Government of Newfoundland News

The public is advised that the provincially operated swimming pool in Gander will be closed for the rest of today (Tuesday, February 14) due to inclement weather.

An update will be provided regarding the facility’s operations on Wednesday, February 15.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced cost-shared funding of over $670,000 for an efficiency and fuel switching project for the Town of Stephenville through the Climate Change Challenge Fund.

This funding will be used to replace the oil heating system with electric boilers in the Bay St. George YMCA. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 205 tonnes annually.

The Town of Stephenville is receiving $271,393 from the Federal Government; $226,138 from the Provincial Government and the town is contributing $180,951 in support of the energy efficiency project.

The 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 industry, municipalities, not-for-profits and public sector entities. The fund is supported by over $38 million in funding through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund – a joint federal and provincial initiative.

Quotes
“Continuing the work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is essential and will help build a stronger tomorrow for all. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the Town of Stephenville as they work to become more energy efficient and to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“By working with the Town of Stephenville, we are helping the community save money on operating costs and growing the economy—all while fighting climate change. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, our government 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 Town of Stephenville for helping to keep our air clean and build resilient communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Environment Canada

“Investment in clean energy is an important part of building resilience for our future. Our Climate Change Action Plan is working in partnership with provinces, communities, businesses and stakeholders—in the Long Range Mountains and across Canada—to reduce emissions, encourage clean innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“I am pleased to see this funding in place as it will add to the long-term viability of an important facility for the whole Bay St. George area. It shows what can be achieved when we all work together.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s-Humber

“Receiving funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments from the Climate Change Fund, aligns with our municipalities goal, to reach our targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Stephenville is very grateful to receive funding to upgrade and make our recreational facilities more sustainable.”
Tom Rose
Mayor, Town of Stephenville

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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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Five Newfoundland and Labrador businesses/institutions are participating in the Oceanology International Americas forum in San Diego, California from February 14 to 16. This leading forum welcomes attendees from over 30 countries, connecting the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities and showcasing the latest in ocean tech and solutions.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a total of $15,000 in combined support for five companies/institutions to attend the event, explore business development opportunities, expand markets and collaborate to increase profitability. eDNAtec Inc., esonar Inc., the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Rutter Inc. and SubC Imaging are joining a diverse group of highly innovative companies from British Columbia, Quebec, and Nova Scotia to form the Canada Pavilion. This pavilion will cover 2,000 square feet of floor space, and will provide real insight into the strength and depth of Canada’s ocean technology industries.

With Canada’s largest ocean economy, Newfoundland and Labrador is at the forefront of the ocean technology sector. The province is an international centre for ocean expertise and marine technology, and a leading force in Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.

Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong and vibrant cluster of companies to support the ocean technology industry. Participation at Oceanology International Americas provides a unique forum for connecting with the offshore energy and marine industries.We are pleased to support these businesses as they forge new relationships, demonstrate commitment to their market and further develop ongoing business.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
eDNAtec Inc

eSonar

Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Rutter Inc.

SubC Control Limited

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, has initiated the immediate work of negotiating bilateral agreements on health care between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.

Premier Furey, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, met with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health, today in Deer Lake to discuss their alignment on shared priorities for bilateral agreements to improve the health care system for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Premier Furey has directed Minister Osborne to work with Minister Duclos to finalize those bilateral agreements in an accelerated fashion. The Government of Canada is investing nearly $200 billion over 10 years for provinces, territories, and Indigenous Governments to invest in shared priority areas which include:

• Expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
• Supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
• Improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and
• Modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.

The Provincial Government is committed to its continued work in these areas with its plan for health care that is built on the Health Accord, recognizes post-COVID health care shortages, and addresses short-term needs while creating long-term change. The focus remains the continuous improvement of a health care system – in conjunction with stakeholders – that supports the province’s health profession workforce and better health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

For more information on recent measures implemented in health care, please click here.

