Government of Newfoundland News

Technical issues experienced with the provincial 811 HealthLine on Monday, June 5, have been resolved and the service is fully operational.

The Department of Health and Community Services apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary disruption may have caused.

Other resources available for individuals in need of mental health include:

• 911: For emergencies, including community-based crisis intervention services provided by trained mental health clinicians on Mobile Crisis Response Teams;
• Talk Suicide Canada: Connect to a crisis responder to get help for yourself, or if you’re worried about someone else. Call 1-833-456-4566 toll-free 24/7 every day of the year or text 45645
• Lifewise Warm Line: Provincial non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers. Available seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Call 1-855-753-2560; and
• Kids Help Phone: Available to people of all ages 24/7, Call 1-800-668-6868 or text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.

Visit www.kidshelphone.ca and click “Tap to Chat” from 7:00 p.m. to midnight daily, or send a message to Kids Help Phone via Facebook Messenger app.

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A joint statement from the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and Dr. Syed Pirzada, President, Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Two years ago a heinous act of terrorist violence was committed against the Afzaal family of London, Ontario. This premeditated and Islamophobic act took the lives of a daughter, a mother, a father, a grandmother, and grievously injured and orphaned a nine-year-old boy.

Today we join with Muslim friends in London and across the nation to remember the victims who were lost – Salman, Madiha, Yumnah and Talat – and to honour their memory. As we do this our thoughts are with Fayez, the lone survivor who will never again share an embrace with his father, mother, sister, and grandmother.

We cherish the pillars that make us distinctly Canadian, such as freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and our multicultural society. The acts of June 6, 2021 were meant to spread terror amongst our Muslim friends and neighbours. This act of division has failed, and has instead brought Canadians together to show compassion to each other and to stand against Islamophobia wherever it appears.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador stand in solidarity and remain committed partners in the fight against Islamophobia. Together we have been successful in efforts to curb anti-Muslim hate, with government listening and responding to issues raised by the Muslim community. Through proclaiming October as Islamic History Month and collaborating on a documentary film on the history of Muslims in the province, we continue to raise awareness of Muslim culture and history in Newfoundland and Labrador. By doing this we highlight the invaluable contributions Muslims are making to our society and demonstrating that Islamic history is our history, and that Islamic culture is our culture.

Let this day be a sober reminder that Islamophobia persists in Canada and can only be countered by our eternal vigilance.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Dr. Syed Pirzada
President, Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The provincial 811 HealthLine number is currently experiencing technical issues.

Anyone seeking medical advice or experiencing a mental health crisis is asked to call (709) 702-0890 until the 811 HealthLine is restored. Please note that you must dial all 10 digits regardless of where you are located in the province.

For individuals in need of mental health services normally accessed through 811 HealthLine, the following resources are also available:

• 911: For emergencies, including community-based crisis intervention services provided by trained mental health clinicians on Mobile Crisis Response Teams;
• Talk Suicide Canada: Connect to a crisis responder to get help for yourself, or if you’re worried about someone else. Call 1-833-456-4566 toll-free 24/7 every day of the year or text 45645;
• Lifewise Warm Line: Provincial non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers. Available seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Call 1-855-753-2560; and
• Kids Help Phone: Available to people of all ages 24/7, Call 1-800-668-6868 or text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868.

Visit www.kidshelphone.ca and click “Tap to Chat” from 7:00 p.m. to midnight daily, or send a message to Kids Help Phone via Facebook Messenger app.

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador tabled the final report of the statutory review of the Independent Appointments Commission with the House of Assembly as per the requirements of the Independent Appointments Commission Act.

In March 2023, government announced the statutory review which was focused on identifying improvements to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes of the legislation and the subsequent processes which support its administration.

Mr. David Conway was appointed to lead the review which includes 23 recommendations. The complete report can be viewed here.

Governed by the Independent Appointments Commission Act, which received royal assent in 2016, the Independent Appointments Commission is a seven person, non-partisan commission appointed through a resolution of the House of Assembly. The commission provides merit-based recommendations to approximately 30 Tier One entities. These agencies, boards and commissions deliver important services including health care, education and the management of our province’s natural resources.

