Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made a commitment to increase the financial contribution for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games from $500,000 to $750,000. In addition, $50,000 has been committed to support the concept of regional games and sport development in remote areas of Labrador leading up to the 2026 games. The financial contributions confirm the Provincial Government as the primary funder for the 2026 Labrador Winter Games.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced this support during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Labrador Winter Games on March 18, 2023.

The most recent games, held March 12-18, featured traditional and modern-day sports and skill competitions that reflected the cultural diversity and heritage of Labrador. More than 300 athletes from 19 communities across Labrador, supported by their families and hometowns, participated in what is also described as the ‘Olympics of the North’.

The Labrador Winter Games were first held in 1983 and takes place every three years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The 2023 Labrador Winter Games marked the 14th gathering since its inception and the 40th anniversary of its inauguration.

In addition to stimulating interest and participation in organized sport within communities, and encouraging a sense of fairness and sportsmanship, the Labrador Winter Games promote physical activity, the importance of lifelong active living, and nurturing traditional and cultural ties to the past.

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“The Labrador Winter Games is a special event that brings together people from every part of Labrador in a demonstration of sportsmanship, culture and tradition. It comes as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with this sporting event that they call this gathering the friendship games, and I was so honoured to attend this year.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Labrador is a unique place and the Labrador Winter Games are unlike any other sporting competition. The Government of Newfoundland Labrador is proud to support the Labrador Winter Games and strengthen our commitment for the 2026 games. I am even more excited with the prospect of developing regional games and having the Labrador Winter Games as a vehicle to drive sport development in remote communities that don’t have the facilities or programs that you see in larger centres in Labrador.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Every three years, Labrador comes together to celebrate where we live and the importance of supporting each other. The new investment for the intervening years as well as additional support for the big week of competition will enhance continuity for the athletes, volunteers and organizers. I am excited for the future of the Labrador Winter Games.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

“The Board of Directors joins me in welcoming increased funding from the Provincial Government to plan and deliver the 2026 Labrador Winter Games. The additional funding demonstrates a solid commitment from the Provincial Government to support a growing increase in costs and expenses associated with travel, inflation and the direction where we would like to take the games going into the future.”
Todd Winters
Chairperson, Board of Directors, Labrador Winter Games

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2023 Labrador Winter Games

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Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for space for an expanded health care centre in the Deer Lake region. The new space will consolidate all existing health services in the Deer Lake area from the two current service locations into a single site, and will eventually include the Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team announced in Budget 2023.

Premier Furey was joined by Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake, for the announcement.

The RFP for space for the Deer Lake Health Centre is scheduled to close on April 27, 2023. 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.

Team-based care is an essential feature of an effective and sustainable health care system, as noted in Health Accord NL. Our government is committed to continue to improve access to primary care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As part of the primary health care transformation that was outlined in Health Accord NL and Budget 2023, access to primary care is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The consolidation of health care services into one location in the area is in keeping with this objective.

Budget 2023 includes a $3.9 billion investment in health care – the largest in the history of our province. It focuses on a number of health transformation initiatives the further our plan for health care. It will help improve access to primary care; address backlogs and reduce wait times; provide integrated and coordinated service delivery; address gaps in services; and expand and leverage existing resources and people to their full potential. This includes support of $21.2 million for 10 new Family Care Teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, which upon full implementation will provide up to 80,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to primary care.

Quote
“Our government’s focus remains on the continuous improvement of our health care system. I am very proud to announce that we have taken an important next step in both consolidating and enhancing access to primary health care for people in the Deer Lake region. With the addition of the recently announced Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team, access to primary care in the area will be expanded to include public health, mental health and addictions, diabetes services, lab and x-ray, and physiotherapy.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber – Gros Morne

“We know that team-based care is best for both patients and providers, and we are proud to continue to move forward with the planning and establishment of Family Care Teams throughout the province, including Deer Lake-White Bay. The team approach, along with the consolidation of services in this area, will enhance primary care access for residents in the region.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Today’s announcement is a culmination of the work of many people who remained steadfast in their shared goal of ensuring the residents of Deer Lake continue to have access to the health care services they deserve. Thank you to our MHA and Premier, Dr. Andrew Furey, for spearheading this initiative, to the Western Regional Health Authority, current and past councillors, and the doctors and primary care providers of the Deer Lake area, who, through collaboration, are working together to provide this community a foundation for good health. This welcomed announcement brings us a step closer to achieving this goal.”
Mike Goosney
Mayor of Deer Lake

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will make a health care announcement today (Monday, March 27) in St. John’s.

