we expand our national child care system to help meet the needs of families and children.”
Honourable Karina Gould
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada

“Early childhood educators are among our children’s first teachers. The new wage grid reflects their experience and education and will act as a catalyst to encourage more people to entire the sector. This is one of a number of steps we are taking to help create additional early learning spaces. We know this will take time, but we are confident the solutions are before us and we will create a child care system that will benefit children and families around the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“The Early Childhood Educator Wage Grid is a great starting point in developing an education and career pathway where early childhood educators have the opportunity to advance within their profession.  The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to seeing the development of future workforce strategies as the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement progresses.”
Skye Crawford Taylor
Executive Director
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Early Learning and Child Care, Department of Education

Budget 2021: A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan

Toward $10-a-Day: Early Learning and Child Care

$10 a day child care for families in Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

The province has worked to create capacity in the early learning sector by undertaking the following:

• Expanding funding under the Child Care Capacity Initiative Program from $5,000 to $7,000 per created space for not-for-profit groups and municipalities;
• Expanding existing funding under the Family Home Child Care Capacity Initiative from $7,500 to up to $15,000;
• Expanding funding to Family and Child Care Connections to increase capacity for regulated child care providers caring for children in their own homes in all regions of the province;
• Introducing Pre-Kindergarten programs in schools, which opens spaces for younger children in regulated child care services;
• Publishing information on the benefits of becoming regulated; and
• Conducting in-person public information sessions across the province to promote space creation.

Additionally, the Department of Education will be undertaking a review of the Operating Grant Program to ensure capacity is maximized.

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Residents of Deer Lake are advised that Conservation Officers have confirmed the presence of at least one coyote roaming the town. Officers are conducting surveillance and monitoring activity in the community in an attempt to capture and remove the animal.

Residents should be vigilant when walking pets, particularly near wooded areas and are encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid interacting with a coyote. This includes keeping pets inside or closely supervised and properly storing and disposing of garbage to avoid attracting wild animals to residential areas where they pose a risk to public safety.

The public are reminded that wild animals can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable when approached by humans. If anyone encounters a coyote:

• Stop, remain calm and assess their situation;
• Never approach or crowd it – leave an escape route;
• If the animal seems unaware of you, move slowly and quietly away when it is not looking in your direction;
• If it is aware of you, respond aggressively: wave your arms, shout, maintain eye contact, and throw rocks, sticks or other objects; and
• Back away slowly toward buildings or people – running will encourage a chase.

While attacks are rare, anyone bitten by a coyote should seek immediate medical treatment.

Anyone sighting a coyote should contact the Pasadena Forest Management District Office at 709-686-2071 or the after hour emergency line at 709-636-1295.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will announce details on the wage grid for early childhood educators tomorrow (March 28, 2023) at 9:30 a.m. at the Pre-K at Gander Academy, 55 Fraser Road, Gander.

Minister Haggie will be joined by Christine Penney, an early childhood educator, and Jason Brown, President and CEO of YMCA.

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Effective today (March 27), the Provincial Government is advising that the NLVaxPass application is no longer available as COVID-19 has become part of the infectious disease landscape.

Proof of vaccination may be required for travel and residents can continue to access their COVID-19 vaccination records through the Vaccine Portal or via MyGovNL

For detailed instructions on how to access your COVID-19 vaccination record, visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will highlight Budget 2023 investments aimed at the development and expansion of affordable housing at an event tomorrow (Tuesday, March 28) at 11:30 a.m.

The event will take place at the SeniorsNL Office, 24 Road Deluxe (Saint Luke’s Homes) in St. John’s. Media are asked to enter through the west entrance, ground floor of Babb Manor.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

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

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Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services announced recruitment and retention incentives to stabilize the long-term care workforce. Minister Osborne was joined by Debbie Walsh, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Eastern Health at Pleasant View Towers in St. John’s.

Incentives to stabilize the long-term care workforce include:

Retention Bonus – A retention bonus is available to identified employees working in long-term care, for a one-year return in service commitment. The bonuses will be pro-rated based on hours worked, with employees working full-time equivalent hours receiving the full amount.