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“I thank Mr. Conway for completing this review, and I also thank all those who participated and provided input into the process. We will now review the report and its recommendations. The Independent Appointments Commission provides an important service to the province, ensuring a fair and merit-based process is followed when appointing members to serve on our agencies, boards and commissions.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission

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Learn more
Provincial Government Announces Statutory Review of the Independent Appointments Commission

Independent Appointments Commission Act

The Independent Appointments Commission

Tier One Entities

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today provided an update on the development and implementation of Accessibility Plans by public entities.

As per the Accessibility Act, public entities include Provincial Government departments; agencies, boards and commissions; provincial courts; public and private educational institutions; public school boards; the provincial health authority; and municipalities.

To date, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has advised these public entities on the requirement to develop an Accessibility Plan within two years of the Accessibility Act becoming law. The deadline for initial Accessibility Plans is December 31, 2023.

Currently, an interdepartmental accessibility team is being identified to work on the development of one comprehensive Accessibility Plan for all Provincial Government departments.

The key steps to creating an Accessibility Plan are as follows:

• Develop a statement of commitment that outlines the commitment to improve accessibility;
• Identify accessibility goals including achievements to date and new goals;
• Set focus areas by consulting with stakeholders and aligning with the goals of the public body;
• Review focus areas to identify strengths, gaps and opportunities;
• Make it public for everyone to understand and have access to the plan; and
• Implement the plan and update it every three years.

Additionally, all other public entities are required to highlight goals and outcomes to improve accessibility within the respective public body.

To assist public entities in creating an Accessibility Plan, a detailed guide can be found here.

In addition, a virtual learning session is scheduled for public entities on June 15 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Public entities should register for this session by June 12 by calling toll-free 1-888-729-6279; texting 709-725-4463; or emailing CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome.

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“As a government, we remain committed to improving accessibility and inclusion for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It is important that our government and other public entities lead by example and I look forward to the implementation of these Accessibility Plans. The plans will help to identify, prevent and remove barriers to inclusion so that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more
Accessibility Act – Children, Seniors and Social Development

Accessibility Plans

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The Department of Health and Community Services is providing more than $154,000 in funding to six regional wellness coalitions to promote health and wellness in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The coalitions facilitate, support, and bridge health promotion work between Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and communities throughout the province. The Wellness Coalitions bring together individuals, groups, organizations and schools interested in working on common health and wellness initiatives in their respective regions. This work is completed through networking and capacity building opportunities, community workshops and events, community grant programs, communication platforms and education and training sessions.

The six wellness coalitions, integrated within the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, are located in:

• Avalon East;
• Eastern;
• Central;
• Western;
• Northern; and
• Labrador

The funding is aligned with the Provincial Government’s efforts to support health promotion and wellness with a focus on healthy eating, physical activity, living smoke and vape free, supporting new parents, child and youth development, injury prevention, and mental health promotion.

Health Accord NL provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for re-imagining health care in order to address the needs of people in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including supporting health promotion and wellness.

Quotes
“We recognize the valuable role regional wellness coalitions play in promoting public health awareness, education, and prevention measures. This funding will allow individuals, families, groups, organizations, and the school community to work together on common health and wellness initiatives through sharing of resources, networking, community workshops, and education and training sessions.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services acknowledges the important role that Wellness Coalitions play in engaging and empowering groups and organizations to take action in their local communities. The funding will support ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities throughout the province.”
Darla King, Vice President of Transformation-Well-being
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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Health Care Action

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will attend the meeting of Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government this week. The meeting takes place in Ottawa, Ontario, June 6-7.

Ministers will discuss key areas of shared interest including municipal governance; planning for climate change adaptation; increasing housing supply; and, federal relations and municipal infrastructure.

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Today, the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, presented the Inclusion Canada NL 2023 Inclusive Education Award to Leo Burke Academy in Bishop’s Falls.

The award is presented each year to a K-12 school in the province that has shown exceptional spirit in creating a school that is welcoming and inclusive for students with an intellectual disability.

Leo Burke Academy was selected for its leadership. The school’s committee, RAD (Respect, Acceptance and Diversity) Leadership, exemplifies the three letters in its name. Young leaders, including those with intellectual disabilities, create inclusive opportunities for all students to take part in school activities. The committee stands firm on creating a positive atmosphere of belonging and positivity in their school. The Special Olympics Program is a highlight for students within the school whether they are participating or supporting their classmates. Each nomination letter focused on how students are never excluded at Leo Burke, but are all celebrated equally. Staff and students show up for each other and create an atmosphere of belonging and inclusion.

