Government of Newfoundland News
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-029 Released
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-029 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.
To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.
Report: A-2022-029 Report Date: December 2, 2022 Public Body: Serious Incident Response Team Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Serious Incident Response Team for records relating to investigations into allegations against the Complainant. The public body provided the Complainant with the responsive records with some information withheld under section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant did not agree with the decision to withhold information and filed a complaint with this Office. The public body released some additional information over the course of the investigation, and the Commissioner reviewed the remaining withheld information and found that it was appropriate for the public body to continue to withhold it in accordance with section 40.-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Media Advisory: Minister Pam Parsons to Speak at Vigil to Coincide with National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will share remarks at a vigil to coincide with the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women tomorrow (December 6).
The event will commemorate the 14 women who were killed due to gender-based violence at L’École Polytechnique in Montréal, Quebec, on December 6, 1989.
The event starts at 6:00 p.m. in the main lecture theatre (EN-2006) of the Memorial University Engineering Building, 240 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John’s.
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Media Advisory: Minister Byrne to Welcome Fourth Airlift of Ukrainians
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will welcome the fourth Government of Newfoundland and Labrador coordinated and sponsored airlift of Ukrainians tomorrow evening (Tuesday, December 6). The flight will travel directly from Warsaw, Poland to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Media interested in attending are asked to RVSP with Jeremy Reynolds (jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca) by 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
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Public Advisory: Review of Statutory Offices to be Conducted; Minister Hogan Available to Media
The Provincial Government has appointed Retired Supreme Court Justice Robert Fowler to conduct a review of the statutory offices that report to the House of Assembly. Justice Fowler will review the structure, reporting and accountability of the statutory offices of the House of Assembly and prepare a report that includes recommendations.
The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media at 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, December 5) outside of the House of Assembly to discuss this review.
Statutory offices operate independent of government. They are also not directed by Cabinet or ministers. Given the need to operate independently from the Provincial Government, the offices report directly to the House of Assembly. The statutory offices being reviewed include:
- Commissioner for Legislative Standards
- Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
- Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
- Office of the Citizens’ Representative
- Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
- Office of the Seniors’ Advocate
The Auditor General is excluded from this review, as the Auditor General Act was updated in 2021 to improve accountability for public bodies in the province. The Auditor General is subject to robust performance oversight by Auditors General across Canada and reports to the Public Accounts Committee.
The full terms of reference for this review can be found in the backgrounder below. The review is anticipated to take approximately six months.
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BACKGROUNDER
Terms of Reference
The Consultant shall review the structure of the Statutory Offices of the House of Assembly, with the exception of the Office of the Auditor General, and prepare a report that includes recommendations for the following:
- The minimum required competencies for each statutory officer;
- The number of statutory offices and whether a statutory officer could fulfil the obligations of more than one statutory role; which offices/statutory officers could be combined based on common objectives, functions, qualifications, clients etc.;
- Whether each Statutory Office requires the dedication of a full-time statutory officer or whether it could be part-tine or on an as-needed basis;
- How each statutory officer should be recruited, appointed, re-appointed, compensated, disciplined, and removed from office;
- How to manage conflicts which arise between Statutory Offices, who should investigate alleged misconduct of a statutory officer, and how that investigation should be conducted (internally, externally, independent ADR etc.).
- Whether and how quality assurance and performance of each statutory officer/Statutory Office should be measured and overseen;
- What is an appropriate administrative oversight model for the Statutory Offices, inclusive of financial management, human resources management, information management, procurement, and any other “back office” functions; structure;
- Whether physical space and administrative functions could be shared among Statutory Offices; and
- Where reports from each Statutory Office should be directed, such as whether any of the reports of the Statutory Offices should go to a standing or select committee of the House of Assembly for review and analysis.
The Consultant may seek input from current and former statutory officers, the Clerk of the House of Assembly, the Clerk of the Executive Council, the Management Commission of the House of Assembly and any others that may be necessary to inform the Terms of Reference.
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House of Assembly Launches Commissions of Inquiry and Royal Commissions Database
The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, is pleased to announce the public launch of a Newfoundland and Labrador related Commissions of Inquiry and Royal Commissions database. The research tool is a project of the Legislative Library and includes listings from its collection as well as from the collections of several other knowledge institutions, including the Newfoundland & Labrador Public Libraries, Memorial University, the Rooms Provincial Archives and others.
The database includes records related to Commissions of Inquiry and Royal Commissions conducted for or on Newfoundland and Labrador, mandated under the authority of public inquiry statutes since 1833. It does not include marine, judicial, industrial, magisterial or other inquiries initiated under different authorities. While research has been thorough and the tool aims to be as complete as possible, it will continue to be updated and maintained on an ongoing basis, as more documents are uncovered.
