Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will sign a proclamation tomorrow (Tuesday, May 9) to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism.

The signing will take place at the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 12:30 p.m. Minister Byrne will be joined by representatives of the Jewish community.

Through the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, a request was made to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador from local Jewish communities on an approach that is also advocated by the League for Human Rights, B’nai Brith Canada. This definition of anti-Semitism is being adopted along with a pledge to continue the dialogue on anti-Semitism and to continue to demonstrate support for the Jewish community.

The Provincial Government formed the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism in 2021, with a mandate to eradicate racism in all its forms, including the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Since then, the committee has taken actions on multiple fronts and this work is ongoing.

For more information on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and the definition of anti-Semitism, please visit What is antisemitism? | IHRA (holocaustremembrance.com)

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs:

Speaker, on Friday I had the pleasure of joining our partners Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators at the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Spring Symposium to proclaim May 8 – 12 as Municipal Awareness Week. The week is an opportunity to acknowledge the many people in the municipal sector, and the contribution of local governments to the province.

At the heart of every municipality are elected officials, administrators, professional planners, staff, and volunteers. Municipal governments are responsible for many services that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Budget 2023 recognizes the essential role municipalities play in the well-being, safety, and security of residents. Beginning this year, municipal operating grants are increasing by $3 million, bringing the total budget to $25 million. This allocation will rise again by another $3 million next year for a total annual budget of $28 million.

All communities currently receiving a grant will see an increase of approximately 13.6 per cent this year, and we will review how funds are allocated in the following year.

Speaker, collaboration, partnership and citizen involvement are essential for active, sustainable and vibrant communities. To help communities build capacity and provide the services residents need, we will be working with community leaders and stakeholder groups to identify opportunities for regional community collaboration, supported through initial funding of $500,000.

Municipalities will be holding special events throughout this week. I encourage everyone to drop by your town hall and see the great work that is happening at the local level.

Thank you.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance:

This weekend, across Canada and around the world, a significant moment in the history of The Monarch was observed: the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

We acknowledge and celebrate the close ties between His Majesty The King and our country, as well as the role The Canadian Crown plays in our system of governance and our sense of identity.

Their Majesties are dear friends to Newfoundland and Labrador, having visited on multiple occasions. We had the pleasure of welcoming Their Majesties during their Royal Tour of Canada in 2022. The visit was an opportunity to reflect on The Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate our province’s friendly hospitality, rich arts and Indigenous traditions, as well as our incredible pride of place.

On Coronation Day, we had the collective opportunity to reflect on this once again and celebrate shared priorities that Their Majesties and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador hold close, which includes important areas such as service to our communities, the environment and sustainability, and diversity.

Events such as the Royal Tour of Canada and the Coronation inspire a sense of pride and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of uniquely Canadian institutions, like The Crown in Canada, and the values and symbols that unite us all.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today met with leaders from the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CASEY) and other community agencies to proclaim May 8 to 12, 2023 as Stop Sexual Exploitation Week in Newfoundland in Labrador.

Stop Sexual Exploitation Week is a dedicated time to raise awareness of sexual exploitation and to share information and resources that are available to victims and their support networks. This year’s theme is “I am here,” which connects to the experiences of sexual exploitation victims and lifts up the support services that are available.

Sexual exploitation is the abuse of individuals in positions of vulnerability and dependency by individuals in positions of power and trust, with the goal of profiting monetarily, materially, socially or politically off the exploits of another person.

CASEY aims to support the development of community-identified needs, build supportive networks, and create a safer province for children, youth and adults free from sexual exploitation.

Through Budget 2023, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has allocated over $60,000 to CASEY to support initiatives that prevent sexual exploitation and support young people who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, sexual exploitation.

