Government of Newfoundland News

The Department of Health and Community Services has issued three Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for consultants as part of the next phase of establishing an integrated, province-wide ambulance service.

In Budget 2023, the Provincial Government announced that it would begin consolidation of 60 separate road ambulance services into a single, integrated service with a centralized approach, with an investment of $9 million.

This aligns with the recommendation of Health Accord NL to “design one provincial, modern, integrated air and road ambulance system with a central medical dispatch” as one of the essential elements of a reimagined health system.

The department is retaining advisors who will help develop service requirements for the design, management and operation of a consolidated ambulance system.

RFPs have now been issued for technical, fairness and helicopter emergency medical service planning advisors who will guide government regarding service requirements and the development of an RFP for the design, management, and operation of an integrated ambulance service in future.

Submissions are due on May 31, 2023. The department anticipates awarding contracts for consultants this summer and receiving recommendations from the successful technical and helicopter emergency medical service planning advisors later this year.

As part of the planning process, communications are also taking place with public sector labour unions and ambulance operators.

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

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“We are excited about this next stage of implementing one, modern integrated air and road ambulance system in Newfoundland and Labrador. These consultants will provide us with the expertise to help us develop the larger plan and next steps for an integrated air and road ambulance system. We look forward to establishing a more efficient ambulance service that meets the health care needs of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Government Provides Support to Help Stabilize Provincial Ambulance Operations

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will attend The Pottle Centre’s Grand Opening tomorrow (Thursday, May 4).

The grand opening will take place at The Pottle Centre, 805 Water Street, St. John’s at 12:30 p.m.

Founded in 1980, The Pottle Centre is a drop-in social centre for adults living with mental health issues, illnesses and addictions. The centre provides a safe and healthy environment that promotes personal recovery and wellness.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

Speaker, our government is making important investments in Budget 2023 through the new Department of Labrador Affairs.

Safety is a priority for winter travel in Labrador. $3.3 million has been allocated to enhance snowmobile travel for isolated Labrador communities and we are working with service providers to replace or repair grooming machines, garages and emergency shelters, and to purchase trail markers and signage.

Participation in sports promotes active living and builds character, particularly among youth. More than $800,000 has been allocated for the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy, which funds travel support for Labrador athletes, aged 18 and under, Special Olympians, sport organizations, and Labrador school sport teams. With an increase of $100,000 in Budget 2023, this fund also supports participation in provincial competitions, development camps, Indigenous games and junior varsity sports.

Responsibility for medical transportation assistance programs was transferred to the newly-created Department of Labrador Affairs, effective April 1. We are currently reviewing these programs to improve medical transportation assistance and ensure they operate as effectively as possible. A $1 million allocation in Budget 2023 will assist with implementing program improvements.

Speaker, Budget 2023 delivered a range of investments across many departments that benefit Labradorians and all residents of the province. I am pleased to be able to highlight some of the initiatives that are administered by Labrador Affairs. We listened, and we are responding.

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The Department of Health and Community Services is seeking input and recommendations as it looks to improve and modernize legislation regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information.

This public consultation is part of a review of the Personal Health Information Act, which is required every five years. The review also includes an analysis of personal health information legislation in other jurisdictions, written submissions and interviews with stakeholders across the province and country. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner will also be engaged throughout the review. In February, a contract was awarded to INQ Consulting and INQ Law to assist the department with the review.

An online questionnaire will gather information regarding the public’s perceptions about privacy and how their information is protected. This feedback will help ensure that the Act serves the needs of the public and any amendments are considered.

Participants will be asked questions on a variety of topics, such as their familiarity with the current Act, their ability to request a correction of their personal health information, and options available to file complaints with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The questionnaire is available on engageNL.ca until May 24, 2023. Residents who require an alternate format or prefer to provide a written submission are encouraged to contact phiareview@gov.nl.ca. All feedback received will be evaluated and considered by the department during the review.