• Registered Nurse – up to $3,000
• Licensed Practical Nurse I and II – up to $1,950
• Personal Care Attendant – up to $1,650

This retention bonus is in addition to the incentives previously announced for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Personal Care Attendants.

Recruitment Bonus – A recruitment bonus is available to attract registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants (including new graduates and retired employees) to work in long-term care, for a one-year return in service commitment.

• Registered Nurse – up to $8,000
• Licensed Practical Nurse I and II – up to $5,200
• Personal Care Attendant – up to $4,300

Health Accord NL provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for re-imagining health care in order to address the needs of people in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including improving the quality and availability of long-term care.

Budget 2023 includes the largest ever investment in health care, and these incentives build upon significant actions government is taking to address the current health care challenges in the province.

Regional Health Authorities will communicate processes for these initiatives to employees in the coming weeks.

Quotes
“We recognize the valuable role all health care professionals provide in the delivery of health care throughout the province. Retaining current staff and attracting new employees will increase long-term care capacity and improve patient flow across the entire continuum to improve our health care system for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Today’s announcement to provide recruitment and retention initiatives for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants in long-term care facilities is a positive and supportive step toward encouraging more staff to work in this rewarding area of health care. With an increase in nursing staff, we will be able to accept additional residents into our long-term care facilities and provide them with the care that they need.”
Debbie Walsh
Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Eastern Health

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing the province’s over 1,800 social workers during March, which is National Social Work Month.

Social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador are engaged in diverse areas of practice including child protection, foster care and adoptions, health care, housing, senior care, addictions, mental health and income support.

The focus of this year’s National Social Work Month is “Social Work is Essential.” This reflects the important contribution of social work in supporting health and well-being across all systems and practice settings, and the vital role of social workers in these areas.

Minister Abbott would also like to recognize Henry Kielley from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, who was named the recipient of the 2023 Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award for Newfoundland and Labrador, for his outstanding contribution to the social work profession.

Quote
“During National Social Work Month, I would like to thank all social workers for their dedicated efforts to support the health, safety and social well-being of individuals and families throughout communities in our province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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The Provincial Government is reminding employers the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents to $14.50 per hour, effective April 1, 2023.

On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by another 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made a commitment to increase the financial contribution for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games from $500,000 to $750,000. In addition, $50,000 has been committed to support the concept of regional games and sport development in remote areas of Labrador leading up to the 2026 games. The financial contributions confirm the Provincial Government as the primary funder for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced this support during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Labrador Winter Games on March 18, 2023.

The most recent games, held March 12-18, featured traditional and modern-day sports and skill competitions that reflected the cultural diversity and heritage of Labrador. More than 300 athletes from 19 communities across Labrador, supported by their families and hometowns, participated in what is also described as the ‘Olympics of the North’.

The Labrador Winter Games were first held in 1983 and takes place every three years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The 2023 Labrador Winter Games marked the 14th gathering since its inception and the 40th anniversary of its inauguration.

In addition to stimulating interest and participation in organized sport within communities, and encouraging a sense of fairness and sportsmanship, the Labrador Winter Games promote physical activity, the importance of lifelong active living, and nurturing traditional and cultural ties to the past.

Quotes
“The Labrador Winter Games is a special event that brings together people from every part of Labrador in a demonstration of sportsmanship, culture and tradition. It comes as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with this sporting event that they call this gathering the friendship games, and I was so honoured to attend this year.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Labrador is a unique place and the Labrador Winter Games are unlike any other sporting competition. The Government of Newfoundland Labrador is proud to support the Labrador Winter Games and strengthen our commitment for the 2026 games. I am even more excited with the prospect of developing regional games and having the Labrador Winter Games as a vehicle to drive sport development in remote communities that don’t have the facilities or programs that you see in larger centres in Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Every three years, Labrador comes together to celebrate where we live and the importance of supporting each other. The new investment for the intervening years as well as additional support for the big week of competition will enhance continuity for the athletes, volunteers and organizers. I am excited for the future of the Labrador Winter Games.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

“The Board of Directors joins me in welcoming increased funding from the Provincial Government to plan and deliver the 2026 Labrador Winter Games. The additional funding demonstrates a solid commitment from the Provincial Government to support a growing increase in costs and expenses associated with travel, inflation and the direction where we would like to take the games going into the future.”
Todd Winters
Chairperson, Board of Directors, Labrador Winter Games

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2023 Labrador Winter Games

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Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for space for an expanded health care centre in the Deer Lake region. The new space will consolidate all existing health services in the Deer Lake area from the two current service locations into a single site, and will eventually include the Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team announced in Budget 2023.

