Government of Newfoundland News

The investigation into the October 2021 cyber attack on the provincial health system is being led by Sean Murray, Director of Research and Quality Assurance at Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) in accordance with the authority delegated to him under section 103 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and section 80 of the Personal Health Information Act.

Media inquiries have sought an update on the status of the investigation. Mr. Murray wishes to advise that a robust investigation is ongoing and active, although there have been delays, due to factors including staff turnover at the OIPC at an earlier stage of the investigation, and timeliness of responses from some of the public bodies in question. Presently, the investigation is awaiting responses to a series of questions which have been put to the affected Regional Health Authorities, the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, and the Department of Health and Community Services.

Mr. Murray commented: “Our questions to the Department of Health and Community Services, which were disclosed publicly by the provincial government in a recent court filing, were sent to the Department’s counsel on January 9th, 2023. We expect to receive the Department’s response, as well as those of the other public bodies, no later than mid-April. That is more than enough time to fully answer our questions, and I anticipate nothing less than a thorough, detailed set of responses. I foresee it will take a period of weeks to then analyze what we receive, determine whether any further steps are required, and ultimately issue my report.”

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will open applications for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The event will take place at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 16 Church Hill, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-015 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-2023-015 Report Date: March 28, 2023 Public Body: Town of Flatrock Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Flatrock for records containing advice from the Town Planner to the Town about the Complainant’s property. The Town provided responsive records, but withheld some information pursuant to section 29 (policy advice and recommendations) and section 30 (legal advice). The Complainant requested this Office review the Town’s decision to withhold this information. During the informal resolution process, the Town released an additional six pages of records to the Complainant that it had previously withheld under section 30. The Commissioner found that the Town had appropriately withheld the remaining records.

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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, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program.

Incorporated municipalities, not-for-profit groups and Indigenous Governments and communities are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 to develop, implement and evaluate accessible and inclusive community-based transportation programs.

As part of Budget 2023, the Provincial Government is investing $300,000 for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program.

Projects under the program should focus on helping to enhance and expand community transportation services for people who experience barriers to transportation, including ability and geography, often in combination with low income.

In 2022-23, six recipients were awarded funding through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, as detailed in the backgrounder below.

Program guidelines and applications can be found here. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 26, 2023.

Quote
“I am pleased to open applications for the 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program. This program supports government’s commitment to improve the health and well-being of residents of this province by increasing transportation options for individuals who experience barriers to accessible, affordable and inclusive transportation. I encourage eligible organizations to submit an application and make a difference in their communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Grants

Minister Abbott Announces Recipients of the 2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program

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BACKGROUNDER

2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program Grants

Applicant Location Proposal Grant Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Happy Valley-Goose Bay Purchase of 25-seat electric minibus to improve public transit especially for seniors, persons with disabilities, single parents, persons in low income and youth among others. $100,000 Town of New-Wes Valley New-Wes Valley and surrounding area Support operations of Shore Ride Community Transportation Program providing free accessible transportation options on a flexible, on-demand schedule. $46,747 St. George’s Indian Band Council Inc. St. George’s-Humber Purchase of wheelchair accessible van to support the startup of the K’Taqmkuk Transportation and Support Service as well as the Emergency Home Program. $100,000 Lions Club of Twillingate Inc. Twillingate Expand services of the Community Wheels Project, which provides free transportation for individuals, especially seniors. $27,859 Town of Harbour Breton Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune Continue the Coastal Rides Community Transportation Program, which utilizes a wheelchair accessible bus to assist seniors with travel to medical appointments, grocery shop etc. $25,394 Bay St. George South Ride for Ages Bay St. George South Help expand weekly services of the accessible and inclusive bus service to include youth and family activities. $11,832

 

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Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media as she releases the report, What We Heard: Engagement with Seniors, Family Members and/or Caregivers, and Service Providers. Ms. Walsh will provide an overview of what seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador are telling us about their concerns, requirements and potential solutions, and will outline next steps for the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will take place on March 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, Sir Brian Dunfield Building, 2 Canada Drive, St. John’s.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Sherri-Lee Owens, please see below.

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Media contact
Sherri-Lee Owens
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Motor Registration website is now available to the public in both English and French.

Digital Government and Service NL continues to work across government to build capacity to deliver services in French, and to contribute to the development and vitality of the province’s Francophone community.

The French version of the website can be found here: www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/fr

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Avis au public : La refonte de la version française du site Web de l’immatriculation des véhicules est terminée

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at econext’s Annual General Meeting tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The event will take place at the Comfort Hotel and Conference Centre, 106 Airport Road, St. John’s, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will announce the details of the province’s Dementia Care Action Plan tomorrow (Thursday, March 30).

