Government of Newfoundland News

If your plans this New Year’s Eve include fireworks, the Department of Justice and Public Safety has some tips to protect you and your family.

Using fireworks is an exciting way to ring in the new year, but keep in mind that fireworks are explosive devices and must be used correctly and safely. Please:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area. If applicable, only use in an approved location designated by a community, city or fire department;
• Monitor wind strength and direction to ensure fireworks do not impact buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions or dry brush/grass;
• Respect your neighbours and their properties. Be aware of the impact fireworks can have on family pets. It is a good idea to advise neighbours with pets that you intend to use fireworks;
• Ensure all spectators are at least 20 metres away from the fireworks at all times;
• Never allow children to handle, play with, or light fireworks. Only adults (18 years or older) should handle fireworks, and no one that is impaired by alcohol or drugs should ever handle fireworks;
• Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks;
• Always bury aerial fireworks to half their length either in the ground or in a large bucket filled with soil or sand;
• Always have water ready to soak fireworks after they have fired;
• Wait 30 minutes before attempting to pick up misfired fireworks and never attempt to re-light them. After retrieving them, soak them in water along with used fireworks;
• Dispose of soaked fireworks in an outdoor, fire-resistant garbage can, away from buildings and flammable materials.

This is the final public advisory of the ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign that has been ongoing through the month of December. This campaign is meant to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as they celebrate the holidays. The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy new year.

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The Department of Justice and Public Safety continues its ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign, providing tips on how to protect yourself and your family this holiday season.

The holidays are known as ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and sharing in cooking and baking makes it that much better.

Safe practices while cooking this holiday season include:

• Keep anything flammable at a safe distance from sources of heat;
• Do not leave your stovetop or oven unattended when in use;
• Use a timer to help you keep track of your cooking or baking;
• Do not cook if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs;
• If using a deep fryer, only use a thermostat-controlled fryer to ensure the fat doesn’t get too hot;
• Always use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Never use water;
• When choosing a fire extinguisher, look for the label of an independent testing laboratory such as ULC or UL. A multi-purpose extinguisher for class A-B-C- fires is a great choice;
• If food catches fire in your oven, turn off the heat and ensure the oven door remains closed;
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking in case it is needed to smother a very small grease fire. Cover the pan, turn off the stovetop, don’t move it and leave it alone until it cools; and
• If you have any doubt, get out, stay out and call 911.

Follow @JPS_GovNL on Twitter for more holiday safety tips.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-032 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-2022-032 Report Date: December 21, 2022 Public Body: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture for records related to Nine Island Pond, near the Town of Colliers. The Department responded to the request and provided responsive records. The Complainant alleged that the Department had failed to conduct a reasonable search for records and had not met its duty to assist pursuant to section 13. The Commissioner found that the Department had conducted a reasonable search for records and that no further action be taken.

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

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Victoria River Quarry                                                                                (Reg. 2227)
Proponent: Newcrete Investments Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop a 5.5 hectare quarry adjacent to Victoria River, located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of the Town of Buchans, and approximately 7 kilometres northeast of Victoria Lake. Sand and gravel would be sourced from the quarry for the purpose of aggregate production in Central Newfoundland. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 20, 2022; the deadline for public comments is January 26, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by February 3, 2023.

Torbay Powder Coating Facility                                                             (Reg. 2228)
Proponent: APC Industrial Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate powder coating facility in an existing building located near Torbay Road, Torbay. The facility would require the installation and operation of a powder coating booth, sandblast cabinet and a curing oven to produce finished powder coated products for market. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 20, 2022; the deadline for public comment is January 26, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by February 3, 2023.

Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Operating Plan Amendment (2022-2026)   (Reg. 2229)
Proponent:  Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture 

The proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Operating Plan (2022-2026) that would allow commercial harvesting in District 4, near the Mint Brook Resource Road and the Town of Gambo. The amendment would include harvesting 4000 cubic metres of hardwood and 800 cubic metres of Jack Pine by a commercial logging contractor, which would be used to manufacture cabinets, flooring and other value-added products. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 21, 2022; the deadline for public comment is January 26, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by February 4, 2023.