Quotes
“Our government has a plan to improve health care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our work is well underway. I see the problems within the system firsthand, and recognize the value of team work – in the hospital and at the table with our federal colleagues. I look forward to finalizing these bilateral agreements with the Federal Government to move forward on our shared health care priorities with increased investment.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“From reducing surgical wait times to creating financial incentives to recruit and retain health care professionals, our government is continuously making improvements to the health care system for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I am certain Minister Duclos and I will soon reach bilateral agreements to help strengthen that work.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Improving Access to Health Care

Working together to improve health care for Canadians

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today congratulated entrepreneurs from Newfoundland and Labrador who received awards at the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence. This year’s awards were presented at an event in Halifax during Craft East Buyers’ Expo on February 11.

Christina Dove of the Newfoundland Chocolate Company received the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Award for Outstanding Exporter. Over 15 years, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company has evolved and grown from four wholesale accounts in St. John’s to shipping product to 100 wholesale accounts across the country, while managing seven retail outlets. During the pandemic, the business quickly pivoted to build a stronger online presence, creating new products such as the ‘Stay Home with Chocolate Kit’ and the ‘Emergency Chocolate Kit’. The Newfoundland Chocolate Company’s main storefront is located in St. John’s, and includes a café, outdoor deck and production facility.

Premium handbag and leather goods studio modjūl is the recipient of the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Award for Excellence in Product Design. With a background in engineering, and an appreciation for Japanese craft, designer Stephen Brown uses both traditional and innovative leatherwork techniques to create distinctive styles. Brown’s signature technique focuses on interlocking or woven joinery adapted from shoemaking, giving modjūl products a distinct and original look, while staying true to a more classic design. Using vegetable-tanned cow leather ensures that modjūl’s products are made to withstand the test of time.

The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are presented annually in conjunction with the Craft East Buyers’ Expo, which showcases craft and giftware made exclusively in the Atlantic Provinces.

Quotes
“Congratulations to Christina Dove and the team at the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, as well as Stephen Brown of modjūl for their success at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence. I continue to be impressed by the creativity of our province’s craft producers, and we’re proud to support their work as they build, grow and develop their business operations.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Christina Dove and Stephen Brown are two shining examples of the innovative and resilient entrepreneurs who are part of the craft community in Newfoundland and Labrador. I congratulate them on their success at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Crafting Our Future – Craft Industry Strategy 2018-2021

Newfoundland Chocolate Company

modjūl

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased with the face-to-face discussions that took place with federal cabinet ministers and officials in Ottawa last week on advancing improvements in federal search and rescue operations in Labrador.

The discussions were jointly led by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General. Joining the Ministers was a group comprised of community leaders and safety advocates who voiced appeals for improvements in light of the death of Burton Winters, a 14-year-old youth from the north coast community of Makkovik who was found deceased by searchers on sea ice in 2012, and the deaths of Marc Russell and Joey Jenkins, who were lost at sea during a fishing mishap off the southeast coast of Labrador in 2021.

The delegation included:

• Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville
• Todd Russell, President, NunatuKavut Community Council;
• Dwight and Jeanette Russell of Mary’s Harbour; and
• George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A series of meetings were held with:

• The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness;
• The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety;
• The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport;
• The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;
• The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development; and
• The Honourable Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs.

The Provincial Government advised the Federal Government of its request for immediate action in the following areas:

• Designation of 5 Wing Goose Bay as a Search and Rescue Centre;
• Establishment of fast rescue stations and marine craft located in Labrador; and
• A requirement that all vessels of any size are equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This is a distress beacon that sends an alert to assist rescuers in determining an exact location quickly.

The Provincial Government appreciates the short-term actions presented by Minister Blair, and welcomes the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Federal Government on establishing medium- and long-term assets and solutions to improve federal search and rescue operations in Labrador.