Quotes
“Ongoing and targeted work in areas such as violence prevention, justice, and social and economic well-being are integral to addressing factors that lead to sexual exploitation. I commend CASEY for their tireless work to support individuals who have experienced youth sexual exploitation.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“This year’s theme for Stop Sexual Exploitation Week, “I am here,” acknowledges the responsibility of the public to be aware of sexual exploitation in our province. The experiences of people who have been sexually exploited matter. CASEY will continue to listen to victims and work with community and government to address issues pertaining to the sexual exploitation of youth.”
Jilian Nugent
CASEY Coordinator

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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth

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The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is pleased to announce recipients of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award grants for 2023. The initiative encourages Canadians to take actions that increase their home, neighborhood and community’s resilience to wildfire.

Ten municipalities, fire departments and community groups from this province have been awarded funding through the program, which is administered by FireSmart Canada in cooperation with provincial partners. The grants, valued at $500 each, help fund local projects aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage in and around communities.

This year’s recipients include:

• The Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation;
• Town of Eastport;
• Town of Englee;
• Corner Brook Fire Department;
• Gander Bay Fire Department;
• Fortune Fire Department;
• Botwood Fire Department;
• Deer Lake Fire Rescue;
• Meadows Fire Department; and
• The St. Lewis local fire brigade.

Wildfire professionals from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture work with grant recipients to educate residents about practices that help reduce the wildfire risk within their communities.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May.  Municipalities and community groups are encouraged to plan community events that may include fire prevention and other mitigation activities, such as demonstrating how to safely store firewood and neighborhood clean ups focused on removing combustible materials such as dry leaves and brush.

Quote
“I would like to congratulate each of the 2023 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award recipients for taking advantage of this program, which provides residents of their communities with the knowledge to better protect their homes and property. As witnessed last summer in central Newfoundland, forest fires have the potential to pose a significant risk to our communities. The Provincial Government is happy to support this initiative, which aims to educate the public about wildland forest fire preparedness and prevention.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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FireSmart Canada

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Over 130 junior high and high school students from 15 teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will participate in the regional Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) competition this weekend in St. John’s. The Provincial Government is contributing over $89,000 to support this year’s event, hosted by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s School of Ocean Technology.

The 17th annual regional MATE ROV competition inspires and encourages youth to become involved in ocean science and technology. Using science, technology, engineering, and math skills, students create remotely operated vehicles to compete in missions that simulate challenges present in marine environments. This year’s student challenge is ‘Deliver, Together, The Ocean We Need for the Future We Want’, by designing and building a remotely operated vehicle and the necessary sensors, tooling, and complementary technologies to combat climate change, provide clean energy, monitor ocean health, and heal and protect our aquatic habitats from the mountains to the sea.

Taking place this weekend (Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6), this Newfoundland and Labrador competition is part of a network of 26 regional events worldwide. Winners of the provincial event will attend the international MATE ROV competition in Longmont, Colorado from June 22-24, 2023. Eastern Edge Robotics, comprised of post-secondary students representing Memorial University and Marine Institute, will compete in the explorer class at the international event this year.

The goal of the MATE ROV competition is to encourage youth to become more involved in ocean science and technology, providing industry with skilled individuals who can fill workforce needs in the future. As exemplified by the success of companies such as Kraken Robotics, and initiatives such as the Ocean Supercluster, the ocean technology industry is growing and building a stronger economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The School of Ocean Technology at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University is the only post-secondary facility in the country to offer remotely operated vehicles training. The school also offers a diploma and graduate programs in Ocean Mapping and oversees the institute’s Leadership Certificate, Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology Management programs.

Quotes
“Ocean tech plays such an important role in our economy, and this competition shines a light on opportunities for young people in this sector. By building the skills required to successfully undertake innovative research and development activities, these students are gaining valuable hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to the team at the Marine Institute’s School of Ocean Technology for hosting, and helping these students as they prepare to play a leading role in our ocean industries and the blue economy. I wish you all the best of luck this weekend.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“I wish all students and their teams the best of luck as they make final preparations to participate in this annual competition. Students have the opportunity to explore the burgeoning ocean sciences and technology sectors, which could steer their career path heading into post-secondary education. I commend the Fisheries and Marine Institute for fostering this program and demonstrating an innovative approach to education for students in junior and senior high.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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MATE ROV competition

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings and will sign a proclamation to recognize Stop Sexual Exploitation Week on Monday, May 8.