Humber Valley Hiking Trail                                                                     (Reg. 2230)
Proponent: International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter Inc. 

The proponent proposes to develop 5.5 kilometres of hiking / walking trails in Lower Humber Valley, near Corner Brook. The two- metre wide trail will provide a trail extension and link to the Man in the Mountain Lookout. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 22, 2022; the deadline for public comments is January 26, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by February 5, 2023.

PLAN APPROVED

Fermeuse Offshore Marine Base                                                          (Reg. 1773)
Proponent: Fermeuse Enterprises Limited

The Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) is approved, subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agricuiture requires the proponent to maintain a 30-metre undisturbed buffer area around active passerine/land-bird nests (species not of management concern) during their nesting season (April 15 to July 31).
• The proponent must submit an EPP for the operations phase of the Project for approval by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change prior to commencement of Project operations.
• The proponent must submit an EPP for the decommissioning phase for approval by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change prior to commencement of Project decommissioning activities.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Crown District 23 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027) (Reg. 2209)
Proponents: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and Nunatsiavut Government

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• A Greenhouse Gas Management Plan must be prepared and submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for approval. A draft of this plan must be submitted within one year of the date of the minister’s decision letter with an update on the progress of this plan to be submitted in six months. The plan is expected to include:
• Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
• Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five year period; and
• A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modeling with regard to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.
• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires you to follow the 2021 Environmental Protection Guidelines.
• The Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and

Agriculture advises that existing agriculture operations must not be impacted by

the Project, and you must consult with the Land Management Division as follows:

• to determine if there are any land use conflicts with agricultural development areas within the forest management district; and
• to determine if there are any land use conflicts with cottage planning areas and cottage development areas.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) demonstrating that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of the release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

Victoria Abattoir                                                                                 (Reg. 2222)
Proponent: Omiachi Farm

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Pollution Prevention Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a detailed Waste Management Plan (WMP) that addresses all waste streams produced by the Project, including liquid and solid waste, be submitted for approval prior to the commencement of operations. The WMP must incorporate composting management and should be developed in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and describe how to safely and effectively compost waste offal, including the separate composting of specified risk material. The plan should also include details pertaining to vector and odour control and contingencies for any spills of waste or hazardous materials.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires that any vegetation clearing is to occur outside 800 metres of bald eagle or osprey nests during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, within one year from the date of the release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

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

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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The public are reminded that snow clearing and vehicular access within the T’Railway Provincial Park are prohibited without a permit.

The T’Railway Provincial Park forms a large portion of the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation groomed trail. Unauthorized snow clearing by members of the public negatively affects the groomed trail network.

The public is encouraged to report such offenses to the Parks Division at trailway@gov.nl.ca or by telephone at 709-637-2040.

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The Provincial Government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to develop a master plan and program for the replacement of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

The approach to expanding access to health care, and ensuring that appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet future health care needs, requires detailed and innovative planning. The consultant will be required to determine the scope of services required at the new hospital on the Northeast Avalon, including appropriate space and location requirements.

The consultant will also assess acute care service delivery in the Northeast Avalon region, including the integration of new health care infrastructure, expanded access to inpatient care and other aspects of health care service delivery in the region. As part of this work, the consultant will be expected to engage with the newly formed Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee. This work is integral to meeting the needs of residents in the province’s most populous area, with the Northeast Avalon experiencing nearly 25 per cent population growth over the last two decades.

The RFP closes on January 23, 2022. Submissions will be evaluated based on compliance with requirements of the RFP, including experience, schedule and pricing. The department anticipates awarding a contract this winter.