Quotes
“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Federal Government for coming to the table to hear us speak about the lack of search and rescue infrastructure in Labrador and suggestions on how they can improve federal systems as dictated by their responsibility for marine and aeronautical search and rescue services. I am proud of our collective voice and the arguments we presented to make the strong case that immediate action is necessary. While this was a good first step and we are encouraged by the willingness we heard from our federal colleagues to work with the Provincial Government and stakeholders in Labrador, we have every intention to press for substantive and meaningful changes that are long overdue.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Our government recognizes the importance of search and rescue in the province. We continue to support ground search and rescue and look forward to further discussions with the Federal Government regarding enhancements to areas under federal jurisdiction, particularly in Labrador. We are committed to working with all of our partners to strengthen search and rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“Every employee has the right to feel protected in their place of work. Our son’s chosen workplace was the ocean as established by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans through his fishing license. Through the granting of fishing licenses and regulations, the Federal Government has a responsibility to deliver adequate search and rescue infrastructure to protect the Labrador fishers they have authorized. We reminded the Minister of Emergency Preparedness of the metal detectors that protect federal employees working on Parliament Hill. We asked him to think of Marc and Joey when he walks through security and help us offer the same measure of protection for Labrador. During a time of increasing emergency preparedness in workplaces, search and rescue in Labrador has to be afforded the same attention.”
Dwight and Jeanette Russell
Safety Advocates

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Learn more
Provincial Government Calling On Federal Government to Bolster Search and Rescue Services in Labrador

Final Report of the Ground Search and Rescue Inquiry Released

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement to support an energy efficiency project at the Bay St. George YMCA tomorrow (Tuesday, February 14).

The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Bay St. George YMCA, 383 Massachusetts Drive, Stephenville.

The minister will be joined by Scott Reid, MHA for St. Georges-Humber and His Worship Tom Rose, Mayor of Stephenville.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister for Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a contribution of $149,250 over two years to Energy NL for international market development support in Guyana and Suriname.

This investment will allow Energy NL and the Provincial Government to build on work started in 2017, and to explore supply chain opportunities in a variety of sectors, including energy, clean technology, digitization, infrastructure, ocean technology, and many others. Through this initiative, Energy NL will support companies in a range of business development activities, including strategic planning, opportunity identification and participation in conferences and trade missions.

From February 14 to 17, 2023, the International Energy Conference and Expo is taking place in Guyana. Several Newfoundland and Labrador businesses/institutions are travelling to participate with the delegation, connecting at this premier annual meeting to facilitate the exchange of ideas, propositions, and plans for advances in the energy sector. The Provincial Government is contributing $21,000 in combined support for eight of these companies/institutions to attend the event, to explore business development opportunities.

Academy Canada, Axess Baffin, Enaimco, Hatch Ltd., Lagreeco Inc, NetBenefit Software, OPAS Mobile, radient360 Solutions and Source Atlantic are joining innovative companies from around the world at this year’s event in Guyana. Other participants from the province attending the conference include Atlantic XL and Blue Water Group.

In 2018, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to further their respective oil and gas industries.

Quotes
“This project is a testament to our government’s commitment to encouraging and enabling the export of provincial goods and services in the international marketplace and creating strong growth environments for our businesses. I take extra pride in knowing that our firms are out there helping to transform a nation and better the lives of others, while simultaneously bringing back strong revenues for our local economy. There is truly an immense growth potential in this project.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Guyana has very quickly become an important energy market for Energy NL members to share their expertise, seek new opportunities, and establish joint venture collaborations. The International Energy Conference and Expo is another opportunity for Energy NL members to strengthen ties with Guyanese companies and partake in the rapidly growing offshore sector and supply chain. I look forward to our continued collaboration and success as a result of this mission.”
Charlene Johnson
CEO of Energy NL

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Learn more
Energy NL

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

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The Provincial Government is today recognizing February 13-18 as Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Created by the Canadian Home and School Federation in 1988, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week recognizes the work of teachers, early childhood educators, administrators and school staff who are committed to children and their education.