The availability will take place at Pleasant View Towers, East Residence Multipurpose Room, 65 Newfoundland Drive at 2:30 p.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Debbie Walsh, Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer with Eastern Health.

Members of the media are asked to meet at the entrance to the East Residence to be escorted through the facility. Masking requirements are in place at hospitals, long-term care facilities and health care facilities throughout the region. Parking is available in the parking lots of the East and West Residences, as well as in front of the main entrance of the facility.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on health care in the Deer Lake region on Monday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m.

The availability will take place at the Hodder Memorial Centre, 8-10 Crescent Street, Deer Lake.

Premier Furey will be joined by His Worship Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will be hosting a job fair for Ukrainians on Monday, March 27 in Corner Brook.

The job fair will be held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, 1 Canada Games Drive at 1:30 p.m.

This is the first in a series of job fairs taking place next week, with fairs also planned for Deer Lake on Wednesday, March 29 and Stephenville on Thursday, March 30. The fairs will connect west coast employers who have full-time, year-round job vacancies with skilled and hard-working Ukrainian newcomers.

Employers wishing to host a booth at a job fair can register by emailing ukrainewestcoast@ancnl.ca or calling 709-634-2656.

These west coast job fairs and associated community engagement activities occurring next week are presented in partnership with the Provincial Government, the Association for New Canadians and TaskforceNL. This week of extensive and direct community engagement is the latest in a series of efforts to support the more than 2,400 Ukrainians who have arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador in the last year and to highlight employment and lifestyle opportunities available throughout the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to lead Canada in supporting Ukrainians, with $19.2 million in Budget 2023 to make this province their home.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be expanding the use of biosimilar drug treatments offered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. Under this initiative, to maintain coverage, beneficiaries currently using one of the originator biologics of  Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, Lovenox®, NovoRapid®, Remicade® and Rituxan® will be transitioned to a safe, effective and less costly biosimilar version on or before March 31, 2024.

 Biologics undergo an extensive Health Canada approval process to ensure they are safe and work the same as the originator version. Tens of thousands of Canadians have successfully transitioned to biosimilars through similar provincial initiatives, and biosimilars have been effectively used by thousands of Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program beneficiaries since 2016. Program beneficiaries and health care providers can be assured there are no clinically meaningful differences in terms of effectiveness and safety when transitioning to a biosimilar.

Program beneficiaries who have been identified as using one or more of these originator biologics will receive a letter which contains additional information, as well as outlining the next steps needed to transition to a biosimilar. The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will continue to work with partners, including health professionals and manufacturers, to ensure a successful transition.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program Biosimilars Initiative provides an evidence-based opportunity to get the best value from medications funded under the program, without negatively affecting patient health outcomes. This will allow the program to invest in new and innovative drug therapies while continuing to expand access to existing drug treatments.

For information on the Biosimilars Initiative, please visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program website. If you prefer to speak to a Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program representative, please call the Pharmaceutical Services Division at 709-729-6507 or 1-888-222-0533.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-014 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-2023-014 Report Date: March 22, 2023 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety related to a workplace review, specifically requesting records where the Complainant’s name was mentioned. The Department provided limited responsive records, advising that it had no other records related to the request. The Department also applied section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) to withhold some information from the records. The Complainant alleged that the Department failed to conduct a reasonable search for records and failed to meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13. The Commissioner found that the Department had conducted a reasonable search for records.

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-013 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-2023-013 Report Date: March 22, 2023 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant made an access request for all records submitted to the Department of Environment and Climate Change by the Town of Millertown between 2019 and 2022. The Department provided the Complainant with one document in response. The Complainant asserted that further responsive records must exist and that the search conducted by the Department did not comply with the requirements of section 13 of ATIPPA, 2015. The Commissioner found that the Department did conduct a reasonable search per section 13 but did not fully meet its duty to assist per sections 13 and 16 in that the response did not meet the timelines. The Commissioner further found that the Complainant was seeking records outside of the scope of the request and that the Department should maintain its position on the access request.