The replacement of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital is one of several initiatives that support the ongoing realignment and optimization of the delivery of health care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project is in addition to the expansion and construction of other health care infrastructure across the province, including the new acute care hospital in Corner Brook, new mental health unit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, new long term care homes in Central, the expanded emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre and the new adult mental health and addictions facility on the Northeast Avalon.

Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“This RFP is an important next step in our plan to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and realign and optimize healthcare on the Northeast Avalon. The new hospital, along with our expanded emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre and the new adult mental health and addictions hospital will create better working environments for health care professionals and improve access to care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Planning is an integral part of ensuring the delivery of appropriate health care in our province. Both the newly announced Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee and the issuance of the RFP signal our commitment to ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to meet the ongoing health care needs of our residents.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This RFP will help guide our next steps to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and ensure the new hospital meets the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The new hospital will lead to better healthcare in the region and create employment for local tradespeople along the way.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

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

Health Accord NL

Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint

Tender Issued for New Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre

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

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An investigation into salmon poaching by Resource Enforcement Division officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has resulted in convictions, fines and prohibitions from fishing inland waters for two individuals.

Jordan Hodder and Brady Hill, both of Stoneville, were convicted and fined in Provincial Court at Gander on December 13, 2022, for unlawfully netting fish in inland waters contrary to Section 10 (2) of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations.

Both received a $2,500 fine, a prohibition from participating in recreational fisheries for a period of three years, and prohibition from being on or within 20 meters of inland waters for a period of three years.

The individuals were apprehended in Stoneville on August 5, 2022 by Resource Enforcement Officers acting on information obtained from surveillance activities and information gathered from Fisheries and Oceans Canada River Guardians. Items seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown and include one canoe, two gill nets, one Atlantic salmon, one fish tray and a face mask used during commission of the offence.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations being conducted by Resource Enforcement Officers.

The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time, by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-031 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-2022-031 Report Date: December 19, 2022 Public Body: Eastern Health Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to Eastern Health for information related to a contract between Eastern Health and a third party. Eastern Health withheld some information from the contract, relying on section 39 (Disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party) and section 35 (Disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body). The Complainant did not agree with the decision to withhold information and filed a complaint with this Office. The Commissioner found that Eastern Health had not met the standard to withhold information under section 39(1) but that the exceptions under section 35(1)(b) were properly applied. The Commissioner recommended that Eastern Health release information previously withheld under section 39(1) of ATIPPA, 2015 and continue to withhold any information to which section 35(1)(b) applied.

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

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Critical minerals are an essential component of many renewable energy and clean technology applications, and are vital to building Canada’s green and digital economy. That is why the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is joining the Government of Canada in providing support to help the province’s mining sector to grow and meet an increasing global demand for critical minerals.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., federal Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, announced an investment of $5.2 million over the next three years for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver two new critical mineral initiatives focused on geoscience and exploration activities. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, federal Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

In addition, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, confirmed $4.6 million in support through its existing Junior Exploration Assistance program and in-kind supports over three years.

These investments support an airborne geophysical survey program to help identify areas in the province for potential critical mineral exploration. The surveys will capture data remotely from areas where the geology is not well understood due to poor bedrock exposure.

The funding will also provide increased support for eligible junior exploration companies searching for critical minerals in Newfoundland and Labrador through a new component of the Provincial Government’s Junior Exploration Assistance Program.

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.

Quotes
“The rise of critical minerals presents a real opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, given this province’s tremendous critical mineral potential. Support for exploration is necessary to expand our future critical mineral production and our participation in the creation of those products necessary to drive the transition to a green economy.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s remarkable geology has helped us build a strong mining sector that provides thousands of jobs and many benefits for businesses and communities. We know that there is untapped potential right here to discover more of the critical minerals that Canada and the world need to build a greener economy.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

“Atlantic Canada has an important role to play in developing sustainable industries and contributing to the digital economy. This investment will help ensure that more critical mineral exploration and development moves forward, which will contribute to clean growth and support this region’s mining industry.”
Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Official Languages and Minister Responsible for ACOA

