Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, welcomes Linda Clemens Spurrell to the position of Child and Youth Advocate. The appointment, effective October 25, 2022, was confirmed by resolution of the House of Assembly on October 11 as per Section 4 of the Child and Youth Advocate Act. She succeeds Jackie Lake-Kavanagh who retired on December 31, 2021.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of all children and youth in the province and provides public oversight of government programs and services. The Office can be reached at 1-877-753-3888 or office@ocya.nl.ca.

Quote
“I extend my congratulations to Linda Clemens Spurrell on her appointment as the Child and Youth Advocate. Her varied experience within the public service will be an asset to that role and I wish her well as she takes on the work of that office. I extend my appreciation to the former Advocate, Jackie Lake-Kavanagh, for her contributions during the time she served in that role and wish her well in her retirement. I would also like to extend appreciation to Karen Grey, Director of Reviews, Investigations and Systemic Advocacy, who served as the acting Child and Youth Advocate in the interim.”
Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate website

Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
|709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Linda Clemens Spurrell began working as a public servant in 1993 as a front line social worker with the then Department of Social Services. Linda is a graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1993 and a Master of Social Work in 2010. Through Linda’s 30 year career as a public servant she has worked in front line social work positions, policy and program development, training and quality management, front line supervision, and progressive senior management positions within the Department of Social Services, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Department of Health and Community Services, and the former Department of Child Youth and Family Services.

Prior to her appointment as the Child and Youth Advocate, Linda Clemens Spurrell served as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Child and Youth Services Branch of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, a position she held since 2019.

Linda’s entire career has focused on the needs of children and youth of this province and as a registered social worker, she believes in the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and mutual respect.

The post Speaker Welcomes Recently Appointed Child and Youth Advocate appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association’s annual conference.

Minister Parsons will bring greetings during the business luncheon tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Loveless will speak at the awards gala on Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Both events will take place at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, in St. John’s.

Working on behalf of over 640 firms, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association has served as the voice of the provincial construction industry for more than 40 years.

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Media contacts
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
Kelly-AnneRoberts@gov.nl.ca

Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

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With Music NL’s Music Celebration Week taking place on the west coast this year, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will participate in events in Corner Brook.

Minister Crocker will attend the Industry Awards on Friday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, 1 Canada Games Drive, where he will present the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Minister Byrne will attend the Music NL Awards Gala on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre, 11 University Drive, where he will present the Folk/Roots Artist/Group of the Year Award.

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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2022-024 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report:           A-2022-024

Report Date: October 25, 2022

Public Body:  Legal Appointments Board

Summary:      The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Legal Appointments Board for information relating to consultations and the recommendation of four named individuals who were appointed to the Queen’s Counsel on January 21, 2022. The Legal Appointments Board responded to the Complainant providing records with some information withheld based on sections 27 (cabinet confidences) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). This Report finds that the exceptions were properly applied; however, there was insufficient evidence available to conclude that the Legal Appointments Board conducted a reasonable search for records. It was therefore recommended that the Board conduct a new search by requesting from the former Chair’s law firm all responsive records.

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

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will represent the Provincial Government at the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs’ 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala.

The event takes place tomorrow (Thursday, October 27, 2022) from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street.

Since 1998, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards have recognized women entrepreneurs whose successful businesses contribute to the provincial economy and to their communities.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

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The Outer Ring Road from Kenmount Road to the Logy Bay Road interchange will be closed on Sunday, October 30, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a cleanup of litter and large discarded items.

The closure is necessary to ensure a safe environment for all crews working on and near the highway.

Traffic control will be in place on the highways to guide motorists and ease the flow of traffic. Digital display signs have also been placed along the Outer Ring Road to give advanced notice of the closure.