Inclusion Canada NL is a non-profit organization that works with and on behalf of the more than 15,000 people with intellectual disabilities in our province.

The Provincial Government supports a welcoming school culture where all members of the school community feel they belong, realize their potential, and contribute to the life of the school.

More information on the Inclusive Education Awards and a list of past recipients may be found here.

Quotes
“When schools embrace the diversity of our communities and use collaborative approaches to teaching and learning, our entire province benefits. Leo Burke Academy has demonstrated leadership, innovation and most of all inclusion for all students. Congratulations on your dedication and work to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome at your school.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“Inclusive Education is an attitude that embraces diversity and unique differences while promoting equal opportunities and the best educational decisions for all learners in Newfoundland and Labrador. Inclusion Canada NL is honored to name Leo Burke Academy as the recipient for the 2023 Inclusive Education Award for demonstrating this same attitude when meeting the unique needs of each student with intellectual disabilities.”
Dennis Gill
President, Inclusion Canada NL

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Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is recognizing today, Monday, June 5, as the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day.

The theme of World Environment Day 2023 is ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’, a call for global action to end plastic pollution. Each year, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flows into the world’s oceans; this volume is expected to triple by 2040. More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers.

Based on this theme, the Provincial Government is highlighting a record for recycling with residents returning close to 210 million beverage containers to local green depots between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.  This surpasses last year’s record by 2.8 million containers. Additionally, in 2020 Newfoundland and Labrador became the second province in Canada to implement a ban on the distribution of retail plastic bags. The ban was part of the province’s ongoing work with the Council on the Zero Plastic Waste Strategy as part of the Ocean Plastics Charter.

The Provincial Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change is clear. In the most recent greenhouse gas emissions report available for Newfoundland and Labrador, the province’s emissions were 8.3 million tonnes in 2021 – a 13 per cent decrease from 2005 and the second lowest level of emissions since 1992. Work is also continuing to advance the Climate Change Action Plan, and through its energy efficiency and fuel switching programs, the province is anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a further 615,000 tonnes by 2030. As well, our Renewable Energy Action Plan remains focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and a net-Zero Advisory Council has been established to continue to advance electrification and innovation initiatives to further transition into more renewable energy sources.

Conserving and protecting the province’s biodiversity and natural areas is important to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Last week, the Department of Environment and Climate Change announced plans to proceed with consultation on 10 proposed protected areas. The proposed protected areas are described in the Wilderness and Ecological Reserve Advisory Council’s Home for Nature report. The 10 sites include Ripple Pond, Halls Gullies, Cape Norman, Watts Point Extension, Facheaux Bay, Conne River North, Stony Lake, Rodney Pond, Cape St. George, and Indian Arm Brook.

Led by the United Nations and held annually, World Environment Day is the largest global event for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It takes place during Canadian Environment Week, which runs from Sunday, June 4 to Saturday, June 10.

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“Today and every day, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to do their part to protect the environment and support healthier greener communities. There is lots you can do! Recycle. Compost. Reduce the amount of plastic you use or produce. Conserve energy at home or at work. Walk or bike to work or school. Plant a tree. Pick up some litter in your neighbourhood. These are just some examples of small things we can all so every day. Through your own individual actions, no matter how small, you can make a difference.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
United Nations World Environment Day

Canadian Environment Week

Climate Change Action Plan

Climate Change Action Plan Mid-Term Update

Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

Oil to Electric Rebate Program

A Home for Nature Report

Province Moves Forward on Protected Areas Consultation

Renewable Energy Action Plan

Council on the Zero Plastic Waste Strategy

Ocean Plastics Charter

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today officially opened Coastal Tire Recycling, the province’s new tire recycling facility, located in Conception Bay South. The minister was joined by Derm Flynn, Chair, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB); Charles Bown, CEO, MMSB; Bev Connell, Director, Coastal Tire Recycling; and His Worship Darrin Bent, Mayor of Conception Bay South.

Following a request for proposal process, MMSB contracted Halifax C&D Recycling in 2022, to create a new facility that would recycle used tires into tire derived aggregate. The new facility will recycle approximately 500,000 tires annually into tire derived aggregate.

