Government of Newfoundland News

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT SUBMITTED:

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

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2203/

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, or

to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments must be received by March 29, 2023. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by April 8, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Steady Brook Residence                                                             (Reg. 2231)
Proponent: Kimberley Madore

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:
  • No vegetation clearing is 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 Saw­whet Owl). The location of all raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.

• • The proposed site borders the Humber River, which is a scheduled salmon river. Considering that the Project is for the development of a single family residential home within the municipality of Steady Brook, a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone must be established along the Humber River, from the high water mark. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities should take place in this zone. The buffer is required to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitat.
• 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.

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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

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

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

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

 

 

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will take part in events today (Friday, February 24) to mark 365 days of Ukrainian resistance.

At 1:30 p.m. there will be a proclamation signing in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building to recognize Holodomor Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Byrne will be joined by representatives of Ukrainian NL. “Holodomor” is a Ukrainian word meaning “death by hunger” and refers to the forced starvation of millions of Ukrainians by the leaders of the United Soviet Socialist Republics from 1932 to 1933.

At 5:30 p.m. Minister Byrne will attend a vigil for Ukraine organized by Ukrainian NL in the East Block Lobby, Confederation Building. This event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

In addition, Confederation Building will be lit blue and yellow to symbolize the flag of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian flag is currently flying on the courtesy pole outside Confederation Building.

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable François Legault, Premier of Quebec, will be available for a photo opportunity tomorrow (Friday, February 24) at 10:30 a.m. in the Premier’s Office at Confederation Building.

Media are requested to meet in the East Block lobby, Confederation Building by 10:15 a.m. Media planning to attend the photo opportunity in the Premier’s Office are asked to pre-register by contacting Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca.

Premiers will not be taking questions at the photo opportunity. A media availability will follow the meeting in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building at approximately 12:00 p.m.

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The Provincial Government is investing $973,780 over three years for Laughing Heart Music Limited to implement a music sector workforce development plan in the City of Corner Brook.

With funding provided through the federal-provincial Labour Market Transfer Agreement, Laughing Heart Music Limited will hire four staff to deliver programs essential to developing and sustaining a thriving music sector. Additional funds will be used for equipment, leases and community engagement.

Emerging and established music professionals will benefit from access to new programs, workshops, mentorships and studio space. Area residents will benefit from new conferences, exhibits, festivals and meetings hosted in Corner Brook.

Staff will work out of the burgeoning arts hub located at 62 Broadway, Corner Brook. The main floor will be used by Laughing Heart Music as office space, and will also feature a co-working space for artists, arts entrepreneurs and arts organizations. The lower level will be operated by the Rotary Arts Centre as an arts hub space that will include: an audio recording studio, an instrument and equipment library for audio recording, visual arts rooms, studio spaces and a soft crafts room for sewing, knitting, and quilting.

Laughing Heart Music is a full-service Canadian music business that has worked with notable acts such as Rum Ragged, Classified, Hillsburn, Heather Rankin, and Ben Caplan. For more information about the business please visit its website.

Quotes
“By investing in workforce development for the music sector we can more effectively harness the talent of industry professionals. Corner Brook, a community with a storied history in the visual and theatre arts, now has the prospect of becoming a thriving musical hotbed as well.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“This is a really exciting, creative project. Our provincial musicians are invaluable to Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural identity, and are intrinsic to the success of our tourism and hospitality sector, as well. I look forward to future musicians attributing their success to time spent at the Laughing Heart Music Arts Hub. Congratulations to all involved.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“It is a privilege to have been approved for this funding which we will use over the next three years to help grow and nurture the music sector here in Corner Brook and Western Newfoundland. We have the support of so many incredible partners who will help to realize our shared vision for a thriving and unified music and arts community. I am grateful to the province for their support in this endeavor, and look forward to the hard work and success stories that will come from this project.”
Nigel Jenkins
Owner, Laughing Heart Music Limited

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L-R: Scott Sheppard on bass, Louis McDonald on keyboard, Aley Waterman, Nigel Jenkins, Minister Gerry Byrne and David Smallwood.