During each cleanup, barricades will be erected to prohibit access at all entry points:

• Logy Bay Road
• Torbay Road
• Aberdeen Avenue
• Portugal Cove Road
• Allandale Road
• Team Gushue Highway
• Thorburn Road
• Topsail Road

Cleanups are required as vehicle cargo is often not secured, which causes debris to litter our roadways. The Cargo Securement Regulations, under the Highway Traffic Act, applies to all private and commercial vehicles used to transport cargo, debris or trash on a public roadway. Failing to secure cargo, or failure to comply with any of the Cargo Securement Regulations can result in a fine from $120 to $600.

Updates on the road closure and reopening will be available at nl511.ca and the 511 smartphone app.

Quotes
“Our roadways are experiencing a high volume of litter. This is why it is crucial for both our environment and the safety of drivers that we make every effort to keep our highways clean. We encourage everyone to secure items in your vehicle as we aim to lessen the amount of debris on our roads.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Every piece of litter that is properly disposed of helps preserve our natural environment. Thank you to the department staff and the road crews for their continued efforts to keep our roads clean and litter-free. I encourage all residents to take the time to ensure they dispose of their garbage appropriately.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Unsecured loads present safety hazards for all motorists. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure loads are properly secured so that flying debris does not obstruct the view of, or strike, other motorists. Securing cargo also prevents unnecessary roadside litter.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

Debbie Marnell
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-2575, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association’s Women in Construction forum on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Minister Stoodley will engage in an empowering discussion with inspiring women detailing their journey and how they are making a difference in their various sectors, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Parsons will bring greetings at the business luncheon.

Minister Stoodley will also attend the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association gala on Saturday, October 29, 2022. The event begins at 7:00 p.m.

All events take place at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

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A review conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture into foreign investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador fish processing sector is now complete, and the final report is available to the public on the department website.

Based on the considerations identified throughout the review, the department will implement several measures to enhance fish processing licensing in Newfoundland and Labrador. More details on these measures can be found in backgrounder below.

The review began in May 2021 and included an in-depth analysis of:

• Information provided by fish processing companies;
• A jurisdictional scan of the prevalence of foreign investment in the fish processing sector and other resource sectors;
• Regulations around foreign investment in other fishing regions;
• Consideration of external risks to the fish processing sector; and,
• Consideration of obligations under international trade agreements and their impact on its engagement with foreign investors.

The review included consultations with key fish harvesting and processing sector stakeholder representatives, including the Fish Processing Licensing Board, the Association of Seafood Producers, the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board, Fish Food and Allied Workers – Unifor and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, the public had an opportunity to express their views through an online questionnaire at engageNL.

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“Maintaining a healthy and vibrant fish processing sector that provides maximum benefit to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is a priority for this government. I am confident the steps we are taking to enhance our fish processing licensing process will ensure that our communities continue to receive the maximum benefit from our fishing resources.  Thank you to department officials for their dedicated efforts to undertake this extensive review in support of our province’s valuable fishing sector.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
A Review of Foreign Investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Processing Sector

Provincial Government Seeking Public Input on Foreign Ownership in Fish Processing Sector – News Releases

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Measures to Enhance Fish Processing Licensing in Newfoundland and Labrador

The review was initiated after a recommendation made by the Fish Processing Licensing Board in September 2020 to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture to examine the matter of foreign investment in the province’s fish-processing sector.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture will implement the following measures, stemming from the findings and considerations contained in the Report on Foreign Investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Processing Sector:

1. Enhance the viable business plan criteria for consideration of applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that all licence holders are committed to the continuing productivity and health of the fish-processing sector.
2. Add the criterion of Corporate Status and Conduct to the criteria for considering applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that only companies with a demonstrated history of good conduct will be eligible for a fish-processing licence, whether domestic or foreign.
3. Replace the criterion of Corporate Concentration with the criterion of Competitiveness for considering applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that no company, foreign or domestic, gains such a dominant position in the sector that it is to the detriment of all other companies.
4. Undertake an internal review of the fish processing licensing with the goal of enhancing data collection, analysis and reporting.

The post Report Available on Foreign Investment in Fish Processing Sector appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government has added coverage for two IV-infused medications used for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The drugs, Tysabri and Lemtrada, are primarily dispensed by community pharmacies for use outside an acute care facility, and will now be available to patients under the program.

