Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the St. John’s Retired Citizens Association’s Christmas Dinner and Dance today (Friday, December 9) at 6:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, St. John’s Branch 1, 57-59 Blackmarsh Road, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, is pleased to advise that 96 per cent of the initial 392,000 cost of living relief cheques have now been mailed to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador; and is thanking public service employees for their hard work in ensuring people received their cheques before Christmas.

Cheques were mailed to eligible residents based on their address on file with the Canada Revenue Agency as of June 2022. Cheques will continue to be mailed as more residents late file their 2021 tax returns. Those who file between October 1 and December 31, 2022, will receive their cheques once we receive the required information from Canada Revenue Agency. Residents who have not yet filed their 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador tax return are reminded that the deadline is December 31, 2022.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced on October 5, 2022 that it was issuing a one-time cost of living relief cheque of up to $500 to residents of the province who have reached the age of 18 years old as of December 31, 2022 and who filed a 2021 tax return with an adjusted income of $125,000 or less.

Those with adjusted income of less than $100,000 will receive $500 and those with adjusted income between $100,000 and $125,000 will receive a partial payment ranging between $250 and $500.

This one-time benefit is estimated to cost $194 million and is part of $430 million in targeted short and long term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living.

More information on the initiative is available online at One-Time Cost of Living Relief.

If you have additional questions, please telephone Tax Administration Division at 1-877-729-6376. Please wait two weeks before calling to question the status of your cheque to allow time for Canada Post delivery. We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience.

Quote
“I’m pleased to advise that the one-time cost of living relief cheques have now been sent to the majority of eligible residents in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a coordinated effort involving many public service employees throughout government who are working hard to get the cheques mailed out to residents before Christmas. Please be patient and kind to those working on the frontlines. This is quite a substantive program to help with the cost of living, and is one of the many we have implemented, including the home heating supplement, the temporary reduction of the provincial tax on gasoline, and increases to the income supplement and seniors’ benefit.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more

Public Advisory: To Receive Cost of Living Relief Cheques, Please Ensure 2021 Income Tax Return is Filed

Provincial Government Provides Additional One-time Cost of Living Relief

Provincial Government Launches Home Heating Supplement Program (Furnace and Stove Oil)

News Release: Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges

News Release: Government Announces Five-point Plan to Help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the High Cost of Living

Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living – News Releases

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BACKGROUNDER

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cost of Living Investments

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced $430 million in targeted short- and long-term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, including:

Short-term:

• One-time cost of living relief up to $500 for residents of the province who have reached the age of 18 years as of December 31, 2022 and who filed a 2021 tax return with an adjusted income of $125,000 or less;
• Temporarily lowering the price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (includes HST) to March 31, 2023. This is possible through a reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel by 7 cents per litre;
• Home heating supplement program (now closed for applications). The supplement ranged between $200 and $500, was available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2021 was $150,000 or less and had directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
• In April 2022, provided a one-time benefit for those receiving income support ($5 million);
• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance ($37.8 million); and,
• 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for one year ($27 million).

Transition:

• Funding for electric vehicle rebates and charging infrastructure ($1.9 million);
• Funding to help homes transition from oil to electricity ($2 million);
• Three increases to the minimum wage based on the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee:
  • On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage increased by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour;
  • On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour; and,
  • On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour.
• A one-year transitional support program for smaller employers at a cost of approximately $5 million.

Long-term:

• 10 per cent increase to the Income Supplement ($6.8 million);
• 10 per cent increase to the Seniors’ Benefit ($6.5 million);
• Lower child care costs from an average of $35 per day in 2020, to $25 in 2021, to $10 a day starting in January 2023 ($46 million);
• An increase in the Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement ($0.3 million);
• Physical Activity Tax Credit (estimated $7.0 million); and,
• Expansion of the Bus Pass Program to seniors over age 65 who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement and youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program ($2.1 million).

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The Provincial and Federal Governments announced an $800,000 investment that will help Country Ribbon Inc. deliver more fresh, local chicken to major retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador through the purchase of air-chill technology and secondary processing equipment.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, made the announcement at Country Ribbon Inc.’s farm complex near Cochrane Pond. They were joined by Ian MacKinnon, president of Country Ribbon Inc.