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided an update on bids received from its call for bids for Crown land for wind-hydrogen development. Bids were due by noon on March 23, 2023.

The department has received bids from 19 companies. A Phase One review will be conducted on complete bids on criteria such as the bidder’s experience, the project, and their financial capacity to plan, construct, and operate the proposed project. Those companies passing Phase One review will proceed to the next phase beginning May 2023.

To ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive approval process, the document, “Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects” was developed to outline the information that would be required of bidders, and how bids would be evaluated. In addition, following a Request for Quotation for the Fairness Advisor, which closed on February 6, 2023, Optimus SBR Inc. has been appointed to the role to assist in the evaluation of the Crown Land Call for Bids. The Fairness Advisor will be a neutral party throughout the Call for Bids process, and will support the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology by providing independent, arm’s-length oversight and evaluation expertise.

Successful bidders will be granted an exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Crown land application and approval process. These lands will be held in reserve until that process is completed.

Environmental Assessment registration is not required during the call for land bids phase; however, prior to final award of Crown land, an environmental assessment will be required for wind projects over one megawatt.

The Provincial Government launched the Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. Lifting this moratorium was the initial step in this multi-stage process to enable wind energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“We are pleased with the continued interest in wind-hydrogen development as demonstrated by the number of bids received. My department will now move to the next phase of our transparent review process, and will review all bids to determine which move on to the next phase. We will continue to update the public on this process and are optimistic about the future of wind-hydrogen development in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects

News Release: Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

Follow us on Twitter @IET_GovNL

Media contact
Tansy Mundon
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5282, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

 

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

CONDITONS OF RELEASE MET:

Cavendish Beef Farm                                                                               (Reg. 2002)
Proponent: Viking Fur Inc.

On March 17, 2023, the minister advised the proponent that the Odour Control Management Plan, the Environmental Protection Plan and the Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan for the Cavendish Beef Farm project were reviewed and were found to be acceptable. The plans were required by conditions of release from environmental assessment and are available on the department’s project web page at:  www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2002/.

Flat Bay Quarry                                                                                          (Reg. 2223)
Proponent: Turf Point Resources Ltd.

On March 17, 2023, the minister advised the proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan for the Flat Bay Quarry project was reviewed and was found to be acceptable. The plan was required by a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the department’s project web page at:  www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2223/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove Multi-Use Trail                                    (Reg. 2234)
Proponent: Natalia Crocker

The project is released subject to the following conditions;

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.

• The Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of this department requires the following:
  • A section of the proposed trail crosses two small wetlands that are visible on 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps. The WRMD requires an alternative route for the section of the trail that crosses the wetlands and requires the proponent to follow the attached alternative route to avoid the effects of the trail on the wetlands. The Crown Lands Administration Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has been advised of this change.

• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • For slopes less than 30 per cent, the proponent must establish a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone around all waterbodies and wetlands, from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in the buffer zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 per cent, the proponent must calculate and maintain an undisturbed riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slopes (percent). Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in this zone.
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.

• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Stanhope Equipment Storage Yard                                                      (Reg. 2235)
Proponent: Aurora Holdings Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:

• A minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be mainlined from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the Project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
• Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) or within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if required.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

Bonavista Microbrewery                                                                          (Reg. 2233)
Proponent: Bonavista Brewing Company Inc.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, released Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority.

With a focus on improving the province’s health and financial well-being, Budget 2023 delivers:

• The largest health care investment in the province’s history of $3.9 billion.
• No new tax or fee increases.
• An historic incremental investment in provincial highways of close to $1.4 billion over the next five years.
• A focus on residents’ cost of living by:
• Continuing with the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction on the price of gasoline and diesel – the second lowest rate among provinces;
• Eliminating the retail sales tax on home insurance;
• Maintaining the home heating supplement that provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace and stove oil to heat their homes;
• Doubling of the Physical Activity Tax Credit;
• Continuing the 50 per cent reduction off the cost of registering passenger vehicles, trucks and taxis for another year; and,
• Increasing payments for the Income Supplement and Seniors’ Benefit.
• The construction of more than 850 new affordable housing and rental units.
• Investments to create more affordable child care spaces to better meet the demand, including $64 million to increase wages for early childhood educators, and $3.5 million to expand the Pre-Kindergarten Pilot.