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“It’s important that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know their rights about their personal health information. This questionnaire is an important step in our review of the Personal Health Information Act. It will provide us with valuable feedback on how we can modernize the legislation and ensure it serves everyone in the province efficiently. I encourage everyone in the province to participate.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Statutory Review of Personal Health Information Act to Begin

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, today introduced proposed amendments to the Memorial University Act for second reading in the House of Assembly. If passed, these amendments will strengthen and modernize the Act.

The proposed changes to the Act include:

• Changes to the governance structure of the Board of Regents to allow for teaching staff on the board. The Board of Regents is the governing body of the university;

• Incorporating gender-neutral language to modernize the Act; and

• Incorporating administrative changes to update the names of certain Acts and government departments.

The proposed changes to the structure of the Board of Regents is the first step of fulfilling a commitment made during the recent labour action at Memorial University to allow faculty representation on the board. Further changes to the Act will be considered following the Auditor General’s review of the university and full consultations with stakeholders.

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“For the first time in Memorial University’s history, faculty will have representation on the Board of Regents. We made this commitment to the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association during their recent strike action, and if passed, these proposed amendments will allow this to happen without delay.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Memorial University Act

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Several forest access roads in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area will be closed to vehicle traffic effective tomorrow (Wednesday, May 3) until further notice. The roads include:

• South Branch Forest Access Road;
• Goose River Forest Access Road;
• Grove’s Point Forest Access Road; and
• Grand Lake Forest Access Road System (at the second gate).

Temporary closures are required at this time of year to protect forest access roads from damage during the spring thaw period. Roads will remain open for ATV use.

For further information, please contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at 709-897-7116.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will announce a special initiative for 2024 tomorrow (Wednesday, May 3).

The announcement will take place in the level two Harbour View Room at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s at 7:00 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, as well as representatives from arts and culture sector organizations.

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

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A ‘What We Heard’ document regarding proposed amendments to section 36 of the Lands Act is available at engageNL.

In January 2023, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture sought public and stakeholder feedback regarding proposed changes intended to clarify adverse possession of Crown lands – commonly referred to as “squatters’ rights” – and protect the land interests of the people of the province.

The department received 124 submissions via an online questionnaire and 22 written submissions. Eleven individuals representing six organizations attended a virtual stakeholders’ session. All feedback will be considered as the Provincial Government explores potential amendments to section 36 of the Lands Act.

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“The ‘What We Heard’ report on proposed amendments to the Lands Act outlines thoughtful and valuable insights that will be considered carefully as we strive to address some of the challenges related to securing Crown title. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important process.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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engageNL

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:

Speaker, I was pleased to join our Premier and federal ministers yesterday to announce significant infrastructure upgrades that will increase traffic capacity and improve safety and security on our province’s highways.

With support of approximately $306 million between both governments, approximately 55 kilometres of divided highway will be added along the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) to help increase traffic capacity and ensure better separation between opposing traffic lanes.

The project will include a 15 kilometre section between Bishop’s Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor, as well as a section of approximately 40 kilometres of highway heading west, beginning at Whitbourne. These improvements will support reliability and security of access between rural communities, strengthen year-round transportation connections, improve transportation safety and enhance the TCH’s resiliency to climate change.

Speaker, we are proud of our continued commitment to road infrastructure improvements in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the upcoming completion of the Team Gushue Highway.

As part of our government’s historic investment of almost $1.4 billion over five years, support of $20 million will add 15 kilometres of passing lane near Port aux Basques. This will create a continuous passing lane for the first 30 kilometres leaving the community, so traffic can flow more efficiently during peak periods of ferry traffic.

Speaker, providing ample notice for significant projects like these allows road builders in the province to plan their expenditures, scale up their operations and hire more crews, which results in more highway and road construction being completed for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced the 2022-23 recipients of funding for projects under the Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund and the Community Waste Diversion Fund. Over $180,000 has been provided to 18 projects that support sustainable waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The two programs are operated by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) with funds from the Waste Management Trust Fund.