Historically, medications requiring IV administration were excluded from the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program benefit list, given administration could only occur in an acute care facility with the medication provided at no cost to the patient. However, in recent years, an increasing number of these IV medications are being delivered through private infusion clinics in the community.

Adding these medications for outpatient use under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of the setting in which they are administered.

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“Our government is committed to helping residents of the province address their health care needs, including access to prescriptions drugs. It is important that we continuously review our criteria for the funding of drugs under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of where it is administered.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP)

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 709-727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at Eastern Health’s Innovation Summit tomorrow (Wednesday, October 26).

The event begins at 9:10 a.m. at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, 66 Pippy Place, St. John’s.

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Media contacts
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 709-727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

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Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development announced the implementation of a new Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services through the department’s voluntary Youth Services Program.

Approximately 300 of the department’s youth clients, who are between the ages of 16 and 21 and receive residential services, are currently provided with financial and other supports. Effective January 1, 2023, these youth are eligible to receive increased financial benefits and additional supports to help them engage in or transition to the workforce and/or an education program. This new targeted program will:

• Include additional financial supports of over $600 monthly; and
• Enhance existing wrap around supports such as financial and employment counselling, mental health and addictions supports, tutoring and other education supports, and life skills programming.

Minister Abbott was joined by Rick Kelly, Executive Director, Waypoints and other community partners to make the announcement.

This innovative initiative is aligned with Health Accord Newfoundland and Labrador’s recommendation to create ways to improve the social determinants of health in the province. The implementation of this targeted Basic Income Program will help to further empower vulnerable youth to successfully transition to adulthood.

Quotes
“While poverty has always been complex and multidimensional, I recognize these are challenging times that are deeply impacting individuals and families, especially those living in poverty throughout the province. Given income is obviously a critical factor for social and economic well-being, I am pleased to implement a new targeted Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services beginning this January. This additional support will help young people to positively transition for a successful future while promoting their independence.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Waypoints is extremely pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be providing additional financial and wrap around supports for young people availing of residential services under the Department’s voluntary Youth Services Program. This is a very challenging time in our economy and the extra support for the young people will certainly make a difference for their standard of living by increasing their financial security and assisting them as they transition into adulthood.”
Rick Kelly
Executive Director, Waypoints

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

Media contacts
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

Rick Kelly
Waypoints
709-368-6390
rickkelly@waypointsnl.ca

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The Provincial Government recognizes October 23-29 as Respiratory Therapy Week. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Excellence in Respiratory Therapy” celebrates the significant contribution made by respiratory therapists and anesthesia assistants across the health care system.

Respiratory therapists and anesthesia assistants are highly trained health professionals that provide essential cardio-respiratory care to patients of all ages.

The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists provides leadership that advances the profession, practice and understanding of respiratory therapy nationally and internationally.

Quotes
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care system has relied on Respiratory Therapists and Anesthesia Assistants. As frontline workers, they have been tirelessly providing care to those infected by COVID-19. This week, we celebrate and thank the respiratory therapy profession for their outstanding dedication and commitment, especially during these unprecedented times.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“I have great pride and appreciation as respiratory therapists and anesthesia assistants are recognized this week. These highly skilled professionals continue to respond to COVID 19 while maintaining critical health services across the province.  The exemplary level of care and frontline leadership exhibited by these individuals serves as an inspiration for all health care professionals.”
Gordon Piercey
President, Association of Allied Health Professionals.

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Learn more
The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists

Department of Health and Community Services

Association of Allied Health Professionals

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

Gordon Piercey
Association of Allied Health Professionals
709-722-3353
gordon.piercey1972@gmail.com

The post Provincial Government Recognizes October 23-29 as Respiratory Therapy Week appeared first on News Releases.

The following is being released at the request of the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training:

Students in schools, universities, community colleges, and families in Atlantic Canada will now have access to more resources to promote skills development and how these skills can be used to facilitate a successful transition into the job market. These resources can be found in one location at careersatlanticcanada.ca launched today by the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training.

