Government of Newfoundland News

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is banning the use of the TikTok social media application on all government-managed mobile devices, effective Thursday, March 2, 2023.

The decision to ban the app was based on several risk factors, including TikTok’s data collection methods, which provide almost complete access to the contents of the phone, making those who have downloaded the app more vulnerable to surveillance. Furthermore, there are concerns about the applicable legal regime that governs the information collected.

There have been no reported breaches resulting from the use of TikTok on Government of Newfoundland and Labrador mobile devices.

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“The security of our networks and data is top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure its integrity. This is a proactive step to safeguard the people and data we protect.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
Statement by Minister Fortier announcing a ban on the use of TikTok on government mobile devices

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will provide an update on the Provincial Government’s Multi-Year Roads Plan tomorrow (Thursday, March 2), beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The media availability will take place at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Building, 278 LeMarchant Road, St. John’s. Parking at the building is accessible via Bennett Avenue.

Minister Loveless will be joined by Jim Organ, Executive Director, Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will attend a songwriters circle tomorrow (Thursday, March 2) hosted by MusicNL.

The event takes place at MusicNL’s Play on Gower, 99 Queens Road, St. John’s beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The event is in celebration of the upcoming International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8.

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Applications for the 2023 Vegetable Transplant Program are open to commercial vegetable producers until Friday, March 10, 2023.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture offers high-quality, low-cost vegetable transplants to eligible farmers to help increase the production and variety of produce grown in the province, promote higher marketable yields and earlier harvests, and support food self-sufficiency. In 2022, the Vegetable Transplant Program provided 4.3 million vegetable transplants to 125 farmers.

Available crop varieties include cabbage, rutabaga, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, kale, lettuce, leek and asparagus – all grown at the Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale. Quantities will be determined based on farmers’ interest.

Farmers and new entrants demonstrating strong compliance with prior programs will receive priority for allocations. The 2023 program guide and application are available here.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is inviting proposals from non-profit community organizations for the new Employment Steps for Success Pilot Program.

The Employment Steps for Success Pilot Program replaces the Linkages and Transitions to Work programs. It will deliver services to clients seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce and allows organizations to be innovative and flexible with their programming.

Priority for funding will be given to proposals outlining activities related to career exploration for youth, adult pre-employment programming, or both.

The deadline for proposal submissions is Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Organizations can contact EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca with questions during the proposal process.

For more information on the new Employment Steps for Success Pilot Program, please see the backgrounder below.

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BACKGROUNDER

The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, is inviting applications for funding of programming and services, which will build upon existing programming and address the following priorities:

• Proposals must demonstrate how the identified activities are distinct from current organization programming but will support the mandate of the organization and the department;
• Expected outcomes must be clearly identified; and
• Funding will be available for applications that outline activities that provide direct service delivery related to Adult Pre-Employment Programming and/or Career Exploration for Youth and are cost-effective along two streams.

Projects can be up to $50,000 per organization, per stream ($100,000 maximum):

Stream One – Career Exploration for Youth

• Provide a client-centered employment initiative that assist youth from a variety of educational and social backgrounds to achieve their career and employment goals;

• Organizations will assist non-Employment Insurance eligible youth between the ages of 18-30 who have not made a successful transition to the labour market with career decision-making and career exploration; and

• The sponsoring organization is responsible for participant intake and selection. Organizations are also responsible to promote their initiative.

Stream Two – Adult Pre-Employment Programming

• Provide an employment readiness program that offers pre-employment training and individualized support for non-Employment Insurance eligible individuals who are interested in obtaining employment;

• Provide individuals with an opportunity to: obtain help with problem solving; workplace communications; budgeting skills; explore personal strengths and align these strengths to occupations that may be a good fit; obtain workplace certificates such as First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, etc.; update and practice job search skills and provide individualized/coached job-search as participants apply for jobs with local employers;

• Program participants are unemployed adults in receipt of, or eligible to receive, income support. Participants must have completed at least secondary school Level I, and are interested in upgrading education or obtaining employment; and

• The sponsoring organization is responsible for participant intake and selection. Organizations are also responsible to promote their initiative.

Eligible costs may include, but are not limited to:

• costs for contractual services;
• participant costs (wages, benefits, stipends);
• consulting services;
• program materials;
• travel;
• advertising and promotion;
• resource materials;
• office supplies; and
• administration fees.