There is a growing demand for locally raised chicken that is air-chilled as opposed to water chilled. Unlike traditional cooling methods, air-chill technology cools the product without retaining excess moisture. By changing its cooling technology, Country Ribbon will increase the amount of local chicken sold in grocery stores across Newfoundland and Labrador and substantially improve food self-sufficiency in the province.

This project is funded under the Partnership’s Agriculture Processing and Value-Added Program to help realize new market opportunities, and will enhance poultry processing capacity, support food safety practices, and produce quality poultry products. The investment is expected to help Country Ribbon access new domestic markets and increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3-billion, five-year (2018-2023) investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to innovate, strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-foods sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. The program will be replaced by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a new $3.5-billion, five-year agreement, between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, in effect from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.

In the first four years, the Partnership has committed approximately $26 million to fund 558 agriculture projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, including 46 new, first-year farmers. Projects under the Partnership focus on new entrants, secondary processing, food self-sufficiency, climate change, and risk mitigation for the agriculture industry. They also support innovation and environmental sustainability. More information on the Partnership is available in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Country Ribbon Inc. is playing a crucial role in strengthening food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. The $800,000-investment from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership will help the company modernize and expand its markets and make more homegrown chicken available in more stores here in the province. We look forward to the company’s continued success, and to working together to increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador for the future.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“The Government of Canada strongly supports supply-managed sectors including poultry, which is an important industry for Newfoundland and Labrador. With this Canadian Agricultural Partnership investment for new air-chill processing technology, Country Ribbon Inc. will improve their productivity and competitiveness, leading to the opening of new markets and a more resilient sector overall.”
Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“As a result of today’s announcement, Country Ribbon is able to begin major investments in its operations. We will immediately begin a $20-million investment over the next year, including an air chill system that will allow more local chicken to be delivered to more major retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will provide a product that is preferable to customers and will replace chicken that is currently imported from the mainland. We thank the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada for their commitment to our local poultry industry, as this funding will help ensure the future livelihoods of local farms and the 300 employees of Country Ribbon.”
Ian MacKinnon
President, Country Ribbon Inc.

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Learn more
Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Federal Program

Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Provincial Program

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BACKGROUNDER

• Federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to give farmers and food processors the support they need through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which invests in six priority areas:
  • Markets and trade;
  • Science, research and innovation;
  • Risk management;
  • Environmental sustainability and climate change;
  • Value-added agriculture and agri-processing; and
  • Public trust.
• The partnership builds on previous successes and makes critical investments in innovation, land development, new entrant initiatives, food safety, environmental sustainability, and market development.
• The partnership allocates $500,000 annually for agriculture development in Labrador to address the unique challenges and economic opportunities for northern food production.
• Programs are available to all eligible applicants and consider the needs of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is advising that it will hold a further public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands report on Tuesday, December 13 at 10 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber. The Committee conducted its first public hearing on this matter on November 23 and 24, 2022.

Next week’s hearing will follow up with officials from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as former officials of Nalcor Energy.

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and a live audio feed of the proceedings will be available on the House of Assembly website.

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Learn more
Report of the Auditor General on the Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands

Public Accounts Committee

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be providing an update on the cost of living relief cheques today (Friday, December 9, 2022) at 10:30 a.m.

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

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

During a hybrid (in-person and zoom) ceremony today at Government House in St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission presented the 2022 Human Rights Award to Kimberly and Todd Churchill.

The Human Rights Award is presented annually in celebration of International Human Rights Day. It recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year it was awarded to two people who were nominated together.

Kimberly and Todd received an original print by Grenfell Visual Arts student, Jessie Donaldson (she/her).

Kimberly Churchill (she/her) and Todd Churchill (he/him) currently reside in Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s with their two sons, Hunter and Carter. They both have been very vocal advocates for the past six years for the rights of Deaf children, like their own son Carter, to receive an education equitable to that of hearing children, particularly in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL). The Churchill’s have raised awareness around the lack of support in place in mainstream schools to provide Deaf children full access to quality education and full social inclusion following the closure of the Newfoundland School for the Deaf (NSD) in August 2010. As a result of the extensive media coverage of the Churchills’ advocacy, their name has become synonymous with the pursuit of equitable education for Deaf children in Newfoundland and Labrador. Kimberly and Todd have been very active advocates engaging in countless media interviews to promote awareness of these issues as well as challenging policymakers within the provincial government and school district to make necessary changes.

