Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day today (Wednesday, January 25).

The new 2023 Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign, “Let’s change this”, highlights the shift from awareness to action by asking all Canadians to take meaningful steps to create positive change for the mental wellbeing of themselves and others. On January 25, and every day, we encourage everyone to be a part of the change by taking one or more of the following actions:

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support;
• Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them;
• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health;
• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies;
• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health; and
• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma.

Share your actions by using #BellLetsTalk to inspire others.

The Department of Health and Community Services reminds people if you or someone you know needs help, support is available including:

• 811
• Bridge the gapp bridgethegapp.ca
• Doorways (find walk-in counselling services by visiting https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca or calling 811)

The Provincial Government continues to build upon the work of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador to improve the mental health and well-being of the province and has released the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador and Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador to continue its efforts.

Quotes
“Mental health impacts everyone. Our government has committed to continually improving the services offered in the province. This Bell Let’s Talk Day, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with your loved ones and with yourself about mental health. If you need help, please reach out. Services are always available to support Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Bell Let’s Talk Day reminds us that our smallest actions can have large impacts. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to reach out to each other about mental health. By learning about our friends’ and neighbours’ needs today, we can better support each other all year long.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Bell Let’s Talk Day

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

 

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The travelling orthopaedic team from Eastern Health has completed its first joint replacement surgery at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony. Announced last fall as a measure to address wait times for hip and knee joint replacement surgeries in Newfoundland and Labrador, the initiative has the potential to accommodate approximately 140 surgeries at this site annually.

There continues to be significant demand for hip and knee replacement surgery in the province, which has resulted in longer wait times. Reducing waitlists is a priority for all health care stakeholders, and work is also underway to utilize additional operating room capacity at Carbonear General Hospital for inpatient joint replacement surgeries.

The Provincial Government has also implemented a number of creative measures to help address the surgical backlog in the province such as a partnership with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to address the waitlist for cardiac surgery; increased regional caps on cataract surgeries in non-hospital facilities; and hip and knee joint replacement surgeries on an outpatient basis for suitable candidates. A task force of health care providers and stakeholders was also established in June of last year to tackle the current surgical backlog and provide meaningful solutions to help the province meet national benchmarks.

Quotes
“We know there is significant demand for hip and knee replacement surgery in the province, resulting in growing wait times. I know firsthand the impact that waiting for joint surgery has on an individual, so I am extremely pleased that we have this expanded surgery option in St. Anthony, and I extend my thanks to everyone involved in the initiative. It is a wonderful example of how we can use our collective resources to increase access to health care, thereby benefitting the residents of our province. Reducing waitlists is a priority for all of our health care stakeholders.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This inaugural travelling orthopaedic surgery at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital by the travelling surgical team represents a very positive step forward in our efforts to address the hip and knee joint replacement waitlist. While it is difficult to feel the immediate impacts from a number of the initiatives we have implemented regarding surgical backlogs and recruitment and retention efforts, significant change takes time and the solutions are complex, but it is all part of our larger plan.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“I am very pleased with the implementation of a travelling orthopaedic program at Curtis Memorial, recognizing the importance of the hospital to the region. This program will complement the excellent orthopaedic service currently provided and ensure the stability of this valuable resource. This has been a priority for me, as it is critical to residents. I will continue to work towards stabilizing services and facilities throughout the region, and advocate for the district of St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
MHA for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows 

“Yesterday, we completed the first three arthroplasty cases by Eastern Health’s orthopedic and anesthesia team, which is in place to help increase access to orthopedic surgeries for residents throughout the province. The first day was a great success and I look forward to three more days of surgery this week. The current wait times for arthroplasty in Newfoundland and Labrador are at unprecedented levels and it is vital that we utilize all available resources to try to address these issues. This has taken a significant amount of collaboration from Labrador-Grenfell Health and Eastern Health as well as support from patients and health-care professionals. I would like to extend many thanks to all those involved.”
Dr. William Moores
Divisional Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Eastern Health

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings at the welcome reception for the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture Industry Symposium and Annual General Meeting at the Alt Hotel, St. John’s at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 25.

The symposium and annual general meeting, held from January 25 to 27, provides Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture members and stakeholders with essential information about the future growth and sustainability of agriculture in the province.