Proposals can be submitted online through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS).

Organizations can contact EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca with questions during the proposal process.

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The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) is launching a new campaign, Recycle @ Home, to increase participation and proper use of curbside recycling programs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through the campaign, MMSB is partnering with communities throughout the province to encourage residents to ‘join the curbside revolution’ to help reduce waste and protect the environment.

Based on research performed by MMSB in partnership with regional waste management authorities, it is estimated that residents are incorrectly placing more than half of their recyclable materials (57 per cent) in the garbage rather than in blue bags to recycle them at the curb. If this material was recycled rather than disposed, residents could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 157,000 tonnes annually in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is equivalent to taking 47,000 vehicles off the road.

The campaign is designed to help residents make greener choices when managing their waste and to raise awareness about the impact of their actions. From promoting what should be placed in the blue bag to showing the journey recyclables take once they are placed to the curb – Recycle @ Home provides answers to common questions and builds transparency around the entire process. Resources will be shared through MMSB, as well as the network of partnering communities and regional authorities responsible for collecting waste.

The campaign includes a number of multi-media materials, including videos, social media posts, radio, print resources and a designated webpage which includes a section for frequently asked questions (FAQ). The campaign also shows the recycling journey through a video featuring Marg Delahunty, Warrior Princess played by Mary Walsh and featuring local actor Rory Lambert.

To learn more, visit recycleathomenl.ca.

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“Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility and the simple act of reducing, reusing and recycling our waste has a tremendous impact. Together, let’s do our part by placing our recyclable waste in a blue bag – an easy and effective way to make a positive change to the environment.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Newfoundland and Labrador currently diverts over 19 million pounds of material annually through blue bag programs. If residents were placing all recyclable material in their blue bag instead of the garbage, we could more than double the amount of material being diverted. This campaign is designed to promote simple sustainable practices at home that can make a big difference for the environment and the future health of our planet. We are already putting our waste to the curb, the only difference is the colour bag it is going in.”
Derm Flynn
Chair of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

“Everything we throw away must go somewhere, and one sure way to keep what we throw away from going in the landfill is to encourage more people to recycle. That requires keeping up our efforts to raise public awareness and there can never be too much education around recycling. The ERSB is proud to partner with MMSB to launch this new educational campaign as we continue to promote responsible waste diversion among the municipalities and customers we serve.”
Steve Tessier,
Chair, Eastern Regional Service Board

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Learn more
Recycle @ Home

Rethink Waste NL

Marg Delahunty Recycling Journey Video

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The Provincial Government congratulates four television productions filmed in Newfoundland and Labrador for receiving a total of 13 Canadian Screen Award Nominations – the most nominations ever associated with this province.

Newfoundland and Labrador has made a name for itself globally as a prime location for film and television production and the Provincial Government is proud to support the industry in its efforts to expand the local talent and create jobs.

Canadian Screen Award Nominations include:

Astrid and Lilly Save the World

• Best Comedy Series
• Best Original Music, Comedy

Hudson & Rex

• Best Sound, Fiction
• Best Original Music, Drama
• Best Lead Performer, Drama Series (x2)
• Best Guest Performance, Drama Series
• Best Supporting Performer, Drama Series

Rock Solid Builds

• Best Lifestyle Program or Series

Son of A Critch

• Best Achievement in Hair
• Best Original Music, Comedy
• Best Supporting Performer, Comedy
• Best Guest Performance, Comedy

In addition to these nominations for Newfoundland and Labrador television productions, a number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are among this year’s Canadian Screen Award nominees. The full list can be viewed here.

The Canadian Screen Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 9:30 p.m. (Newfoundland Standard Time) on CBC and the CBC Gem App.

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“Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry continues to reach new heights. It’s incredible to have thirteen nominations across four television shows filmed right here. Congratulations to the cast and crews of Astrid and Lilly Save the World, Son of a Critch, Hudson & Rex and Rock Solid Builds. Congratulations, as well, to the other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who received nominations for their work. Thank you all for helping to put this beautiful place we call home on the map and I look forward to following your continued success.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Congratulations to all nominees for the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards – you have achieved many successes for our local screen industries. Your work over multiple years in developing and producing content has created a strong foundation upon which the industry continues to grow in this province. A key driving factor in reaching consistently high levels of production activity has been the capabilities of the province’s producers and talent and this recognition is well deserved.”
Chris Bonnell
Executive Director/Film Commissioner (A)
Newfoundland & Labrador Film Development Corporation

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Learn more
2023 Canadian Screen Award Nominees

Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will speak at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference Luncheon tomorrow (Wednesday, March 1).