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Learn more
Canada’s Critical Minerals List

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will soon join the Federal Government, as well as other Canadian provinces and territories, to enforce the use of mandatory electronic logging devices for commercial vehicle drivers who cross provincial/territorial borders.  Effective January 1, 2023, this enforcement will happen primarily at weigh scale stations located in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Carriers operating only in Newfoundland and Labrador are not required to install and use electronic logging devices at this time. However, the Provincial Government is currently working towards implementing similar requirements for provincial carriers for later in 2023. All provincial carriers are still encouraged to take the necessary steps now to comply with the electronic logging device mandate.

Under the direction of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, since June 2021 all provinces and territories have been supporting the mandatory electronic logging device mandate through a period of progressive enforcement without penalties, focusing on education and awareness. This grace period allowed for the time needed for carriers to procure and install devices and train drivers.

Information regarding these devices is available online, as is a list of certified devices.

Quotes
“Electronic logging devices help drivers accurately record driving times, making it easier and faster to track, manage, share and improve the accuracy of their hours of service record. This helps drivers stay within legally allowed driving hours and reduce fatigue. All motor carriers and drivers of commercial vehicles are required to maintain a daily log of hours driven to ensure that fatigue does not impair their ability to drive safely.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association applauds the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and other provinces across the country that have committed to electronic logging device enforcement on January 1. This move is a further step in keeping our roads safe and helps to beef up enforcement rules surrounding hours of service, which will inevitably weed out those in our industry that operate outside of these rules.”
Chris McKee
Executive Director, Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association

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Learn more
Public Advisory: Electronic Logging Devices Becoming Mandatory for Federally-Regulated Commercial Carriers

Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations

Messages for Industry with Respect to the Federal Electronic Logging Device Mandate

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

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The Provincial Government has established the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance on health care infrastructure across the continuum of care, in an effort to meet existing and projected health care infrastructure needs on the Northeast Avalon.

The committee’s mandate includes the review of health infrastructure requirements on the Northeast Avalon, and will also focus on the optimal location of clinical services in the region.

Members of the committee have expertise in acute care, long-term care, mental health and addictions, ambulatory care, and population health/community-based services. Members include:

• Pat Parfrey (Chair);
• Sean Connors;
• Greg Browne;
• Michael Bautista;
• Larry Alteen;
• Greg Radu;
• Francoise Guigne;
• Sister Diane Smyth;
• Joan Marie Aylward;
• Ron Johnson,
• Judy O’Keefe;
• Cory Grandy;
• Andrea McKenna;
• David Diamond; and
• Kenneth Baird.

The focus of the committee is to inform health care infrastructure planning. Priority will be given to areas where challenges exist to meet service delivery needs, based on factors such as capacity (existing and projected) as well as the physical condition of infrastructure.

The committee will ultimately make recommendations to the Minister of Health and Community Services.

Quotes
“Modern health care infrastructure improves the way we provide services and helps attract health care professionals. Working with this new team will help guide our next steps for infrastructure, will improve service delivery, will increase our infrastructure planning and will create better working environments for all health care professionals.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Infrastructure decisions are an important aspect of our overall delivery of health care services in the province. I am extremely pleased that an infrastructure committee has been established, which will help with the appropriate planning to ensure residents are receiving the right care at the right time in the right place. I also want to thank the committee members for agreeing to lend their expertise to help us make better informed decisions for the benefit of the residents of the Northeast Avalon.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We’re excited about this new infrastructure team. Like our other large-scale infrastructure projects, the knowledge and expertise of the new health care infrastructure team will help us continue to make sound decisions based on solid infrastructure planning.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

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

Health Accord NL

Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint

Tender Issued for New Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre

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

The post Provincial Government Establishes Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will participate in a funding announcement for the mining industry tomorrow (Tuesday, December 20).

The event will take place at the Johnson GeoCentre, 175 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Minister Parsons will be joined by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, federal Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, as well as Ed Moriarty, Executive Director of Mining NL.