Tire derived aggregate is an engineered product made by mechanically shredding scrap tires. It is used in a broad range of civil engineering applications, the majority of which occurs in the construction industry for applications such as lightweight fill, drainage and thermal insulation for backfilling. The new facility has been designed to exceed Canadian safety standards for tire facilities and has the capacity to process up to 700 tires an hour into tire derived aggregate.

This new in-province solution will be beneficial to the environment, helping reduce green house gas emissions associated with transporting tires to out of province markets. The new contract will also help stimulate the local economy, providing in-province market opportunities for tire derived aggregate and creating jobs at the new facility.

Quotes
“Coastal Tire Recycling is providing us with an in-province recycling solution for used tires in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a major milestone for waste management in our province. This facility is providing the province with a long-term sustainable recycling solution for used tires, which at the end of the day, has significant environmental and economic benefits. We are very excited to see this facility up and running.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the MMSB
“MMSB is pleased to celebrate this new milestone in the evolution of waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador. This new in-province processing and market solution for used tires provides us with a long-term sustainable recycling solution, which works better for the environment and for our local economy. We have long strived for an in-province solution and are excited to work with Coastal Tire Recycling into the future.”
Derm Flynn
Chair, MMSB Board of Directors

“Coastal Tire Recycling is very pleased to have the opportunity to establish our new processing facility in CBS. We look forward to working with the MMSB and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to implement a local, sustainable solution for end-of-life tires. We have been very successful in identifying beneficial uses for the processed tires (TDA) and will work with local contractors and developers to find applicable projects in this province.”
Bev Connell
Director, Coastal Tire Recycling

“As a coastal community with a deep-rooted farming heritage, sustainability is ingrained in our Town’s core values. Conception Bay South’s long-standing commitment to a greener future positions us well to attract new environmentally conscious businesses.  MMSB and Costal Tire Recycling are leaders in that respect, and we are delighted to welcome them to our town.”
Darrin Bent
Mayor, Conception Bay South

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MMSB Used Tire Management Services

Used Tire Drop Off Locations

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at the Rotary Club of Clarenville luncheon on Monday, June 5. The event will take place at the Clarenville Inn, 134 Trans-Canada Highway, Clarenville, beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available here: Budget2023

For over 45 years, the Rotary Club of Clarenville has been supporting the communities of the region through a fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will participate in the grand opening of the new Coastal Tire Recycling facility on Monday, June 5.

Coastal Tire Recycling will provide an in-province recycling solution for used tires in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Davis will be joined by representatives from Coastal Tire Recycling, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, and the Town of Conception Bay South.

The event takes place at Coastal Tire Recycling, 22 Barley Road, Conception Bay South, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Media will have the opportunity to participate in a tour of the new facility once the speaking portion of the event concludes. Media attending are asked to please RSVP Tina Newhook (tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca).

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will present the Inclusion Canada NL 2023 recipient with the Inclusive Education Award on Monday, June 5.

Minister Haggie will be joined by representatives from Inclusion Canada NL.

The event will take place at Leo Burke Academy, 166 Main St., Bishop’s Falls at 9:30 a.m.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is attending the BIO 2023 International Convention and Trade Show in Boston, Massachusetts from June 4 to 6.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services.

BIO 2023 is the world’s largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and related organizations in more than 30 countries. Newfoundland and Labrador’s delegation includes 15 people, representing 10 companies and organizations.

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The eastbound and westbound lanes of Pitts Memorial Drive between downtown St. John’s and Kilbride will be closed on Monday, June 5 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The closure is necessary to complete repair work on the CN Viaduct.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control and take an alternate route.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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Coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Provincial Government is highlighting its commitment to the prevention of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and will continue to work collaboratively with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to achieve this collective goal.

This past fall, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the formation of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The Provincial Government recognizes that in order to meaningfully and respectfully address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province, actions must be taken by, for, and with Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation Council membership has been confirmed with the goal of holding an inaugural meeting in the coming weeks.

Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $11 million to advance matters of mutual importance with Indigenous populations within Newfoundland and Labrador and take meaningful steps to strengthen communities, support reconciliation, and address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Tomorrow (June 3) marks the anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The day also coincides with the second anniversary of the release of a National Action Plan to drive transformative change to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada.