The availability will take place at the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador office, 835 Topsail Road, Unit 107, Mount Pearl at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Shirley Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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With support of $500,000 from the Provincial Government, Eastern Health will facilitate the development of a Fitness Centre on the first level of the newly opened Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in Bonavista. The addition of the new Fitness Centre at the facility will bring health services and wellness together under one roof.

Opened in 2022, the Wellness Centre provides centralized access to primary health care services, public health, home and community supports, and mental health and addictions services in the Bonavista region. Through a partnership with the Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation, this facility represents best practice and community integration with a vision for client-centered services and increased access.

Tip-A-Vista recently entered into a partnership with the YMCA to operate the Fitness Centre. Through this partnership, the YMCA will share their expertise, knowledge and resources, allowing for the development of a new and innovative, multi-faceted centre as a way of building a healthier community.

Quotes
“Well-being is about all aspects of our health, and opening a fitness centre at the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre allows the people of the area an opportunity to contribute to their health objectives and be proactive about their health. Our government continues its efforts to increase access to health services, including means to help build healthier towns and communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“On behalf of Eastern Health, we are pleased to be an active partner of the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in Bonavista. The addition of a gym to the centre further enhances our vision of community integration. The Wellness Centre provides an ideal space where our teams can provide primary and public health services, and support enhanced mental health and community services, while also promoting a healthy community for the residents of Bonavista.”
Ron Johnson
Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health, Eastern Health

“This investment will allow completion of the Dr. Hilda Tremblett Wellness Centre in the heart of historic Bonavista. The multimillion dollar facility offers various health supports for the community and region. The addition of a gymnasium, weight room, cardio room, and multipurpose space offers amazing opportunities to enhance both our mental and physical wellness. Bonavista once again leads the way in a unique service space that will be mirrored in other municipalities. The Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation is thrilled to share this news today.”
His Worship John Norman
Mayor of Town of Bonavista and Co-Chair of the Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation

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From left to right: John Norman, Mayor of Town of Bonavista and Co-Chair Tip-A-Vista Wellness Foundation, Honorable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services and Ron Johnson, Vice President of Innovation and Rural Health, Eastern Health

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at Memorial University’s School of Social Work Pledge of Professionalism Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, March 29).

The ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Auditorium, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John’s.

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Anyone encountering dead, injured, sick, or potentially abandoned wildlife should report it to the nearest Forest Management District Office or call 709-685-7273. Wild birds and other wildlife, including dead wildlife, may carry and transmit diseases such as avian influenza, rabies, or canine distemper. Handling wildlife can be dangerous and pose threats to human health, pets, and domestic livestock.

Department staff recently responded to reports of people attempting to rehabilitate injured or sick wildlife. Two sick foxes removed from the wild on the Avalon Peninsula tested preliminary positive for avian influenza, and test results are pending for two more foxes from the Avalon Peninsula and Notre Dame Bay areas. Due to the high risk of avian influenza in wild birds and their predators, the department is not currently issuing taxidermy permits.

The instinct to assist wild animals that appear to be sick, injured, newborn, orphaned, or abandoned, or to remove dead animals from the wild, is understandable; however, all wildlife should be left undisturbed in their natural habitat. Conservation Officers trained in the safe handling of wildlife will determine whether a public safety concern or other reason warrants removing wildlife from its natural surroundings.

Information on preventing the spread of avian influenza is available from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website. Hunters and trappers should also follow Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines regarding wildlife and avian influenza.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education and MHA for Gander, will bring greetings at the 2023 Water and Wastewater Workshop in Gander tomorrow (Wednesday, March 29).

The event will take place at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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A week-long employment tour of western Newfoundland for a group of 50 skilled Ukrainian newcomers seeking full-time, year-round work is well underway. A partnership between the Provincial Government, the Association for New Canadians and TaskForceNL, the tour is a novel approach to familiarize talented newcomers with employment and lifestyle opportunities outside the Northeast Avalon region.

The tour kicked off yesterday (Monday, March 27) with a job fair hosted by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills at the Corner Brook Civic Centre. The job fair featured 29 employers from sectors including construction, hospitality, forestry, fisheries, health care, retail, finance and food service.

Tour stops include major employers and industries in western Newfoundland, such as:

• College of the North Atlantic headquarters in Stephenville and campus in Corner Brook;
• Grenfell Campus of Memorial University;
• Tourism sites in Steady Brook, Corner Brook and Deer Lake;
• Corner Brook Pulp and Paper;
• Farms in Cormack;
• Western Health long term care facilities;
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Wheeler’s Road location; and
• Nomad Stages dance studio in Stephenville.