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more than 10,500 permanent and casual school staff working as teachers, administrators and support staff throughout the province’s school system.

Supporting teachers and staff is a priority, and is included in recommendations in the Education Action Plan to build an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all children and youth.

Through the Education Action Plan, between 2017 and 2022, the Provincial Government added more than 100 school based reading specialists, approximately 200 teaching and learning assistants to support K-6 students, as well as additional teacher librarians and English-as-a-Second-Language teachers to support newcomers.

Quotes
“Every day in our province’s schools, teachers and school staff positively impact the lives of our children. I sincerely thank them for their work, as their impact extends far beyond the boundaries of classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums and music rooms. I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to show appreciation for teachers and staff as their knowledge and dedication is valued every day.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education (Alternate)

“On Teacher and Staff Appreciation week we thank teachers, school staff, and all personnel within the Francophone and English School Districts, as well as the Department of Education and the Early Learning Division for being encouraging mentors and guiding stars to thousands of children in Newfoundland and Labrador. You inspire a love of learning and make a difference to a child’s well-being and life-long success. Your patience, dedication, kindness, and expertise leave life-long legacies on the lives you touch. You are greatly appreciated.”
Don Coombs
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils

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Learn more
Education Action Plan

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Minister Osborne was joined by Don Coombs and Denise Pike of the NL Federation of School Councils

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Digital Government and Service NL wishes to advise that due to system upgrades, the Motor Registration Division’s online appointment booking system will be temporarily unavailable as of today (Monday, February 13). All previously booked appointments will still go ahead as scheduled. As soon as the upgrade is completed, the online appointment booking system will resume.

Anyone requiring Motor Registration services is encouraged to visit their local Motor Registration Office or Government Service Centre. Appointments for front counter service will not be required during this time, however appointments are still required for road tests. To book a road test, please call 1-877-636-6867.

Some services are also available online, including:

• Change of address (driver’s licence/vehicle registration)
• Change of vehicle ownership
• Driver’s licence renewal
• Vehicle registration renewal
• Request a driver record (abstract)
• Paying for a road test
• Taking a driver’s permit test (Class 5)

Digital Government and Service NL apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these system upgrades.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will bring greetings this evening (Friday, February 10) at the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival show “Just Be Who You Want to Be!” featuring TADA Events.

The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Glacier Arena rink one, located at 45 Olympic Drive, Mount Pearl. Also attending the event will be Frosty Festival’s board of directors, volunteers and sponsors.

“Just Be Who You Want to Be!” is a bright, positive and inspiring show with singers, musicians, dancers, choirs and drag performers of all ages bringing the audience a joyful message: Be who you are and follow your dreams! The production was developed especially for Frosty Festival and was written by Terri Andrews. Sheilagh Guy-Murphy will host the show.

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Motorists are advised that Canning Bridge on Route 220 in Marystown is currently closed. The bridge remains safe to use for pedestrians and cyclists. All other vehicles will detour around the closure via Columbia Drive and Creston Causeway.

The closure is necessary due to a reduction in the maximum load limit related to recent steel testing on the bridge. The maximum load limit was originally reduced to 10 tonnes in November.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has also notified the Town of Marystown and emergency responders about use of the bridge, and will be meeting with the town council soon to discuss next steps.

Work will begin soon to determine future plans for the bridge. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will attend an awards presentation held by Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Friday, February 10).

The presentation will take place at St. Matthew’s School, located at 119 Cowan Avenue, St. John’s at 1:00 p.m.

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Small businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are driven by creative entrepreneurs, interested in growing and seeking new economic opportunities. To enhance marketing and business development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced over $104,000 for three businesses through the Business Development Support program.

