Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is establishing a new Manager of Physician Relations position within the Department of Health and Community Services to continue strengthening its relationship with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA).

NLMA members, including individual physicians, clinics, and physician groups, often request additional information regarding the department’s Medical Care Plan (MCP) adjudication. The new position will ensure NLMA members receive:

• Timely information on MCP adjudications;
• Clear reasons on decisions to adjust or reject claims; and
• Guidance on how physicians can avoid future adjustments.

The position is part of the Shared Agenda for Family Medicine, which addresses issues related to the retention of the province’s family physician workforce. The agenda, created earlier this year, outlines plans for:

• Physician recruitment and retention;
• Collaborative community care teams;
• Addressing human resource shortages; and
• Improving the way emergency medicine services are provided.

Numerous initiatives, such as establishing an Office of Recruitment and Retention within the department, the blended capitation payment model, and the creation of physician marketing and recruitment programs have already begun, while work continues on other initiatives to be completed later in 2023.

More information on the Shared Agenda is available here. Recruitment for the Manager of Physician Relations position has begun and the department anticipates filling the position this summer.

Quotes
“We all recognize the value of physicians in this province, and the importance of compensating them for the insured service they provide to patients. We also recognize the importance of the adjudication process of MCP claims. Introducing this new position will help build a stronger relationship with physicians by ensuring they receive clear information on decisions related to MCP claims and how to avoid issues in the future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The NLMA is encouraged that the government recognizes the need to enhance relations between MCP and physicians. We hope this position will help foster a common understanding about MCP processes, provide guidance and improve communication on MCP claims and audits. Ensuring physicians are paid on a timely and accurate basis consistent with the services they have provided is a priority for the NLMA and is key to improving recruitment and retention.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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Shared Agenda for Family Medicine

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Provincial Government and NLMA Sign Shared Agenda for Family Medicine

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring remarks at the Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador 25th anniversary celebration and Team NL send-off today (Wednesday, May 17).

The event takes place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. and remarks following at 4:00 p.m.

The event will include a send-off for Team NL 2023, a team of students and apprentices who have demonstrated excellence in skilled trade areas and will be travelling to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg, Manitoba from May 25 to 26.

Skills Canada has a mission to encourage and support a coordinated Pan-Canadian approach to promoting skilled careers in trades and technologies to youth and their communities.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is standing up to hate and promoting acceptance and inclusivity today on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

This day is recognized around the world to draw attention to the unacceptable persecution, discrimination and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and all those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The Provincial Government is committed to working collaboratively with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for all people throughout our province.

The Office of Women and Gender Equality has been actively consulting with community stakeholders, including 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations, to craft a provincially tailored violence prevention plan guided by the recently announced ten-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This action plan will build on existing approaches and strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through Budget 2023, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has allocated over $3.3 million to support equity-seeking and violence prevention organizations and initiatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“The growing diversity of Newfoundland and Labrador and the vibrant 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in our province is something to celebrate. Today and every day, our Provincial Government will promote kindness, respect and dignity for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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National Seal Products Day is celebrated annually during the month of May to promote the seal products industry and highlight the importance of the seal fishery for Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly for coastal communities and Indigenous people.

Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will be representing the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at a reception today (Tuesday, May 16) on Parliament Hill recognizing National Seal Products Day.

The event is being hosted by Speaker of the House of Commons, The Honourable Anthony Rota, and is open to Members of Parliament, Senators and seal products industry stakeholders.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council will also be representing the province, and will have a variety of high quality seal crafts and apparel on display. The council has been a major supporter of National Seal Products Day since its inception in 2017, and is recognized for its advocacy work in support of the seal fishery.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains a key supporter of the seal products industry through investments in the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, which is responsible for managing the ongoing Canadian Seal Products marketing campaign. The Provincial Government has contributed $774,000 since 2019 toward this nearly $3 million initiative that aims to promote seal products and their benefits.

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“Events such as National Seal Products Day help raise the profile of the sealing sector, and provide an important platform for industry supporters to network and offer their perspectives about the economic and cultural benefits offered by the sealing industry. I look forward to continued work with our federal partners and industry stakeholders to promote the seal products industry and increase awareness about all the benefits available from our seal resources.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Canadian Seal Products

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will participate in a panel discussion at the St. John’s Board of Trade’s Business Bootcamp tomorrow (Wednesday, May 17).