Job fairs for Ukrainians are also being held in Deer Lake (Wednesday, March 29) and Stephenville (Thursday, March 30). Employers wishing to host a booth at one of the remaining job fairs can register by emailing ukrainewestcoast@ancnl.ca or calling 709-634-2656. Interested employers can view the skillsets of these job seekers in the backgrounder.

Ukrainians have already settled in 39 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and this initiative has the potential to double the number of Ukrainians living and working on the west coast. The Provincial Government will be looking to undertake similar employment tours to other regions of the province throughout 2023.

Quotes
“This tour is about showing skilled Ukrainian newcomers they can live prosperous lives on the west coast, and it has the potential to be a model for successful settlement in other areas of the province. Credit to the many municipalities and employers who have opened their arms to embrace the vast economic and social value newcomers bring to our communities.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Over the past year, the Association for New Canadians has worked closely with the Provincial Government to resettle over 2,400 newly arrived Ukrainians. We are delighted to partner on this important initiative to showcase the many vibrant communities across this province and the great opportunities that await those who choose to live and work on the west coast.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

“This initiative will bring more diversity to the region and be a magnet for other newcomers, revitalizing the local economy. It can be a new model to embrace multiculturalism in our province. At TaskforceNL we strive to action big ideas and are proud to partner on this initiative”
Constanza Safatle
Executive Director, TaskForceNL

“Ukrainians we’ve hired possess a skillset that is hard to find in our province – they have experience working on commercial farms. These skilled newcomers have been able to hit the ground running and I strongly encourage fellow business owners across the western region to consider the benefits Ukrainian talent can bring to their operations.”
Ian Richardson
Owner, Larch Grove Farm

“The Glynmill Inn hired a talented Ukrainian baker who is a wonderful addition to our kitchen team. With many Ukrainians having backgrounds in service and sales, these newcomers are a boon for our hotel and the entire hospitality industry in the western region.”
Connie Rose

General Manager, The Glynmill Inn

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NOTE: A photo accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.

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Ukrainian newcomers arriving for a week-long employment tour of western Newfoundland (March 27, 2023).

BACKGROUNDER

Ukrainian West Coast Employment Tour: Resume Summaries

Experiences and Skills by Industry

Ocean Economy

Third Engineer Able Seaman Third Mate Fish Harvester Ordinary Seaman Second Officer Third Officer Sailor – Merchant Navy Stevedore Marine Course Instructor    

Services

Barista Cleaner Security Guard Waiter Cook Sous Chef Masseuse Hairdresser Customer Service Technical Support (telecoms) Receptionist Translator Brewmaster Retail Manager Baker Table Tennis Coach    

Business

Administration Sales Economist Marketing Human Resources  Recruiter Accountant Bookkeeper Financial Analyst Purchasing Manager Account Manager (Agriculture) Web Master e-Commerce Manager Project Manager Realtor  

Trades, Construction and Engineering

Plumber Welder Carpenter Energy Systems Engineer Fibre Optic Technician Forklift Operator Boiler Operator Labourer HVAC Technician Quality Assurance Specialist Bricklayer Architect Pipefitter Fire Fighter General Contractor Handyman Electrician Tile Installer Construction Manager    

Manufacturing and Logistics

Front Loader Driver Commercial Driver Assembly Worker Freight Forwarded Machine Operator Warehouse Supervisor

Health Care

Administrative Assistant Pharmacy Technician  

Education

• Master’s Degree in Heat and Power Engineering
• Master’s Degree in International Economic Relations
• Diploma in Construction Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Business Economics
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
• Master’s Degree in Commodity Science and Customs
• General Practice Nurse
• Bachelor’s of Philology
• Master’s Degree in Navigation
• Master’s Degree in Management of Foreign Economic Activity
• Master’s Degree in Finance
• Master’s Degree in Psychology
• Diploma in Massage Therapy
• Master’s Degree in Management (Human Resources)
• Master’s Degree in Firefighting and Emergency Rescue Operations Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Document Studies and Information Activities
• Master’s Degree in External Economic Management
• Diploma in Industrial and Civil Construction

Languages

• English
• Ukrainian
• Polish
• Russian
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Bulgarian
• Serbian
• Hungarian

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Interested parties and individuals are invited to contribute to the statutory review of the Independent Appointments Commission Act.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Provide written comments or written submissions to IACreview@gov.nl.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
• Arrange a time to speak with Mr. David Conway, the review consultant, by calling 709-729-5800 or emailing IACreview@gov.nl.ca.
• Participate in the online public consultation meetings or observe the meetings scheduled for the week of May 8-12, 2023 by emailing IACreview@gov.nl.ca or calling 709-729-5800 by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023.