The announcement will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account.

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The following is being distributed at the request of The Council of Atlantic Premiers.

Atlantic Premiers met virtually to continue their discussion on health care priorities and sustainable regional growth.

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia welcomed Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premiers discussed the ongoing need for meaningful dialogue with the Federal Government about long-term, sustainable health care funding that will greatly assist provinces in providing quality and timely health care to all Atlantic Canadians. The Atlantic provinces are making significant investments to innovate and improve health services and a strong federal funding partnership would support and accelerate those efforts. Premiers continue to call for an increase in the Canada Health Transfer so that the federal share of provincial and territorial health care costs rises to 35%. Premiers echoed the call from the Council of the Federation, Canada’s Premiers, to Prime Minister Trudeau for a First Ministers Meeting focused on the Canada Health Transfer.

Health care systems are struggling across the country to meet the evolving needs of Canadians, provide timely services, address workforce shortages and support health care professionals in their workplaces. Through the Atlantic Health Accord and in collaboration with the four Atlantic Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, Premiers are working towards an Atlantic system to allow physicians to move and practice throughout the region.

Widespread labour shortages are an issue facing all our communities and economies. Premiers welcomed federal announcements to increase immigration targets. Atlantic Canada is a prime destination of international and interprovincial migration. Premiers are seeking increased flexibility in immigration programming and for the federal government to improve processing times.

Premiers discussed the steps their provinces are taking to help Atlantic Canadians with the challenges they face due to the rising cost of living. They agreed that ensuring assistance gets to those most in need remains a priority for their governments. The effects of federal carbon pricing on consumers in Atlantic Canada remains a concern given the reliance on home heating oil in the region.

Premiers discussed the importance of internal trade in advancing regional priorities. They committed to doing more to reduce internal trade barriers in key sectors.

Premiers noted that Atlantic Canada is home to Canada’s growing clean economy, and discussed clean generation options for the region including hydro, wind, small modular reactors and hydrogen. They agreed that they want the region to benefit from the opportunity that clean energy can deliver for jobs and environmental sustainability and will continue to make investments and modernize regulations to encourage development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that Premier King of Prince Edward Island will assume the Chair of the Council of the Atlantic Premiers in 2023. Premiers extended their appreciation to outgoing Chair, Premier Houston, for his leadership and service throughout 2022.

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology; the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., federal Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl; and Florian Villaumé, CEO of techNL, today announced $9.6 million in joint funding to establish an Innovation Centre for remote operations. This new dynamic space will serve as a hub for some of the province’s greatest homegrown technology talent, capabilities and companies.

The establishment of an Innovation Centre for remote operations will build on exceptional levels of innovation, diversification and collaboration. Multiple sectors and communities in the province will benefit, including technology, energy, healthcare, mining, ocean, aquaculture and fisheries. This Innovation Centre will foster collaboration and technology growth to accelerate the development of the innovation-driven economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $7.1 million over six years through the Innovation and Business Development Fund. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is contributing $2.5 million over the next three years towards the Innovation Centre.

The Innovation Centre for remote operations will be located at 710 Torbay Rd in St. John’s, which was previously leased by RONA. The Centre will integrate light industrial work in warehouse space, office/hot desk space and event space for programming. The centre will address the current needs of established companies, while helping to guide rising companies pursuing remote operations in sectors such as oceans, energy and defence, with applications for other industries.

The Innovation Centre for remote operations initiative is led by techNL, in partnership with Energy NL, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador, with support from many other companies and organizations.