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In advance of Budget 2023, residents are invited to take part in a pre-budget questionnaire. The deadline to provide feedback through engageNL is February 10, 2023.

This year’s questionnaire is focused on assessing the priorities of residents, as well as gauging their support for various measures to reduce the deficit and provincial debt. It includes an interactive tool to illustrate government’s fiscal situation and the challenges of balancing the budget.

Overall, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has improved its credit ratings, which is a strong signal that it is moving in the right direction with its plan to meet the target of a surplus position by 2026-27, modernize government, pay down expensive debt, lower the cost of borrowing and contribute to the new Future Fund.

In addition to the online survey, residents can provide a written submission to Budget2023@gov.nl.ca or by mail:

Budget 2023
Department of Finance
Main Floor, East Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

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“We appreciate hearing the perspectives of residents as we proceed with our budget process. Balancing our many priorities is always top-of-mind as we work to achieve a strong, smart, self-sufficient, sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges

Improved Outlook for Province’s Credit Rating

Future Fund Act to Receive Second Reading in House of Assembly

Reduced Debt and Borrowing, Contribution to Future Fund in Strong Fiscal and Economic Update

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @FIN_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, today announced the appointments of Chantelle MacDonald Newhook, B.A., LL.B., KC, Q.Arb. and W. John Clarke, KC, B.Comm., J.D., C.Arb., C.Med, as Vice-Chairs of the Labour Relations Board. The appointments are effective December 8, 2022 and January 17, 2023 respectively and are both for a five-year term.

Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.

The Labour Relations Board is an independent, quasi-judicial body which contributes to and promotes harmonious labour relations in Newfoundland and Labrador by adjudicating and mediating a variety of employment and labour relations matters.

These appointments were recommended though the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission process.

Quote
“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. MacDonald Newhook and Mr. Clarke, to the Labour Relations Board. They each bring extensive experience and expertise which will prove invaluable as they carry out their responsibilities in support of harmonious labour relations within the province.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
Labour Relations Board

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies
John Clarke, KC, B.Comm., J.D., C.Arb., C.Med

John Clarke is a lawyer and has been involved in the area of dispute resolution since 1979 when he first became a trainee with the Labour Management Co-operation Committee, a self-regulating body that set qualification standards for labour arbitrators and maintained the listing of qualified arbitrators in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Clarke was first admitted to the list in 1984, when he first served as Vice-Chair of the provincial Labour Relations Board and Chair of its Construction Panel. He has been a member of the panel of Labour Adjudicators with the Federal Department of Labour. He has been appointed in several hundred labour cases. He has also served as a member of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan.

In 1994, Mr. Clarke began academic training as a mediator attending theoretical training in Toronto, ON, and St. John’s, as well as practical training in Victoria and Vancouver, BC and St. John’s. From 2006 to 2016, he also completed specialized workplace training in California, at Memorial University and Harvard University. He has conducted several hundred mediations in personal injury, labour relations, estates, construction and commercial matters.

In addition to his dispute resolution career, Mr. Clarke has served as a director on the board of Directors of Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc., since 1996. He also serves on the Audit Committee and is Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee of that corporation.

Mr. Clarke was also a principal in the Centre for Innovative Dispute Resolution, which was a self-contained business arrangement, devoted exclusively to the processes of dispute resolution as alternatives to the court structure in the province.

Chantelle MacDonald Newhook, B.A., LL.B., KC, Q.Arb.

After seventeen years of public service in both legal and executive roles with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Chantelle MacDonald Newhook established her private legal practice in 2022 as a neutral arbitrator, mediator, and investigator.

During her tenure with the Provincial Government, Ms. MacDonald Newhook’s legal practice included advising on, and appearing at, arbitrations and labour relations matters, including having argued labour cases before the Labour Relations Board, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal, and the landmark Saskatchewan Federation of Labour “right to strike” case at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ms. MacDonald Newhook was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2020 and achieved her Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.) designation in 2022.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick, and is an internationally published author, including having authored the first internationally available trade publication about domain name dispute arbitration, Cybersquatters Beware! Insiders’ Tips for Winning Domain Name Disputes (McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2002).

