Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today an additional $250,000 in funding to support the School Lunch Association.

The funding helps ensure the association can continue to provide hot, nutritious lunches to school-aged children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year.

The School Lunch Association is a charitable organization, serving more than 6,500 nutritious lunches to students at 41 schools throughout the province every school day. The association operates a non-stigmatizing program that provides food for school-aged children and youth, regardless of their family’s financial situation. The association anticipates more than one million lunches will be provided to students during this school year.

Budget 2023 includes $1.1 million for the School Lunch Association. More information about the program can be found here.

Quotes
“Supporting the School Lunch Association program plays a key role in providing access to healthy food for school-aged children and youth, and improving food security and the well-being of families. This additional funding will ensure that the School Lunch Association will meet their current financial commitments for food and staffing and maintain the quality of the program in the 41 schools it currently operates in for the remainder of the school year.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The School Lunch Association applauds the Provincial Government’s continued and additional investment into its program. Due to an increase in food prices, inflationary pressures and a growing demand for the program, this funding will be instrumental in ensuring children receive a hot nutritious lunch each day.”
John Finn
Executive Director, School Lunch Association

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The Provincial Government is calling for applications for the Job Creation Partnerships program. Municipalities and non-profit groups are eligible to submit projects that enhance community infrastructure and give participants the opportunity to gain new work experience that increases employment prospects.

Wages for program participants have increased in step with recent changes to minimum wage and employment insurance rates. Weekly wages are as follows:

• Supervisor: $650;
• Administrator: $623; and
• Labourer, office clerk, maintenance or similar positions: $580.

Employers are invited to apply online. Approvals will begin in late April and will progress on a continuous basis, subject to funding availability. The deadline for applications is August 17, 2023.

In 2022-23, 224 projects were completed with the support of approximately 1,040 individuals through Job Creation Partnerships.

Quotes
“Increasing wages makes the program more attractive for participants and helps communities recruit workers. Job Creation Partnerships continue to enhance communities throughout our province and give people the skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Thanks to the program the Town of Cormack has built a new dog park, gazebo, welcome sign and other valuable civic features in the last few years, all while delivering meaningful work to residents. Job Creation Partnerships continue to work wonders for our town.”
His Worship Robbie Coles
Mayor, Town of Cormack

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The following statement was issued today by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education.

“As stated in court this morning, I am pleased to confirm that we have been able to reach an agreement-in-principle with the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s for the purchase by the Provincial Government of all remaining interests in schools and school lands formerly held by the corporation.

This agreement-in-principle will have the Provincial Government purchase all remaining interests in 32 schools on the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas for a cost of $13 million. Further details will be released when the agreement is finalized.

This is a significant step that protects education infrastructure in these areas and removes the uncertainties, which had been caused by the insolvency processes of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s. It is important to note there will be no disruption to school programming for students, parents, teachers and staff during this period of transition.”

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at the St. Anthony and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon tomorrow (Wednesday, April 19).

The event will take place at Haven Inn, 14 Goose Cove Road, St. Anthony, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available here.

The St. Anthony and Area Chamber of Commerce serves the business community and promotes economic development and tourism in the region.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will bring greetings at the MacMorran Community Centre Annual General Meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, April 19).

The event will take place at the MacMorran Community Centre, 10 Brother McSheffrey Lane, St. John’s at 12:00 p.m.

MacMorran Commmunity Centre is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that has been offering programs, resources and support to members of the surrounding community since 1985.

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Funding applications for the 2023 Community Garden Support Program are available to help eligible municipalities, schools and community groups establish and enhance new and existing community gardens. There is no deadline to apply, but applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of the $2.25 million Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, this year the Provincial Government is investing over $132,000 – a $32,000 increase from 2022 – into non-repayable grants to increase:

• Food self-sufficiency;
• Access to fresh foods;
• Consumption of fruits and vegetables; and
• Awareness and appreciation of the importance of local food production and the agriculture sector.

Since 2019, the Community Garden Support Program has supported more than 500 projects, with thousands of people working together to establish and grow community gardens throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2023 application and program guide are available on the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website. For more information on the program call 709-637-2474 or email CGSP@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“The Community Garden Support Program is growing bigger every year, with more people, from students to senior citizens, working together to contribute to food self-sufficiency here at home. With an extra funding boost for 2023, we hope to see even more municipalities, schools, service groups and not-for-profit organizations growing and expanding community gardens all over Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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2023 Community Garden Support Program Guide

2023 Community Garden Support Program Application

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings tomorrow (Wednesday, April 19) at a Keynote Luncheon hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). The event is a part of NLOWE’s 2023 Annual Conference.