The announcement was made at Memorial University’s Emera Innovation Exchange, which is home base for two Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund recipients – SmartBin and InVerte. SmartBin received $15,000 to support the development of a camera and machine learning-based sensor that allows waste management companies to identify recyclable material and avoid waste contamination, generating greater efficiencies in waste collection. InVerte received $10,415 towards the development of a pilot project that aims to reduce food and plastic waste through the development of a technological solution for precise portioning in St. John’s casual-dining restaurants.

The Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund provides a maximum contribution of $15,000 to businesses, industry associations and non-profit organizations for the development of new or improved technologies, products, services or processes that support solid waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Community Waste Diversion Fund provides a maximum $10,000 contribution to municipalities and local service districts for the implementation of community initiatives that identify new or enhance existing opportunities to divert waste from landfills.

A full list of the 2022-23 recipients is provided in the backgrounder below.

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“I want to congratulate all of the 2022-23 Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund and Community Waste Diversion Fund recipients. We have a shared responsibility to foster a sustainable future for all generations, and we are pleased to support sustainable waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

“On behalf of MMSB, congratulations to the 2022-23 Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund and the Community Waste Diversion Fund recipients. MMSB is proud to support the efforts of these organizations and communities that share its commitment to advancing sustainable waste management. We encourage organizations and communities that have innovative ideas to consider applying for funding in the future.”
Derm Flynn
Chair, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board Board of Directors.

“InVerte is grateful to receive funding from MMSB. It will allow us to improve our smart portioning scale to fight food and plastic waste by focusing on research and development. We look forward to continuing to help our pilot testers increase efficiency, consistency, and traceability in their kitchens.”
Johan Arcos Mendez
CEO, InVerte

“SmartBin is excited to receive $15,000 in funding to support the development of our camera and machine learning-based sensor. This technology will allow waste management companies to identify recyclable material and avoid waste contamination, generating greater efficiencies in waste collection. We’re proud to be working towards a more sustainable future and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with your organization.”
Aneesh Raghupathy
CEO/Co-Founder, SmartBin

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Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund

Community Waste Diversion Fund

Waste Management Trust Fund

BACKGROUNDER

2023 Sustainable Waste Management Projects

Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund Recipients

Diabetes Canada, Promotion of Clothing Drives and Textile Collection – $11,500
Funding will support communications efforts to encourage residents in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise to participate in Diabetes Canada’s self-scheduling household collection service and curbside events.

Gros Morne Inn/Taste Restaurant, Organic Waste Diversion Program – $15,000
Funding will support the purchase and installation of an on-site commercial composter to divert organic waste from the business and community. Compost will be used for gardening projects at the Inn.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Status of Women’s Council, Textile Waste Reduction – $6,504
Funding will support the groups social enterprise, Thrifty Fashions, in reducing textile waste by introducing equipment to clean soiled donations that would otherwise be disposed.

Home Again Furniture Bank, Second Chance: Keeping Furniture Where It Belongs – $10,928
Funding will support a new furniture cleaning project that will allow Home Again to accept plush furniture from homes of pet-owners, expanding its list of potential donors and in turn better meeting the needs of recipients.

Inverte FoodTech Inc., Precise Portioning for Restaurants – $10,415
Funding will support a pilot project to introduce a technological solution for precise portioning in St. John’s casual-dining restaurants to reduce food and plastic waste.

O’Brien’s Farm Foundation, Community and Farm Composting – $14,700
Funding will support the development of a community and farm composting initiative using Aerated Static Pile (ASP) technology.

SmartBin, Camera Based Sensor – $15,000
Funding will support SmartBin in developing a camera and machine learning-based sensor that allows waste management companies to identify recyclable material and avoid waste contamination, generating greater efficiencies in waste collection.

St. John’s Tool Library, Zero Waste Festival – $14,480
Funding will support the creation of a Zero Waste Festival that includes several events held throughout the year with the goal of reducing solid waste and promoting waste reduction strategies. This event will be the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador.

T&H Cleaning and Maintenance Services Inc., Reducing Wood Waste – $15,000
Funding will support the recipient in expanding its services to clients and diverting previously landfilled wood waste through the purchase of a tow behind wood-chipper.