The database, accessible on the House of Assembly website, allows users to search by title, commissioner/chair and date, and allows users to browse a complete list of titles available. Search results will show any physical holdings related to a particular commission/inquiry in each source and, where available, provide links to electronic records.
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“I am pleased today to announce the official launch of this research tool for public use. I particularly want to acknowledge and commend employees of the Legislative Library, whose hard work and expertise have brought this project to fruition. I also wish to extend appreciation to the other knowledge institutions who have contributed to make the database as complete as possible. The continued development and refinement of this research tool will facilitate access to these significant resources for generations to come.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly
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Learn more
Commissions of Inquiry and Royal Commissions Database
Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca
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Environmental Assessment Bulletin
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.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Matthews Pond (Lethbridge) Strawberry Farm (Reg. 2225)
Proponent: Bayview Gardens
The proponent is proposing to develop approximately eight hectares of agriculture land for strawberry production near Matthews Pond, located approximately eight kilometres south of Lethbridge on the Bonavista Peninsula. The increase of the farm’s productive land base will allow the farm to expand its strawberry operation. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.
The undertaking was registered on December 1, 2022; the deadline for public comments is January 6, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by January 15, 2023.
PLAN APPROVED:
Argentia Seafood Processing Plants (Reg. 2172)
Proponent: Dandy Dan’s Fish Market Ltd.
On December 2, 2022, the minister approved the waste management plan for the Argentia Seafood Processing Plants project. Approval of the plan is a condition of release from environmental assessment. The plan is available on the Department’s project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/2172-2/.
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Rennies River Flood Mitigation –
Portugal Cove Road to Kings Bridge Road (Reg. 2115)
Proponent: City of St. John’s
The Project is released subject to the following conditions:
- The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
- The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.
Pinware River Access Road and Cabin (Reg. 2212)
Proponent: Alexander O’Brien
The Project is released subject to the following conditions:
- The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
- The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
- No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 meters of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 meters 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.
- For access road construction, the proponent must maintain a minimum 30-metre undisturbed, riparian buffer from the high water mark of the Pinware River to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species, and their habitat. Cottage development must be situated within grant 14246 to maintain as close as possible to a 30-metre undisturbed, riparian buffer from the high water mark of the Pinware River.
- The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) demonstrating that the conditions have been fulfilled.
- The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of the release letter and to provide additional updates if required.
Blaketown to Clarkes Pond 55L Transmission Line Rebuild (Reg. 2221)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.
The Project is released subject to the following conditions;
- The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
- The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following condition:
- No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl).
- The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
- The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.
UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:
Cape Ray Gold Project (Reg. 2224)
Proponent: Matador Mining Ltd.
Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Public comments may be forwarded to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca
Environmental assessment information is available at:
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL
If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.
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Public Advisory: Resource Road in Central Region to Close for Bridge Work
A resource road near the town of Grand Falls-Windsor, known locally as Sandy Road, will be closed to all vehicle traffic from Monday, December 5 to Thursday, December 9 to allow for bridge repair work.
Repairs will consist of the removal and installation of new abutments to Tom Joe Bridge, located at the 22 km mark on Sandy Road.
For further information, please contact the Bishop’s Falls Forest Management District Office at: 709-258-5334.
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Provincial Government Proclaims International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today joined representatives from the community of persons with disabilities in proclaiming December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Observed by the United Nations since 1992, this day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.”
Minister Abbott was joined by Debbie Ryan, Chair of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board, Nancy Reid, Chair of the Network of Disability Organizations Newfoundland and Labrador, along with other representatives from the community of persons with disabilities for the proclamation signing.
The province’s new Accessibility Act is working to improve accessibility and inclusion by identifying, preventing and removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full participation in society. A key element of the legislation has been the establishment of an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board in summer 2022.
The Board plays a pivotal role in advising and making recommendations to the Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities to develop priorities for the establishment of accessibility standards, the content of accessibility standards and the time periods for their implementation.
The United Nations flag will be flying at Confederation Building tomorrow (Saturday, December 3) in recognition of this day.
Quotes
“I am pleased to proclaim International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of persons with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to continuing work with the new Accessibility Standards Advisory Board and the community of persons with disabilities to create a more accessible and inclusive province for all.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The most exciting day of my 30+ years as an advocate for persons with disabilities was on December 3, 2021, when the Accessibility Act was enacted in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Chair of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board, I am especially honored in this role to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The Board and I look forward to continuing the great work of the many advocates who got us to where we are today.”