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Canada’s universal, accessible and publicly funded healthcare is a point of pride for Canadians.

However, health workers across Canada are under enormous strain to deliver the care that Canadian patients deserve. Immediate, collaborative, action is needed to deliver better health care for Canadians.

On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $198.6 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding, to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding includes an immediate, unconditional $2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up to address immediate pressures on the health care system.

Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are taking the next step by announcing an agreement in principle for a shared plan that will invest $2.17 billion in federal funding over 10 years in Newfoundland and Labrador, including $749 million for a new bilateral agreement focusing on the shared health care priorities, and $27 million through the immediate, one-time CHT top-up to address urgent needs, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries. This will further help provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with improvements in health care that includes:

• access to high-quality family health services when they need them, including in rural and remote areas, and for underserved communities;
• a resilient and supported health workforce that provides them high-quality, effective, and safe health care services;
• access to timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services; and
• access to their own electronic health information that is shared between the health professionals they consult.

Helping Canadians age with dignity, closer to home, with access to home care or care in a safe long-term care facility is another shared health priority where collaborative work is already underway.

By reaching an agreement in principle, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are committing to the plan laid out on February 7, 2023, which includes shared commitments to collect, use and share health information and to inform Canadians of their progress with key common headline indicators. Work will now begin on a bilateral agreement based on an initial 3-year action plan that will detail targets, timelines and additional common indicators related shared health priorities in each jurisdiction.

As part of this collaborative health plan, Canada will work with Newfoundland and Labrador to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals and advance labour mobility for key health professionals. Furthermore, Newfoundland and Labrador commits to an integrated, inclusive approach to investments in health service teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools that will help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.

We will fulfill our shared responsibility to uphold the Canada Health Act that protects Canadians’ access to health care that is based on need and not ability to pay. We recognize the right of Indigenous Peoples to fair and equal access to quality and culturally safe health services free from racism and discrimination anywhere in Canada.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we showed that we can work together to tackle big challenges. We will work to deliver outcomes for Canadians and improve the health care system that Canadians value and depend on.

Quotes
“As a doctor, I see the challenges within our health care system in Canada firsthand. In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have a plan to improve the system, and it aligns with the shared priorities outlined by our Federal Government. Increased federal funding is necessary to help us modernize our health care system and better deliver care, and I look forward to the progress we will make by continuing to work together.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today’s agreement in principle with Newfoundland and Labrador is an opportunity to continue our collaboration and improve the experience of health workers and those they care for. It will modernize our health care system, improve access to family health services and mental health services, reduce surgical backlogs and support health workers. Better quality of care means helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.”
Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“Today’s agreement in principle with Newfoundland and Labrador builds on our shared objective of ensuring all Canadians, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, can access the care they need, when they need it. Our government will continue to work with our partners across the country to build a better health care system.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Government of Canada

“Mental health is health, and through this agreement in principle, we will be working with Newfoundland and Labrador to integrate mental health and substance use care as a full and equal part of our universal health care system. This agreement will help to provide greater access to mental health services, reduce substance use harms, and lower stigma. Together, we must ensure that all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“Newfoundland and Labrador has its own unique health care challenges. As such, we are pleased that through these collaborative bilateral agreements with the Government of Canada, we can tailor the agreement to address our own provincial needs of our population, demographics and geography. Aligning with the recommendations of Health Accord NL, this funding will aid in strengthening our health care system to ensure better health care outcomes for the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today released a new wind-hydrogen fiscal framework for Newfoundland and Labrador. The fiscal framework will be applicable to wind-hydrogen projects in the province. The framework ensures Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s resources.

The fiscal framework provides a predictable and transparent fiscal system to inform investment decisions and resource development for wind-hydrogen projects. The plan provides for a sharing of financial returns between investors and the Provincial Government to achieve a balance between benefits to the province for use of its resources (land, wind and water) while recognizing project investment and risk. For more information on the fiscal framework, see the backgrounder below.

On December 14, 2022, the Provincial Government announced a call for bids for Crown land for wind energy development. The department has extended the deadline for bids to be submitted, and bids will be accepted until noon on March 23, 2023.