Fiscal overview

The projected deficit for 2023-24 is $160 million, with a balanced budget expected in 2024-25, two years ahead of schedule. Other highlights include:

• Projected revenues for 2023-24 are $9.7 billion.
• Projected expenses for 2023-24 are $9.8 billion.
• Increases in provincial spending total $108 million. This is lower than the rate of inflation.
• Of the $9.8 billion in expenses, $471 million is 100 per cent federally funded.
• Net debt is expected to be $16.2 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year – a decrease of $0.9 billion from the Budget 2022-23 forecast of $17.1 billion.
• The projected borrowing requirement for 2023-24 is $1.5 billion.
• Current oil price projections are $US86 per barrel, while the Canada-United States exchange rate is forecast at 75.7 cents.
• The Debt to Gross Domestic Product Ratio is approximately 37 per cent. In 2020, it was over 50 per cent.

Managing the province’s finances responsibly

The Provincial Government’s strategic plan to return to balanced budgets, lower the cost of borrowing, and decrease debt includes:

• Fixing the financing of the Muskrat Falls Project through the $5.2 billion rate mitigation agreement with the Federal Government;
• Prudent fiscal governance, including transformation and modernization of government, strengthening the role of the Auditor General and Balanced Budget Legislation; and,
• Responsible debt management, including effective treasury management, optimizing investment performance and establishing a Future Fund. This year, we are projecting to contribute another $127 million to the Future Fund, which will help ensure greater prosperity for future generations.

Examples of Budget 2023 investments are outlined in the backgrounder below. More details, including a series of fact sheets, is available online at gov.nl.ca/Budget2023.

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“In Budget 2023, we are focused on improving our health – physical, mental, financial and economic. This budget sets record investments for high-quality delivery and availability of health care. It is focused on our financial well-being with no new fees or taxes and with supports to help with the cost of living. All while ensuring strong fiscal management of the province. It supports economic growth and prosperity. All towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
Budget 2023

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Media contact

Victoria Barbour

Finance

709-729-4087

victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER

Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority

Making the largest-ever investment in health care

A $3.9 billion investment in health care represents a $300 million dollar increase from 2022-23, as the Provincial Government reimagines health care and improves access throughout the province. This record investment builds on the meaningful action that has been taken to ensure timely access to care, and enhances efforts to support valued health care professionals and global recruitment efforts. Investments include:

• More than $23 million for recruitment and retention of health care professionals;
• More than $21 million for 10 new Family Care Teams, which will provide access to primary health care for 80,000 people, with more to come;
• $15 million for a new health information system;
• $9 million to begin to consolidate 60 separate road ambulance services into a single, integrated service with centralized dispatch;
• Increasing capacity in Memorial University’s Medicine Programs, which will have a year-over-year multiplier effect and ensure a steady stream of new recruits into the health system;
• $7.7 million this year, increasing to $9.3 million next year for health care professionals who support self-managed care in the home;
• $7.5 million annual increase for community care home professionals;
• $6.1 million annual increase for personal care home professionals;
• $5 million for a new virtual care program;
• $5 million to develop a new community mental health centre in St. John’s;
• $4.4 million for Flexible Assertive Community Treatment teams that will better assist individuals with mental health needs;
• $3.5 million annually to support the Dementia Care Action Plan;
• $3 million for a Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute;
• Approximately $1.8 million for travelling orthopaedic teams and same day hip and knee replacement;
• $1.3 million to cover cost of driver medicals for drivers 75 years of age and older; and,
• Addition of 12 new drugs to the provincial drug program.

Helping residents with their financial well-being

Budget 2023 is continuing to help residents with the cost of living, with more than a half billion dollars in targeted short- and long-term measures since March 2022. Measures include:

• Continuing with the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction in provincial gas tax for fiscal 2023-24 – the second lowest rate among provinces;
• Eliminating retail sales tax on personal property insurance;
• Maintaining the home heating supplement that provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
• Preserving the 50 per cent reduction in the cost of registering passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for 2023-24;
• $77.5 million for the income supplement, which represents a five per cent increase; and,
• $67.1 million for the seniors’ benefit, which represents a five per cent increase.