The event will take place at Thrive Community Youth Network, 807 Water Street, St. John’s at 11:30 a.m.

The event is hosted by the Coalition to Address the Sexual Exploitation of Youth, a group of concerned professionals and experiential voices in the community that work together to address issues pertaining to the sexual exploitation of youth.

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Visitor services at the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will open for the 2023 tourism season on Monday, May 8, and will remain open until Friday, October 13.

The hours of operation for the visitor centre at Cape St. Mary’s are Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours will begin in June and a public update on those extended hours will be provided at that time.

The hours of operation for the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre at Mistaken Point are Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Viewing of the fossils at Mistaken Point occurs through guided hikes, which can be booked by email at mistakenpointtour@gov.nl.ca or by telephone at 709-438-1011.

When planning your visit, please remember for the safety and comfort of both wildlife and other visitors, pets are not permitted in the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve or on the guided hikes at Mistaken Point.

The Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve recorded 14,280 visitors last year. Staff at the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve led 238 guided hikes last year with a total of 2,691 participants.

More information on the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site is available online.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring greetings at the Steps for Life walk on Sunday, May 7.

The walk will begin at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre, 1 Sarah Davis Way (off McNamara Drive), Paradise beginning 10:30 a.m. Visitors should enter from the main entrance of the Paradise Double Ice Complex.

Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is a five kilometre fundraising walk held annually at various locations throughout Canada to help support families affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at Softball Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2023 Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet tomorrow (Saturday, May 6).

The event will take place at the GlenDenning Golf Club, 120 Gabriel Road, St. John’s beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile, will speak at the Port aux Basques Lifestyle Expo tomorrow (Saturday, May 6).

The event takes place at the Bruce II Sports Centre, 200 Hardys Arterial Road, Port aux Basques. Minister Parsons is scheduled to speak at 12:00 p.m.

Presented by the Port aux Basques and Area Chamber of Commerce, this three-day event is a celebration of all that southwestern Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will take part in two Holocaust remembrance events on Sunday, May 7, hosted by Jewish communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Byrne will first attend a Holocaust Memorial Service, organized by Beth El Synagogue and the Jewish Community Havura, commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the six millions Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The service will feature Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter via Zoom and his remembrances of the Warsaw Ghetto and surviving concentration camps.

The service takes place in the Bruneau Centre Auditorium (IC2001) at Memorial University’s St. John’s campus at 3:00 p.m. Media can RSVP via holmemserv@gmail.com.

Minister Byrne will then give remarks at Where Courage Lives, organized by the Chabad of Newfoundland. The event will feature Holocaust survivor Muguette Myers and the story of her escape from Nazi-occupied Paris.

Where Courage Lives takes place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street beginning at 6:30 p.m. Media can email Rabbi Chernitsky to RSVP via chananchernitsky@gmail.com.

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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:

NW Gander Area Bullseye Mineral Exploration                     (Reg. 2242)
Proponent:  Exploits Discovery Corp.

The proponent is proposing to complete mineral exploration activities including prospecting, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys on the ground and from the air, and core drilling on the Bullseye Property near Gander River. Site access to complete the exploration activities would be primarily via existing logging roads and trails. Short trails would be constructed to access the drill pads from the existing access roads and trails. 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 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 8, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 16, 2023.

Lewisporte Junction Maple and Birch Syrup Farm             (Reg. 2243)
Proponent: Hillside Farm (HSF)

The proponent proposes to develop a 72-hectare maple and birch tree sap collection and syrup farm near Lewisporte Junction in central Newfoundland. The project includes the installation of tree tapping and piping equipment, as well as the construction of access roads and trails, sap processing and bottling facilities, a retail office and maintenance buildings. 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 4, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 8, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 18, 2023.