As a support to other parents of Deaf children, the Churchills founded the non-profit organization Children’s Language Acquisition Support System Inc. This was to support families of deaf, hard of hearing, and non-orally speaking children. The Churchills lobbying efforts have seen many positive changes such as engaging the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate to initiate a province-wide investigation on the education of Deaf and hard of hearing students in NL. In June 2020, a publication of their findings in a report “The Sounds of Silence: Perspectives on the Education System’s Response to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children” detailed how Deaf children were not receiving an equitable education compared to hearing children.

Both Todd and Kimberly Churchill are past recipients of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-NL President’s Club Award. In addition, Todd was awarded the Caring Canadian Award by His Excellency Governor General David Johnston after being nominated by Mr. Shoemaker’s Grade 6 class at Beachy Cove Elementary for his charitable work with “Reason for the Rink”. Todd has also received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General’s office as well as the Senate 150 Medal for contributions to the community.  Kimberly has been the recipient of many awards including the Canadian Diabetes Distinguished Dedication Award, Youth Volunteer Corps Role Model of the Year and Flare Volunteer of the Year.

Also at today’s ceremony, Khadeja Raven Anderson (she/her) and Michael Duffy (he/him) were named Human Rights Champions. The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by the Human Rights Commissioners. This year it was awarded to two recipients.

Khadeja Raven Anderson (she/her) is a Trinidad and Tobago national, currently based in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. She is passionate about advocacy, Black Liberation, and Healing. She focuses on Anti-Racism, Anti-Black Racism, with an emphasis on the ways in which race seems to intersect between power and perception. Raven has studied at St. Francois Girls’ College in Belmont and Sixth Form Government Polytechnic Institute; and at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus. There, she graduated with honours with a special bachelor’s degree in History. Raven moved to St. John’s in 2018, and graduated, with honours, with a bachelor’s degree in Education (Intermediate/Secondary) from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Education remains a driving force in Raven’s life. Since graduating, Raven is an activist, current cofounder and co-president of Black Lives Matter NL, active member of the Anti-Racism Coalition NL, a Director of the board of Girls Rock NL and an anti-racism consultant at her agency, Ravensong Consulting NL. She is currently a producer at CBC Radio-Canada and a workplace DEI specialist at Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC).

Michael Duffy (he/him) graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1984. After that, he attended Memorial University of Newfoundland graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1990.  Following that he attended Dalhousie Law School graduating in 1993. He was called to the Bar for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1994 and has practiced law here since that year. He is a proud husband and father to three children, and has a deep connection to his community.

He has served on the volunteer Board of Directors with Easter Seals NL since 1994.  He is currently the Provincial chair. Since 2004 he has also served the volunteer board of Easter Seals Canada and is currently the immediate Past Chair of the National Board. In 2010 he led a large team from the board of Easter Seals to Ottawa to successfully lobby for ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In 2011 he participated in a successful multinational effort to add Easter Seals Mexico to the group of Easter Seals organizations including Canada, the USA and Australia. In 2015 he led a group from Easter Seals Canada to Ottawa to consult with the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities on the creation of the Accessible Canada Act, bill c-81.

Michael is currently chair of the 100th-year anniversary committee organizing events in 2022 to mark the 100th year of Easter Seals in Canada.

Since 2018 Michael has been Chair of the Buildings Accessibility Appeal Board for NL. Recently, Michael has served as an Adjudicator with the NL Human Rights Commission and is also currently an Adjudicator on the Law Society of NL, Disciplinary Panel. Michael created and manages an affordable housing project in Torbay.

In 2013 Michael received the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” in recognition of public service. Michael has served as President of the Cape St. Francis LDA and a member of the Board of the St John’s East LRA.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission recognizes and sincerely thanks all those who nominated individuals for the 2022 Human Rights Award. The Human Rights Commissioners had a challenging time deciding this year’s Human Rights Award and Human Rights Champion recipients. Congratulations again to all of the 13 nominees.

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Learn more
For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission can be followed on Twitter and/or Instagram @nlhumanrights.

Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

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As Come Home 2022 draws to a close, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is congratulating communities across the province for their participation and contributions in making the celebration a success.

To support communities in preparing for Come Home Year, the Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant was created. It provided $355,000 in grants to municipalities and Inuit Community Governments to help them prepare for Come Home Year celebrations.

As part of Come Home 2022, special events took place in over 170 communities, ranging from concerts, theatre, sporting and comedy events, to music festivals and events celebrating diversity.

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“Municipalities played a key role in the success of Come Home 2022. Through the Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant, communities across the province embraced, planned and lead initiatives like beautification projects, new signage, created rest and picnic sites, installed stage areas for performances and a host of other projects. Thank you for your enthusiasm, leadership and contributions in making Come Home 2022 such a huge success.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Learn more
Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant

Come Home 2022

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula.

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The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today announced the launch of an updated, easy-to-navigate website that offers clients better access to Crown lands information and services.

The website offers easier access for people seeking information regarding:

• Applying for Crown lands for personal, business, and government use;
• Adverse possession;
• Titles;
• Lands available through public land draws and Requests for Proposals;
• Provincial Land Use Atlas; and
• Other Frequently Asked Questions.

Crown Lands Division manages and allocates the Province’s Crown lands for the continuous social and economic benefit of all residents. Users may apply for Crown lands online, or book an appointment via the online appointment booker.

For assistance with any Crown lands service, visit the website, call 1-833-891-3249 or email crownlandsinfo@gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Crown Lands Division receives thousands of applications every year, ranging from routine applications to highly complex files that require input from a variety of government departments, other agencies, and the applicants themselves. Our dedicated staff works hard to ensure efficient service, and this updated online resource will make it easier for all to access our services and information.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“We have made Crown lands information on our website much easier to navigate and understand. We are continuing our efforts to make government services more accessible for residents and businesses.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Crown Lands

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The Provincial Government has improved the death notification and processing systems used by the province, regional health authorities, Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information and funeral homes, with the implementation of a new online Death Notification System.

Funded by the federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada, this fully-electronic option for submitting and processing information relating to death registration does not change the process for registering deaths – it improves the timeliness, accuracy and efficiency of the necessary steps.

The Vital Statistics Division of Digital Government and Service NL is responsible for the collection, storage and provision of birth, death and marriage registration records in this province.

Bereaved families will now have earlier access to death certificates, and the new system will allow for faster processing times, thus reducing administrative burdens for estates and loved ones.

The new online Death Notification System supports the Provincial Government’s digital government commitment to improve services.

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“The Vital Statistics Division is proud to be the first in Canada to fully implement a paperless, online Death Notification System. The new online option reduces processing times, improves accuracy of data and ensures efficient processing.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
Vital Statistics (Deaths 1950-1968) Digital Collection Now Online

Office of Vital Statistics

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission will present the 8th annual Human Rights Award at a ceremony today (Thursday, December 8). The event begins at 3:00 p.m. at Government House in St. John’s.

The 2022 Human Rights Award recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in the province.

To request a link to the ceremony, please email Hilary Hennessey at HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca. For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission can be followed on Twitter & Instagram @nlhumanrights

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Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

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Come Home 2022 was a record-breaking year for ParksNL, with more than 233,000 visits to Newfoundland and Labrador’s 32 provincial parks.

The 2022 record of 233,168 visits is an increase of approximately 10,000 over 2021, which held the previous record. This also represents an increase of more than 76,000 visits over the pre-pandemic year 2019.

ParksNL also set a new record for campsite stays, with occupancy hitting a high of 66,527 camper nights. The previous record was 65,981 camper nights set in 2013.

All provincial parks have now closed for the season, but visitors can continue to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of connecting with nature in the natural environments that the parks provide.

Quote
“Come Home 2022 has been a banner year for tourism in our province, as travelers rediscover the incredible offerings here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our provincial parks have always been a favourite destination for local residents and visitors alike, and it’s exciting to see that people are returning to enjoy these beautiful natural areas.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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ParksNL

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, is pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Jennifer Mercer as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Associate Chief Judge Mercer replaces former Associate Chief Judge Michael A. Madden, whose seven-year term has concluded.