Premier Furey was joined by Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake, for the announcement.

The RFP for space for the Deer Lake Health Centre is scheduled to close on April 27, 2023. Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Team-based care is an essential feature of an effective and sustainable health care system, as noted in Health Accord NL. Our government is committed to continue to improve access to primary care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As part of the primary health care transformation that was outlined in Health Accord NL and Budget 2023, access to primary care is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The consolidation of health care services into one location in the area is in keeping with this objective.

Budget 2023 includes a $3.9 billion investment in health care – the largest in the history of our province. It focuses on a number of health transformation initiatives the further our plan for health care. It will help improve access to primary care; address backlogs and reduce wait times; provide integrated and coordinated service delivery; address gaps in services; and expand and leverage existing resources and people to their full potential. This includes support of $21.2 million for 10 new Family Care Teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, which upon full implementation will provide up to 80,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to primary care.

Quote
“Our government’s focus remains on the continuous improvement of our health care system. I am very proud to announce that we have taken an important next step in both consolidating and enhancing access to primary health care for people in the Deer Lake region. With the addition of the recently announced Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team, access to primary care in the area will be expanded to include public health, mental health and addictions, diabetes services, lab and x-ray, and physiotherapy.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber – Gros Morne

“We know that team-based care is best for both patients and providers, and we are proud to continue to move forward with the planning and establishment of Family Care Teams throughout the province, including Deer Lake-White Bay. The team approach, along with the consolidation of services in this area, will enhance primary care access for residents in the region.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Today’s announcement is a culmination of the work of many people who remained steadfast in their shared goal of ensuring the residents of Deer Lake continue to have access to the health care services they deserve. Thank you to our MHA and Premier, Dr. Andrew Furey, for spearheading this initiative, to the Western Regional Health Authority, current and past councillors, and the doctors and primary care providers of the Deer Lake area, who, through collaboration, are working together to provide this community a foundation for good health. This welcomed announcement brings us a step closer to achieving this goal.”
Mike Goosney
Mayor of Deer Lake

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will make a health care announcement today (Monday, March 27) in St. John’s.

The availability will take place at Pleasant View Towers, East Residence Multipurpose Room, 65 Newfoundland Drive at 2:30 p.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Debbie Walsh, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer with Eastern Health.

Members of the media are asked to meet at the entrance to the East Residence to be escorted through the facility. Masking requirements are in place at hospitals, long-term care facilities and health care facilities throughout the region. Parking is available in the parking lots of the East and West Residences, as well as in front of the main entrance of the facility.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on health care in the Deer Lake region on Monday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m.

The availability will take place at the Hodder Memorial Centre, 8-10 Crescent Street, Deer Lake.

Premier Furey will be joined by His Worship Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will be hosting a job fair for Ukrainians on Monday, March 27 in Corner Brook.

The job fair will be held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, 1 Canada Games Drive at 1:30 p.m.

This is the first in a series of job fairs taking place next week, with fairs also planned for Deer Lake on Wednesday, March 29 and Stephenville on Thursday, March 30. The fairs will connect west coast employers who have full-time, year-round job vacancies with skilled and hard-working Ukrainian newcomers.

Employers wishing to host a booth at a job fair can register by emailing ukrainewestcoast@ancnl.ca or calling 709-634-2656.