Snowball Earth Natural Products is a sustainable mud product hand carved from glaciated valleys in Conception Bay. Made with elevated levels of strontium, manganese, magnesium and other elements, this product is used for wrinkle repair, cleansing, exfoliation and provides relief for itchy and irritated skin. To assist with marketing this unique product, specifically the development of a website with e-commerce capabilities, owner Bull Cove Valley Development is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $73,875 from the Provincial Government. The company is investing $24,625 in the project.

Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals is a craft and gift business owned by Tiffany Elton. The company creates two distinct product lines – Dear Dawcy is an extensive line of hand-made jewellery, while Ritual Botanicals is a line of hand-crafted natural bath, beauty and home products. The company is receiving a non-repayable contribution $19,890 from the Provincial Government to develop a strategic marketing plan for social media activities. Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals is matching the provincial investment for this initiative.

Located in Cormack, Sea Salt & Twig Designs & Apothecary focuses on hand-made jewelry and skincare products. Its jewelry products are created using a variety of techniques and materials including resin, wood, and antler. To assist with marketing development, including print materials and photography, the company is receiving $10,500 in non-repayable support from the Provincial Government. The company is also contributing $10,788 towards the project.

The Provincial Government’s Business Development Support Program supports small and medium-sized businesses that demonstrate a desire to develop and grow by improving the operations of their business and expanding their export markets. Support for these projects demonstrates a focus on small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador, and contributes to the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthen the province’s economic foundation.

Quotes
“As a government, we continue to assist individual craft businesses with their plans to grow and professionalize their enterprises, and to foster economic opportunities so these creative entrepreneurs can thrive and grow.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are absolutely inspired with the $73,875 assistance provided from the Business Development Support program. Combined with the recent mining lease approval from mineral lands this assistance will enable the creation of a sustainable, eco-friendly new industry in Conception Bay for many years to come. Thank you very much. Great things are happening.”
Paul Conway
Bull Cove Valley Development Inc.

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Learn more
Business Development Support Program

Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals

Sea Salt & Twig Designs & Apothecary

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The Provincial Government today announced that a comprehensive review of long-term care and personal care homes in the province to identify opportunities to improve quality of care and quality of life of residents is now underway. The review is also aimed at enhancing staff engagement and improving the quality of the work life for staff.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Dr. Susan Mercer, Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health, will be available to the media today (Thursday, February 9) at 11:30 a.m. to discuss this initiative. The availability will take place in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

A panel has been established to finalize the scope of the review, facilitate stakeholder engagement, provide expert advice to government on its findings, and provide input on an implementation plan. The members of the panel are:

• Janice Keefe – Chair of the Department of Family Studies and Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University and Director of Nova Scotia Centre on Aging:
• Susan Mercer – Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health; and
• Kelli O’Brien – President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Ontario, and former Vice President at Western Health.

The panel will also identify an individual with lived experience who will be invited to become a member of the advisory panel.

Health Accord NL provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for re-imagining health care in Newfoundland and Labrador in order to best address the needs of people in communities throughout the province. It recommended improving the quality and availability of long-terms care and the development of legislation for home care, personal care homes and long-term care homes.

Quotes
“We are very pleased that our review of long-term care and personal care homes in the province is now underway, with the first step being the establishment of a team of experts that will lead the review. Our government remains focused on the quality of care in all care settings, including long-term care and personal care homes, and we look forward to the valuable insight that the panel will provide.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This review is a welcome opportunity to improve and build upon standards and monitoring already in place in the province’s long-term care and personal care homes. I look forward to working with the panel to recommend opportunities to enhance not only the quality of life for residents in these care homes, but also the quality of work life for those who are employed in these settings. We recognize and appreciate their hard work and commitment to care.”
Dr. Susan Mercer
Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-005 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-2023-005 Report Date: February 7, 2023 Public Body: Treasury Board Secretariat Summary: The Applicant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Treasury Board Secretariat for records relating to a complaint made against him and the subsequent investigation. Treasury Board Secretariat provided records to the Applicant, but withheld some information. The Applicant filed a complaint with this Office requesting a review of the decision to withhold some information pursuant to section 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy), specifically names of other employees and comments made about him. The Commissioner recommended that the Treasury Board Secretariat continue to withhold the information.