Associate Chief Judge Mercer graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1997 and was called to the Bar in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998. She previously practiced in Labrador, both in private practice and as a Crown Attorney. Associate Chief Judge Mercer then continued her career in the roles of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Director of Public Prosecutions. She was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety in October 2018, and served in that role until July 2021 when she was appointed as a Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A full biography of Associate Chief Judge Mercer can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Jennifer Mercer as Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. The role of Associate Chief Judge brings with it important responsibilities. I am confident Associate Chief Judge Mercer’s qualifications and experience make her well-suited to her new position as she fulfills her duties in ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador has an effective and efficient Provincial Court.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Jennifer Mercer
Associate Chief Judge Jennifer L. Mercer is originally from Grand Falls-Windsor. She attended Université Ste-Anne, where she completed intensive French Immersion and her Bachelier ès Arts (français). Her studies continued at Dalhousie Law School where she graduated in 1997. Associate Chief Judge Mercer articled with the law firm Miller & Hearn in Labrador City and was admitted to the Bar in 1998, winning both the Hunt and Penny Awards (highest overall marks and highest marks in family law). Associate Chief Judge Mercer practiced with Miller & Hearn until 2007 when she joined the Department of Justice and Public Safety as a Crown Attorney, subsequently becoming Senior Crown Attorney (Labrador) in 2015.

Associate Chief Judge Mercer continued her career with the Department of Justice and Public Safety in the roles of Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Director of Public Prosecutions. Associate Chief Judge Mercer was also appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2017. She was appointed the Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety in October 2018 and served in that role until July 2021 when she was appointed as a Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Associate Chief Judge Mercer has also volunteered with several community organizations, including the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, Work out World, the Rotary Club, and the Polaris Figure Skating Club Board of Directors.

 

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a performance audit of the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s Corrections and Community Services Division to the House of Assembly. Today’s audit reports on findings and recommendations regarding adult custody and community corrections.

The audit concluded that the department was inadequate in its efforts to appropriately and consistently manage adult offenders in custody and in community arrangements. The department also did not provide adequate rehabilitation programming, with outdated adult custody policies and incomplete risk assessments, for incarcerated offenders and those on probation or conditional sentence order conditions.

The report identified that while modernized legislation was assented in 2011, the department has not ensured that the Act and its regulations have been enacted. As a result, the department continues to operate under Acts from the 1970’s.

The audit also found that probation officers did not always supervise offenders in accordance with established supervision standards, or always properly enforce compliance with probation and conditional sentence order conditions when breaches occurred. These deficiencies may have increased the risk to public safety and diminished offenders’ probability of successful community reintegration.

The full report, as well as an audit overview, can be found by visiting: www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“Appropriate rehabilitation and supervision of offenders in custody, and those serving sentences in the community, is a crucial part of public safety. Adult custody and community corrections programs play a fundamental role in this effort. Adult custody rehabilitation programming and reintegration policies were found to be incomplete, inadequate, and outdated; and for the majority of the adult custody criteria we assessed, no policies existed at all. Gaps in legislation, policy, and procedures may create situations where offenders receive inappropriate rehabilitation, which may result in an increased risk to reoffend. Similarly, offenders serving community sentences without adequate supervision are at risk of not complying with their court ordered conditions and possibly repeating the criminal behaviours that brought them into the justice system in the first place.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

 

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, today announced the launch of ‘Transition. Transform. Thrive. A Tourism Vision and Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador.’ Minister Crocker was joined by tourism, hospitality and cultural industry stakeholders and partners at The Rooms in St. John’s for the announcement.

Also known as Vision 2026, this five-year strategy will ultimately transform the province’s tourism landscape. It is the result of work by the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board, whose membership consists of representatives from the Provincial Government and private industry. The board also consulted with countless partners throughout the province.

Plans for the next five years will take a three-phased approach:

• Transition 2022-2023 – A short-term strategy that transitions tourism to more solid footing, building capacity to grow visitation to pre-2020 levels.

• Transformation 2024-2026 – A comprehensive medium-to-long-term strategy that transforms tourism on a sustainable path of consistent and responsible annual visitation, spending and employment growth.
• Thrive 2026 and Beyond – A long-term strategy focused on guiding and supporting tourism development with an equal focus on economics and the well-being of people and places, also referred to as regenerative tourism. In this phase of Vision 2026, tourism is thriving by constantly monitoring and adapting to the dynamic and ever-changing tourism environment.