The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Quality Hotel, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced cost-shared funding of over $4.2 million, in support of the City of St. John’s Corporate Climate Plan, which will see infrastructure upgrades to various city-owned buildings, improving energy efficiency and transitioning from oil to electricity.

The funding will be used to support improvements at seven city owned facilities: St. John’s City Depot, St. John’s Animal Shelter, Buckmaster Circle Centre, Riverhead, Mary Brown’s Centre, 245 Freshwater Rd, Works Depot and Central Fire Station. These combined measures will reduce oil use by more than 232,000 litres/year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 672 tonnes annually.

The City of St. John’s received $1,696,852 from the Federal Government and $1,413,902 from the Provincial Government. This funding was provided through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund program which is part of the $89.4 million Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, a joint initiative between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The City of St. John’s contributed $1,131,376 towards this initiative as part of its broader $6,661,630 investment to improve energy performance in 17 facilities.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund is a competitive grant-based program to fund greenhouse gas reduction projects. The fund supports projects that lower greenhouse gas emissions and is available to organizations across commercial, municipal, not-for-profit sectors and Indigenous Governments and organizations.

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“Every action taken to address climate change in our province contributes to the development of a green economy, moving Newfoundland and Labrador forward both environmentally and economically. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the City of St. John’s with this significant initiative and their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating more energy efficient facilities.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“By working with the City of St. John’s, we can help the community save money on monthly operating costs and grow the economy, all while fighting climate change. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with climate leaders nationwide to cut emissions—and will continue to do so through a renewed commitment of an additional $2.2 billion, an important part of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. I applaud the leadership shown by the City of St. John’s for helping to keep our air clean and build resilient communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“I thank our provincial and federal government leaders and industry partners, as funding to support this multi-million-dollar project is available through the Low-Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. With this project, other ongoing improvements to the city’s buildings, and the provincial government efforts to implement a low-carbon electricity grid, the City of St. John’s is on track to achieve over 70% of our Corporate 2030 target before 2025. The city’s contribution will be recovered over a 15-year term with the energy cost savings that we will achieve.”
Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

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Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

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Progress continues in the journey toward having the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On February 10, the nomination to add the Heart’s Content-Valentia, Ireland transatlantic cable to the tentative list for consideration was officially registered by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Paris.

UNESCO World Heritage nominations involving more than one country (i.e., transboundary submissions such as this one) are highly complex, including the requirement for each country to be on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage. After five years of work, this requirement was finally met in 2022 and the collective nomination was sent to UNESCO for official registration.

As a result, both Heart’s Content and Valentia have been added the Tentative List on the UNESCO World Heritage website.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Kerry County Council, Ireland (as co-applicants) are in regular contact on advancing this nomination, and will now begin preparing the comprehensive World Heritage Nomination dossier. This will be a multi-year process. The next step is a strategic planning session this spring to develop a detailed nomination work plan.

Newfoundland and Labrador currently has four official UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Mistaken Point and Red Bay Basque Whaling Station.

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“So much hard work, dedication and passion has gone into the nomination process for Heart’s Content-Valentia to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The official registration of the nomination is a significant step towards our goal of World Heritage inscription. Once achieved, it will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Canada) – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

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BACKGROUNDER

UNESCO World Heritage Nomination – Heart’s Content/Valentia Cable Stations

The first successful Transatlantic cable was laid between Heart’s Content, Newfoundland and Labrador and Valentia Island, Ireland in 1866. It was the culmination of a grandiose mid-19th century American-British plan to connect North America and Europe via an 1886 nautical mile submarine telegraph cable along the Atlantic seabed. The idea was considered by many at that time to be impossible.

Requiring ten years and five attempts, this world altering engineering and scientific achievement (called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” at that time) represents one of the major milestones in human history, engineering, communications, and the birth of globalization. The ability to instantly and accurately communicate between the old and new worlds resulted in commercial, political, military, media, and social impacts around the world.