The event will take place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has reduced the maximum load limit on Goose River Bridge in Happy Valley-Goose Bay from the vehicle’s legal limits to 22 tonnes (three-axle single unit truck), 32 tonnes (four-axle truck and trailer) and 38 tonnes (five-axle truck and trailer), effective immediately.

The reduction in the maximum load limit is related to recent inspection and evaluation of the bridge. Traffic can safely continue to use the bridge, as long as vehicles meet the required load limit.

Design work has begun to strengthen the bridge, in an effort to decrease or remove the load restrictions. It is anticipated that a tender will be issued this summer regarding upgrades to the bridge. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Trucks heavier than noted above may be allowed on the bridge under a single heavy load permit application. For further information, please contact the Motor Registration Division of Digital Government and Service NL.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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For the second time, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is expanding the Come Home Incentive to help attract health care professionals home to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, 79 individuals have accepted offers from the Come Home Incentive, at a value of approximately $5.16 million.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that due to the success of the program, the incentive has been expanded to include Registered Midwives, who are now eligible to receive:

• A $50,000 incentive, subject to a three-year return-in-service agreement for those with applicable ties to Newfoundland and Labrador; or
• A $25,000 incentive, subject to a three-year return-in-service agreement for those with no ties to Newfoundland and Labrador.

A comprehensive recruitment and retention package is essential to bridging the gap in earnings between midwives in Newfoundland and Labrador and other jurisdictions, and is part of the way forward in Newfoundland and Labrador’s health system transformation.

In addition, the incentive amounts available for Radiation Therapists have increased to:

• A $60,000 incentive, subject to a three-year return-in-service agreement for those with applicable ties to Newfoundland and Labrador; or
• A $30,000 incentive, subject to a three-year return-in-service agreement for those with no ties to Newfoundland and Labrador.

This increase will further incentivize Radiation Therapists, including Dosimetrists, living outside the province to come home and work.

The Come Home Incentive was initially announced in October 2022 and was expanded in January 2023 to include Clinical Psychologists, Radiation Therapists (including Dosimetrists), Cardiology Technologists, Medical Physicists, and Respiratory Therapists.

Details of the original incentive program and previous updates can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“The Come Home Incentive is encouraging health care professionals to work in Newfoundland and Labrador and we are happy to see it is working. As of today, 79 individuals have accepted offers to work in our province. By further expanding the program, we are confident the incentive will boost the attractiveness of our health community and result in even more health care professionals providing services in our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Health Care Action

Efforts Continue to Attract Health Care Workers Through Expansion of Come Home Incentive

Come Home 2022 Efforts Continue with Focus on Health Care Workers

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BACKGROUNDER

Come Home Incentives 

In October 2022, a Come Home Incentive was announced to help attract health care professionals home to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. Initially aimed at Physicians, Nurses and Paramedics, the initiative is available to individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador who have been living outside the province for at least six months. In January 2023, the Provincial Government announced the expansion of this incentive to include Clinical Psychologists, Radiation Therapists (including Dosimetrists), Cardiology Technologists, Medical Physicists and Respiratory Therapists.

In order to qualify for the full incentive, at least one of the following criteria must be applicable:

• Born in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Trained in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Performed residency in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Educated in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Previously practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador for a period greater than 12 months; or
• Have other ties to Newfoundland and Labrador considered on a case-by-case basis.

Once the criteria has been met, eligible applicants may then qualify for one of the following incentives:

• Physician – $100,000 for five-year return-in-service agreement;
• Nurse Practitioner – $60,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Registered Nurse – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Licensed Practical Nurse – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Advanced Care Paramedic – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Primary Care Paramedic – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Clinical Psychologist – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Radiation Therapist (including Dosimetrists): $60,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Cardiology Technologist – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Medical Physicist – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Respiratory Therapist – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement; or
• Registered Midwives – $50,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement.

While this initiative is aimed at ex-patriate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, incentives are also available for those without ties to Newfoundland and Labrador listed above at the following rates and service agreements:

• Physician – $50,000 for five-year return-in-service agreement;
• Nurse Practitioner – $30,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Registered Nurse – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Licensed Practical Nurse – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Advanced Care Paramedic – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Primary Care Paramedic – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Clinical Psychologist – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Radiation Therapist (including Dosimetrists) – $30,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Cardiology Technologist – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Medical Physicist – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement;
• Respiratory Therapist –  $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement; or
• Registered Midwives – $25,000 for three-year return-in-service agreement.