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

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INQ Consulting and INQ Law have been appointed to assist the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to complete the second statutory review of the Personal Health Information Act. The Act establishes rules that custodians of personal health information must follow when collecting, using and disclosing individuals’ confidential personal health information.

The Act, proclaimed in 2011, is required to undergo a review once every five years. This process will result in recommendations to modernize the legislation. The review will include:

• An environmental scan looking at opportunities for improvement and legislation from other jurisdictions;
• Interviews with stakeholders across Newfoundland and Labrador and other provinces and territories; and
• An opportunity for public input.

INQ Consulting and INQ Law were chosen based on their particular focus on data privacy protection. A statutory review committee has been established with representatives from INQ Consulting, INQ Law and officials from the Department of Health and Community Services.

Given the vital oversight role of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner with the Act, the Information and Privacy Commissioner will be engaged throughout the review.

Beginning in February, the public will be invited to participate in an online questionnaire through engageNL. More information will follow when this questionnaire is open. Furthermore, those interested in providing a written submission as part of the review may do so by emailing phiareview@gov.nl.ca before March 1, 2023.

Quote
“We are pleased that the review of the Personal Health Information Act is underway. The legislative review offers oversight to ensure that patient privacy is paramount when dealing with personal health Information, while also maintaining patients’ access to their own health information. Patient information is highly sensitive, yet must be shared across a range of health care providers, making this legislation vital to our health care system. We look forward to receiving the report from the committee.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, are participating in the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase in Ottawa. Taking place from February 7 to 11, this event is a joint project of the Labrador North and Baffin Regional Chambers of Commerce, and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading and largest northern trade shows and conferences.

Aimed at promoting business and economic development in Labrador and the eastern Arctic region of Canada, the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase will deliver a trade show, presentations, workshops and a cultural/art pavilion, with a particular focus on Indigenous interests.

To assist the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce with the promotion of regional and sectoral development, diversification and innovation, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology contributed $25,000 through its Regional Development Program.

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that works with community stakeholders to determine strategic development opportunities in the region, and assists in the implementation of action items to achieve these goals.

Quotes
“The Northern Lights conference is a great opportunity for our Northern and Eastern Arctic businesses to promote the regional industry, history and culture to southern markets. We are proud to support this event, and our government’s presence helps facilitate important relationships while getting a first-hand understanding of what these rural businesses need in order to compete in a global market.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Congratulations to the Labrador North and Baffin Regional Chambers of Commerce for the work they have undertaken to organize keynote speakers, workshops, an arts and cultural pavilion and a trade show to bring what the North has to offer to major markets in eastern Canada. This event, which was first held in Ottawa in 2008, shines a spotlight on opportunities for business and cultural partnerships, tourist attractions and the people of the North.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Today, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen areas of collaboration, partnership, and future development.

The MOU was signed by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross, Deputy Premier, Government of Nunavut. The MOU signing ceremony took place during the Northern Lights 2023 conference in Ottawa.

As Northern neighbours, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut have personal, cultural and social relationships that have led to collaboration and partnerships. Both jurisdictions have strong Indigenous populations and share a like-minded approach to safe and sustainable Arctic development, focused on achieving mutual benefits for Northern and Indigenous communities.

The MOU asserts a strategic alliance for the jurisdictions and recognizes their respective strengths and expertise towards enhancing economic and social development and deriving benefits as opportunities emerge in the Arctic region.

The governments have agreed to establish a Cooperation and Implementation Committee, which will be co-chaired by the Labrador Affairs Secretariat, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, on behalf of Government of Nunavut. The committee will jointly develop a framework for cooperation and coordination at the governmental level in areas of mutual interest.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut share a desire to build on their commonalities through advancing innovation, enhancing economic and social development, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness to support and maintain vibrant, prosperous communities.