Permanent cable stations were built at Valentia (1868) and Heart’s Content (current station dates from 1875/76) as the respective eastern and western termini of the cable, establishing both communities as international communications centres for over a century. Between 1866 and 1894, six different cables were connected between Valentia and Heart’s Content.

The Heart’s Content and Valentia Cable Stations are the complete surviving testament to the outstanding genius and perseverance behind this world altering feat. The Heart’s Content Cable Station was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1974 and has been operated by GNL as a provincial telecommunications museum ever since. It is arguably one of the best-preserved 19th century telegraph cable stations worldwide.

Since 2013, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been in regular discussions with Valentia/Kerry County Council, Parks Canada (Canadian UNESCO State Party) and the Irish Department of Heritage (Irish UNESCO State Party) regarding a possible transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia – Heart’s Content.

A UNESCO World Heritage transboundary submission requires both historic Cable Stations to be included on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. The Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site was named to Canada’s Tentative List in December 2017 and the Valentia Cable Station was added to Ireland’s Tentative List in July 2022.

In November 2020, the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia signed a Declaration of Cooperation – an informal commitment to working cooperatively in support of various efforts to commemorate and promote the historic links between the two communities.

In September 2022, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and Kerry County Council, as co-applicants on the transboundary submission, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership required to advance the nomination and ultimately achieve UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the assembly of an expert team to lead high-level preliminary discussions with Hydro-Quebec.

The team includes industry veteran Karl Smith, Chair of the Churchill River Management Expert Panel; Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro; and Denis Mahoney, Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety. The team brings together expertise in industry, utility and law to head up these discussions.

The expert team is responsible for leading high-level discussions with Hydro-Quebec to assess whether there are meaningful opportunities for future negotiations that will ensure the best value from the Churchill Falls plant and the Churchill River for the people of the province.

The expert team will be supported by internal and external resources as required, and will engage Indigenous representatives.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong interest in determining the full economic potential of the Churchill River. The Churchill Falls facility is owned by CF(L)Co and that corporation is owned 65.8 per cent by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and 34.2 per cent by Hydro-Québec.

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“The Churchill Falls asset gains more value every day. Following productive meetings with Premier Legault last week, we have assembled some of the top talent in our province to begin high-level discussions with Hydro-Québec to better understand our mutual areas of interest and possibility for future consideration. This team will consider every potential option in front of us, understanding the industry and our position in it, to ensure we are moving forward in a manner that is in the best interest of the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Despite the emotions of the past, we remain focused on Newfoundland and Labrador’s future. This highly capable team will help guide our province towards recognizing the best path in the lead up to 2041, and beyond.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of Panel Members

Karl Smith
Over the last three decades, Mr. Smith served in a number of progressively responsible roles within the Fortis Group of Companies, including Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (1999-2003), President and CEO of Newfoundland Power (2004-2007), President and CEO of Fortis Alberta (2007-2014), and Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (2014-2018).

Mr. Smith graduated from Memorial University in 1981 with a degree in Commerce, and following retirement has assumed a role as Chair of the University’s Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board.

Mr. Smith is a former Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (2014-2016), past Chair of the Canadian Electricity Association, and a retired member of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association (Newfoundland and Labrador Branch). Mr. Smith currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, and the Genesis Centre.  He is also a Director of the Canadian Standards Association and co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.

Jennifer Williams
P. Eng, FEC, FCAE, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Jennifer Williams was appointed President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in February 2019 and assumed additional responsibility as interim CEO for Nalcor in June 2021. Jennifer is now acting as President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Prior to 2019, Jennifer had served as Vice President, Production, with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro since August 2016. Earlier positions include General Manager, Hydro Production, as well as Manager, Regulatory Engineering. Jennifer joined Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in 2014, having previously worked with both Newfoundland Power and the St. John’s International Airport Authority.

A Memorial University graduate, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. Jennifer was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2016 and was elected as a Fellow to the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020.

Denis Mahoney
Mr. Mahoney began his career working in the public service as a Labour Relations Advisor in 1987 with the Newfoundland and Labrador Hospital and Nursing Home Association. He completed his articles of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1994. He was appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice and Public Safety effective January 1, 2022.