A Phase One review will be conducted on all bids on criteria such as ensuring the companies have experience, financing, etc. 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.

Successful bidders from the awarding of Crown land for wind energy development will be issued a wind application recommendation letter from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. This letter will grant a bidder the exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Crown land application and approval process.

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.

Quotes
“The new fiscal regime strives to provide the maximum economic returns to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador while encouraging investment in this emerging industry. We are following a progressive approach to attract investment by allowing proponents to recoup their investment before the fiscal framework results in higher payments to the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The Department of Environment and Climate Change has rigorous environmental assessment and water permitting processes that will require detailed information on all environmental aspects of these projects. The department is committed to the wise management of all the province’s resources for the benefit of current residents and generations to come.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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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

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BACKGROUNDER

Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework

• Crown Land Fees:
  • Annual charge of 3.5 per cent of the market value of reserved lands.
  • Annual charge of 7 per cent of the market value of leased lands.
  • Applicable to Crown lands.

• Wind Electricity Tax:
  • $4,000 per megawatt on installed capacity.
  • Annual charge, payable at in-service.
  • Applicable to all wind projects (≥ 5 megawatts) producing electricity for the purposes of producing hydrogen.

• Water Use Fee:
  • Fee of $500 per 1000m3 of water licensed and used.
  • Fee of $50 per 1000m3 for water licensed and not used.
  • Applicable to all hydrogen facilities.
  • Payable with permit issuance as an annual charge.  Fees adjusted annually by the Canadian consumer price index as per current Environment and Climate Change regulatory practice.

• Water Royalty:
  • Payments begin with cost recovery.
  • Payable based on the calculated residual value of the water.
  • Rates linked to revenue over cost index calculation (10 per cent to 25 per cent):

Tier 1: R-factor = 1; Rate = 10 per cent (applied after 1x cost recovery)
Tier 2: R-factor = 2; Rate = 20 per cent (applied after 2x cost recovery)
Tier 3: R-factor = 3; Rate = 25 per cent (applied after 3x cost recovery)

• The Provincial Government will have the ability to enter into agreements to modify terms in the same manner as offshore oil projects.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that plans are underway for the construction of a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute that will be located at the Health Sciences Centre site in St. John’s.

The new facility, aimed at the prevention and management of cardiac and cerebrovascular disease, which includes what we commonly understand as strokes, will allow for enhanced cardiac, vascular, and stroke services and other clinical services. It will create a modern working environment, and will increase the number of operating rooms and inpatient beds at the Health Sciences Centre.

The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute aligns with Health Accord NL’s recommendation to create a cardiac centre of excellence to provide an organized hub of tertiary services enabling equitable access to cardiac care.

Premier Furey was joined at this announcement by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Dr. Sean Connors, Chief of Cardiac Care at Eastern Health, Ken Baird, President and CEO (interim) of Eastern Health, and Rhonda Neary, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association.

The institute expansion is in addition to the construction of the new adult mental health and addictions hospital and a redevelopment of the expanded emergency department, both currently under construction at the Health Sciences Centre campus.

Last fall, the Provincial Government established the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance on health care infrastructure across the continuum of care, in an effort to meet existing and projected health care infrastructure needs on the Northeast Avalon. The aim is to help realign the delivery of acute care services on the Northeast Avalon, increase access to health care, and ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet future health care needs.