In order to qualify, applicants are required to have a job offer from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, a private ambulance operator or a private clinic (for Physicians). Individuals who avail of the Come Home Incentive are still eligible for other previously announced incentives for which they may qualify.

 

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. at the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade luncheon tomorrow (Tuesday, April 18).

The event will take place at Greenwood Inn and Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook.

Budget 2023 is focused on improving the province’s health and financial well-being. More information is available here.

The Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade serves entrepreneurs and the business community of Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, and Humber Valley.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has selected Deloitte Inc. to complete an assessment of acute care service delivery in the Northeast Avalon region.  The contract, valued at $2.1 million, will support the development of a master plan and program for a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and the new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute to be constructed at the Health Sciences Centre.

The consultant will determine the scope of services required at each of the new facilities, including:

• Appropriate space and location requirements;
• Site options for the St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital replacement; and
• The optimization of new health care infrastructure.

As part of this work, Deloitte Inc. will engage with the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee. This work is integral to meeting the needs of residents in the province’s most populous area, which has seen a 25 per cent increase in its population over the last two decades.

A report on the assessment is due in late 2023.

The replacement of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and the construction of a Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute are in addition to the new adult mental health and addictions facility and the expanded emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre, which are currently under construction.

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.

Quotes
“It is important that health care infrastructure meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Having a consultant develop a plan for the region will help ensure we have the proper infrastructure in place to optimize the delivery of health care services in our province well into the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

‘We are taking the next steps in our plan to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and build a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute. These facilities, along with the redeveloped emergency department and the new adult mental health and addictions hospital at the Health Sciences Centre, are helping us create a reimagined and modernized health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Enhanced health infrastructure will also provide modern facilities that support the recruitment and retention of health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Health Care Action

Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Request for Proposals Issued for Consultant on St Clare’s Mercy Hospital Replacement

New Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute Announced for Newfoundland and Labrador

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, congratulates all winners and nominees of the 71st annual Arts and Letters Awards Program. The award ceremony took place at The Rooms this past weekend (Friday, April 14).

First launched in 1952, the Arts and Letters Awards Program is a renowned provincial program that encourages artistic creation and recognizes excellence through the awarding of monetary prizes, along with the opportunity for adjudication, to both emerging and established artists. Original creative work in literature, music, visual art, and media arts are eligible for submission annually.

This year, prizes totaling $43,650 were awarded in literary, music, visual arts, and media arts sections. There were 29 winning entries in the Junior Division and 32 winning entries in the Senior Division. A total of 520 entries were submitted for consideration for the 2023 program.

The Percy Janes First Novel Award, the program’s top prize of $2,500, was awarded to Malcolm Kempt of Green’s Harbour for his manuscript “Nightfall.”

A detailed list of award recipients can be found in the backgrounder below. More information on the program and submission guidelines can be found here.

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“Since 1952, the annual Arts and Letters Awards Program has encouraged and celebrated the accomplishments of artists with diverse backgrounds, experience, cultures and traditions. Artistic expression is a vital contributor to our province’s cultural landscape and is a recognized promoter of vitality and wellness. Congratulations to this year’s winners and entrants and thank you for your contribution to the creation and continued evolution of art in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Arts and Letter Awards Program

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BACKGROUNDER

2023 Arts and Letters Awards Recipients

JUNIOR

Junior Poetry
($350 prize) Adjudicators: Mohamed Madiou, Nellie Strowbridge, Linda Coles

Jacob Rose I can do it Bailey Bennett Death Calls Sofia Butler Escape Awsten Goodyear Dysphoria Jade Collins You Aren’t Trying Hard Enough Holly Fillier Intercalative Dolour Dakota Squires Change Our Ending Ashley Chippett What Does it Mean to be a Woman

Junior Prose
($350 prize) Adjudicators: Debbie Robins, Dane Gill

Connor Keefe Love and Magic Ava Hodder Plagued Promise Lillian Carter Swinging Ayla Orbasli Don’t Go There! Emma Troake The Fight Megan Smith Iris Kathleen O’Rourke Living in a Dead Girl’s Diary Maurizio Hunter Barberio Eternal Darkness

 Junior French Literary
($350 prize) Adjudicator: Jeremy Pommier

Nyamae Alloway Le vacuum

Junior Music
($350 prize) Adjudicators: Stephanie Bowring, Rosemary Lawton

Max Steffen Predictable Darcy Scott Your Name Francis Kennedy Darla Summer Bennett Lightning