With Vision 2026, private and public stakeholders will strive to not only grow tourism’s contribution to the economy, but also to enhance the sociocultural vibrancy and environmental well-being of the province.

Work on the Transition Phase has already begun, with the following activities underway for years 2022-2023:

• Investing in air access capacity development;
• Developing a new tourism research plan, along with enhanced visitor surveying;
• Completing a review of the province’s marketing strategy and enhanced marketing investments for two years;
• Creating exceptional experiences through the recently announced Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund;
• Investing in season extension initiatives to drive visitation outside of the peak summer season;
• Establishing Celebrate NL to implement an event attraction strategy;
• Completing evaluation of the private-public leadership model and evolving the leadership structure; and
• Making strategic investments in signage at points of entry and on themed routes throughout the province.

Budget 2022 included $20 million to support tourism recovery initiatives related to Vision 2026.

Quotes
“It is with much pride and excitement that we launch the 2022-2026 Tourism Vision and Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the realization of innumerable collaborative sessions between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and our many tourism and hospitality partners and stakeholders. Thank you to all stakeholders for their input, participation, cooperation and support. One of our biggest strengths as a competitive destination is how well we work together. We have proven that if we work together to advance our collective goals, we can achieve great things. As a visitor destination, we have so much untapped potential, and I am beyond optimistic for the years to come.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Today’s launch of Vision 2026 marks the next phase for Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry. The Vision addresses the challenges our industry faces, and the opportunities that have emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re excited to work together as an industry to grow Newfoundland and Labrador as a competitive destination. The collaboration between public/private partners including government departments, industry organizations and, of course, tourism operators in the development of Vision 2026, sets the stage for tourism to transition, transform, and thrive. Working toward this common Vision will ensure the tourism industry continues to make a valuable contribution to our province’s economy.”
Brenda O’Reilly
Chair, Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador

“The launch of Vision 2026 is the culmination of several years of extensive research, consultation and collaboration, under the leadership of the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board. The Board is very proud of the accomplishments of Vision 2020 and want to build on those successes with this new 5-year plan. We’re sure that each and every one of you in tourism, from business operators and employees to partners and stakeholders, will see yourself represented in Vision 2026 and be filled with renewed energy and optimism for this province. Thank you to our partners and contributors for your hard work and commitment to creating this new Vision.”
Roger Jamieson
Interim Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board

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Learn more
Transition. Transform. Thrive. A Tourism Vision and Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Provincial Government and Industry Partners Release 2022-2026 Tourism Vision and Strategy appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today greeted the fourth Government of Newfoundland and Labrador coordinated and sponsored airlift of Ukrainians at St. John’s International Airport, welcoming 187 newcomers to the province.

The airlift that departed Warsaw, Poland and landed in St. John’s, was again coordinated by the Ukrainian Family Support Desk, a Provincial Government initiative launched on March 2 to provide safe haven to Ukrainians fleeing the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. Including the airlift today, approximately 700 Ukrainians have arrived via Provincial Government airlifts. When combined with the 800 Ukrainians who have arrived by other means, over 1,500 Ukrainians have settled in 36 communities cross Newfoundland and Labrador since March.

After arrival, most Ukrainian newcomers will be transported to temporary accommodations in the capital region to rest and begin adjusting to their new home in Newfoundland and Labrador. This transition period will be eased for many individuals and families because of the pre-arrival support provided by the Ukrainian Family Support Desk, including:

• Pairing Ukrainians with accommodations;
• Engaging the Association for New Canadians to activate specialized settlement services and supports;
• Immigration navigation and processing;
• Resume translation services; and
• Facilitating job interviews with local employers (a number of Ukrainians have already accepted jobs).

All arriving Ukrainians have been granted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Visa that legally allows them to live and work in Canada for up to three years. Ukrainians arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Emergency Travel Visa will also receive provincial Medical Care Plan and Prescription Drug Plan coverage. The province has also enabled the conversion of Ukrainian drivers licences to Newfoundland and Labrador licences.

Thanks are again extended to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for supporting Ukrainians and helping to make this airlift possible.

For examples of 186 Newfoundland and Labrador employers who have had success in hiring Ukrainians, please see the backgrounder below. For those interested in continuing to support Ukrainians in Newfoundland and Labrador, please see a second backgrounder below for ways to contribute to the effort.