Quotes
“Our government has a plan for health care in our province, and by working together with all stakeholders, we are starting to see progress. Expanding cardiovascular and stroke services at the Health Sciences Centre, as well as enabling patients to get cardiac catheterization procedures on a same-day, fly-in/fly-out service helps provide timelier access to health care, which is a pillar of Health Accord NL. With this new expansion, the redeveloped emergency department and the new adult mental health and addictions hospital, we look forward to the creation of a modern Health Sciences Centre campus.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Enhanced cardiovascular and stroke care for our residents is a priority for our government, and today’s announcement signals our commitment to making it a reality. The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute will provide a centralized approach to heart, stroke and vascular care in our province. It will also play a lead role in our provincial approach to well-being and chronic disease prevention.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Adding new operating rooms, more inpatient beds and enhanced cardiovascular and stroke services is another step towards improving healthcare services in our province. Our construction projects at the Health Sciences Centre and our investments in all of our infrastructure projects are creating jobs for tradespeople in Newfoundland and Labrador and we look forward to collaborating with the construction industry on future projects.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Eastern Health is committed to providing quality health care for our patients, residents and clients. The expansion of the Health Sciences Centre, along with the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute, will enhance care while providing an improved working environment in a modern setting for our health-care workers. These initiatives are strategically poised as we begin the transition into a single health authority and implement recommendations of Health Accord NL.”
Ken Baird
President and CEO (Interim), Eastern Health

“I am pleased that this expansion to the Health Sciences Centre will enhance cardiovascular and stroke services. The addition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute demonstrates our commitment to providing second to none cardiac care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Through recent initiatives such as providing fly-in same day cardiac catheterization for residents in other regions of our province, the virtual heart function clinic, and now today’s commitment, we are ensuring equitable and timely access to top-quality cardiac services.”
Dr. Sean Connors
Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, Eastern Health

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association welcomes the announcement of a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute at the Health Sciences Centre site in St. John’s. This investment in healthcare infrastructure will not only provide improved access to care for patients, but also create new job opportunities and drive economic growth in our construction industry.”
Rhonda Neary
President and Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association

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Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

Health Accord NL Interim Report – A Call to Action to Transform Health

Health Accord NL

Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint

Tender Issued for New Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre

Avalon Healthcare Partnership Selected to Design, Build, Finance and Maintain New Mental Health and Addictions Hospital

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Today, the Auditor General released its annual report, confirming that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the 2021-22 Public Accounts, the audited financial statements of the province for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022. The province recorded a better and improved fiscal year-end than had been anticipated, with 2021-22 having the lowest deficit in recent years.

The report also contains an update on recommendations from prior years’ reports. Almost 75 per cent of recommendations have been fully or partially implemented.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board will be available to media at 12:45 p.m. today (Thursday, February 23) to respond to the report. The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recently strengthened the role of the Auditor General as part of its prudent fiscal governance plan. This has enabled the Auditor General to provide further recommendations in her report to improve accounting practices within government and its entities.

Quote
“We have just received the Auditor General’s annual report, and we will now take the time to review and consider all recommendations. We thank the Auditor General and her team for their work. We appreciate the sound counsel her office provides.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
2022 Office of the Auditor General Annual Report

Provincial Government Releases 2021-22 Public Accounts

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered her 2022 Annual Report to the House of Assembly, in accordance with the requirements of the Auditor General Act, 2021.

The report provides observations on the audit of the Consolidated Summary Financial Statements; an update on the status of recommendations from four 2019 performance audit reports; the final report on government’s financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and an update on the operations of the Office. The full report can be found by visiting the link below.

Quote
“The way government manages its financial and operational responsibilities is critical to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and my role is to examine how well government continues to manage that significant responsibility. I encourage government to give careful consideration to the observations and recommendations in this Annual Report, especially those issues I am noting for the second year, and take the appropriate action to ensure the best resolutions are found in a timely manner.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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www.ag.gov.nl.ca/reports/all-reports

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will hold a media availability today (Thursday, February 23) to discuss details of the province’s fiscal framework for wind-hydrogen projects.

The availability will take place in the scrum area outside of the House of Assembly at 2:00 p.m.

A technical briefing for media will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 1:15 p.m.

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Beginning Wednesday, March 1, the Provincial Government will begin welcoming applications from eligible non-profit and private sector employers for the 2023 Student Summer Employment Programs.

These programs will see students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador secure meaningful summer employment that will help prepare them to enter the workforce and assist businesses to operate more affordably. Employers are encouraged to provide rich and rewarding work experiences for students during this formative stage of their work life.

As a result of feedback from employers, the programs will also feature additional flexibility. Further details will be available on March 1. There are two programs for different age groups, detailed below:

Student Summer Employment Program – High School

• Not-for-profit organizations who hire a high school student for four to eight weeks during the summer, up to 40 hours per week, receive a wage subsidy of 100 per cent of the hourly minimum wage rate as well as 15 per cent to cover mandatory employment-related costs.