Community Waste Diversion Fund Recipients

City of Corner Brook, Organic Waste Diversion through Community Focused Composting – $4,609
Funding will support the expansion of the City’s existing community composting initiatives to improve access for residents through the purchase of four new tumblers.

City of Mount Pearl, Waste Wizard App Development with eLearning Sorting Game – $6,028
Funding will support the development of a waste diversion app, which will house its waste wizard to help residents sort their waste, and an eLearning waste sorting game.

Town of Bauline, Community Compositing Pilot Project – $3,130
Funding will support the purchase of two compost tumblers to be installed in a public park for use by 37 households and approximately 100 residents.

Town of Carmanville, Woodchipper– $10,000
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to turn wood and yard waste collected from residents into mulch for the local nature trail and community garden.

Town of Channel – Port aux Basques, Woodchipper – $6,072
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to turn wood and yard waste collected from residents into mulch for greenspaces.

Town of Norman’s Cove-Long Cove, Woodchipper – $10,000
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to turn wood and yard waste collected from residents into mulch for greenspaces.

Town of Placentia, Plastic Bottle Waste Diversion – $8,000
Funding will promote the use of reusable water bottles over single use containers through the installation of refrigerated bottle filling stations throughout the community.

Town of Paradise, The Green Goal – $10,000
Funding will support the development and research of a new project to educate residents on how to divert more waste through recycling and composting.

Town of Spaniard’s Bay, Woodchipper – $10,000
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to turn wood and yard waste collected from residents into mulch for residential, commercial and municipal greenspace.

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Dry spring conditions in recent days have increased the risk of wildfires in many parts of the province. To date in 2023 there have been 33 wildfires recorded, burning approximately 32.2 hectares. At this point in 2022 there were just two recorded fires burning at total of five hectares.

The public are reminded the 2023 forest fire season is now in effect for the entire island portion of the province, and will begin May 15 in Labrador.

A permit to burn is required during forest fire season to burn vegetation, wood and paper products. Permits can be obtained by contacting a provincial Forest Management District Office.

Individuals engaged in grass burning activity are encouraged to be extra cautious, as grass fires burn hot and fast and can quickly get out of control.

Operators of off-road vehicles should also be vigilant when travelling in grassy areas. Use a proper screening or baffling device to prevent sparks from escaping and carry a fire extinguisher with a minimum of 225 grams of ABC-class dry chemical.

A permit to burn is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires or boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on the condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict provincial forest fire regulations.

Individuals failing to comply with regulations may be subject to fines and penalties, including costs associated with fighting a forest fire.

Suspected illegal activity can be reported anonymously at any time by calling the Resource Enforcement Division at 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division website.

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Learn more
Forest Fire Season Begins May 1

Public Reminders for Forest Fire Season

Provincial Forest Fire Regulations

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Investigations conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division have resulted in several convictions related to the illegal use of off-road vehicles, illegal activity within wilderness reserves and illegal forestry activities.

On January 20, 2023 at Provincial Court in Harbour Grace, Christopher Hindy of Heart’s Delight-Islington and Jillian Whittle of Conception Bay South plead guilty to failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a domestic cutting permit. They received a fine of $500 each and 32 cubic meters of timber was forfeited to the Crown.

On February 22, 2023 at Provincial Court in Placentia, Brian Careen of St. Bride’s plead guilty to operating an off-road vehicle outside an approved area and operating an off-road vehicle without insurance. He received a fine of $2,000.

On March 31, 2023 at Provincial Court in Clarenville, Edward Bragg of St. John’s plead guilty to operating an off-road vehicle within the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve, entry into a reserve with no entry permit and operating an off-road vehicle outside of an approved area. He received a fine of $1,500. The convictions resulted from an investigation initiated by Resource Enforcement Officers in September 2022.A migratory bird seized during this investigation was passed over to federal conservation officers with Environment and Climate Change Canada, who served the individual a monetary penalty for illegal possession under the Migratory Bird Convention Act.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing, hunting, cutting and all-terrain vehicle activity, as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations carried out by the Resource Enforcement Division.