Investments in the province’s tech and innovation sector mean more jobs and a stronger economy for the province. The technology and innovation sector is a significant employer, with approximately 600 firms and over 8,000 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Today’s announcement is about providing another building block to further advance the technology community, and create more opportunities for partnerships, synergies and collaboration. Together, we are going to further transform Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech ecosystem, and encourage innovation for all stages of business. I am so excited to see this come to fruition, and can’t wait for what lays ahead.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“A lot of hard work and considerable effort by industry associations, research organizations and those working towards advancing tech in our province has gone into achieving this new space. The new Innovation Centre was a key priority for the Premier and for me as Minister, and I am so happy to work with all partners to get it over the finish line.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We’ve always been globally competitive. We’ve historically been at the centre of commerce and trade. And whenever the ground has shifted beneath our feet, we’ve always figured out how to regain our balance and excel. We excel at tech. Creativity is in our DNA. So, let’s take on the world.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and MP for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Our vision is to create a world-class ecosystem for remote operations. This funding will establish a collaborative innovation space built to address the technology development needs of established and growing companies through proximity to other innovators, collaboration, programming, access to special technology assets and visibility. It will attract companies, partners and investment from outside the province to our ecosystem and contribute to our vision to make the local technology sector the most sought-after technology sector in Canada.”
Florian Villaumé
CEO, techNL

“This Innovation Centre is the largest infrastructure project we’ve seen for the Newfoundland and Labrador tech sector. The Centre will help transform the economy and encourage youth to stay in the province to work in a world-class ecosystem. We are known for our collaborative environment and the Innovation Centre will build on that unique strength.”
Jacqueline Lee
Chair, techNL and CEO, PolyUnity

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-030 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 http://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2022-030 Report Date: December 14, 2022 Public Body: Department of Industry, Energy and Technology Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for records related to a proposed wind turbine farm, and ammonia and hydrogen plant project. The Department provided responsive records, but withheld some information. The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office requesting a review of some of the information withheld by the Department pursuant to sections 29(1)(a) (policy advice or recommendations); 35(1)(d), 35(1)(f), and 35(1)(g) (disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body); and 39(1)(a)(ii), 39(1)(b), and 39(1)(c)(i) (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party). The Complainant also raised concerns with the completeness of the Department’s search for records, identifying various records which he believed should exist and should have been provided. For much of the information withheld by the Department, the Department did not provide sufficient evidence to support its application of exceptions to access and the Commissioner recommended release of this information. The Department also did not satisfy this Office that a reasonable search had been conducted. The Commissioner concluded that the Department should conduct a secondary search for records.

 

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

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is seeking public input on highway construction projects to be considered for the 2023 update to the Multi-Year Provincial Roads Plan.

Residents are encouraged to visit Engagenl.ca to provide highway information such as region, route name or number, the nearest municipality or landmark, and the type of highway issue being experienced.

The new multi-year roads plan, announced earlier this year, included a complete list of projects for the 2022-23 road construction season and a partial list for 2023-24. Information gathered from this year’s survey will be used to complete a list of projects for the upcoming construction season and a partial list for the following year.

Road projects included in the roads plan are based on safety; traffic volumes; socio-economic impacts; input from the general public; commercial, industry, and tourism impacts; populations serviced; the impacts of climate change; and assessments by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s engineers.

Residents can submit suggestions until January 17, 2023. The department received 867 submissions to its 2021 consultation and 422 submissions to its consultation in 2020.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

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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“The new multi-year roads plan, announced earlier this year, included a complete list of projects for the 2022-23 road construction season and a partial list for 2023-24. Information gathered from this year’s survey will be considered in the department’s list of projects for the upcoming construction season and a partial list for the following year.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

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The Provincial Government has committed to a number of financial incentives for private and community ambulance operators and their employees throughout the province. These incentives align with a number of other measures offered recently to health care professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador, in an effort to address recruitment and retention issues and help stabilize the workforce.

An employee bonus will be awarded to all full-time private and community ambulance staff over a two-year period that will provide the equivalent of a two per cent wage increase in year one, as well as a further two per cent in year two. Additionally, a commitment bonus of $2,000 per funded employee will be provided in exchange for a return-in-service agreement.

Recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge across all health care professions locally, nationally and internationally. As a result, the Provincial Government continues to work with health care professionals, and has implemented a number of creative measures to help curb the workforce challenges and encourage recruitment. More information on these measures is available here.

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“We recognize the valuable role private and community ambulance operators and their employees play in the delivery of health care in our province. Our government is pleased to recognize their efforts with these incentives, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to maintain and deliver quality road ambulance services throughout the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to support residents impacted by Hurricane Fiona.

Work has progressed on the assessment of the damage to properties as a result of Hurricane Fiona. Based on applications received under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, insurance adjusters and contractors are actively inspecting properties. These assessments involve a detailed review of the homeowner’s property and other relevant information.

Beginning next week, government officials will provide some property owners with detailed information relating to their financial compensation package based on the work completed by insurance adjusters and contractors.

The process will continue in the new year with packages being issued to property owners as they are received and processed through the Emergency Services Division. Property owners will be contacted directly when their financial compensation package is available for review.

Work will continue through the holiday season and the Hurricane Fiona response line and email will be active during regular office hours.

Individuals with inquiries may contact the Fiona Response Line at 709-695-9871 or email FionaResponse@gov.nl.ca for assistance.

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The Department of Justice and Public Safety is providing tips on how to protect yourself and your family this holiday season through its ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign.

Sitting around a fireplace with ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire’ is a tradition of the holiday season. Here are some tips on how to safeguard your home, family and guests:

• Inspect, maintain, and clean your chimney regularly to prevent chimney fires;
• Use a small amount of dry wood to build your fire. Do not overload your wood stove or fireplace as this may cause overheating which can lead to damage to the wood burning unit and piping;
• Always remove any stockings or decorations hanging on or near the wood stove or fireplace before lighting a fire;
• Never add highly flammable materials or substances such as wrapping paper or gasoline to your fire;
• Never set up a Christmas tree close to a wood stove or fireplace;
• Carbon monoxide alarms are necessary if you have a wood burning unit in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct installation;
• Open the damper in a fireplace to enable proper air flow and keep it open until the fire is out and ashes have cooled; and
• Never go to bed with a fireplace still burning.

Once a week during December, the department is issuing a Public Advisory to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as they celebrate the holidays.

Follow @JPS_GovNL on Twitter for more safety tips.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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Today, the province’s new Adult Protection Act, 2021 comes into effect. The purpose of this legislation is to protect adults 18 years of age and older in Newfoundland and Labrador who are at risk of abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect, and who do not understand or appreciate that risk.

The new Adult Protection Act, 2021:

• strengthens the rights of adults involved in the adult protection process by implementing timelines on temporary orders (provision, which did not exist previously), legislating timelines on investigations (30 days) and enshrining the right to retain and instruct counsel in the Act;
• allows for temporary orders, which will ensure adults are protected while under investigation or awaiting a declaration hearing;
• adds consideration of culture in the Act’s service principles, which outline how the Act is to be interpreted and administered; and
• strengthens the concept of decision-specific capacity and providing the authority to develop regulations for the assessment of capacity.

Updates to the Adult Protection Act, 2021 are a result of the legislated five-year statutory review of the Act and feedback gathered from key stakeholders including Regional Health Authority staff and management, police, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities, as well as community organizations and the public. The Act is operationalized through the four Regional Health Authorities, and the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has overall responsibility for the administration of the Act.

The Act, which received Royal Assent on November 4, 2021, can be found on the House of Assembly website.

For more information on the adult protection process, please visit the department’s website.

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“I am pleased that the new Adult Protection Act, 2021, is now law. As a government, we recognize the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of those in neglectful or abusive situations. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the engagement process that informed the review of this important legislation. As well, I would like to remind all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of their duty to report adult abuse and neglect. If you suspect that an adult is being abused or neglected, please call toll-free 1-855-376-4957 or contact your local police.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more

Adult Protection Act 2021

How to Report Abuse or Neglect of Adults

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