UNDERTAKING NOT TO PROCEED:

Rocky Pond Quarry                                                                       (Reg. 2187)
Proponent: Parsons Paving Ltd.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has directed that the Rocky Pond Quarry undertaking not proceed based on its application for permit having been rejected under the Quarry Materials Act, 1998.

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_Jan-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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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will be attending the 2023 East Coast Music Awards taking place this weekend in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

As part of the weekend’s events, Minister Crocker will bring greetings at the East Coast Music Awards Export Buyers’ Delegate Luncheon tomorrow (Friday, May 5).

The luncheon will take place at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax beginning at 1:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will address the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador 2023 Spring Symposium, “Framing Our Future,” tomorrow (Friday, May 5).

The event will take place at the Quality Hotel & Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander. The minister’s remarks will take place at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Howell will also join Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators to proclaim May 8-12 as Municipal Awareness Week.

The Municipal Symposium is presented by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador annually, offering sessions on various topics of interest to municipal representatives from across the province.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize tomorrow, May 5 as the National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, also known as Red Dress Day.

This is a day to honour the memory of all missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people across Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is also a day to raise awareness. Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people face higher rates of violence than their non-Indigenous, cisgender and heterosexual counterparts.

Speaker, preventing this violence requires an approach that is culturally appropriate and informed by Indigenous knowledge keepers.

At the most recent annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering our Premier, the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and I announced our government’s commitment to establish a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.

This council will coordinate and lead meaningful collaborative action in the areas of Indigenous culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security as it relates to violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Through Budget 2023 our government will continue to provide close to $400,000 to support Indigenous-led violence prevention initiatives. This includes the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program, the annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, and funding support to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network.

Speaker, our government is actively partnering with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and will continue to support actions that aim to prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

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Across Canada and around the world, celebrations will be held to mark a significant moment in the history of The Monarch, the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

Events will be held on Coronation Day on the grounds of Government House on Saturday, May 6. Her Honour, The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and His Honour Howard W. Foote, and The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be in attendance.

Events are open to the public and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take part. Residents are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

Saturday, May 6, 2023 on Government House Grounds

10:00 a.m. Parade by a Guard of Honour from Bannerman Road to Military Road

10:10 a.m. Flag-raising ceremony

10:25 a.m. Inspection of the Guard of Honour

10:35 a.m. Official welcoming remarks

11:00 a.m. 21 gun salute will take place on the grounds of Government House

11:15 a.m. Tree-planting ceremony

11:25 a.m. Closing remarks

In keeping with The King’s environmental focus, the Provincial Government has created a Seedling Program to mark His Majesty’s Coronation. During events on May 6, 2023 at Government House, 1,000 seedlings from The Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery will be available to the public. Following the Coronation events on May 6, arrangements will be made to distribute further seedlings across Newfoundland and Labrador.

In observance of Coronation Day, Government House and Confederation Building will join the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries in illuminating the buildings emerald green on May 6 and May 7.

To keep up to date on these events and for more information on the Coronation, please visit the provincial Coronation webpage.

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Learn more
Provincial Coronation Webpage

Government House

Celebrations of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation

Monarchy and the Crown – Canada.ca

The Coronation

Live coverage of the Coronation starts 7:30 a.m. (NST) on Saturday, May 6

Live coverage of the Coronation Concert starts 4:30 p.m. (NST) on Sunday, May 7

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today provided a statement on the appointment of Iris Petten to the Senate of Canada.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, to Ms. Petten on her appointment to the Senate.

Ms. Petten, a resident of Port de Grave, has a long and distinguished career in which she has made valued contributions to the province – she’s been a community volunteer, entrepreneur, and a senior executive with more than 35 years of experience in the fishing industry. She has also served as a member of the Board of Regents of Memorial University.

I look forward to working with Ms. Petten in her position as Senator to advance matters of importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

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Multiple investigations conducted during fall 2022 by Resource Enforcement Officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture into illegal hunting related activity has resulted in several convictions and forfeitures of property to the Crown.