The review of the Independent Appointments Commission Act will be comprehensive and identify improvements to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes of the legislation, and the subsequent processes that support its administration.

The review will also look at ways to maximize the diversity of candidates identified as qualified and recommendable for appointment, including but not limited to Indigenous candidates, and ways to maximize regional representation from all parts of the province.

The final report will be submitted to the Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission outlining the results of the review and its recommendations on or before May 31, 2023. The report will also be made publicly available.

Please note that the final report will state the names of individuals or parties who made comments and submissions in writing and in-person at the public consultation meetings; or were consulted as part of the review process. Comments and submissions may be included as part of the written report of the review with identifying information such as name and organization.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating the cast and crew of Son of a Critch, which has been picked up for a third season on CBC and CBC Gem.

The show is based on comedian Mark Critch’s best-selling memoir, ‘Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir,’ and features Critch, along with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Malcolm McDowell, Claire Rankin, Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera. It is filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador, and employs more than 200 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

In support of the province’s film and television industry, Budget 2023 provides $10 million for the Film and Television Equity Investment Program and increases the All-Spend Film and Video Production Tax Credit to 40 per cent. In 2022-23, production activity in Newfoundland and Labrador was over $97.5 million, supporting more than 1,600 full-time equivalent positions.

Quote
“It is heartwarming to see how a production rooted in our province’s rich history of humour and humility is being so warmly embraced by audiences across the country. Son of a Critch creates a true portrait of our province as it was in the 1980s by drawing on the exceptional talents of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, not only in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes. I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to bring this show into our homes and wish them many more seasons of success!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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As part of the Provincial Government’s effort to improve health and social outcomes, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced plans to issue a call for proposals in May that will support the construction of more than 850 new affordable homes in the province’s rental market. This announcement stems from a new, three year, $70 million Affordable Housing Program that will include partnerships with private and non-profit sectors, municipalities and Indigenous organizations.

This is in addition to the more than 750 new housing options that have been created over the last two years or are under construction, in partnership with the Federal Government.

Joining Premier Furey in making the announcement was the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Alexis Foster, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador and Kelly Heisz, Executive Director of SeniorsNL.

Highlighted in Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority. this new Affordable Housing Program will provide access to affordable housing for hundreds of families and individuals. The program will focus on seniors, and will support other vulnerable populations including young adults, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people experiencing homelessness.

Quotes
“Every Newfoundlander and Labradorian deserves a safe space to call home, and our government recognizes that access to affordable housing is key to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. This $70 million investment for a new Affordable Housing Program allows us to develop a broad range of affordable rental housing options, throughout the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home. Our success with past community housing initiatives has proven that working with our private and non-profit sectors and other partners to develop new safe and affordable housing options, enables us to go further and do more. The program will also generate significant economic benefits to the retail and labour sectors of the housing industry.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is thrilled with the announcement of the new Affordable Housing Program in Budget 2023. This program is vital and we look forward to working with our government and its stakeholders to achieve the program’s goals.”
Alexis Foster
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Inquiries to our organization from seniors looking for affordable housing have increased this year, especially as rents and the cost of living continues to rise. Easing the financial pressures that many seniors face is welcome news.”
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director
SeniorsNL

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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced details of a new wage grid for early childhood educators working in regulated child care centres that are part of the Operating Grant Program.

The wage grid takes effect on April 1, 2023 with a base rate of $25 an hour for Level II early childhood educators who hold a two-year diploma. This is the starting rate for a new graduate. Early childhood educators who continue to further their education and are awarded a higher certification level will be placed at Step One of their new level. Each step on the grid lasts 12 months, and are effective as of January 1, 2023.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, made the announcement today at Gander Academy and was joined by Christine Penney, an early childhood educator and Jason Brown, President and CEO of YMCA-NL.

Additionally, there will be a 10 per cent adjustment for administrator positions, as well as a Labrador Allowance of just over $5,000 to early childhood educators working in regulated child care centres in that region.

Legacy wage rates will be in place for staff whose current earnings exceed the proposed wage scale. This will ensure no one will earn less than they are currently.

A one-time payment will be made directly to early childhood educators to cover the period from January 1 to March 31, 2023.

Full details on the wage grid can be found here.