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 From January 23 to 26, officials from the Provincial Government will attend Roundup 2023, an annual international exploration and mining conference. This event provides an opportunity to promote the province’s mineral resource potential and exploration regulatory framework, with the goal of attracting exploration investment.

As the second largest show of its type in Canada, Roundup hosts approximately 6,000 to 7,000 attendees from all around the world. This year marks the conference’s return to a fully in-person delivery and demonstration, since pre-pandemic times, at the Vancouver Convention Centre East. Roundup is organized by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia.

The Provincial Government’s contingent includes representation from different divisions within government, along with junior exploration companies, prospectors and entrepreneurs.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral industry continues to be a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. The estimated activity for 2022 is projected to result in over $5.4 billion in mineral shipments, $189 million in exploration expenditures and employment of approximately 8,800 person years.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, along with industry partners, has been attending Roundup for over 25 years. Participation in Roundup 2023 is consistent with the Provincial Government’s commitment to enhance global promotion to grow investment, exploration and development in the province’s minerals sector, as outlined in Mining the Future.

Quote
“The future looks very prosperous for the mining and mineral industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have the world-class deposits and geology needed to grow and develop the green economy. Through our participation in Roundup 2023, we are promoting Newfoundland and Labrador as a favorable exploration destination, reinforcing relationships with existing clients and investors, and making important new connections. We also create exposure opportunities for local junior exploration companies and prospectors/entrepreneurs on a global platform, often facilitating and accelerating growth.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL @IET_GovNL

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the 2023 Canada Winter Games Team NL Athletes Rally tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24) at 6:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the PowerPlex, located at 90 Crosbie Road in St. John’s. The rally is hosted by SportNL and will feature emcee Jamie Korab, as well as special guests and Canada Games alumni Nathan Young, Mark Nichols and Sarah Davis.

The event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

The 2023 Canada Winter Games begin on February 18 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

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The Essential Ambulance Services Act, introduced today in the House of Assembly, would ensure the continuation of essential ambulance services in the event of a strike or lockout.

If passed, the proposed legislation will require the union and the private sector employer to negotiate and put in place an essential ambulance services agreement prior to the union being able to strike or the employer being able to lock out employees.

If approved, the immediate effect of this Act would be the suspension of the current job action between the Teamsters Union and the Fewer’s Group until an essential ambulance services agreement is reached.

Teamsters Local 855 withdrew ambulance services effective noon on Friday, January 20.

Quote
“This new Act is required at this time, as this labour dispute raises serious concerns for the health and safety of residents and the delivery of health care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. This legislation is intended to ensure that residents, particularly those in areas that are serviced by private ambulance operators, have reliable access to ambulance services. Our government is committed to ensuring a fair process exists in navigating labour disputes, and that labour legislation is responsive, relevant and timely.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL

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Learn more
Statement from Premier Furey on Reconvening the House of Assembly for Emergency Debate

Follow us on Twitter @ECC_GovNL

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, will be available to media tomorrow (Monday, January 23) at 9:45 a.m. to discuss the proposed Essential Ambulance Services Act.

The availability will take place in the main lobby of the East Block, Confederation Building.

A technical briefing will be held for the media at 9:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. Media are asked to confirm their attendance with Debbie Marnell at debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca.

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Pursuant to Standing Order 8(7), the Government has advised the Speaker that the public interest requires the House to meet on an emergent and extraordinary basis to debate a Bill to establish ambulance services as essential.

Further to this notice, the Speaker has advised Members that the House of Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 23 at 10 a.m.

Proceedings will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
House of Assembly
709-689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today provided the following statement regarding reconvening the House of Assembly for an emergency debate: 

“I have taken immediate action in light of the labour dispute between Teamsters Local 855 and the union’s employer, the private ambulance operator Fewer’s Ambulance Service Limited, as the recent breakdown of negotiations between the two parties has disrupted services to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Due to the urgent and critical nature of the situation created by this strike action and labour dispute, it raises serious concerns for the safety and well-being of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. As such, it requires Members of the House of Assembly to convene on Monday (January 23) for an emergency debate to enact the Essential Ambulance Services Act. I have directed the Government House Leader to ask the Speaker to do so immediately.

This Act will make private ambulance services essential, which is necessary in order to protect the safety of patients, particularly given the current challenges within the health care system across Canada, including in our province.