Quotes
“These days are important reminders of the progress that has been made to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, as well as the work that remains to be done. I share my appreciation for the work of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and the many Indigenous Governments and Organizations who are collaborating with us to advance this work. Together, our efforts will create a safer province for Indigenous peoples throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“We are grateful for the ongoing advocacy of families and survivors who are bringing attention to the national tragedy of gender-based violence. This includes the strong voices from the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and the work we are undertaking together through the newly-formed Reconciliation Council to address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“It has been two years since the National Action Plan was released based on the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. At the federal level, very little has been done to advance the 231 Calls to Justice. This inaction is contributing to the tragic loss of our Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. I feel confident that for Newfoundland and Labrador our partnership with the Provincial Government and our newly formed Reconciliation Council will help advance the needs of our Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples. This meaningful partnership and implementation on the 196 recommendations brought forward by our Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples will ensure our voices are being heard and bring about positive change to improve the realities of our peoples and communities.”
Dr. Elder Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

“I’m pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador engaging with families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and working with them and organizations that put missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people as their priority. This is a positive step towards the commitments they made to us when they signed on as a partner in the Calls to Justice.”
Elder Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

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Learn more
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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BACKGROUNDER

The National Action Plan was co-developed by governments and Indigenous organizations in collaboration with the National Family and Survivors Circle. The National Action Plan provides an overarching plan that identifies the necessary activities that must be taken by governments organizations, and communities across the country to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they are.

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Amendments to the Registered Nurses Regulations will streamline the registration and licensing process for registered nurses, making it easier for nurses educated outside of the province, including internationally-educated nurses, to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is one of several ongoing recruitment initiatives designed to attract new nurses to work in the province and, ultimately improve the work environment for nurses.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement as part of the Health Care Action update today (Friday, June 2). Minister Osborne was joined by Lynn Power, Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Debbie Molloy, Vice-President of Human Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Together, with policy changes approved by the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, the amendment will help reduce administrative delay and enable the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador to register and license applicants more quickly while ensuring that registered nurses are competent to provide safe and ethical care.

Specifically, the changes will:

• Assist in establishing a Designated Countries Pathway for nurses from the following seven countries to apply for a license in Newfoundland and Labrador:
  • United States,
  • United Kingdom
  • India,
  • Philippines,
  • Australia,
  • New Zealand, and
  • Ireland;
• Reduce costs for applicants; and,
• Reduce the time to complete an education assessment for International Nursing Applicants from the countries identified above from over a year to as little as four weeks (which is a result of accepting information from a host of Educational Credential Assessment services including the National Nursing Assessment Service).

The amended regulations are reflective of the emerging registration and licensing practices in other Canadian jurisdictions.

Amending the regulations complements government’s efforts to recruit nurses from other jurisdictions. The department anticipates 200-300 internationally-educated nurses from India to begin working in Newfoundland and Labrador near the end of this year. An early cohort of approximately 20 nurses is expected to arrive in early fall.

Additionally, there are approximately 200 internationally-educated nurses currently working in the province. As a result of the regulation and policy changes there will be more streamlined processes for these individuals to become licensed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since April 2022, more than 500 new nurses have been added to the health care system. With improved registration and licensing process, the Provincial Government looks forward to being able to welcoming more nurses to work in the province.

Health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca. Residents can stay up-to-date on progress made and see many of the initiatives that are underway through regular Health Care Action updates and the Health Care Action website.

Quotes
“Government is proud to collaborate with the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador to make the registration and licensing processes easier for nurses who we are recruiting. These nurses are filling vacancies in the system, lightening the workload for our current nurses, and improving care for patients.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“I am pleased to announce that as a result of the diligent work completed by officials at the College and in collaboration with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, significant reforms have been adopted and a new expedited approach to the licensing of national and international nurses has been made a reality. These historic reforms have been made using a balanced and methodical approach which will result in a more efficient and effective pathway for nurses to practice in our province at a time when they are urgently needed while simultaneously ensuring that the standards of care, which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians depend upon, remain unchanged.”
Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

“By having a more streamlined process to recruit interested Canadian and International nurses, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will be able to access nursing resources in more timely manner. Licensing and registration reform will facilitate our recruitment and retention efforts while ensuring appropriate licensing, competence and standards of care remains in place. This is exciting news as it provides an opportunity to decrease staffing gaps in the system, and further support nursing staff.”
Debbie Molloy
Vice President – Human Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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Health Care Action

Extraordinary every day

Improving Access to Health Care

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will participate in the East Coast Trail Association’s 2023 Trail Raiser Community Hike tomorrow (Saturday, June 3).