During his lengthy tenure with McInnes Cooper, Mr. Mahoney served in a variety of leadership roles including inaugural board director, member of the firm-wide management team and Regional Lead Partner of the St. John’s office.

Mr. Mahoney has served on a number of committees and boards, and has volunteered with several organizations including Memorial University’s Board of Regents, the province’s Labour Management Arbitration Committee, the St. John’s Board of Trade, the Strategic Partnership Coalition, the 2025 Canada Games Host Society Inc., Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association, TaskforceNL Inc., and the Boys and Girls Club in St. John’s.

Mr. Mahoney holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Queen’s University (1993) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Co-operative Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1987). In 2020, he received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will participate in the launch of a new campaign by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to increase participation in curbside recycling tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28).

Minister Davis will be joined by Charles Bown, CEO, MMSB and Stephen Tessier, Chair, Eastern Regional Service Board, as well as Mary Walsh, who will be featured in the new campaign.

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Robin Hood Bay Materials Recovery Facility, 340 East White Hills Road, St. John’s. Media wishing to acquire additional footage are asked to bring their own personal protective equipment, including safety boots.

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In keeping with the Provincial Government’s commitment to accelerate innovation and build a healthy province, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced $149,000 in funding support through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to PragmaClin Research Inc. to further their work on Parkinson’s disease.

PragmaClin Research Inc., owned by Bronwyn Bridges and Gord Genge, is a medical technology company that operates in the health care sector. Mr. Genge was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and throughout his steps to diagnosis had identified several patient assessment issues that needed to be solved, including long wait-times and subjective patient assessment. Ms. Bridges is a Ph.D. student at Memorial University, and while conducting her research on Parkinson’s disease she met Mr. Genge and discussed potential solutions to patient care issues. Shortly thereafter, PragmaClin was formed in 2020.

PragmaClin says it is driven to find a disruptive solution to managing Parkinson’s disease, which currently affects about 10 million people worldwide. The company is developing a one-of-a-kind product, the Parkinson’s Remote Interactive Monitoring System, which is set to monitor, analyze, and rate the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms remotely and objectively. The system is unique in that it does not require any specialized equipment or wearable sensors that would be unfamiliar to both patient and practitioner, providing an easier path to adoption.

The non-repayable funding support from the Provincial Government will enable PragmaClin to further enhance the Parkinson’s Remote Interactive Monitoring System (PRIMS) and elevate it from a demonstration to a market-ready stage. PragmaClin is also receiving advisory services and research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program to support the project.

Quotes
“I’ve had the privilege of learning about the experiences of Ms. Bridges and Mr. Genge, and am truly impressed by their determination and commitment to building from Mr. Genge’s lived experience to alleviate the struggles of others. PragmaClin is well-positioned in an emerging market, not only because of its commercialization value, but also because of the potential it holds in transforming lives. I’m excited to see the outcome of this project.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“PragmaClin is honored to receive support from both the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the National Research Council of Canada. This support will allow us to expand our team and hire consultants to help us commercialize and validate PRIMS. It is our goal to improve health care delivery services through technology and we want to be able to launch from home before scaling globally. The local ecosystem for health tech companies has allowed PragmaClin to grow faster than we could have imagined.”
Bronwyn Bridges
PragmaClin Research Inc.

“The Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador is very supportive of PragmaClin’s continued development of the PRIMS device. People living with Parkinson’s in rural and remote areas all over the world could benefit from the practical solutions PRIMS offers for their ongoing monitoring and therapeutic needs.”
Derek J. Staubitzer
CEO and Executive Director, Parkinson Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are extending best wishes to Team NL athletes competing during the second week of the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

This week, Team NL athletes will compete in 10 sports, including Alpine Ski, Badminton, Boxing, Cross Country Ski, Men’s Curling, Mixed Curling, Figure Skating, Women’s Hockey and Judo. Also, for the first time in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history at the Canada Winter Games, Team NL will compete in the Snowboard event.

During the first week of the Games, one Team NL athlete earned a gold medal and another was honoured as a role model for others.

Gleb Evstigneev, who was named as Team NL’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies, earned Newfoundland and Labrador’s first ever gold medal in Trampoline.

Over the weekend, Team NL Gymnastics athlete Gabe Flynn received the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award. The award is given to an athlete during each week of the Games who shows the True Sport values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun on and off the field of play.