 Junior Visual Art
($350 prize) Adjudicators: Rachel Gilbert, Kelly Bruton

Emily Miller Untitled Elisabeth Sheppard Little White House Sierra Kennedy How did we get Here? Chloe Regular A Bountiful Quest Alida Zedel All That Eye Can See Julia Cole Faerie Trap Kanto Ratsimandresy Agathe Zora Maskova Fish Spotted

SENIOR

Senior Poetry
($1,000 prize) Adjudicators: Heather Nolan, Charis Cotter

Douglas Walbourne-Gough Now is Not the Time Nancy Shepherd Bragg Over There Craig Francis Power Walking My Three Year Old To Nanny’s Place, Easter Sunday 2017 Sharon King-Campbell Untitled #48; February 10, 2022

Senior Short Fiction
($1,000 prize) Adjudicators: Willow Kean, Samanda Stroud

Emma Cole Shards Ian Foster Hang in There Molly Clarke Roadkill Khadija Rehma What Could Have Been

Senior Nonfiction
($1,000 prize) Adjudicator: Terry Doyle

Andreae Callanan Can’t Help But Notice Connie Boland Memories are Like Shrapnel Natalie Dalton All the Things I did not Know and Wouldn’t Have Believed Anyway

Senior Dramatic Script
($1,000 prize) Adjudicator: Jennifer Deon

Alexa Jerrett “Seal’s Kin” Michelle T Clemens Show Down

Senior French Literary
($1,000 prize) Adjudicator: Jeremy Pommier

Coline Tisserand Balcon

Percy Janes First Novel Award
($2,500 prize) Adjudicator: Michelle Butler Hallett

Malcolm Kempt Nightfall

 Senior Music
($1,000 prize) Adjudicators: Stephanie Bowring, Rosemary Lawton

Zach Dalley Subterranean Jake Nicoll Asking for Forgiveness Lorna Lovell Come Home Ian Foster Gossamer

 Senior Media Arts
($1,000 prize) Adjudicator: Anna Wheeler

Melissa Wong The Boulevard’s Black and White Ghost

Senior Visual Art
($1,000 prize) Adjudicators: Rose Bouthillier, Janice Hertel, Michelle Bush

Melissa Putt Capturing the Afternoon Sunlight Michelle Churchill The Fury Anastasia Tiller Levitating in Reverie Nicolas (Nick) Kokis The Cat Who Leaps at Butterflies Olivia Stacey Fireweed Jelly Kelly Bastow Sunset Saunter Ellen Power Among the Sandbanks Marie Lugli A study of time and place, 2022 Kendall Sweeney Reminders of Sunday Jennifer Bautista Still Waters Frank Barry The Wound Joshua Mack Birds Foraging off Cape Spear

 

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is leading a Canadian delegation at the Ocean Business 2023 in Southampton, United Kingdom from April 18 to 20. Ocean Business 2023 is a global exhibition and training forum that will showcase over 300 manufacturers and service providers of ocean science and technology.

Sixteen Atlantic Canadian businesses are exhibiting in the Canada Pavilion. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, is joining the Newfoundland and Labrador contingent, which will consist of eight exhibitors, seven attendees, and one start-up. Exhibitors from Newfoundland and Labrador include Compusult Ltd, eDNATec Inc., eSonar Inc., Genoa Design, GRi Simulations Inc., Rutter Inc., Seashore Maritime Services and SubC Imaging. The Provincial Government is contributing $28,000 in travel stipends for the provincial contingent.

As mission organizers, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is overseeing the project management of trade show bookings and pavilion construction, as well as facilitating educational and networking events for Canadian delegates. The department is also providing on-the-ground support at the event for the broader national delegation of an additional 22 companies and support organizations. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Nova Scotia are also supporting this initiative.

Over 4,500 individuals from nearly 70 countries are attending this key ocean technology show, which combines global business networking opportunities with the top ocean science innovators, along with educational and training sessions.

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“Our government has identified ocean tech as a priority for the province. We want to capitalize on the projected growth in the global ocean economy, to propel our province’s ocean tech sector forward. The Ocean Business 2023 conference is one of the largest and most important ocean science and technology events of the year, and we are pleased to support the provincial delegation as they connect with some of the industry’s brightest minds.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Ocean Business 2023

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will bring greetings at the opening session of the 2023 Annual Conference of the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs tomorrow (Tuesday, April 18).

Premier Furey and Minister Dempster are scheduled to bring greetings at the St. John’s Convention Centre, located at 50 New Gower Street, at 9:00 a.m.