Increasing the number of early childhood educators working in the sector continues to be a priority. In addition to the new wage grid, the province has introduced a number of initiatives, including:

• Providing funding to the College of the North Atlantic, Keyin College and Academy Canada to expand the number of seats they can offer in early learning programs. These agreements will see an increase of over 700 seats at the end of this year;
• Enhancing grants and bursaries for early childhood education students and graduates;
• Conducting in-person information sessions across the province to attract more individuals to the profession;
• Providing a recognition bonus for early childhood educators; and
• Increasing funding for operators, including family homes.

The Provincial Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to increase available child care spaces. Further information may be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“We recognize the important work and impact early childhood educators have on our children, and the need to create more affordable child care spaces across Newfoundland and Labrador. Creating solutions for an affordable and accessible child care system is one of our government’s priorities. An important factor in that work is recognizing the valuable contributions of early childhood educators. The new wage grid will provide incentive for prospective students to choose early childhood education as their career. Our close work with child care centre operators will continue as we create a bright future for everyone.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Early childhood educators are at the heart of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system. Implementing a new wage grid for early childhood educators is a meaningful step in valuing their essential work. Newfoundland and Labrador has made tremendous progress in making access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive regulated child care a reality across the province, and I look forward to continuing this work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as we expand our national child care system to help meet the needs of families and children.”
Honourable Karina Gould
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada

“Early childhood educators are among our children’s first teachers. The new wage grid reflects their experience and education and will act as a catalyst to encourage more people to entire the sector. This is one of a number of steps we are taking to help create additional early learning spaces. We know this will take time, but we are confident the solutions are before us and we will create a child care system that will benefit children and families around the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“The Early Childhood Educator Wage Grid is a great starting point in developing an education and career pathway where early childhood educators have the opportunity to advance within their profession.  The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to seeing the development of future workforce strategies as the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement progresses.”
Skye Crawford Taylor
Executive Director
Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Early Learning and Child Care, Department of Education

Budget 2021: A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan

Toward $10-a-Day: Early Learning and Child Care

$10 a day child care for families in Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

The province has worked to create capacity in the early learning sector by undertaking the following:

• Expanding funding under the Child Care Capacity Initiative Program from $5,000 to $7,000 per created space for not-for-profit groups and municipalities;
• Expanding existing funding under the Family Home Child Care Capacity Initiative from $7,500 to up to $15,000;
• Expanding funding to Family and Child Care Connections to increase capacity for regulated child care providers caring for children in their own homes in all regions of the province;
• Introducing Pre-Kindergarten programs in schools, which opens spaces for younger children in regulated child care services;
• Publishing information on the benefits of becoming regulated; and
• Conducting in-person public information sessions across the province to promote space creation.

Additionally, the Department of Education will be undertaking a review of the Operating Grant Program to ensure capacity is maximized.

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Residents of Deer Lake are advised that Conservation Officers have confirmed the presence of at least one coyote roaming the town. Officers are conducting surveillance and monitoring activity in the community in an attempt to capture and remove the animal.

Residents should be vigilant when walking pets, particularly near wooded areas and are encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid interacting with a coyote. This includes keeping pets inside or closely supervised and properly storing and disposing of garbage to avoid attracting wild animals to residential areas where they pose a risk to public safety.

The public are reminded that wild animals can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable when approached by humans. If anyone encounters a coyote:

• Stop, remain calm and assess their situation;
• Never approach or crowd it – leave an escape route;
• If the animal seems unaware of you, move slowly and quietly away when it is not looking in your direction;
• If it is aware of you, respond aggressively: wave your arms, shout, maintain eye contact, and throw rocks, sticks or other objects; and
• Back away slowly toward buildings or people – running will encourage a chase.

While attacks are rare, anyone bitten by a coyote should seek immediate medical treatment.

Anyone sighting a coyote should contact the Pasadena Forest Management District Office at 709-686-2071 or the after hour emergency line at 709-636-1295.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will announce details on the wage grid for early childhood educators tomorrow (March 28, 2023) at 9:30 a.m. at the Pre-K at Gander Academy, 55 Fraser Road, Gander.

Minister Haggie will be joined by Christine Penney, an early childhood educator, and Jason Brown, President and CEO of YMCA.

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Effective today (March 27), the Provincial Government is advising that the NLVaxPass application is no longer available as COVID-19 has become part of the infectious disease landscape.

Proof of vaccination may be required for travel and residents can continue to access their COVID-19 vaccination records through the Vaccine Portal or via MyGovNL

For detailed instructions on how to access your COVID-19 vaccination record, visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.

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