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Pouch Cove Lion’s Club, located at 200 Satellite Road.

A post-hike gathering will take place at the All Saints Anglican Church Hall, 149 Town Circle, Pouch Cove, beginning at 12:30 p.m. and featuring local entertainment and food.

Funds raised from the East Coast Trail Association’s Trail Raiser Community Hike help the association maintain, enhance, and develop the trail network.

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Effective June 15, 2023, the Provincial Government will eliminate the requirement to have stickers affixed to vehicle licence plates.

Motor Registration Division will continue to print and mail official registration documents (minus the sticker). Annual vehicle registration fees will still apply.

Vehicle owners are also advised that annual registration fees are reduced by 50 per cent for passenger vehicles, light trucks and taxis for another year, to March 31, 2024. This is a continuation of a 2022 Provincial Budget announcement.

Copies of insurance and registration documents should continue to be kept in vehicles at all times. Stickers currently issued must remain on the plate and will be valid until their expiry date.

Through Information Sharing Agreements with Motor Registration, both the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police are provided with real-time access to data, to confirm vehicle registration during routine traffic stops.

Newfoundland and Labrador is aligning with other provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, where stickers are no longer required.

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A joint investment of $30 million from the Provincial and Federal Governments was announced today to complete the final phase of the Team Gushue Highway. The highway’s completion is in addition to the unprecedented five year, $1.4 billion investment in provincial highway infrastructure, which reflects the importance of a well-developed transportation network to the province’s social and economic development.

The funding will support the completion of a north-south arterial highway route in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. The end of the Team Gushue Highway will be connected to the Pitts Memorial Drive (Route 2) and Robert E. Howlett Memorial Drive (Route 3) interchange using a roundabout corridor. This will involve extending the paved highway from Topsail Road—where the Team Gushue Highway currently ends—to the Commonwealth Avenue, Brookfield Road and Heavy Tree Road area.

The project also includes installing drainage culverts, an overpass structure and auxiliary access roads, as well as re-aligning a section of Brookfield Road. Once complete, this project will alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety and enhance access to and from the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the surrounding urban and rural communities.

Since the Team Gushue Highway was first conceptualized approximately 30 years ago, there have been significant changes to the surrounding environment that impact the Team Gushue Highway connection to Pitts Memorial Drive and Robert E. Howlett, such as residential and commercial developments and increased traffic volumes.

An engineering report on the Team Gushue Highway was completed by Harbourside Engineering. The consultant’s report helped determine the best approach to tie in the existing Team Gushue Highway with the Robert E. Howlett Highway and Pitts Memorial Drive in terms of the most effective and efficient path forward for traffic flow and safety. The report is available here.

In the coming days, the Provincial Government will issue a Request for Proposals for the final detailed design work for the tenders regarding this project.

Quotes
“The final phase of the Team Gushue Highway is one of the last remaining key components of a regional roadway network envisioned for the northeast Avalon region, which was first identified in a comprehensive regional development plan over 50 years ago. It is a game changer for residents on the southern Avalon to access key provincial services and social infrastructure, including the province’s largest health care and post-secondary facilities. Our government committed to getting this project done, and I am very proud that this commitment has now come to fruition.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today’s announcement signals the completion of a major highway project that will improve safety as well as access to and from the cities of St. John’s, Mount Pearl and the surrounding areas. It is the culmination of incredible work by the engineering team in my department and will further enhance benefits for the area by better integrating Goulds and various rural communities on the southern Avalon Peninsula with the provincial highway network on the northeast Avalon Peninsula.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“We’re finishing the Team Gushue Highway. That means less time in the car and more time at home with family. This a game changer for us in St. John’s, Mount Pearl and across the Avalon Peninsula.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl

“Our partnership with Premier Furey and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is about delivering results for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians – and that is exactly what we are doing today. These long-awaited upgrades to Route 3 will make it easier and safer for residents of St. John’s, Mount Pearl and the southern Avalon peninsula to get where they need to be while supporting good jobs in the trades.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“The completion of the final phase of the Team Gushue Highway is very welcome news for the entire region. This will help address traffic volumes and congestion within the City of Mount Pearl, while further enhancing the safe and efficient movement of residents throughout the Avalon region.“
Honourable Lucy Stoyles
MHA for Mount Pearl North

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