These west coast job fairs and associated community engagement activities occurring next week are presented in partnership with the Provincial Government, the Association for New Canadians and TaskforceNL. This week of extensive and direct community engagement is the latest in a series of efforts to support the more than 2,400 Ukrainians who have arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador in the last year and to highlight employment and lifestyle opportunities available throughout the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to lead Canada in supporting Ukrainians, with $19.2 million in Budget 2023 to make this province their home.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be expanding the use of biosimilar drug treatments offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. Under this initiative, to maintain coverage, beneficiaries currently using one of the originator biologics of  Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, Lovenox®, NovoRapid®, Remicade® and Rituxan® will be transitioned to a safe, effective and less costly biosimilar version on or before March 31, 2024.

 Biologics undergo an extensive Health Canada approval process to ensure they are safe and work the same as the originator version. Tens of thousands of Canadians have successfully transitioned to biosimilars through similar provincial initiatives, and biosimilars have been effectively used by thousands of Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program beneficiaries since 2016. Program beneficiaries and health care providers can be assured there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of effectiveness and safety when transitioning to a biosimilar.

Program beneficiaries who have been identified as using one or more of these originator biologics will receive a letter which contains additional information, as well as outlining the next steps needed to transition to a biosimilar. The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will continue to work with partners, including health professionals and manufacturers, to ensure a successful transition.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program Biosimilars Initiative provides an evidence-based opportunity to get the best value from medications funded under the program, without negatively affecting patient health outcomes. This will allow the program to invest in new and innovative drug therapies while continuing to expand access to existing drug treatments.

For information on the Biosimilars Initiative, please visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program website. If you prefer to speak to a Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program representative, please call the Pharmaceutical Services Division at 709-729-6507 or 1-888-222-0533.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-014 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-2023-014 Report Date: March 22, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety related to a workplace review, specifically requesting records where the Complainant’s name was mentioned. The Department provided limited responsive records, advising that it had no other records related to the request. The Department also applied section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) to withhold some information from the records. The Complainant alleged that the Department failed to conduct a reasonable search for records and failed to meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13. The Commissioner found that the Department had conducted a reasonable search for records.

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-013 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-2023-013 Report Date: March 22, 2023 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant made an access request for all records submitted to the Department of Environment and Climate Change by the Town of Millertown between 2019 and 2022. The Department provided the Complainant with one document in response. The Complainant asserted that further responsive records must exist and that the search conducted by the Department did not comply with the requirements of section 13 of ATIPPA, 2015. The Commissioner found that the Department did conduct a reasonable search per section 13 but did not fully meet its duty to assist per sections 13 and 16 in that the response did not meet the timelines. The Commissioner further found that the Complainant was seeking records outside of the scope of the request and that the Department should maintain its position on the access request.

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided an update on bids received from its call for bids for Crown land for wind-hydrogen development. Bids were due by noon on March 23, 2023.

The department has received bids from 19 companies. A Phase One review will be conducted on complete bids on criteria such as the bidder’s experience, the project, and their financial capacity to plan, construct, and operate the proposed project. Those companies passing Phase One review will proceed to the next phase beginning May 2023.

To ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive approval process, the document, “Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects” was developed to outline the information that would be required of bidders, and how bids would be evaluated. In addition, following a Request for Quotation for the Fairness Advisor, which closed on February 6, 2023, Optimus SBR Inc. has been appointed to the role to assist in the evaluation of the Crown Land Call for Bids. The Fairness Advisor will be a neutral party throughout the Call for Bids process, and will support the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology by providing independent, arm’s-length oversight and evaluation expertise.

Successful bidders will be granted an exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Crown land application and approval process. These lands will be held in reserve until that process is completed.

Environmental Assessment registration is not required during the call for land bids phase; however, prior to final award of Crown land, an environmental assessment will be required for wind projects over one megawatt.

The Provincial Government launched the Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. Lifting this moratorium was the initial step in this multi-stage process to enable wind energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quote
“We are pleased with the continued interest in wind-hydrogen development as demonstrated by the number of bids received. My department will now move to the next phase of our transparent review process, and will review all bids to determine which move on to the next phase. We will continue to update the public on this process and are optimistic about the future of wind-hydrogen development in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects

News Release: Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

Follow us on Twitter @IET_GovNL

Media contact
Tansy Mundon
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5282, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

 

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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.