The event takes place at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre, Salon A, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The St. John’s Board of Trade Business Bootcamp includes a variety of informative sessions that provide a fast-paced look at topics and advice to help participants grow their businesses.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at the annual international Peace Officers’ Memorial Day service tomorrow (Wednesday, May 17).

The event will take place at the St. John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, 30 Aldershot Street, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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Two separate investigations by officers with the Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture have resulted in convictions and fines against two individuals, for violations of provincial Forest Fire Regulations.

Kevin Power of Cupids was convicted and fined $500 in Provincial Court at Harbour Grace on October 12, 2022, for lighting a fire on or within 300 meters of forest land during the 2022 forest fire season without a permit to burn, contrary to Section 3 of the Forest Fire Regulations.

Barbara Thomson of Harbour Main was convicted and fined $500 in Provincial Court at Harbour Grace on January 11, 2023, for lighting a fire on or within 300 meters of forest land during the 2022 forest fire season without a permit to burn, contrary to Section 3 of the Forest Fire Regulations.

Both individuals were charged as a result of investigations into forest fires in Brigus and Harbour Main on May 11, 2022. Resource Enforcement Officers determined that the forest fires had originated from fires that both individuals admitted to lighting for the purpose of burning debris. Provincial forest firefighters, water bombers and local fire departments had to be called to extinguish the fires.

The public can report suspected illegal or 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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Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will attend a reception tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16) on Parliament Hill recognizing National Seal Products Day.

The event will take place in the Speaker’s Dining Room, Room 233-S West Block, Parliament Hill, 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

National Seal Products Day is celebrated annually during the month of May to promote the seal products industry and highlight the importance of the seal fishery for Canada’s Indigenous people, coastal communities and entire population.

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Provincial Highway Enforcement Officers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will be participating with law enforcement agencies in International Roadcheck from May 16 to 18, 2023.

International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume inspection and enforcement event, where Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the United States will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas and along roadways.

This year, inspectors will pay particular attention to anti-lock braking systems and cargo securement, to highlight the importance of these aspects of vehicle safety.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the official launch of the City of St. John’s Come Home Mural tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16).

The launch takes place at 11:00 a.m. on Harvey Road, St. John’s, just below The Rooms (the mural begins near 30 Harvey Road).

Created by artists Molly Margaret and Lily Taylor, the Come Home Mural celebrates the meaning of home to people of Newfoundland and Labrador, including Indigenous people, newcomers and multi-generational families.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing funding of approximately $236,000 to Lifewise NL to pilot a one-year dedicated peer support warm line to improve mental health supports and services for paramedics and other first responders in the province.

The First Responder Warm Line will be staffed by first responders trained in the delivery of peer support, and will be available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This new service will provide mental health support to first responders, which will then help them support others.

According to a survey administered by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Paramedic Mental Health Working Group, 78 per cent of respondents stated they would access dedicated peer support if available.

In June 2022, the Provincial Government released Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan promotes the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, as well as workplace wellness programs to address compassion fatigue, stress, caregiver responsibilities and other mental health issues.

Lifewise NL supports and encourages individual recovery and the reduction of stigma through the provision of peer support, public education, advocacy and community engagement. More information about Lifewise NL can be found here.

Quotes
“We recognize the valuable role paramedics and other first responders play in the delivery of health care and in support of public safety in Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding reinforces our government’s commitment to ensuring access to mental health supports and services when first responders need them most.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Listening to the voices of people receiving mental health care is critical to a successful system. After listening to the voices of first responders, Lifewise is honoured to develop a First Responder Peer Support Warm Line with the support of the Provincial Government. We are confident the warm line will provide a necessary service that supports first responders in maintaining their wellness while doing important work in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Brad Glynn
Executive Director, Lifewise NL

“The mental health of our Paramedic Practitioners is so vital. Having a peer support option like this, available here in our province, and provided by actual first responders, will hopefully help our members and provide an avenue for help for those that need it. Whether it’s just to talk to someone following a difficult call or when you are having a crisis, this resource is now available.”
Rodney Gaudet
President, Paramedic Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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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, is today announcing a new grant to support the inclusion of children with disabilities in summer camps.

The Summer Camp Inclusion Grant aligns with the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive province. The grant provides financial assistance to pay for a support person to accommodate children with disabilities to attend and participate in summer camps.

This support person may be an inclusion worker, a caregiver, an attendant, an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, a designated camp staff member, or any other person deemed appropriate by the family to support the child’s needs and participation at summer camp.