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

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

The Atlantic Physician Register will launch today, May 1, in the four Atlantic provinces. National Physicians’ Day is celebrated in Canada on May 1.

Atlantic Physicians will now be able to practice in any other Atlantic province by opting in to the Atlantic Physician Registry.

This new Atlantic Registry delivers on a commitment made by Atlantic Premiers and Registrars from the four Atlantic Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons to make it easier for physicians to move around Atlantic Canada, supporting efforts to improve health care services for Atlantic Canadians.

The colleges have agreed on an annual fee of $500 for physicians on the Atlantic Register. Physicians on the register would no longer be subject to locum or temporary licence fees.

Premiers thank the Registrars for their ongoing partnership in launching the register, an example of the benefits of regional cooperation. Advancing the Atlantic Physician Register demonstrates Premiers’ commitment to improve health care delivery for Atlantic Canadians.

In December 2021, Atlantic Premiers signed an Atlantic Healthcare Accord of Guiding Principles to enhance collaboration in delivering health care services to Atlantic Canadians. Under the accord, Premiers committed to sharing best practices and lessons learned as new programs are implemented and scopes of practice for health care professionals are expanded, as well as sharing the innovative approaches their provinces are pursuing to improve health care delivery for their residents.

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“The Atlantic Physicians Registry will eliminate barriers for physicians to work seamlessly throughout the Atlantic region and assist all four provinces in providing better access to care, closer to home. As a region, we will continue to work collaboratively with our Atlantic counterparts and beyond to improve access to care, grow our health care workforce, and find new and innovative ways to ensure our residents have access to high-quality health care services, when they need it.”
Honourable Dennis King
Premier of Prince Edward Island and Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers

“We’re all focused on fixing health care so that our citizens can access quality care when and where they need it. This is another step that advances our shared goal of transforming health care through innovation and regional collaboration.”
Honourable Tim Houston
Premier of Nova Scotia

“Improving access to medical care is a key goal of New Brunswick’s Health Plan. The Atlantic Physician Registry will remove barriers to the movement of physicians within our region, enabling better access to care. I want to thank the region’s Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons for working with us to achieve this goal.”
Honourable Blaine Higgs
Premier of New Brunswick

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, our plan to improve the health care system includes innovative solutions and close collaboration with stakeholders. I am proud that our region has come together so quickly on this shared priority, working with the licensing bodies, to create the Atlantic Physician Register to help create tangible change for physicians and residents across our region.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Lancement du Registre des médecins de l’Atlantique

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Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort on Saturday, May 6.

The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

“On May 6, we will join communities across Canada and around the world to mark a significant moment in the history of The Monarch, the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. We are marking this occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the close ties between His Majesty and Canada, as well as the role that The Canadian Crown plays in our system of governance and our sense of identity.

His Majesty The King and The Queen Consort are dear friends to Newfoundland and Labrador, having visited our province on multiple occasions. Most recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Their Majesties here as part of their Royal Tour of Canada in 2022, a visit that provided an opportunity to reflect on The Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen and celebrate our province’s friendly hospitality, rich arts, cultural, and Indigenous traditions, as well as our incredible pride of place.

On Coronation Day, we will think of our shared values of peace, unity and freedom. We will also celebrate priorities that Their Majesties and Newfoundland and Labrador hold close, which includes important areas like service, the environment and sustainability, and diversity. Our government shares Their Majesties’ vision of a clean, green, sustainable future, which is contributing to long-term growth towards a vibrant and prosperous economy.

Such events like the Royal Tour of Canada and the Coronation inspires a sense of pride and fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of uniquely Canadian institutions, like The Canadian Crown, and the values and symbols that unite us all.”

In observance of Coronation Day, events will be held on Government House grounds (Saturday, May 6) and will be open to the public. It will include a parade by a Guard of Honour, followed by a flag raising, tree planting and 21-gun salute.