Student Summer Employment Program – Post-Secondary

• Private sector employers receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of 60 per cent of the student’s hourly wage, to a maximum of $14.50 per hour.
• Employers can apply to hire a post-secondary student for five to 12 weeks during the summer, up to 40 hours per week.
• Not-for-profit organizations who hire a post-secondary student receive a wage subsidy of 100 per cent of the hourly minimum wage rate, as well as a reimbursement to cover mandatory employment-related costs.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will make an announcement tomorrow (Thursday, February 23) on funding for music sector workforce development in Corner Brook.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at 62 Broadway, Corner Brook.

Minister Byrne will be joined by Nigel Jenkins, owner of Laughing Heart Music Limited and members of the local arts community.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a health care infrastructure announcement tomorrow (Thursday, February 23).

The event will take place at the Memorial University Medical School, 300 Prince Philip Drive in Room 102, St. John’s at 1:00 p.m. The announcement will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Dr. Sean Connors, Chief of Cardiac Care at Eastern Health, Ken Baird, President and CEO (interim) of Eastern Health, and Rhonda Neary, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association.

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Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are announcing up to $94 million in joint funding for Bell and Xplore to bring high-speed Internet access to over 36,000 homes in over 350 rural, remote and Indigenous communities throughout the province.

This funding is part of an existing agreement between the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada. In February 2022, the two levels of government announced a historic partnership to invest up to $136 million to connect all remaining rural, remote and Indigenous homes throughout the province to high-speed Internet.

Collaborating to provide better internet services to residents of rural, remote and northern communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will help create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire province.

Today’s announcement builds upon the Government of Canada’s progress toward making sure that 98 per cent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments in infrastructure to build strong communities and a more competitive and resilient Canada for everyone

Quotes
“Unlocking the potential of large-scale broadband expansion is a tremendous opportunity to connect more and more residents in our province. By collaborating with the Government of Canada and internet service providers, we are investing in communities and people, spurring economic growth and improving access to a range of services, from health care to educational opportunities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age—it’s a necessity. That’s why our federal government made a historic commitment to connect 98 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 per cent by 2030. Today’s announcement in Ferryland marks a significant milestone for the Internet highway in our province, by committing the funding to provide reliable high-speed Internet access through Bell and Xplore to the more than 36,000 underserved homes in over 350 rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and MP Long Range Mountains

“Reliable high-speed Internet access is a key contributor to the development of communities both large and small, and we’re proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to expand our all-fibre broadband network to even more communities. Through our own fully funded investments and through partnerships like this, Bell continues to deliver on our purpose to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”
Glen LeBlanc
Chief Financial Officer of BCE Inc and Bell Canada, and Bell’s Vice Chair, Atlantic Canada

“We are pleased to be working alongside the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to bring fibre Internet to more rural communities across the province. With roots in Atlantic Canada, Xplore is committed to delivering gigabit-speed connectivity so that residents can more fully enjoy rural living and local businesses have an enhanced opportunity to participate in the digital economy.”
Allison Lenehan
President and Chief Executive Officer, Xplore Inc.

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Learn more
Connecting Rural Households in Newfoundland and Labrador to High-Speed Internet

Universal Broadband Fund

High-speed Internet for all of Canada

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Today the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education (Alternate) are recognizing Pink Shirt Day activities in schools and communities throughout the province.

Each year, Pink Shirt Day recognizes the importance of reducing bullying, while respecting and celebrating diversity in all corners of Newfoundland and Labrador. Schools, workplaces and communities are encouraged to take action to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive of all people.

As part of Pink Shirt Day, the Provincial Government is today announcing $12,500 for the Safe and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants, which will be shared among 29 schools this year. These grants recognize schools for their efforts in achieving safe, caring and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates and sustaining safe and inclusive communities.

A list of grant recipients for 2023 is available here.