The Canada Games are the highest level of national competition for Canadian amateur athletes. Closing ceremonies will take place on Sunday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. NST, 7:30 p.m. in most of Labrador and may be viewed at www.canadagames.ca/watch.

Quotes
“It was a true honour for me to be in Prince Edward Island to cheer on Team NL athletes competing during the first week of the games. They are giving their all to their competitions and I look forward to seeing more amazing performances over the next week. Best wishes to all who will be competing. Go Team NL!”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“These remarkable young athletes have made all of Newfoundland and Labrador proud over the past week, and I know they will continue to do so as the Canada Winter Games continue. I wish everyone the very best for a successful competition this week.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
2023 Canada Winter Games Schedule

Watch the 2023 Canada Winter Games

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Beginning today (Monday, February 27) applications for the 2023-24 big game licence draw are being accepted online through the Wildlife Information Management System website. The online application window is scheduled to remain open until April 28, 2023.

The 2023-24 moose quota for the island of Newfoundland is 27,575 licences, including 15,857 either-sex, 7,328 male-only, 3,930 non-resident and 460 not-for-profit licences. This is an overall decrease of 90 licences compared to 2022-23. Quotas have decreased in 14 Moose Management Areas, and increased in 11 other areas. In Labrador, the overall quota of moose licences available for the resident big game draw is 340, with a decrease of five licences in Moose Management Area 52.

Quota details for individual Moose Management Areas and not-for-profit moose applications are available on the Wildlife Information Management System website.

The 2023-24 season maintains a caribou quota of 575 licences for the island of Newfoundland, including 339 either-sex, 20 male-only, and 216 non-resident licences. There is no caribou licence allocation for Labrador.

The big game licence application process for the resident moose/caribou draw is available as an online service only. Based on user feedback, the Wildlife Information Management System website has been updated to include more helpful tips to make it easier to set up an account and apply for a licence. For more information, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or 709-729-2630, or email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

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“We are committed to conserving and protecting wildlife resources while supporting hunting and trapping opportunities. From its role in maintaining food security and traditional values, to opportunities for recreational benefits and economic growth, the big game hunt is integral to life in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage eligible hunters and trappers to get their applications in through our improved online application system.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced more than $4.8 million to support the construction of a new seven-unit, second-stage housing project in Labrador City.

The Government of Canada is contributing $3.4 million to the Hope Haven Transition House through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund’s Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will also provide Hope Haven Transition House with $1.4 million through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

NLHC provides $9 million annually to the province’s 10 transition houses, of which Hope Haven receives approximately $700,000. This funding enables the transition houses to provide safe short-term accommodations, services and resources for women and children at risk of, or experiencing, violence.

In addition, Hope Haven Transition House will be contributing $50,000 towards the project, which will be constructed on property donated by the Town of Labrador City.  The development will also receive a $200,000 contribution from the Iron Ore Company of Canada-Rio Tinto, as well as $5,000 from Tacora Resources. Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2023, with a tentative completion date of July 2024.

This partnership between federal, provincial and community funding streams is a promising initiative that will cater to the housing needs of women and children who experience domestic or intimate partner violence in the Labrador West region. The project is a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

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“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why our government is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of Canadians, including right here in Labrador City. The Hope Haven Transition House will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence and this investment is meant to foster healing, rebuild lives and greater independence. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence. Working together with our federal, municipal and community partners, we are creating safe, supportive and affordable housing options for women and children who are experiencing or at risk of violence. These initiatives show what we can accomplish for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by working collaboratively with partners.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Through the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, our government is helping create safe environments where a child is able to learn and grow in a stable environment. This is why our government is providing funding to build and operate Hope Haven Transition House, right here in Labrador City. This will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence. It will provide an opportunity to rebuild lives and gain independence and will include access to critical support services.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“The second-stage housing project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make a safe place for women and their children. Together with contributions from the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Tacora Resources, Hope Haven Transition House and the Town of Labrador City, the new housing unit will be a welcome addition in the community.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Hope Haven has been providing services to women and their children experiencing violence in Labrador West for over 30 years. Second-stage housing will allow us to grow the continuum of supports and safe housing options and help reduce barriers for women leaving violence and abuse. Housing is a human right and is an essential piece of safety planning. We look forward to providing safe and affordable housing to our residents as we continue to work toward violence prevention.”
Nicole Young
Executive Director, Hope Haven Transition House