The Ukrainian Family Support Desk continues working with Ukrainians who have expressed an interest in coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information about the desk please visit the webpage.

Quotes
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians continue to support Ukrainians displaced by the illegal Russian invasion of their country. This fourth Provincial Government coordinated and sponsored airlift again shows that our province is playing a leadership role in Canada in our humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians will always receive a warm welcome to our province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Ukrainians bring with them a wealth of talent, and arrive ready to build lives and contribute to our province. Our aid to Ukrainians has created a virtuous cycle, whereby our society is continually enriched by the contributions of our new Ukrainian neighbours.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The ANC is proud to be part of welcoming more Ukrainian families to Newfoundland and Labrador. We are delighted to work with the provincial government in support of this resettlement effort and are so thankful for the generosity of community organizations, businesses, and members of the public who have shown, time and time again, great kindness in helping newcomers arriving in this province.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

“Newfoundland and Labrador has a history of welcoming immigrants — we are pioneers in taking initiative, and adapting our immigration system and resources to tackle the challenges of current times. The employers in our communities are standing up to welcome our new members who enrich our province’s culture and grow our economy.”
Constanza Safatle
Executive Director, TaskforceNL

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IPGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

 

 

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Examples of the 186 Newfoundland and Labrador Employers That Have Hired Ukrainians

Employer

Positions

A1 Automotive

Dismantler

Association for New Canadians

Settlement Officer, Interpreters, Employment Facilitators, Drivers, Operations Staff

Atlantic Grocery Distributors

Warehouse Positions

Bernard Stanley Gastro Pub

Kitchen Assistant

Bishop’s Garden

Care Provider and Dietary Aide

By Sharpe Design

Florists

Capelin Creations

Marketer

Capital Hotel

Room Attendants

Christopher’s Trucking

Truck Driver

City Tire

Tire Technician

Coastal Shipping (Woodward Group of Companies)

Cook, Electrician, Deckhands, Chief Officer

Colemans

Pastry Chef

Cyno

Software Developer, Sales Coordinator

DF Barnes Services

Welders, Painter

Distinctive Interiors

Cabinet Assistant

East Side Mario’s

Food and Beverage Staff

Forteau Sales and Service Gas Station

General Labour

GardaWorld

Security Guard

Golden Crust Bakery

Bakery Positions

Goldie Beauty Bar

Nail Technician

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism

Immigration Program Development Officers

Gypsy Tea Room

Food and Beverage Staff

Jag Hotel

Room Attendants

King’s Plumbing and Heating

Plumber’s Helper

Magnum and Steins

Cooks

Mahoney’s Electrical

Apprentice Electrician

Manna Bakery

Retail Staff, Delivery Driver

Mary Brown’s

Food Counter Attendant, Food Service Supervisor, Cook

Monastery Spa and Medispa

Nail Technician

Murray Premises

Front Desk Clerk, Housekeeper, Overnight Auditor

Newfoundland Broadcasting Company

Video Journalist

PF Collins

Materials Handler, Truck Driver, Accounting Administrator, Import Coordinator

S&L Porter Homes

Carpenter, Carpenter’s Helper

Sharing Our Cultures

Assistant Project Coordinator

Sysco

Night Warehouse Worker

TLC Nursing & Homecare Services

Homecare Support Workers

Viking Construction

Electrician Apprentice

Whale House Guest House

Operations Manager

Window Shop

Window Installer

Work Global Canada

Ukraine Facilitator, Recruiters, Intake Immigration Support Worker, Executive Assistant

How Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Can Continue to Help Ukrainian Newcomers

With the fourth Provincial Government coordinated and sponsored airlift bringing Ukrainians directly to Canada having arrived on Tuesday, December 6 at St. John’s International Airport, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is reminding residents how they can help welcome and support Ukrainian newcomers.

Residents can help by:

• Identifying job opportunities for Ukrainians and sending those positions to ukrainianfamily@gov.nl.ca;
• Sending offers of accommodation and donations of goods and/or services to the Association for New Canadians Ukraine Support Team at ukraine@ancnl.ca or 709-325-0881; and
• Donating to the Association for New Canadians Emergency Fund (tax receipts issued for donations greater than $20).