CONDITONS OF RELEASE MET:

Cavendish Beef Farm                                                                               (Reg. 2002)
Proponent: Viking Fur Inc.

On March 17, 2023, the minister advised the proponent that the Odour Control Management Plan, the Environmental Protection Plan and the Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan for the Cavendish Beef Farm project were reviewed and were found to be acceptable. The plans were required by conditions of release from environmental assessment and are available on the department’s project web page at:  www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2002/.

Flat Bay Quarry                                                                                          (Reg. 2223)
Proponent: Turf Point Resources Ltd.

On March 17, 2023, the minister advised the proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan for the Flat Bay Quarry 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-2223/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove Multi-Use Trail                                    (Reg. 2234)
Proponent: Natalia Crocker

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 Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of this department requires the following:
  • A section of the proposed trail crosses two small wetlands that are visible on 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps. The WRMD requires an alternative route for the section of the trail that crosses the wetlands and requires the proponent to follow the attached alternative route to avoid the effects of the trail on the wetlands. The Crown Lands Administration Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has been advised of this change.

• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • For slopes less than 30 per cent, 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 per cent, 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 also 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.

Stanhope Equipment Storage Yard                                                      (Reg. 2235)
Proponent: Aurora 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:

• A minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be mainlined from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the Project 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, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
• 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) or within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also 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 sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• 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 provide additional updates if required.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

Bonavista Microbrewery                                                                          (Reg. 2233)
Proponent: Bonavista Brewing Company Inc.

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.

Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, released Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority.

With a focus on improving the province’s health and financial well-being, Budget 2023 delivers:

• The largest health care investment in the province’s history of $3.9 billion.
• No new tax or fee increases.
• An historic incremental investment in provincial highways of close to $1.4 billion over the next five years.
• A focus on residents’ cost of living by:
• Continuing with the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction on the price of gasoline and diesel – the second lowest rate among provinces;
• Eliminating the retail sales tax on home insurance;
• Maintaining the home heating supplement that provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace and stove oil to heat their homes;
• Doubling of the Physical Activity Tax Credit;
• Continuing the 50 per cent reduction off the cost of registering passenger vehicles, trucks and taxis for another year; and,
• Increasing payments for the Income Supplement and Seniors’ Benefit.
• The construction of more than 850 new affordable housing and rental units.
• Investments to create more affordable child care spaces to better meet the demand, including $64 million to increase wages for early childhood educators, and $3.5 million to expand the Pre-Kindergarten Pilot.

Fiscal overview

The projected deficit for 2023-24 is $160 million, with a balanced budget expected in 2024-25, two years ahead of schedule. Other highlights include:

• Projected revenues for 2023-24 are $9.7 billion.
• Projected expenses for 2023-24 are $9.8 billion.
• Increases in provincial spending total $108 million. This is lower than the rate of inflation.
• Of the $9.8 billion in expenses, $471 million is 100 per cent federally funded.
• Net debt is expected to be $16.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year – a decrease of $0.9 billion from the Budget 2022-23 forecast of $17.1 billion.
• The projected borrowing requirement for 2023-24 is $1.5 billion.
• Current oil price projections are $US86 per barrel, while the Canada-United States exchange rate is forecast at 75.7 cents.
• The Debt to Gross Domestic Product Ratio is approximately 37 per cent. In 2020, it was over 50 per cent.

Managing the province’s finances responsibly

The Provincial Government’s strategic plan to return to balanced budgets, lower the cost of borrowing, and decrease debt includes:

• Fixing the financing of the Muskrat Falls Project through the $5.2 billion rate mitigation agreement with the Federal Government;
• Prudent fiscal governance, including transformation and modernization of government, strengthening the role of the Auditor General and Balanced Budget Legislation; and,
• Responsible debt management, including effective treasury management, optimizing investment performance and establishing a Future Fund. This year, we are projecting to contribute another $127 million to the Future Fund, which will help ensure greater prosperity for future generations.

Examples of Budget 2023 investments are outlined in the backgrounder below. More details, including a series of fact sheets, is available online at gov.nl.ca/Budget2023.