The new website is an expansion of the one launched by the council in 2021 and highlights the Skills for Success framework launched by the Government of Canada in 2021. The framework is intended to address evolving labour market and changing skills needs critical to the successful engagement of Canadians in work, in education and training, and in modern society more broadly.

The updated council website will support youth in this region with information and resources that can help them understand the importance and role of Skills for Success in planning their future. It will benefit students from middle/junior high schools to universities and colleges, as well as those currently not attending school and who may be seeking information about the skills needed to successfully enter and succeed in the labour market.

The website will serve to operationalize the Skills for Success framework specific to Atlantic Canada and will provide strategies on how Atlantic Canadians can achieve success in many opportunities in their home province. It draws specific connections to employers in Atlantic Canada, and how these skills are needed and used in their workplaces. Ministers of Education and Training believe that this approach will help students in Atlantic schools, universities, and colleges gain more insights into workplace readiness expectations and what is taking place in their province. More specifically, the resources and information contained in the website will:

• help youth understand skills and job requirements needed for entry into the workforce;
• prepare youth for the development of skills and competencies that can be applied and enhanced in the workplace;
• enable youth to explore and reflect on career options, information and opportunities in Atlantic Canada;
• help youth make informed decisions about careers through increased awareness of skills in demand and their transferability as well as careers in demand in the Atlantic provinces;
• help provide more qualified and motivated workers to the labour force, assisting businesses become more competitive and successful; and
• raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health and well-being in their personal lives and the workplace.

The redesigned website also offers teachers, post-secondary education students, and families valuable information for career planning purposes. Teachers will be able to access a broad range of resources, including lesson plans that have been created to meet specific curriculum outcomes in each of the Atlantic Provinces. Videos and infographics have also been developed to introduce the topic of Skills for Success and guide student conversations.

Resources and videos are also included that can help post-secondary education students understand Skills for Success and the connection to a successful entry into the labour market. Articles and links have been included that address skills and education/ training required in different careers. Contact information has also been provided to career advisor services located at post-secondary and training institutions in each of the Atlantic Provinces.

The website invites and encourages families to support their youth and increase their knowledge about careers to ensure alignment between expectations and requirements in today’s labour market. Strategies are included that provide families with a range of options to support their youth.

The Council will use the website to highlight and promote the 2022 Atlantic Canada Career Week to be held from October 31 to November 4, 2022 in schools, universities and community colleges. The theme for this year’s career week will be Skills for Success-Improving Your Career Prospects showcasing the importance of skills development as a foundation for youth to achieve success and their career goals.

Both the website and the 2022 Atlantic Canada Career Week build on efforts undertaken by Ministers in each province to promote career planning and development. The Council is committed to develop Atlantic resources such as the ones contained in the website to compliment provincial efforts in this area.

The Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training is an agency of the departments responsible for public and post-secondary education, and its purpose is to enhance cooperation in public (Entry–12) and post-secondary education in Atlantic Canada by working together to improve learning, optimize efficiencies and bring added value to provincial initiatives.

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Les Ministres de L’ Éducation et de La Formation de L’Atlantique Feront La Promotion de La Planification et du Perfectionnement de La Carrière dans Les Écoles, Les Universités et Les Collèges Communautaires

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Media contacts
Nancy Hollett
Department of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0048
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

Monica MacLean
Department of Advanced Education, Nova Scotia
902-220-0358
Monica.maclean@novascotia.ca

Amelia Jarvis
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Nova Scotia
902-430-5680
amelia.jarvis@novascotia.ca

Autumn Tremere
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Prince Edward Island
902-314-2460
agtremere@gov.pe.ca

Danielle Elliott
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, New Brunswick
506-470-3123
Danielle.Elliott@gnb.ca

Paul Bradley
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, New Brunswick
506-453-4090
Paul.Bradley@gnb.ca

 

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-022 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2022-022 Report Date: October 21, 2022 Public Body: Department of Health and Community Services Summary: The Complainant, the Office of the Official Opposition, made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Health and Community Services. The Department did not respond to the request within the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act. Section 16 says that a failure to respond by the deadline is considered to be a refusal of access, so the Complainant asked the Commissioner to investigate the Department’s deemed refusal. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). A final response to the access request was provided to the Complainant during informal resolution, 213 business days after the request had been made to the Department. The Commissioner recommended that the Department review its policies, assign additional staff as early as possible, maintain communication with applicants, and comply with its statutory duties in the future.