Quotes
“We value the partnership we have with the Government of Nunavut. We are geographic neighbours and we share many economic, social and cultural relationships. Signing this Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our efforts to continue working together on shared priorities such as climate change, health care, housing and emergency preparedness.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Nunavut’s relationship with Newfoundland and Labrador is founded on common values and a shared maritime history. This partnership allows us to work together to diversify our economies in areas like fisheries, tourism, and modern internet connectivity. As coastal regions we will collaborate on infrastructure that promotes growth and contributes to Canadian sovereignty.”
Honourable P.J. Akeeagok
Premier of Nunavut

“Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut share a common approach towards safe and sustainable development in the Arctic and the North. We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship and generating increased business opportunities and joint ventures to prepare for future development and increased economic activity.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, our governments can work to bolster social development and reduce homelessness and food insecurity. Together, we can strengthen our skilled labour force by partnering in education and training that is relevant and accessible to our remote communities.”
Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross
Deputy Premier of Nunavut

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BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Nunavut initially signed an MOU in 2015. The agreement was based on a history of longstanding and successful cooperation between the two jurisdictions.

In recent years, the jurisdictions identified some of the challenges associated with working within the MOU and resolved to commence discussions towards updating the agreement to reflect current social and economic priorities.

Through the new MOU, the jurisdictions will collaborate, share information and facilitate partnerships in the following priority areas:

• natural resources;
• education and training;
• transportation;
• infrastructure;
• culture, language, heritage and tourism;
• research and development;
• health care;
• emergency preparedness;
• social development and wellness; and
• gender.

As part of the development of a two-year work plan to implement initiatives in the identified priority areas, the Cooperation and Implementation Committee will produce an annual report to the Premiers outlining progress and potential areas for future collaboration and partnership.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut are members of the Northern Development Ministers Forum (NDMF), a group comprised of provinces and territories in the North. The NDMF advances the diverse and common interests of people living in Canada’s North, while raising awareness among decision-makers and the public about the accomplishments, contributions and potential of the North.

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The Provincial Government is providing funding of $150,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador for the delivery of two programs that support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

The First Link Program connects individuals with dementia, their families and care partners to health information and services in their community from the time of diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. The program has four main components – information, education, support and resources – and is aimed at improving knowledge of dementia and coping skills.

The Dementia Passport is an e-learning program developed to support health care providers, including home support/personal care home workers in their efforts to provide high-quality care to people living with dementia. These evidence-based learning modules provide education on all aspects of dementia care. Users can select the modules of most interest and employers can monitor completion of the modules. The program is offered free-of-charge to home support/personal care home workers.

More information on these programs and how to access them can be found here.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are approximately 10,000 people living with dementia in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is anticipated that this number will increase to more than 14,000 by 2035.

As part of Health Accord NL, an education working group was formed in response to the need for a better-balanced health system that includes the social determinants of health. Aimed at collaborative learning and the need to break down silos, the group determined changes are required to the educational content delivered to providers in the province in their formal education programs and through continuing education. Support for dementia care in the province aligns with this Health Accord NL recommendation.

Quotes
“Enhancements to community-based dementia care, including education for health care providers, are key focus areas of Health Accord NL. The First Link Program and the Dementia Passport are valuable programs that support individuals living with dementia and their care givers. We are pleased to provide this funding, which will help improve the quality of life for those living with the disease and the community which surrounds them.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Knowledge, support and community changes everything for families living the dementia journey. These two programs supported by the Department of Health and Community Services are significantly valuable to our families. Our First Link Program provides an opportunity to know what to expect and how to navigate the care for their loved one while maintaining a healthy balance for the care partners. Our Dementia Passport Program helps health care providers avail of evidence-based e-learning education to provide the best care possible to those they are supporting in the community and in personal care homes. Our families are grateful for the government’s commitment to making a difference for the 10,129 people in our province on the dementia journey.”
Shirley Lucas
Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

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