Quote
“In Budget 2023, we are focused on improving our health – physical, mental, financial and economic. This budget sets record investments for high-quality delivery and availability of health care. It is focused on our financial well-being with no new fees or taxes and with supports to help with the cost of living. All while ensuring strong fiscal management of the province. It supports economic growth and prosperity. All towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
Budget 2023

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

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Media contact

Victoria Barbour

Finance

709-729-4087

victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER

Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority

Making the largest-ever investment in health care

A $3.9 billion investment in health care represents a $300 million dollar increase from 2022-23, as the Provincial Government reimagines health care and improves access throughout the province. This record investment builds on the meaningful action that has been taken to ensure timely access to care, and enhances efforts to support valued health care professionals and global recruitment efforts. Investments include:

• More than $23 million for recruitment and retention of health care professionals;
• More than $21 million for 10 new Family Care Teams, which will provide access to primary health care for 80,000 people, with more to come;
• $15 million for a new health information system;
• $9 million to begin to consolidate 60 separate road ambulance services into a single, integrated service with centralized dispatch;
• Increasing capacity in Memorial University’s Medicine Programs, which will have a year-over-year multiplier effect and ensure a steady stream of new recruits into the health system;
• $7.7 million this year, increasing to $9.3 million next year for health care professionals who support self-managed care in the home;
• $7.5 million annual increase for community care home professionals;
• $6.1 million annual increase for personal care home professionals;
• $5 million for a new virtual care program;
• $5 million to develop a new community mental health centre in St. John’s;
• $4.4 million for Flexible Assertive Community Treatment teams that will better assist individuals with mental health needs;
• $3.5 million annually to support the Dementia Care Action Plan;
• $3 million for a Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute;
• Approximately $1.8 million for travelling orthopaedic teams and same day hip and knee replacement;
• $1.3 million to cover cost of driver medicals for drivers 75 years of age and older; and,
• Addition of 12 new drugs to the provincial drug program.

Helping residents with their financial well-being

Budget 2023 is continuing to help residents with the cost of living, with more than a half billion dollars in targeted short- and long-term measures since March 2022. Measures include:

• Continuing with the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction in provincial gas tax for fiscal 2023-24 – the second lowest rate among provinces;
• Eliminating retail sales tax on personal property insurance;
• Maintaining the home heating supplement that provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
• Preserving the 50 per cent reduction in the cost of registering passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for 2023-24;
• $77.5 million for the income supplement, which represents a five per cent increase; and,
• $67.1 million for the seniors’ benefit, which represents a five per cent increase.

Supporting economic growth and prosperity

Government continues to support business growth, invest in public infrastructure, improve connectivity and enhance government interaction and efficiency. Highlights include:

• No new tax or fee increases;
• Increase in the exemption threshold from $1.3 million to $2 million for businesses that pay the health and post-secondary education tax.  This will benefit 1,250 businesses;
• Close to $1.4 billion to improve highway and road transportation infrastructure over the next five years. This is the largest provincial investment in highway and road infrastructure over a five-year period in the province’s history;
• $1.5 million to improve air access; and,
• Through a five-year, $50 million investment, renewing and modernizing government’s information technology assets to provide easier access to services. This complements the four-year, $25 million investment to improved connectivity in the province.

The post Budget 2023 Prioritizes the Health of Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex for Budget Day tomorrow (Thursday, March 23).

Parking in front of East Block at 100 Prince Philip Drive will be limited to media and invited guests attending the Budget Speech. Media can also access the complex through the Visitor Entrance.

In addition, the parking lot at the rear of East Block, near the House of Assembly entrance, and a section of the parking lot in front of the Visitor’s Entrance will be available to permit holders for Zones A, B, C, invited guests and persons with disabilities only.

Parking restrictions will be in place all day beginning at 6:00 a.m. Signs will be in place as a reminder.

Parking for visitors to Confederation Building Complex for purposes other than the Budget is available in the remaining parking lots. Visitors must use the Visitor Entrance near the link on the north side of the complex.

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