The conference takes place tomorrow and Wednesday, April 19. More details can be found here.

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Applications for the 2023-24 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program are now available to support current farmers and new entrants to the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2023.

Budget 2023 approved $2.25 million for the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program. The program has two streams, focusing on land development and agriculture infrastructure. Projects must support food self-sufficiency, and increase agricultural growth and secondary processing.

Eligible applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales in one of the last three years, or qualify as a new entrant. To encourage and support new farmers in the industry, new entrants can qualify for up to $20,000 in funding under the Agriculture Infrastructure program.

For more information, visit Agriculture Programs and Funding, call 709-637-2077 or email PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-019 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-2023-019 Report Date: April 14, 2023 Public Body: Office of the Premier Summary: The Complainant made a request for all records from the Office of the Premier related to former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Tony Blair for the year prior to December 5, 2022. In response to this request, the Office of the Premier provided ten pages of records, consisting of several emails between Office of the Premier staff and employees of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change between August and November of 2022. The Complainant questioned why there would be so few records of interactions between the Office of the Premier and Sir Tony Blair and his staff, given the latter had made a high-profile visit to the province on November 30, 2022 and met with the Premier and members of his cabinet. The Commissioner concluded that there was insufficient evidence that the Office of the Premier had carried out a reasonable search for responsive records and recommended that it conduct a new search.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Community Sector, is today proclaiming the week of April 16 to 22 as National Volunteer Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Volunteers are pillars of Newfoundland and Labrador’s community sector. National Volunteer Week provides the opportunity to celebrate the selfless service of those who give of their time and talents to help improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

This year’s theme is “Volunteering Weaves Us Together”, which highlights the importance of volunteering and acknowledges the extraordinary efforts and impact volunteers make in their communities through their interconnected actions.

In recent weeks Minister Abbott has taken part in a number of activities to recognize and celebrate the province’s volunteers and community sector, including:

• Joined Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim National Volunteer Week;
• Delivered a Ministerial Statement in the House of Assembly to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Penelope Rowe, who retired earlier this year after a career of over 40 years as the leader of the Community Sector Council;
• Attended Memorial University’s annual Volunteer Day Awards Ceremony to celebrate individuals and groups for their exceptional contribution through volunteerism; and
• Participated in the Volunteer Connections Conference 2023 hosted by Volunteer Canada and the Community Sector Council, which aims to develop a roadmap to a National Action Strategy for Volunteerism in Canada as well as to identify strategic directions for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to invest more than $100 million in grants and core funding to support the community sector. Last year, the Provincial Government invested an additional $5 million to support community-based organizations, which is carried forward through Budget 2023.

Quotes
“I would like to thank all volunteers who generously give their time and efforts to support communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate volunteers for going above and beyond to help keep people safe, healthy and engaged across the lifespan. I encourage everyone to take the time to appreciate our incredible volunteers for all they do, and consider volunteering to help build stronger and more inclusive communities across this wonderful province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Community Sector

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, driving activities that benefit us all. During Volunteer Week 2023, we celebrate their extraordinary contributions in areas like health support, arts and heritage, youth groups, and more. The Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with our partners, is proud to support this week of recognition and appreciation. Let’s come together to show gratitude for the volunteers who make our province a better place.”
Colin Corcoran
Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
National Volunteer Week 2023

Budget 2023: Community Sector

Community Sector Council

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The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating an outbreak occurring in eight provinces of Salmonella infections linked to snakes and feeder rodents.

Salmonellosis is a well-known foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria. However, it can also occur if a person does not properly wash their hands after handling pets and farm animals, such as pet reptiles or baby chicks.

Public Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador recently identified an individual that became ill from Salmonella Typhimurium. This case was later determined to have the same genetic type of Salmonella as other cases across Canada. A second case in Newfoundland and Labrador linked to the national outbreak was confirmed on April 12.

The Department of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services are collaborating with the Federal Government and other provinces to identify the source of these illnesses. Based on the information collected to date, many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or indirect contact with snakes and feeder rodents (used as reptile food) before their illnesses occurred.