Supporting economic growth and prosperity

Government continues to support business growth, invest in public infrastructure, improve connectivity and enhance government interaction and efficiency. Highlights include:

• No new tax or fee increases;
• Increase in the exemption threshold from $1.3 million to $2 million for businesses that pay the health and post-secondary education tax.  This will benefit 1,250 businesses;
• Close to $1.4 billion to improve highway and road transportation infrastructure over the next five years. This is the largest provincial investment in highway and road infrastructure over a five-year period in the province’s history;
• $1.5 million to improve air access; and,
• Through a five-year, $50 million investment, renewing and modernizing government’s information technology assets to provide easier access to services. This complements the four-year, $25 million investment to improved connectivity in the province.

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Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex for Budget Day tomorrow (Thursday, March 23).

Parking in front of East Block at 100 Prince Philip Drive will be limited to media and invited guests attending the Budget Speech. Media can also access the complex through the Visitor Entrance.

In addition, the parking lot at the rear of East Block, near the House of Assembly entrance, and a section of the parking lot in front of the Visitor’s Entrance will be available to permit holders for Zones A, B, C, invited guests and persons with disabilities only.

Parking restrictions will be in place all day beginning at 6:00 a.m. Signs will be in place as a reminder.

Parking for visitors to Confederation Building Complex for purposes other than the Budget is available in the remaining parking lots. Visitors must use the Visitor Entrance near the link on the north side of the complex.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology:

Speaker, I rise today to highlight emerging opportunities in the province’s mining industry, and to tout its successes in 2022.

I recently joined more than 30 companies from this province to attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto. Considered the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, I met with various companies working in the province, and was welcomed with no shortage of optimism for our industry.

One of the key topics at the conference was critical minerals. These building blocks of clean technology are located throughout our province – in fact, we have at least 23 of the 31 minerals on Canada’s Critical Mineral List – five are currently or have recently been mined, and 18 are in advanced exploration.

To build on this momentum, our government is developing a provincial Critical Minerals Strategy. Consultations will start in the coming weeks, and we aim to release the strategy this fall. Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic also recognize the importance of this opportunity, and have come together with a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of the critical minerals in the province.

Speaker, in 2022, mineral shipments were valued at $5.4 billion; exploration expenditures estimate to be over $240 million; and employment levels are up eleven percent from the previous year.

Even with all this success, it is the potential future investments in critical minerals that will present the next opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are ready to seize the opportunity. Thank you.

 

 

 

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

Speaker, for the first time in four years, athletes, coaches, families and communities from across the Big Land converged on Happy Valley-Goose Bay to participate in the Labrador Winter Games.

As athletes filed into the arena for the opening ceremonies, it was evident that the passion, spirit and pride of place that marked the very first Games 40 years ago was alive and well.

It was inspiring to watch athletes compete in traditional and modern-day competitions that celebrate the culture and heritage of the Big Land. There is no event quite like the Labrador Winter Games – dogteam racing, seal kick and the snowshoe biathlon – these Games are unique.

Congratulations to the athletes, the board of directors, the event organizing committees, and more than 400 volunteers who delivered a fabulous event. A huge shout out to sponsors for their valued support.

Our Government understands the benefits of activities that promote our mental and physical wellness, and the value of preserving our heritage. We are proud to be the primary funder of the Labrador Winter Games.

Before the Premier officially closed the Games and athletes started returning home, planning for the next Games had already begun. Keep on training, Labradorians. We look forward to doing it all again in 2026.

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The Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new Blended Capitation Payment Model for family physicians in the province.

Blended Capitation is a voluntary payment model designed for independent community family practices. The model pays doctors a set annual fee for each attached patient, plus a reduced fee-for-service each time they see that patient. The new model supports comprehensive family medicine, improved access for patients, team-based care, and improved recruitment and retention of physicians who want to practice under this model. Before finalizing the new agreement, the NLMA will hold virtual consultations with its members.

Through collaboration with the NLMA, government is advancing a suite of incentives and bonuses that improve the overall ability of the province to recruit and retain doctors. The tentative agreement on Blended Capitation is just the latest initiative arising from this collaboration, building upon recently announced measures including the $25,000 Recognition and Retention Bonus for family physicians for a one-year return-in-service agreement, as well as the Salaried Family Physician Remoteness Bonus of between $11,000 and $17,000, depending on the remoteness of the location, to address recruitment challenges for salaried family physicians at remote sites in the province.