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

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

A more detailed list of events will be released in the coming days. To keep up to date, please visit the provincial Coronation webpage.

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Learn more
Provincial Coronation Webpage

Celebrations of His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation

The Coronation

Monarchy and the Crown – Canada.ca

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

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

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce the recipients of funding for sustainable waste management projects tomorrow (Tuesday, May 2).

The event will take place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

Sustainable waste management projects are administered under programs by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB).

Minister Davis will be joined by Derm Flynn, Chair of the MMSB Board of Directors; Charles Bown, CEO, MMSB; as well as funding recipients Johan Arcos Mendez, CEO, InVerte and Aneesh Raghupathy, CEO/Co-Founder, SmartBin.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, it takes courage and confidence to put your work on display for others to see, and especially to compete against your peers.

I rise today to congratulate the incredible young filmmakers who recently competed in the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Short Film Festival.

I was honoured to attend this year, and I am thrilled that the festival’s top award winner is from my district of Carbonear – Trinity – Bay de Verde.

Thirteen-year-old Tristan Jenkins’ documentary, “Dance Chose Me,” is a thoughtful and insightful look at how his younger brother Cameron challenges stereotypes by pursuing his passion for dance.

The caliber of entries at this year’s festival are a testament to the amazing talent that is being developed in our province.

Speaker, we have taken significant steps to foster an environment where aspiring filmmakers can succeed.

Incentives like the All-Spend Tax Credit and infrastructure like the $10 Million Centre for Television and Film at the College of the North Atlantic are positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a sought-after destination for productions from around the world.

Today, there are about 1,400 jobs in the local film and television industry, and with films like Disney’s Peter Pan and Wendy showing the world what we have to offer, further adventures await.

Please join me in congratulating the participants of this year’s High School Short Film Festival.

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A joint investment of more than $306 million from the Federal and Provincial Governments was announced today to expand the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) by adding two additional divided highway sections.

The twinning project will include a 15 kilometre section between Bishop’s Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor in the Central region, as well as a section of approximately 40 kilometres of highway heading west, beginning at Whitbourne in the Avalon region. Twinning these sections of Trans-Canada Highway will help increase traffic capacity and ensure better separation between opposing traffic lanes. These improvements will also support reliability and security of access between rural communities, strengthen year-round transportation connections, improve transportation safety and enhance the TCH’s resiliency to climate change.

The Government of Canada is investing $153 million in this project, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is also investing $153 million.

With additional funding of $20 million, the Provincial Government will also make highway improvements that will see the addition of 15 kilometres of passing lane to allow for a continuous passing lane for the first 30 kilometres leaving Port aux Basques. This will allow traffic to flow more efficiently during peak periods of ferry traffic.

The Provincial Government is also moving forward with the completion of the Team Gushue Highway, and has submitted an application to the Federal Government to take the next steps on the project.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to improving our province for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. These significant infrastructure projects will help strengthen the reliability of year-round connectivity between communities, while also making our roads safer and more resilient in response to a changing climate. Today’s investments will also have a positive impact on our tourism industry, and we look forward to tourists and locals alike enjoying all of this infrastructure for years to come.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Projects like these announced today are important for our continued efforts regarding the modernization of our provincial roads infrastructure. They are also significant from a traffic safety perspective, and helping ensure our rural and urban communities are connected to service centres that provide health care and other government-related supports.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Strengthening our supply chains and facilitating the movement of goods and people is key to economic security. As the effects of climate change are felt by communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country, the investment we are making today in the Trans-Canada Highway will ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s key supply route will be more resilient to extreme weather events.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Twinning the Trans-Canada Highway here will lead to safer commutes and better movement of goods across the island. That means spending less time on the road, and more time with your family.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour

“Investments in public infrastructure are crucial to keeping our rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador healthy, strong, and vibrant. These road upgrades will make life easier for commuters in these areas by making the Trans-Canada Highway safer and more reliable, resulting in less traffic congestion, and helping our residents get where they need to go.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“Port-aux-Basques is known as the gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador and this significant investment to our road infrastructure will provide safe and more efficient travel for both visitors and residents. I am pleased to see these improvements in the district of Burgeo – La Poile.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
MHA for Burgeo – La Poile