Debbie Ryan
Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Board
“The Network of Disability Organizations Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to join with Minister Abbott and the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board, in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today marks one year since our provinces’ Accessibility Act was enacted. Our Network joins the Board in its resolve toward making Newfoundland and Labrador more accessible for persons with disabilities. We celebrate the work accomplished in the past year and commit to continued consultation and collaboration toward a better tomorrow.”
Nancy Reid
Chair, Network of Disability Organizations Newfoundland and Labrador
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Children, Seniors and Social Development
Provincial Government Establishes Accessibility Standards Advisory Board under the Accessibility Act
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Minister Abbott with Debbie Ryan, Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Board, and Nancy Reid, Chair, Network of Disability Organizations Newfoundland and Labrador.The post Provincial Government Proclaims International Day of Persons with Disabilities appeared first on News Releases.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces New Project in Newfoundland and Labrador
Today, alongside project partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced a new $5 million Adaptive Learning Technology Project – The Future of Marine Fatigue Risk Mitigation, led by Training Works, a Newfoundland and Labrador based EdTech company. This project is creating a comprehensive tool for fatigue risk mitigation in marine organizations by leveraging combined advancements in biometrics, environmental data, and micro learning.
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, announced a provincial contribution of $335,000 towards the project. With a total project value of close to $5 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide $1.9 million in funding, with the balance from other project partners. In the Adaptive Learning Technology project, Training Works will work with partners Compusult Ltd., Altera Infrastructure, Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador to develop a commercially viable fatigue risk mitigation learning technology which can be scaled across marine industries. The resulting technology will link biometric and environmental data to identify fatigue markers and provide individualized corrective action(s) and risk mitigation techniques through Training Works’ adaptive learning platform, Skilltinuous.
Through Training Works flagship educational technology Skilltinuous, the project will give marine workers the tools to recognize, understand and anticipate fatigue while providing moment of need microlearning to help mitigate the risk associated with fatigue – a critical advancement in a sector where irregular schedules, challenging operating conditions and operations across multiple time zones impact the level of worker fatigue and its associated risks. This comprehensive fatigue risk mitigation educational technology will equip marine organizations and their workers with a new tool that can stand alone or run alongside existing organizational fatigue management systems, to support human performance and help to create healthier, safer and more productive work environments.
The Adaptive Learning Technology project will create and maintain 22 full time jobs through its duration with the potential for more than 100 indirect jobs as a result. The first market for commercialization will focus on offshore workers within Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s membership. The project team will explore marine connections to create new opportunities to bring the solution to customers within the Canadian marine marketplace.
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“Supporting innovative companies such as Training Works helps to grow and diversify Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech ecosystem, while advancing our innovation economy. The leading edge technology created through this project will help to improve worker safety and productivity. We support collaboration, research and development and commercialization of new digital ocean technologies that further position our province as a world leader in this sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“With support from Canada’s Ocean Cluster, the project partners will develop a comprehensive program aimed at improving seafarers’ safety. We are pleased to support this project and to help those working on our seas return home safely.”
Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“Fatigue at sea is a problem that spans all marine industries, and the impacts can be potentially catastrophic. With support from the Ocean Cluster, the project partners are working on a technological solution to help identify and mitigate fatigue and provide corrective actions, which will improve safety, reduce accidents and save lives. We’re proud to support this project for the positive impact it will have on workers.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“The Adaptive Microlearning Technology team is developing cutting-edge technology to make working on the ocean safer and more efficient for workers. As we help build the workforce of the future these are important tools in both traditional and emerging ocean industries.”
Kendra Macdonald
CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Fatigue and its associated risks is something widely acknowledged not just in the marine industry but across all industries. Our goal is to enhance our Skilltinuous platform to identify fatigue markers in seafarers using biometric and environmental data, assess the risk fatigue will pose, and through targeted personalized microlearning, introduce effective countermeasures at the earliest possible point to mitigate the risk. This is a groundbreaking project that will have wide ranging benefits for worker safety in the marine industry.”
Tamara Vatcher
CEO, Training Works
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Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
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Forest Fire Season Comes to a Close for 2022
Major forest fires in the central region of the province contributed to the 2022 forest fire season being one of the most significant in recent history.
During 2022 there were 103 recorded fire starts, burning a total area of 23,886 hectares of forest land throughout the province. Three significant forest fires in the central region of the island, collectively named the Central Fire Complex, accounted for 22,647 of the total hectares burned – the Paradise Lake fire burned 16,750 hectares, the Bay d’Espoir Highway fire burned 5,614 hectares and the Southern Lake Access Road burned 283 hectares.