The Summer Camp Inclusion Grant provides funding of:

• Up to $1,000 to families with children with disabilities who require a support and/or inclusion worker to attend summer camp; or
• Up to $5,000 to organizations providing summer camps who wish to hire support and/or inclusion workers to accommodate children with disabilities.

This grant supports the Health Accord’s recommendation of building a provincial pathway to inclusion for a more inclusive health system and society in which each person feels valued and respected.

Grant guidelines and application form can be found here. You can also call toll-free 1-888-729-6279; text 709-725-4463; or email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats.

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“I am pleased to announce the new Summer Camp Inclusion Grant, which will help to further expand opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in activities that foster improved physical and mental health and well-being. This is one of many initiatives that speak to our government’s commitment to building an inclusive and accessible province where all residents can participate meaningfully. I encourage eligible families and organizations to submit an application today.”
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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A bursary offered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to undergraduate medical students at Memorial University has led to 22 students agreeing to work in the province.

The Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary Program offers $7,500 in funding to full-time students enrolled in their fourth academic year of the Undergraduate Medical Education Program at the university. In return, the students agree to work in the province for a 12-month period as part of a return-in-service agreement.

The bursaries, totaling $165,000, help address physician challenges in the province.

The Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary Program is one of numerous incentives, such as the Come Home Incentive, the Family Practice Start-Up Program, and the Bachelor of Nursing Bursary, that offer thousands of dollars to recruit and retain health care students and experienced professionals in exchange for return for service.

To learn more about the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for health care workers looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit workinhealthnl.ca or email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

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“The Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary program is one of numerous programs and incentives the province has to recruit and retain health care professionals, and we are excited to see 22 students agree to work in the province as a result of this bursary. It is through initiatives such as this that we continue to boost the attractiveness of our health community, which results in even more health professionals providing services in our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Health Care Bursaries and Incentives

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will participate in the 2023 Northern Development Ministers’ Forum, taking place from May 16 to 17 in Churchill, Manitoba.

The forum is taking place at the Town Centre Complex, 180 La Vérendrye Avenue, Churchill, Manitoba. A virtual news conference will take place 2:00 p.m. NDT (1:30 p.m. in parts of Labrador) on Wednesday, May 17 for participating ministers to summarize the proceedings and respond to topics discussed during the forum. Newfoundland and Labrador media interested in participating via Zoom should contact Allan Bock (AllanBock@gov.nl.ca).

The Government of Manitoba is hosting the 2023 Forum, and sessions will be chaired by Greg Nesbitt, federal Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development. The theme is ‘Economic Reconciliation Through Action’.

The Northern Development Ministers’ Forum was established in 2001 to advance the diverse and common interests of the people living in Canada’s North, while raising awareness among decision-makers and the public about the accomplishments, contributions and potential of the North. Member jurisdictions include the Governments of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon.

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To enhance business and market development of a local cosmetics company, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced an investment of over $69,000 through the Business Development Support Program in East Coast Glow.

Founded in 2011 by Karen and Roger Dewling, East Coast Glow began as a part-time business based out of their home in Clarenville. When faced with their infant daughter’s painful skin condition, the Dewlings set out on a path to finding a solution, which resulted in the creation of their sustainable, plant-based skincare company. Since its inception, the company has steadily grown to include nearly 80 product offerings, crafted using wild ingredients foraged and harvested by hand and infused with iceberg water, to customers, retailers and wholesalers across the country.

From 2019 onwards, the company has invested heavily in enhancing its clientele through an increased digital presence in the form of a new website, videography, social media campaigns and other marketing materials. Through this project, East Coast Glow will be building on the success of previous marketing campaigns to further the creative development of digital advertising initiatives, develop bilingual signage intended to engage tourists during peak seasons, and produce creative materials for wholesale and tradeshows. This is a strategic market development initiative that will enable the company to further broaden its market reach beyond Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to developing and growing their operations by improving operational productivity and developing their markets.

Quotes
“East Coast Glow has demonstrated sustained business growth over the years, and has produced high quality products that hold the potential to represent Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging skincare industry in markets beyond the province. We are pleased to support a company that integrates and showcases our local natural resources in innovative and sustainable ways.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are incredibly thankful for this support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to help us further our mission to connect people with nature through sustainable, wildcrafted cosmetics. Our innovative formulas are developed to capture the synergy between the still-wild elements of Newfoundland and cutting-edge cosmetic chemistry. As a family-run business, we care about our neighbours and the community in which we live. We aim to be positive agents of change, opportunity, and progress, and the support we have received from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will help us realize these goals.”
Roger and Karen Dewling
East Coast Glow

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Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will attend the official opening and dedication of The Launch – the Marine Institute’s Ocean Innovation Hub in Holyrood on Monday, May 15.