The public is reminded to:

• Always wash your hands immediately after touching a reptile or rodent, and anything they eat, or after being in the area where they live, play or touch.
• Regularly clean any surfaces or objects your reptile or rodent touches with soapy water followed by a household sanitizer.
• Never kiss a pet rodent or reptile.
• Do not keep reptiles or rodents in homes, child care centers, schools or other facilities with children aged 5 years and under.
• Always supervise children when they touch or play with reptiles or rodents. Children five years of age and under should not handle reptiles or rodents.
• Do not clean or bathe reptiles or rodents in the kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, or bathtubs.
• Do not keep food used for reptiles or rodents in the kitchen or any room where people eat or drink.
• Keep reptiles and rodents and all their food, containers, enclosures, and any objects that have been in their enclosures, such as plants or enrichment items, away from the kitchen and other places where food is made or eaten.
• Do not keep frozen rodents in the same fridge or freezer as human food. Freezing rodents does not kill Salmonella.
• Always defrost and prepare frozen rodents outside the kitchen, using dedicated utensils and containers.
• Be aware of the specific needs of your reptile. Stress for a reptile can increase the shedding of Salmonella.
• Always keep reptiles and live rodents in habitats specifically designed for them.
• If you choose to have a reptile or rodent in your home, talk to your health care provider or veterinarian about the right reptile or rodent for your family, especially if your family includes children five years of age and younger, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, or adults 65 years of age and over.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection often include sudden onset of headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and sometimes vomiting. It may also cause severe dehydration, especially among infants or seniors. Severe complications and deaths resulting from Salmonellosis are uncommon, but may occur in the very young, the very old, or people who are immunocompromised.

Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days. Some people can be infected with the bacteria and not get sick or show any symptoms, but still be able to spread the infection to others.

People who experience symptoms or have underlying medical conditions should contact their health care provider if they suspect they have a Salmonella infection.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Salmonellosis (Salmonella)
• Salmonella and Reptiles
• Key steps to help reduce zoonotic disease transmission from rodents

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An investigation into salmon poaching on the Bay de Verde Peninsula by Resource Enforcement Division officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has resulted in convictions, fines and prohibitions from recreational fishing for three individuals.

Cory Tizzard and Nicholas Morgan, both of Winterton, and Mason Harrington of New Perlican were convicted in Provincial Court in Harbour Grace on January 11, 2023, for unlawfully fishing for salmon by means of a net contrary to Section 42.1 of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations.

The individuals were apprehended in New Perlican on August 26, 2022, by Resource Enforcement Officers acting on information obtained from surveillance activities.

Each individual received a $1,500 fine and is prohibited from participating in recreational fisheries for a period of one year. In addition, items seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown and include an 80 foot gill net, a fish tray, a blanket and a quantity of rope.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity as information provided by the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations conducted by Resource Enforcement Officers.

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

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An investigation by Resource Enforcement Officers into salmon poaching on the Bay de Verde Peninsula in August 2022 resulted in the seizure of an 80 foot long gill net.

The post Public Advisory: Salmon Poaching Investigation Results in Convictions, Prohibitions and Forfeitures appeared first on News Releases.

As part of the Provincial Government’s continuing effort to enhance math education for students in primary and elementary schools, K-6 Mathematics Bursaries are available for eligible teachers again this year.

The Department of Education’s Mathematics Bursary Program is designed to encourage public school teacher participation in university level courses in mathematics content that is beneficial for the teaching of mathematics in K-6. The program is open for applications three times per year.

Mathematics Bursary Program application timeline by semester:

Spring, Intercession and Summer Applications  Fall Applications  Winter Applications Opens: April 1, 2023
Closes: June 30, 2023 Opens: August 1, 2023
Closes: October 31, 2023 Opens: December 1, 2023
Closes: February 28, 2024

Providing access to the necessary training is a key initiative and the department welcomes applications from administrators and teachers who work with K-6 students, including replacement and substitute teachers.

More information on the bursary program, including the application form, is available here.

Since 2018, more than $330,000 has been invested in mathematics professional learning opportunities for school administrators, classroom teachers and specialists, including $81,000 in bursaries for 140 K-6 teachers.

As referenced in the Education Action Plan, the goal of the mathematics curriculum in the province is to recognize student achievement that is comparable to the highest achieving Canadian jurisdictions. The Plan notes that accomplishing this requires a sound and balanced curriculum with well-articulated outcomes and expectations, highly skilled teachers, and an assessment program that adheres to national and international assessment standards.

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“Math bursaries provide teachers a tremendous opportunity to achieve greater skill and comfort in mathematics teaching. Mathematics skills are foundational for our students. It is important that teachers be knowledgeable, creative, and prepared to help students develop these vital skills. I encourage all of our primary and elementary teachers and administrators to take advantage of the bursary to engage mathematics professional learning opportunities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Mathematics Bursary Program

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