Based on data compiled from 2013-2022, the 10-year average for Newfoundland and Labrador is 103 fire starts and 10,466 hectares burned.
Despite challenges associated with the Central Fire Complex, firefighters and emergency officials displayed a remarkable degree of professionalism and dedication under difficult circumstances to protect communities and residents in the region. The Provincial Government has extended gratitude to the fire suppression staff from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Parks Canada, who provided assistance through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre – Mutual Aid Resource Sharing program.
As with every year, forestry officials are undertaking a review of the 2022 forest fire season to determine whether opportunities exist to build upon fire suppression efforts.
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“The forest fires in central Newfoundland this summer were some of the largest in our province’s history. I commend all forest firefighters, air crews and wildfire management specialists for their professionalism, bravery and dedication during this challenging period. I also wish to thank the other departments, agencies, community leaders, public service employees, volunteers and community organizations, whose support was invaluable.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Learn more
Forest Fire Season 2022
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Public Advisory: Winter Lights Across Canada Celebration Taking Place Next Week
The 36th annual Winter Lights Across Canada celebration will take place on Thursday, December 8 at Confederation Building in St. John’s.
Winter Lights Across Canada is an annual event where each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony. At the event, thousands of LED lights will illuminate the Confederation Building Christmas tree and other trees along Prince Philip Drive. The initiative contributes to a nationwide effort to symbolically link Canadians together for the holiday season.
The event is open to the public. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, and the lights will be activated at approximately 6:15 p.m.
This event will also be livestreamed to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page and on YouTube.
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Public Advisory: ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety
The Department of Justice and Public Safety is kicking off a holiday fire safety campaign to provide tips on how to help you protect yourself and your family this holiday season. Once a week during the month of December, the department will issue a Public Advisory to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as you celebrate the holidays.
As you begin to ‘Deck the Halls,’ remember that while the lights of the holiday season bring a festive and warm atmosphere to trees, boats and homes, you should take these steps to help manage lights safely:
- Purchase the appropriate lights and accessories for the job. Only use lights and extension cords designated for indoor or outdoor use in their proper setting, and ensure extension cords have a rating that meet your needs.
- Never use lit candles to decorate your tree;
- Purchase the proper clips and hangers for your lights. Avoid using nails, screws and staples;
- Inspect light strings and extension cords before use. If there is any sign of damage to the cords or light sockets, they should not be used;
- Never overload electrical outlets;
- Avoid stringing different light types together. For example, do not plug a string of new LED lights into an older, incandescent one; and
- Never pinch extension cords by running them through doorways or windows.
Follow @JPS_GovNL on Twitter for more holiday safety tips.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador a safe and happy holiday season.
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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at Ceremony to Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, will bring greetings at a ceremony to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the recipients of Empower Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual Independent Living Awards, tomorrow (Friday, December 2).
The ceremony takes place at 11:00 a.m. at Government House, 50 Military Road, St. John’s.
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Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Announce Funding Support for Canada’s Ocean SuperCluster Project
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will announce funding support for Canada’s Ocean SuperCluster project tomorrow (Friday, December 2). The Minister will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Kendra MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
The event takes place at the Indigo Room of the Alt Hotel, 125 Water Street, St. John’s, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The announcement will be livestreamed at: bit.ly/3FfS1da.
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster model that is driving cross-sector collaboration, accelerating innovation and growing the country’s ocean economy in a way that has never been done before.
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Media contact
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
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Feedback Available from Animal Health and Protection Act Review
Feedback gathered during the recent review of the Animal Health and Protection Act is now available online at engageNL.
The aim of the Animal Health and Protection Act is to ensure that all animals covered under the Act are protected and treated humanely. As part of the review process conducted from April to June 2022, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture sought public and stakeholder feedback to help inform plans to further strengthen the legislation.
The department received 324 submissions via an online questionnaire at engageNL, and held three virtual sessions with targeted stakeholders where 33 individuals representing 12 organizations participated. The department also received 29 written submissions via email from stakeholders and members of the public.
All feedback will be considered as the Provincial Government explores potential amendments to the current legislation.
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“The humane treatment of animals is always our top priority when enacting animal health and protection legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador. We appreciate the thoughtful feedback of all participants in reviewing the Animal Health and Protection Act, and the passion and dedication of the caring people who work tirelessly to ensure the welfare of animals. Your input will help ensure the highest possible standard for animal welfare in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Provincial Government Seeking Input on Animal Health and Protection Act and Regulations
engageNL – Review of the Animal Health and Protection Act
Animal Health and Protection Act and Regulations
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Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People
Yesterday, at the 17th annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, to announce the Provincial Government’s commitment to establish a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.