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“We continue with our plan to improve our health care system and address the challenges we are facing regarding the recruitment and retention of health care professionals such as family physicians. Through our ongoing collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, we are finding ways to recognize physicians who continue to help sustain our health care system, as well as to help entice new ones to our province. A tentative agreement on Blended Capitation is another significant initiative to further our efforts”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Newfoundland and Labrador is one of many jurisdictions with health care staffing challenges. Addressing them remains a priority for our government. Reaching a tentative agreement on Blended Capitation is a considerable step forward, and speaks to our collaborative efforts with our stakeholders. It is also a significant step forward for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as for all family physicians who wish to participate in this new model.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Blended Capitation will allow family doctors to focus on the needs of patients rather than the volume of patient visits. This aligns with the way that family medicine learners are trained to provide comprehensive, guideline-based care and patient education. It also gives doctors the flexibility to provide services in different ways so they can deliver a full range of care that encourages longer appointment times, health promotion, and teamwork with other health care providers. This is a professionally satisfying way to work. We believe it will help retain family doctors, as well as attract new physicians who want to practice under this model.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an historic investment of nearly $1.4 billion to improve highway and road transportation infrastructure over the next five construction seasons. This is the largest provincial investment in highway and road infrastructure over a five-year period in the province’s history.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance; the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; and Craig Foley, CEO of Hospitality Newfoundland Labrador for today’s announcement at the Colonial Building in St. John’s.

This multi-year investment will allow the province’s highway construction industry to plan their expenditures each year and increase their workforce ahead of each construction season. Once complete, the investment will result in an increase in safe, reliable and secure highway and road infrastructure to benefit municipalities, residents, and the commercial and tourism industries.

The investment includes $225 million for highway and road construction in 2023-24. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates some funding will be allocated for various federal-provincial cost-shared construction projects, which will increase the total funding and result in more work being completed.

Projects selected for the province’s roads plan each year continue to be selected based on:

• The impacts of climate change;
• Highway safety;
• Input from the department’s engineers;
• Commercial, industry, and tourism impacts;
• Traffic volumes;
• Populations serviced; and
• Input from motorists.

To date, tenders for 10 highway construction projects have been issued by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for the 2023 highway construction season. Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

Quotes
“In my travels around the province, transportation continues to be one of the most frequent topics Newfoundlanders and Labradorians discuss with me. We all know how important reliable road infrastructure is to residents, visitors, municipalities, the business community, and the tourism industry. Through this historic provincial investment over five years, our government is committed to getting the work done to improve roads and highways for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today’s announcement is an example of how your government is modernizing and transforming Newfoundland and Labrador. We are being strategic, responsible, and resourceful. Through our strategic plan for financial improvement, it is possible to strive towards a balanced budget, and yet continue to invest in key initiatives like infrastructure.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“We consulted and worked in collaboration with the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador as we prepared for the upcoming year. Informing the industry of a consistent investment in highways and roads years in advance is very important. We look forward to a more productive construction season this year and into the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Today’s announcement will ensure visitors will have more efficient access around our province. They’ll be able to connect with our people, explore our unique places and culture, and support our businesses and communities. Improved roadways will allow travelers to truly experience the very best of what Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.”
Craig Foley
CEO, Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Minister Loveless Announces Unprecedented Investment in Multi-Year Roads Program

Provincial Government Seeking Submissions for Updates to Multi-Year Roads Plan

 

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Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey has three concerns with Bill 22 – an Act to Amend the Management of Information Act – which the government has introduced to address the recommendations for a legislative duty to document.

As required by ATIPPA, 2015, the provincial government initially consulted the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner in fall 2022 on this draft bill. At that time we expressed three fundamental concerns:

• It exempts the entire Cabinet decision-making process;
• It has no independent oversight; and
• It does not actually create a mandatory duty to document due to the discretionary nature afforded to the Chief Information Officer.

The proposed Bill does not address these concerns. Given the importance of this subject to the mandate of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, we are sharing these concerns publicly to assist in the debate of the Bill within the House of Assembly.