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

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is congratulating the newest members of the Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on Saturday evening (October 22) at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John’s. The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SportNL inducts 3-5 individuals or groups into its Hall of Fame annually, however this year eight members were given the special honour due to cancellations in 2020 and 2021.

SportNL’s newest Hall of Fame members are:

• Kirk Howell – Athlete
• Anne (Barrington) Johnston – Athlete
• Doug Redmond – Builder
• Erin Woodrow – Athlete
• Jackie Barrett – Athlete
• Zane Forbes – Athlete
• Blair Langmead – Athlete
• Wulf Stender – Builder

Quote
“To be inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame is one of the highest forms of recognition in sport in this province. This year, SportNL is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this was the 49th Hall of Fame induction ceremony – an incredible milestone for the organization. Thank you to SportNL for their outstanding support and promotion of amateur sport in Newfoundland and Labrador, and congratulations to the Hall of Fame inductees for their contributions to active healthy living and sport in this province.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 28th Biennial Convention tomorrow (Tuesday, October 25).

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 709-727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

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On October 21, 2022, the House of Assembly Management Commission released the Review of the Honourable J. Derek Green of the March 2022 Report of the Citizens’ Representative on Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Chief Electoral Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador. The Office of the Citizens’ Representative welcomes the public release of the former Chief Justice’s Review whereby seven allegations warranted further action.

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative is statutorily mandated under the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act to investigate public interest disclosures. It received allegations made by whistleblowers in 2021 and thoroughly investigated them over approximately 11 months, making findings. The statutory role of the Office in this regard was completed when it provided its report to the Clerk and Speaker of the House of Assembly. As its statutory role is complete, it would not be appropriate for the Office to give media interviews on this matter.

We agree with the former Chief Justice’s comment in the Executive Summary of his Review that “whistleblower investigators must strike a difficult balance between confidentiality and fairness.” Indeed, the utmost concern of the Office of the Citizens’ Representative is to protect those who blow the whistle about disclosures of wrongdoing.

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative is committed to strengthening accountability and the integrity of the Public Service in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Newfoundland and Labrador Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey was proud to host the annual meeting of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Information and Privacy Commissioners in St. John’s on September 19-21, 2022. This was the first face-to-face meeting of Commissioners since 2019 and the meeting involved presentations from several experts and valuable discussions on topics of mutual interest.

Commissioner Harvey is proud to announce, as an outcome of the meeting, the issuance of a Joint Resolution on Ensuring the Right to Privacy and Transparency in the Digital Identity Ecosystem in Canada, endorsed by all of Canada’s Privacy Commissioners[1].

With so many services being offered online which are increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever that there be a means to verify identity that is reliable, secure and respects privacy. Attention to the development of such a “digital identity ecosystem” is a global trend to enable individuals, businesses and devices to securely and efficiently connect with one another, confirm the identity of individuals, and carry out transactions online and in person with a high degree of efficiency and confidence.

Commissioners therefore made a series of recommendations to governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that rights to privacy and transparency are fully respected throughout the design, operation and ongoing evolution of a digital identity ecosystem in Canada. The joint resolution includes a non-exhaustive list of conditions and properties, including ecosystem properties, individual rights and remedies, and governance and oversight, that should be integrated with a legislative framework applicable to the creation and management of digital identities.