“This is great news for all of Newfoundland and Labrador. Highway twinning provides safe and more efficient throughout of goods and people throughout our province.  The associated construction and spin-off will employ thousands of Newfoundland and Labradorians. This announcement today represents a significant benefit for all Newfoundland and Labrador residents.”
Jim Organ
Executive Director of the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador will join the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities to make a significant announcement regarding highway infrastructure tomorrow (Monday, May 1).

The announcement will take place at the Admiral’s Green Clubhouse, 460 Allandale Road, St. John’s at 9:30 a.m.

Premier Furey and Minister LeBlanc will be joined by the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, federal Minister of Labour, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Joanne Thompson, MP for St. John’s East, and Heather Tobin of the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for the announcement.

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A joint investment of more than $35 million from the federal and provincial governments and the City of St. John’s was announced today to enhance St. John’s public transit infrastructure.

This funding will support 18 transit projects in the St. John’s region, eight of which are accessible hybrid transit buses which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change, while also increasing wheelchair accessibility on the Metrobus service in St. John’s.

Funding will also go towards the construction of shared-use paths throughout the city. This includes construction of the Kelly’s Brook shared-use path from Kings Bridge Road to Columbus Drive to create a continuous five kilometre active transportation route comfortable for use by people of all ages and abilities. The project also includes installation of lighting, rest areas, trailheads, signage and wayfinding. Once completed, this project will offer residents of St. John’s more options for their daily travels, while also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Government of Canada is investing $15,845,668 in these 18 projects, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $11,992,016 and the City of St. John’s is contributing $8,141,960.

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“We know the value of being able to safely and efficiently move around our communities, and an important element of that experience is access to transportation. I am very pleased with this investment which will not only increase accessibility within our busing system, but also increase access to our natural heritage.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The purchase of eight new hybrid buses is a welcomed investment to help address climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador. Passenger transportation accounts for over 20 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, so to see the City of St. John’s make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint, making public transportation more environmentally friendly, is a positive step in the right direction.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“One of our City’s strategic directions is to be a city that moves, with a goal to expand and maintain a safe and accessible transportation network. The funding announced today will help us to achieve this goal, in addition to our goal to fight climate change and to reach net-zero by 2050. Investing in accessible hybrid buses and building new infrastructure such as the shared-use path network will allow more people, of all ages and abilities to move around our city and get where they need to go. Whether you are walking, cycling, using a mobility aid or pushing a stroller, building an accessible and well-connected transportation system is an important part of creating a healthy and vibrant community.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

“Safe and reliable public transit systems contribute to making Canadian communities good places to live, work, and raise families. The Government of Canada’s investments in St. John’s hybrid transit buses and shared-use path projects will reduce commute times and help workers, students, seniors and families across St. John’s and beyond get where they need to go faster, cleaner and in affordable ways. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, tackles climate change and builds more inclusive communities.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-24 Active NL Fund. Funding is available to support community-based active healthy living initiatives, infrastructure or equipment that will help increase physical activity, sport, active recreation and healthy eating for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Applications will be accepted up to and including October 31, 2023. Not-for-profit, community-based groups and organizations, municipalities, Indigenous Governments, local service districts and schools are eligible to apply.

An additional $800,000 was allocated to this program through Budget 2023, bringing the total funding available to nearly $2.6 million.

The application form, as well as program guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be found on the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation’s website. Those interested in applying are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines to determine eligibility of applicants, infrastructure projects, equipment and initiatives.

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“When we create and increase opportunities for the people of our province to pursue active, healthy lifestyles, the benefits span generations. I encourage groups and organizations who want to deliver active healthy living projects and initiatives at the local level to learn more about how the Active NL Fund can support their efforts.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Active NL Fund Application Form

Active NL Fund Guidelines

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