We recognize the valuable role private and community ambulance operators and service providers play in the delivery of health care in our province, and it was our hope that the parties could come to an agreement in this labour dispute. The Provincial Government has been providing conciliation services, as outlined in the Labour Relations Act.”

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BACKGROUNDER

The Essential Ambulance Services Act

The Essential Ambulance Services Act will allow the employer and employees to determine the terms of the essential ambulance services agreement, and will allow them to engage with the Labour Relations Board when necessary – including authorizing the Board to refer a matter to binding arbitration to protect the employees’ meaningful right to a strike and the employers’ meaningful right to a lockout. When passed, the Act will require the union members to return to work until an essential services agreement is established, at which point labour action may resume.

To date, only ambulance services provided publicly, through the Regional Health Authorities, fall under such legislation. Paramedics employed by private ambulance service operators fall under the Labour Relations Act and have thus far not been deemed essential.

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The 911 Division would like to advise members of the public that the province-wide 911 service is not impacted by the strike action taken today by Teamsters Local 855.

Please continue to call 911 if emergency ambulance services are required, or for any threat to health, life, safety or property where an immediate response is needed from emergency services.

All efforts to mitigate the impacts of the current ambulance labour dispute are being made. Health authorities are actioning their contingency plans, which include working with adjacent private ambulance services and bringing on additional staff to support emergency response and routine transfer services. They will also activate additional Regional Health Authority ambulances and staff to ensure emergency response in impacted regions.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will bring greetings at the 50th anniversary of the Francophone and Acadian organizational movement in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Saturday, January 21) at 5:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Centre des Grands Vents, 65 Ridge Road, St. John’s..

Hosted by the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, the event will virtually connect communities throughout the province, including Labrador City, Cape St. George, the Mainland-Port au Port region and St. John’s. Throughout 2023, the Francophone and Acadian community will be celebrating the occasion with a variety of activities.

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Residents are advised that the provincial 811 HealthLine has been restored and is fully operational.

We would like to apologize for any inconvenience this temporary disruption may have caused.

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The Provincial Government would like to advise the public that the provincial 811 HealthLine number is currently unavailable.

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;
• 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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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986; 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

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A joint investment of more than $6.6 million from the Provincial and Federal Governments and the Town of Placentia was announced today to help the town improve its drinking water infrastructure. This investment will help the town replace 5.3 kilometres of aging watermain pipes to develop a more reliable and efficient system.

Phase one of the project will see work from the Roman Catholic Church in Dunville to Fox Harbour Road including Fox Harbour Road, and phase two will address another section from Fox Harbour Road to the end of the system.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are each investing more than $2.6 million towards the project, while the Town of Placentia is contributing more than $1.3 million.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the funding today at an event in Placentia. Premier Furey was joined by Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s, and His Worship Keith Pearson, Mayor of the Town of Placentia

In Budget 2022, the Provincial Government invested $259.5 million in municipal infrastructure to help municipalities provide better services to residents.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians. The Government of Canada’s funding for this project comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quotes
“Our government invests millions of dollars each year to help Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities improve municipal infrastructure. This funding will allow the Town of Placentia replace old infrastructure with a reliable and efficient system so water services can continue without disruption. We continue to work with our municipal and federal partners to improve communities throughout our province.“
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are happy to work together with the Federal Government and the Town of Placentia to fund this infrastructure. Sharing the cost of municipal infrastructure helps communities complete work on important projects. We look forward to more investments for this region in the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Since 2015 I have been working on behalf of the residents of Dunville – Placentia, advocating for improved infrastructure. The Dunville Watermain Replacement project shows that when governments of all levels work together, with a shared vision for improving infrastructure, we can deliver important benefits for communities.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s

“Modern and reliable drinking water infrastructure is essential to safeguard public health. Today’s investment will help the Town of Placentia reduce the number of leaks in its system and ensure residents have reliable services for years to come.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“This funding announcement for the Dunville Water Project will bring much needed infrastructure improvements to the Town of Placentia.  Most importantly, this investment will give our residents a better quality of living and make our Town even more attractive to invest and do business. The Town of Placentia remains committed to working with both levels of government to deliver clean and safe drinking water to our residents.”
His Worship Keith Pearson
Mayor of the Town of Placentia

“I commend Mayor Pearson and the council of the Town of Placentia for their foresight and planning to upgrade the town’s water system. We recognize that infrastructure needs are a key priority for municipalities across the province. We continue to work with communities, encouraging them to work together where possible, to make these important improvements.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Learn more
Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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The Department of Digital Government and Service NL is reminding all residents to stay safe when operating off-road vehicles by following mandatory safety requirements.