A legislative duty to document would be a requirement in law for government to adequately document its decisions in writing. It was recommended in 2015 by the Statutory Review Committee of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA, 2015), led by former Premier Clyde Wells. More recently it was recommended by Justice Richard LeBlanc when, in his 2020 report of the Inquiry into the Muskrat Falls Project, he found that decisions regarding the troubled project were not properly documented in both government and in its energy crown corporation, Nalcor / NL Hydro. Former Justice David Orsborn commented on a duty to document in his 2021 report of the 2020 Statutory Review of ATIPPA, 2015 saying that “enough time has passed”.

The OIPC has great respect for the role that Cabinet Secretariat plays with respect to the management of the Cabinet decision-making process and agrees that a special role for it vis-à-vis Cabinet documents is warranted; however, Bill 22 excludes cabinet documents (whether in the custody of Cabinet Secretariat or not) from the duty to document altogether.

As it relates to independent oversight, Bill 22 would require the Minister to table an annual summary of compliance in the House of Assembly prepared by the Chief Information Officer, a government executive who serves at the pleasure of the Premier and reports to the Minister. This avoids implementing the Wells Committee recommendation to provide the Information and Privacy Commissioner, an independent statutory officer of the House, with authority for oversight of the duty to document. Many reports are tabled in the House of Assembly every year, often while it is closed, and receive little attention.

Finally, Bill 22 would require a duty to document to be implemented through a policy that the Chief Information Officer may develop, and could be amended – or discontinued – without even reference to Cabinet.

“A duty to document is critical to access to information – and ultimately transparent, accountable, democratic government,” said Commissioner Harvey, “While every day the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner works to get citizens the access to government documents to which they are entitled under law, there is nothing we can do when decisions are not properly documented. Bill 22 does not meet its potential as duty to document legislation. I encourage legislators to address these concerns with Bill 22 as it is considered by the House of Assembly. By addressing these gaps, we could continue to be the leaders in access to information in Canada”.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent statutory officer of the House of Assembly appointed under the authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and with additional authorities under the Personal Health Information Act. Additional information, including how to contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner can be found at www.oipc.nl.ca.

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

 

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Proposed amendments to Bill 22, the Management of Information Act received second reading today in the House of Assembly, and include the introduction of a “Duty to Document” provision.

Duty to Document is a requirement for government departments and public bodies to create and maintain complete and accurate records of important decisions. Under the proposed amendments, government departments and public bodies would be required to undertake mandatory annual reporting to the Chief Information Officer. These reports will include information regarding public body compliance.

The proposed amendments also include an offence provision for non-compliance, including fines of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

In preparation for implementing the Duty to Document provision, the Office of the Chief Information Officer has modified its Information Management Policy Framework to provide supportive policy, training, education, and awareness materials to assist departments and public bodies in their implementation of any new requirements. The framework will include a definition of “important decision,” as well as provide examples to public bodies to illustrate what an important decision would be based on their mandate.

The requirement to manage all records created and received by over 160 departments and public bodies already exists within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer already has rigorous processes in place for managing documents and records. These amendments will keep step with current industry practices in information management, and will modernize the language, processes, roles and responsibilities.

Newfoundland and Labrador will be the second jurisdiction in Canada to include a Duty to Document provision. British Columbia was the first.

With the exception of a minor update in 2008, the Management of Information Act has not been substantially reviewed since its creation in 2005. In response to the Muskrat Falls Inquiry recommendations from Justice Richard LeBlanc, government announced it would make changes to the Act, including adding a Duty to Document provision. This was also a recommendation from the 2014 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act Review Committee chaired by the Honourable Justice Clyde Wells. It was also referenced in the 2020 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act Review by Justice David Orsborn.

The personal/constituency records of Members of the House of Assembly and political parties will be exempt from the legislation.

Quote
“It’s imperative that public bodies appropriately document important decisions. With Bill 22, Newfoundland and Labrador will join British Columbia as the only provinces requiring public bodies to manage their records in this way. Bill 22 also introduces a financial penalty for those who willfully damage or withhold documents in contravention of the Act and directives.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer

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Learn more
Provincial Government Releases Report on the Muskrat Falls Inquiry

Report of the 2014 Statutory Review Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Office of the Chief Information Officer

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

 

 

 

 

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on collaborative efforts with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association today (Wednesday, March 22).

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 1:30 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Dr. Kris Luscombe, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, will be available to media tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22) to discuss details on proposed amendments to the Management of Information Act.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building at 9:30 a.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 9:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

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