Quotes
“Diversity is what makes us stronger, and it is important to celebrate what makes us all different while championing kindness, acceptance and inclusion in our province. Pink Shirt Day is a reminder for all of us to be kind and to lift each other up each and every day.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Every student, teacher and staff member deserves the right to a safe, caring and inclusive school environment. Bullying is never acceptable. While our efforts occur throughout the entire school year, today I urge everyone to show their support by wearing pink, practicing kindness and treating others with respect.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education (Alternate)

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Le premier ministre Furey et le ministre Osborne soulignent la Journée du chandail rose à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

Learn more
2023 Safe and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants Recipients

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will join the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, for an announcement about improving high-speed Internet access in rural Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, February 22).

The event will take place at Tetley Tea Room By The Sea, Southern Shore Folk Arts Council & Dinner Theatre, 25 The Pool, Ferryland, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Minister Stoodley and Minister Hutchings will be joined by Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon.

Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to confirm their attendance in person or virtually or obtain the dial-in information to participate via teleconference.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-009 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-2023-009 Report Date: February 17, 2023 Public Body: Town of Pouch Cove Summary: The Complainant made eight access to information requests to the Town of Pouch Cove under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Town did not respond to the requests in any way and the Complainant filed a complaint with the Commissioner. The Commissioner investigated and found no justification for the Town’s failure to respond. The Commissioner recommended that the Town respond to the requests within ten business days.

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

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The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22 at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website.

Briefing materials for the meeting will be available on the website at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The agenda for the meeting follows.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy & Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

Date:              February 22, 2023
Time:             9:30 a.m.
Location:      HOA Chamber

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes – January 31, 2023
2. Provisions for Reimbursement of Legal Fees for Members
3. Intra & Extra Constituency Allowance Allocations
4. Eligibility of Language Training Expenses for Members

 

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-008 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-2023-008 Report Date: February 17, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety for records relating to the Public Inquiry Respecting Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons. The Department disclosed records but withheld some information pursuant to section 27 (cabinet confidences), section 29 (policy advice or recommendations), section 30 (legal advice), section 31 (disclosure harmful to law enforcement), and section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant asked this Office to review the redactions. The Commissioner concluded that the Department had correctly applied sections 27, 29, 31, and 40; however, the Commissioner also determined that the Department of Justice and Public Safety did not provide evidence to conclude that section 30 applied to the withheld information. The Commissioner recommended that the Department disclose the information it had withheld pursuant to section 30 but to continue to withhold information subject to the other sections.

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

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Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is announcing $400,000 to deliver new one-time Building Age-Friendly Community Grants to help municipalities make necessary upgrades to their communities to accommodate the needs of seniors and all individuals as they age.

Municipalities play a role in the health, safety, well-being and the economic and social security of residents. Municipalities and Inuit Community Governments are eligible for grants available at a 90 to 10 cost share of up to $20,000 for individual communities and $25,000 per community for regional projects.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Access to recreational or municipal services;
• Walkable/accessible pathways;
• Accessible tables, seating next to amenities;
• Fully accessible washrooms;
• Signage to identify the purpose of spaces; and,
• Safety upgrades such as railings and lighting.

Further information and applications can be found here. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 3, 2023.

Support for initiatives to advance age-friendly communities aligns with Health Accord NL, and actions to address the social determinants of health. These one-time grants complement the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program provided by the Department of Children, Seniors, and Social Development.

Quotes
“Community leaders are considering the Health Accord in their planning and understand the importance of addressing social determinants of health. The Building Age-Friendly Community Grant supports communities in developing or improving their infrastructure to accommodate residents of all ages. Age-friendly communities promote good health, wellness, and safety, and instill stronger community connections. It is important that regardless of age or ability, residents are able to participate fully in their community.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Creating an accessible, age-friendly province is a responsibility we collectively share. As a community becomes more age-friendly it will help to benefit everyone who lives there. I encourage eligible municipalities and Inuit Community Governments to take the time to learn more about the age-friendly philosophy and to apply for a new Building Age-Friendly Communities Grant.”
Honourable John Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities

Health Accord for Newfoundland & Labrador

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @MPA_GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

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