Helmets and seatbelts (where installed by manufacturers) are mandatory for the operation of all off-road vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador. The only exception to these requirements is for hunting and trapping activities involving frequent stops, where speed is less than 20 km/h.

An off-road vehicle includes any motor vehicle designed or adapted for off-road use. These include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles, utility vehicles, side-by-sides, dune buggies and dirt bikes.

Changes to the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, which came into force in May 2022, were designed to improve off-road vehicle safety and provide safer experiences for off-road vehicle enthusiasts throughout the province.

Further information regarding Newfoundland and Labrador’s new safety requirements for off-road vehicles can be found here.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an infrastructure announcement in the Town of Placentia tomorrow (Thursday, January 19) at 1:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre, 21 Patterson Drive, Town Square, Placentia. The event will also be livestreamed on the Town of Placentia’s Facebook page.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, and His Worship Keith Pearson, Mayor of the Town of Placentia.

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A new pilot project launching today will offer enhanced initiatives and supports for participants receiving Income Support who begin a new job and/or maintain and increase their hours of work.

Co-developed with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle, the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project benefits participants by allowing them to keep more of their earnings and immediately experience increased financial benefits from working. Some of the key supports and incentives include:

• A new earnings exemption formula that allows participants to retain higher earnings and that results in higher overall monthly incomes;
• Employment continuation bonuses to provide escalating financial rewards for continuous employment and to increase experience working. Bonuses are $250 at six months, $500 at 12 months and $1,000 at 24 months; and
• Supports offered by Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle to gain life-skills and experience needed to manage financial responsibilities and navigate life and employment challenges.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development officially launched the pilot today. Minister Abbott was joined by collaborating partners Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer, Stella’s Circle.

Currently, there are 86 participants enrolled in a preliminary soft-launch of the pilot project, and over 10 of these participants already no longer need Income Support to supplement their earnings. By working more, participants who have engaged in the workforce or increased their hours of work now have higher overall monthly incomes.

Funding for the pilot project is being provided in part through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement. The project is part of the department’s focus on early intervention and prevention.

The pilot project will undergo an independent evaluation to determine next steps and inform future changes to the province’s Income Support Program.

Quotes
“I am pleased to launch the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project in partnership with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle. This pilot has already seen such positive results, with many of the current participants benefitting greatly from working more hours and having higher monthly incomes. I am optimistic that this project will continue to help people transition from Income Support to employment and provide supports when they are needed.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Employment Insurance exists to help people who’ve found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. This pilot project will help people keep more of what they earn while developing valuable professional skills; and gives employers in Newfoundland and Labrador more stability.”
Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

“The Employment Support Stability Pilot Project provides vulnerable populations with key supports for longer as they make the transition to long-term employment. Through this project, Choices for Youth will be able to successfully train and employ more youth through our four social enterprises while breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and homelessness. We are also able to support young people in actioning their futures through the piloting of a more person-centred Income Support system. We look forward to providing more youth with the ability to access critical supports as they continue to grow and enter long-term employment.”
Sheldon Pollett
Executive Director, Choices for Youth

“The Employability Support Stability Pilot Program has provided a framework for community organizations like Stella’s Circle and Choices for Youth to work directly with the Provincial Government to improve supports for individuals like our participants. The powerful nature of collaboration in the spirit of honouring those we serve is paramount to making a difference in their lives.”
Laura Winters
CEO Stella’s Circle

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth; Hon. John G. Abbott, Minister for Children, Seniors and Social Development; Geoff Davis, Board Chair, Choices for Youth; and Laura Winters, CEO, Stella’s Circle.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will officially launch a new employment support project for individuals in receipt of Income Support tomorrow (Wednesday, January 18).

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Choices for Youth Social Enterprise and Employment Centre, 117 Ropewalk Lane, St. John’s.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director of Choices for Youth, and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer of Stella’s Circle.

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