“IOC has been a partner of Hope Haven Women’s Transition House since it opened in 1989 in Labrador West. We have worked closely throughout the years to support education and awareness initiatives, fund programs, and partnered with them to provide a housing unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to commit $200,000 towards the second-stage housing project to help provide improved, safe and integrated services for women and children fleeing violence in our region.”
Mike McCann
President and CEO, Iron Ore Company of Canada-RioTinto

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28) to support the City of St. John’s Corporate Climate Plan.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s City Hall, 10 New Gower Street, fourth floor in the Foran Greene Room.

Minister Davis will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, representing the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s, Councillor Maggie Burton and Byron Chubbs, VP Engineering and Energy Supply for Newfoundland Power.

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are expressing their condolences on the passing of the incomparable Gordon Pinsent.

“Gordon Pinsent was perhaps the original renaissance man. There was nothing that he couldn’t do. He was a celebrated actor, poet, visual artist, author – the list goes on. He could make us laugh, make us cry or just make us smile by looking at the signature twinkle in his eye.

In his career, which spanned over 60 years, he helped to define the arts and culture sector in this province and across Canada. Among his accolades and awards, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts, as well as six Gemini Awards, two Canadian Screen Awards and a Canadian Film Award.

Gordon Pinsent’s contributions to our arts and cultural landscape are unmatched. He blazed a trail for countless Newfoundland and Labrador artists and performers, inspiring them with his humility, kindness, generosity and wit, which remained unchanged throughout his years of success.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s light is a little bit dimmer today. But we can honour his life by remembering him, celebrating his legacy, and remembering that he was ‘ours’. And we were so proud of him. Always.

We share our condolences with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Gordon.”

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The Provincial Government is undertaking a mission to the United Kingdom to recruit physicians and other health care professionals who can fill vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. This mission builds upon other international recruitment efforts to bring health care professionals to our province, led by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services.

The United Kingdom has been chosen as training standards for physicians are similar to Newfoundland and Labrador, and the team will be exploring recruitment opportunities for health care professionals who meet equivalent licensure requirements. The team will visit several cities with a high concentration of high-quality medical schools to raise awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal immigration destination.

The Provincial Government has invested an additional $30 million on recruitment and retention initiatives for health care professionals. To learn more about the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for health care workers looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit workinhealthnl.ca or email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

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“Recruitment and retention is about strengthening our health care system to address existing challenges and provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the high-quality care they need and deserve. Our government is modernizing and reimagining the health care system, with help from Health Accord NL, to bring it out of the outdated 1960s service model into one that fits the demographics of our province today. It is our hope that physicians, resident physicians and other health care professionals from the United Kingdom will choose to live and build a career in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“National and international recruitment activities targeting health care professionals are part of our government’s plan for health care, to help ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to efficient primary care and to improve working conditions for the dedicated professionals in the system. As we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain health care professionals, I am proud to say that based on our recruitment work to date, our province is indeed being seen as an attractive destination for health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that Blair White has been appointed as Chief Information Officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Mr. White was most recently the Assistant Deputy Minister of Digital Health with the Department of Health and Community Services, following several years with the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information.

Mr. White replaces Sean Dutton, who has been acting Chief Information Officer since January 19, 2023. Mr. Dutton retains his title as Deputy Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.

The appointment is effective as of February 27, 2023.

A complete biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“I welcome Mr. White to his new role in the provincial public service. He brings a wealth of experience in the field of information technology that will help enhance our ability to support the needs of the public service, as well as opportunities to better support online service delivery.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Blair White
Blair White started his career in various front-line Information Technology support positions before progressing to management and executive positions. After working for several years in the private sector, he joined the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI) in 2007 and progressed to serve in several leadership positions, finishing with three years at the executive level. Over his term with NLCHI, he led several large provincial digital health implementations and operational units. For the past year, Mr. White has been the Assistant Deputy Minister of Digital Health, in the Department of Health and Community Services. Mr. White is a member of the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors and is a member of the SportNL Board of Directors.

Mr. White holds two undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in technology, and has completed the Mini MBA series from McGill University, as well as several industry-specific designations.

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