The Association for New Canadians is also recruiting for:

• Interpreters (Ukrainian and other languages);
• Family Match Program participants (volunteers are matched with newcomers to help with English as a second language learning through friendship. Activities could include exploring the city, sightseeing, going for walks and sharing meals together); and
• Conversation circle partners (newcomers are given the opportunity to start practicing conversational English).

 

Those interested in getting involved are asked to register for orientation by emailing volunteer@ancnl.ca.

 

 

 

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Members of the public are reminded that the 36th annual Winter Lights Across Canada celebration is taking place this Thursday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, St. John’s.

The event is open to the public, and the lights will be activated at approximately 6:25 p.m. During the event there will be complimentary hot chocolate, provided by Tim Hortons, in the lobby.

The event will be hosted by Stephanie O’Brien of OZFM, and entertainment will be provided by Paige Penney, Shallaway Youth Choir’s Prima ensemble and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be joined by two newcomer families from South Sudan and Ukraine to help kick off the holiday celebrations this year.

This event will be livestreamed to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page and on YouTube.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will present a vision for the future of the tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, December 7). The vision was developed in collaboration with the Provincial Government’s partners in the tourism industry.

Minister Crocker will be joined at the announcement by Brenda O’Reilly, Chair of Hospitality NL, and Roger Jamieson, Interim Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Board.

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the third-floor atrium at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s. The announcement will also be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Present 2022-26 Tourism Vision appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at a Royal Platinum Jubilee Celebration, in recognition and remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, tomorrow evening (Wednesday, December 7).

The celebration, hosted by Creative Cultural Experiences, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the CLB Armoury, 82 Harvey Road, St. John’s.

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The Provincial Government, in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, has launched a digital Insurance Validation Program to improve how the province’s Motor Registration Division determines whether a vehicle is covered by mandatory insurance.

This program automates verification with the Insurance Bureau of Canada that a vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the information on file with Motor Registration, providing a secure, effective and convenient digital solution to confirm that motorists have mandatory auto insurance coverage when registered owners annually renew their vehicle registration.

The program will apply to all passenger-plated, privately-owned or leased passenger vehicles with a model year of 1983 and later, and Motor Registration will now be able to check registered vehicles for mandatory insurance coverage on a monthly basis.

Funding for this initiative was provided by Transport Canada through the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program (ERSTPP).

The 2019 Automobile Insurance Review found that Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest costs and claim frequency for uninsured drivers of any of the Atlantic Provinces.

The Insurance Validation Program is one of a number of measures government has taken to address this problem, including:

• Requiring insurers to report a cancellation of an auto insurance policy to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles;
• Increasing fines for uninsured drivers; and,
• Prohibiting uninsured motorists from accessing the Uninsured Automobile Fund.

As per the province’s Highway Traffic Act, penalties for driving without valid insurance include cancellation of registration, vehicle impoundment, fines of up to $4,000 for a first offence and earning six demerit points.

Quotes
“It is mandatory to carry auto insurance in our province. When drivers do not carry auto insurance, the costs can be substantial and affect everyone’s insurance premiums. This program identifies and directly reduces the number of uninsured vehicles on our roadways.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“The property and casualty insurance industry is happy to partner with Newfoundland and Labrador to provide real-time confirmation of mandatory insurance coverage. This system has been working effectively in Ontario for over a decade, and will help ensure all Newfoundland and Labrador road users are protected in the event of a collision.”
Amanda Dean
Vice-President, Atlantic
Insurance Bureau of Canada

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Learn more
Automobile Insurance Changes 2020

2019 Automobile Insurance Review – Report to Government

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Brett Weltman
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031
BWeltman@ibc.ca

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Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, will deliver a performance audit report on The Department of Justice and Public Safety’s Corrections and Community Services Division (Adult Custody and Community Corrections) to the House of Assembly tomorrow (Wednesday, December 7).

A technical briefing for media will take place on Wednesday (December 7), beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Office of the Auditor General’s boardroom, 7 Pippy Place, St. John’s. Media representatives planning to participate are asked to RSVP to Chrysta Collins (chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca).

The Auditor General will be available to the media beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Media planning to participate are asked to be at the Office of the Auditor General no later than 10:15 a.m.

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

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