The formation of a Reconciliation Council was proposed to the Provincial Government in the report “Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador.” This report was created by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and presented to government in July 2022. The report contains 196 recommendations to address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province.
As described in “Hear Our Voices”, the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council will be a mechanism through which to establish a collaborative ongoing working relationship between Indigenous women and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The overall goal of the Reconciliation Council will be to coordinate and lead meaningful action on implementation of the 196 recommendations in the areas of Indigenous culture, health and wellness, justice and human security, leading to lasting changes in legislation, regulations, government directives, policies and procedures.
This action is further commitment from the Provincial Government to work collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to prevent violence against Indigenous Women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience higher levels of violence. Ending this violence requires an approach that is culturally appropriate and informed by the experiences of the Indigenous community.
Quotes
“Our government continues to listen to Indigenous Governments, Organizations and individuals who have lived experience of violence in their lives, homes and communities. This Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council will play a key role to further advance work regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The establishment of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council is a signal that our government understands the inherent importance of addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. We will continue to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, as well as the new Reconciliation Council, to advance this work.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“The formation of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council represents a commitment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to establish a meaningful partnership with the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee. The conversations and consultations initiated by the Steering Committee resulted in a solid report and a set of recommendations that will chart a direction for the Reconciliation Council and lead to lasting changes. We are moving forward together – this is an example of listening and taking action as we continue our collective journey towards achieving Reconciliation.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“The establishment of a Reconciliation Council is precedent setting for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee. Our goal is to chart a path forward in good relations between Indigenous women and the Provincial Government to start work on the 196 recommendations in the “Hear Our Voices” report. Establishing the Reconciliation Council is the first step on that path.”
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee
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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
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Public Advisory: Motorists Warned to be Aware of Caribou on the Northern Peninsula
Motorists are being encouraged to be vigilant when travelling on the Northern Peninsula between St. Anthony Airport and Eddies Cove and on the roadway between St. Anthony Airport and the Town of Main Brook.
A significant number of caribou are currently active in these areas, making them vulnerable to vehicular traffic. These animals are expected to remain in the region throughout the late fall and winter.
Motorists can reduce the risk of a caribou-vehicle collision by:
- Scanning both sides of the highway;
- Paying attention to caribou warning signs on provincial roads and highways;
- Avoiding driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more common alongside roadways;
- Having passengers also watch for caribou; and
- Reducing speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.
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Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable Provides Forum for Presentations and Discussion
The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today presented an opportunity to discuss and advance common interests and shared goals of the Provincial Government and Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The roundtable opened on November 27 with a reception that featured Indigenous cultural and musical entertainment.
Discussion at the roundtable included:
- Mental health and addictions programs, services and action plans;
- Ongoing work on the development of a Social and Economic Well-being Plan; and
- Statements from Indigenous leaders.
Quotes
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the leaders and their representatives of Indigenous Governments and Organizations for coming together in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the Premier-Indigenous Leaders Roundtable. Meeting face-to-face provided an opportunity for all of us to have meaningful discussions and respectful conversations about ideas and insights for the benefit of Indigenous people and communities.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“When we come together as leaders of our respective governments and organizations and share our thoughts and experiences, we enhance our learning and understanding. Our Government is proud of the collaboration and the advances we have made on our shared journey of Reconciliation, but we also realize and acknowledge that there is still much to learn and do.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister for Labrador Affairs
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Learn more
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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-028 Released
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-028 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.
To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.
Report: A-2022-028 Report Date: November 24, 2022 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Memorial University for records related to allegations, complaints, investigations and assessments involving the Complainant at his workplace. The University provided records to the Complainant, but withheld some information pursuant to sections 29(1)(a) (policy advice or recommendations), 31(1)(l) (disclosure harmful to law enforcement) and 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office questioning if all records had been provided as well as questioning the decision to withhold some information. During the complaint investigation, the University agreed to release some additional information previously withheld pursuant to sections 29(1)(a) and 40(1) of ATIPPA, 2015. The Commissioner concluded that the University had conducted a reasonable search for records and that the remaining redactions were properly applied.-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Media Advisory: Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable to be Held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join Leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations for the Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable today (November 28).
Premier Furey, along with the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, and participating Indigenous Leaders will hold a media availability at 3:45 p.m. Labrador time (AST) which is 4:15 p.m. NST. The availability will take place via Zoom. To participate, please RSVP to Jillian Hood (jillianhood@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the required information.
Also joining the roundtable discussions will be the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville. The sessions will take place at Hotel North Two, 382 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable provides an opportunity for the Provincial Government to collaborate with Indigenous leaders on matters of mutual interest.
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