On January 11, 2023, at Provincial Court in Grand Bank, Carl Dominix of Harbour Mille plead guilty to hunting big game without a licence. He was fined $1,000, is prohibited from applying for a big game licence for a period of five years, and a .308 rifle was forfeited to the Crown.

On January 24, 2023 at Provincial Court in Gander, Brittany Knee of Embree plead guilty to discharging a firearm within 300 meters of a dwelling and illegal possession of big game, and was fined $1,200. Michael Hutchings of Lewisporte plead guilty to illegal possession of big game and was fined $1,000. Both individuals are also prohibited from applying for a big game licence for a period of five years.

On March 23, 2023 at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Peter Russell of Conception Bay South plead guilty to hunting big game without a licence, fined $500 and prohibited from applying for a big game licence for a period of five years. Paul Russell of Mount Pearl plead guilty to permitting another person to use his licence and was fined $500. A .30-06 rifle was also forfeited to the Crown.

On April 3, 2023 at Provincial Court in St. John’s, Blaine McGrath and Raymond O’Brien of Torbay, and Ian Story of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, plead guilty to the illegal possession of big game and each were fined $1,000 and prohibited from applying for a big game licence for a period of five years. Mr. McGrath was also fined $100 for the illegal possession of a firearm. An off-road vehicle, cart and firearm seized during the investigation were also forfeited to the Crown.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal 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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This evening, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that 2024 will be known as the “Year of the Arts,” a celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich arts and cultural sector.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, in making the announcement at The Rooms. Sharing in the news were key sector organizations, including ArtsNL, Music NL, Business and Arts NL, the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and more, all of whom will play an integral role in the success of the Year of the Arts.

The Year of the Arts will take a comprehensive approach to celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique and colourful arts community. It will include investments in cultural infrastructure, artistic creation and presentation, marquee events and recognition of the 75th anniversary of Confederation.

The Provincial Government’s vision for the Year of the Arts is for it to have a lasting impact on both artists and communities. To support that vision, work will begin toward commissioning a new artist-focused, mid-size theatre. This new theatre will provide a space to grow and enhance theatre in the province, providing creative spaces for use by the broader community. The next step in the process is to engage a planning professional to help determine the scope of the new facility, in close consultation with the theatre community.

Another key component of the Year of the Arts is a one-time funding program for artists to support the generation and presentation of new work, innovation in artists’ practices, and collaborative projects. Funding will begin in 2023 to maximize the number of projects that will be ready to share in 2024.

The Year of the Arts will feature public initiatives including events, festivals, music, and performances. There will also be a number of public art exhibitions and opportunities for participation and collaboration with the broader community. More details on the Year of the Arts, including event announcements, will take place in the months ahead.

Quotes
“Not unlike the puffin featured in our new Year of the Arts logo, Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts community is unique, colourful, and full of personality. Around the world, our province is seen as a hotspot of creativity and an exporter of incredibly talented artists and performers. The arts protect our traditions, celebrate them and pass them on to future generations, and that is something to celebrate! Much like Come Home Year 2022, the Year of the Arts will have a lasting legacy, sparking imaginations and lighting fires of creativity within artists in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“While attending the recent Arts and Letters Awards, I was once again impressed by the amount of talent on display, by creators of all ages, from all regions of the province. Art tells a story, whether it be through song or dance, visual art or the written word, through a performance or a documentary. As Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, I could not be more proud of this initiative and look forward to the incredible stories that will unfold.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Having appropriate infrastructure to showcase the talent of our artistic community is important, and I am pleased that our government is addressing this need through a new theatre. I look forward to the next steps in the planning process, as we determine the scope of the project, in consultation with the arts community.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The artists of Newfoundland and Labrador have always been proud ambassadors for the province. Our arts community, like our culture, has always played a part in drawing visitors to our shores. The Year of the Arts will not only celebrate the role of the arts in our province but will create a powerful legacy that will pay dividends for many years to come.”
Rick Mercer
Patron for the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador

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