Commissioner Harvey states that “As many of us live more and more of our lives online, it is essential that our digital identities – our online selves – be safe and secure. We must not have to sacrifice our privacy to participate in this online world. We also must not leave behind those who prefer offline alternatives.” My Office will continue to monitor the development of digital identity initiatives and to collaborate with my colleagues across Canada to strengthen our knowledge and capacity in this area. I welcome any public body considering a digital identity initiative to reach out to my Office for a consultation to better ensure privacy protections and public trust.”

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

[1] In New Brunswick and Manitoba, the privacy oversight role is performed by the Ombudsperson. Also, the Information Commissioner of Canada, while a member of this FPT table, did not endorse this resolution as it relates to privacy matters. Another resolution on Securing Public Trust in Digital Healthcare was released during the meeting itself.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Joint Resolution of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Privacy Commissioners Ensuring the Right to Privacy and Transparency in the Canadian Digital Identity Ecosystem appeared first on News Releases.

Digital Government and Service NL today announced that Emmanuel Construction Services Ltd. of Glovertown have been charged with violations under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

The charges result from an investigation by Digital Government and Service NL Occupational Health and Safety Division into an incident, which occurred in October 2020, resulting the death of a company employee at a construction site in Terra Nova National Park.

Emmanuel Construction Ltd. is charged with nine violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations relating to its alleged failure to:

1. Provide a safe workplace and the necessary equipment, systems and tools that are without risk to workers;
2. Provide the information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities to ensure a safe workplace;
3. Ensure workers, and especially supervisors, are made familiar with the hazards;
4. Ensure that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment;
5. Ensure that a guardrail cannot move in any direction if it is struck;
6. Ensure that a guardrail has a toprail and a midrail;
7. Ensure that each machine and piece of equipment is selected, used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, safe work practices, and the regulations;
8. Ensure a work platform 1.22 metres above grade has guardrails on all open sides and ends that comply with the guardrail requirements in the regulations; and
9. Ensure that an elevating work platform meets the requirements of the appropriate standard.

The company’s first appearance is scheduled for November 28, 2022, at Provincial Court in Gander.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Media Relations Manager
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Occupational Health and Safety Charges Laid Against Emmanuel Construction appeared first on News Releases.

In partnership with Come Home 2022, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team Training Camp is coming to Paradise. The camp, which will include two-time Winter Paralympic medalist, world champion and Newfoundlander and Labradorian Liam Hickey, will take place at the Paradise Double Ice Complex from October 23 to 28.

Sports fans of all ages are invited to participate in several public events:

• Intrasquad Red vs. White Games
  • Wednesday, October 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, October 27 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• ‘Try It’ Session
  • Wednesday, October 26 at 1:30 p.m.

All events are free to the public.

Para hockey debuted at the Paralympics in 1994 and has become one of the most popular spectator sports at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Come Home 2022 festivals and events are taking place all throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for the remainder of 2022. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians everywhere can visit ComeHome2022.ca to sign up for the Come Home 2022 e-newsletter, which shares updates on festivals and events throughout the year. They can also follow ComeHome2022 on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date celebration information.

Quotes
 “To have the National Para Hockey Team Training Camp coming to Paradise is an excellent step toward promoting accessible and inclusive sport, and provides a unique para hockey development opportunity in this province. I am equally pleased to welcome our very own Liam Hickey home for this event. As a dual-sport Paralympian in both para hockey and wheelchair basketball, Liam is an inspiration to so many young athletes in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we are very proud of the success he has achieved.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Para Hockey is an accessible, inclusive and collaborative sport for athletes of all ages and abilities, and it is my pleasure to welcome the National Para Hockey Training Camp coming to Paradise. My best wishes to all participating athletes who are pushing the boundaries and paving new pathways with hard work and determination, and of course to Liam Hickey, who is an inspiration for us all and a powerful role model for all young athletes.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

Premier Furey Officially Launches Come Home Year 2022

Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

Follow Come Home 2022 on Instagram

Media contacts
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@celebratenl.ca

Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

The post Para Hockey Training Camp Comes to Paradise as Part of Come Home 2022 appeared first on News Releases.