The event will take place at the new Arthur W. May building, Northside Road, Holyrood at 10:30 a.m.

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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:

New Harbour Barrens RV Park                                                                    (Reg. 2245)

Proponent: Anthony Developments Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate a 13.4-hectare RV park near New Harbour off Route 73. The construction would consist of 250 RV sites, the installation of an approved water and sewage system, a kiosk building (office and security), a comfort station (with laundry, washrooms, and a common room), and a sewage dumping station. The construction is planned to begin in summer 2023. 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 May 10, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 16, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 24, 2023.

Lark Harbour Breakwater and Wharf                                                           (Reg. 2244)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Small Craft Harbours

The proponent proposes to construct a new marginal wharf, concrete launchway, floating docks and rubble-mounded breakwater to replace the existing finger pier wharf at the Small Craft Harbour in Lark Harbour. The improved infrastructure would meet the needs of local users and the breakwater would provide protection from strong wave action. The project would have a total footprint of approximately 14.4 hectares. 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 May 10, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 16, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 24, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Junction River Bridge Removals                                                       (Reg. 2237)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure                                                                                                                                                        

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following.
• Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site 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, one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if required.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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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Results of the 2023-24 big game licence draw are available on the Wildlife Information Management System website. Applicants will receive an email notification over the coming days to check their accounts.

In most areas of the island, big game season begins September 9 and closes December 31. In Labrador, the season opens September 9 and closes March 10. Successful applicants should pay fees by 4:30 p.m. on June 30 to ensure they receive their licences in time for the start of the season.

The 2023-24 moose quota for the island of Newfoundland is 27,575 licences, including 3,930 non-resident and 460 not-for-profit licences. In Labrador, the quota is 340 moose. The caribou quota is 575 licences for the island of Newfoundland, including 216 non-resident licences. Caribou hunting is prohibited in Labrador. Information on season dates, hunting regulations, and safe practices is available in the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

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“Thousands of people enjoy the physical challenges of hunting, the shared culture of getting out on the land, and the rewards of a healthy meal of wild game. With the smooth transition to a fully online application process, our staff have completed the draw earlier this year to give hunters more time to prepare for a safe and successful hunting season. I encourage hunters to review the Hunting and Trapping Guide to see what’s new for 2023-24 and learn how we manage our important wildlife resources.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Big Game Season 2023-24 Highlights

Public Advisory: 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Guide Available Online

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the grand opening of AgeRight Health and Fitness Studio tomorrow (Friday, May 12).

The opening will take place at the Macpherson Suites Building, Lower Level, 40 Newtown Road, St. John’s at 12:30 p.m.

AgeRight is a health and fitness company offering customized programs for the 50 plus age group to promote a culture of healthy living and wellness within the aging community.

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On Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, the Provincial Government is announcing the creation of a Steering Committee to lead strategy development for the elimination of Hepatitis C in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Hepatitis C Elimination Steering Committee will embrace innovation and lead transformative action to reduce the incidence and impact of Hepatitis C in this province. The committee will develop a Newfoundland and Labrador Framework for elimination of Hepatitis C, which will guide province-specific attention and resources toward nationally and internationally agreed upon Hepatitis C elimination goals for 2030.

The committee’s work will focus on facilitating early and equitable access to testing, treatment, and care, and support persons living with Hepatitis C in a manner that minimizes the risk for stigma and discrimination.

In addition to key experts, the committee will include representatives who have lived and living experiences with viral hepatitis, and will highlight the importance of prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Thursday, May 11, 2023 marks the second annual Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, which promotes urgency to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Canada by 2030. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease, which spreads primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. It ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong illness that causes permanent liver damage. Newfoundland and Labrador has seen gradual increases in Hepatitis C in all regional health zones, and since 2017 rates of new Hepatitis C infection in this province have been above the national rate.

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“I am confident that the creation of this Steering Committee will provide a tangible opportunity to advance our government’s strategic public health goals by improving quality and access and enhancing health efficiency. Eliminating Hepatitis C is possible and feasible, and through the valuable work of this Steering Committee, we are on our way.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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