Government of Newfoundland News

The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-040 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-040 Report Date: September 16, 2024 Public Body: Executive Council Summary: The Complainant clarified an earlier access request to the Executive Council for records related to four Orders in Council. The Executive Council located responsive records, but determined that they fell under a mandatory exception to access at section 27 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Clerk of the Executive Council further considered whether the public interest ought to override this mandatory exception to access, per subsection 27(3) of the Act, but determined against such an override and the Public Body refused to release the records. The Commissioner agreed with the Executive Council and recommended that it continue to withhold the records.

 

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The Provincial Government has awarded a contract for $30 million to Bursey Excavating and Development Inc. for the completion of the Team Gushue Highway.

Once completed, the highway will provide an alternate and more efficient route for residents on the southern Avalon to access key provincial services and social infrastructure, including the province’s largest health care and post-secondary facilities.

The Team Gushue Highway project involves the completion of a north-south arterial highway route in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. The end of the Team Gushue Highway will be connected to the Pitts Memorial Drive (Route 2) and Robert E. Howlett Memorial Drive (Route 3) interchange using a roundabout corridor. This will involve extending the paved highway from Topsail Road – where the Team Gushue Highway currently ends – to the Commonwealth Avenue, Brookfield Road and Heavy Tree Road area.

The project also includes installing drainage culverts, an overpass structure and auxiliary access roads, as well as re-aligning a section of Brookfield Road. Once completed, this project will alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety and enhance access to and from the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the surrounding urban and rural communities.

Construction on the multi-year project will begin this fall, with an anticipated completion date of late 2026.

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

Quotes
“The completion of this highway represents more than just asphalt and concrete, it symbolizes our commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the southern Avalon and improving connectivity. The ripple effect of this project will be felt throughout the broader community, strengthening our economic foundation and providing benefits for residents.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This project was identified as a key provincial infrastructure priority, one that will provide significant benefits for years to come. Whether heading to work, school, accessing services or simply visiting friends and family, this project will significantly reduce travel times and enhance safety on our roads. I am very pleased that work will get underway this fall on this project that is integral to connecting our rural areas and enhancing the road network in the region.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Today marks the beginning of the end for construction on the Team Gushue Highway. It’s an important transportation link that already, many of us couldn’t live without. Very proud that the Federal Government has contributed half the costs to get it done.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

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Next week is Newfoundland and Labrador’s second annual Well-Being Week, an ideal time to highlight the ongoing Year of the Arts initiatives and the positive impact the arts and cultural sector has on the well-being of our people and communities.

This morning at The Rooms, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation led a celebration of the connection between the arts and well-being, which featured Jamie Korab, Member of the House of Assembly for the district of Waterford Valley, remarks by Anne Chafe, CEO of The Rooms, and performances and remarks by singer-songwriter, Sherry Ryan, and performer Beni Malone.

Participating in arts activities and events provide space for reflection, mindfulness, socialization and sensory stimulation. Exploring an art gallery or museum or taking in a musical performance can help to lower stress levels and bring joy to the lives of participants. Similarly, practicing art in its many forms offers opportunities for self-expression, among other benefits.

The Provincial Government recognizes the strong correlation between engaging with arts and cultural activities and well-being. To date, through Year of the Arts funding in 2023 and 2024, government has committed $15 million in funding to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant arts and cultural sector and the artists and arts organizations who comprise it.

During Well-Being Week 2024, residents are encouraged to take some time to visit provincial cultural facilities, such as The Rooms, Provincial Historic Sites, and Arts and Culture Centres.

Well-Being Week 2024 takes place from Sunday, September 22, to Saturday, September 28. For more information, visit www.wellbeingnl.ca.

Quotes
“Sometimes people think about well-being and reflect more on the physical components – eating well, participating in physical activity and getting enough sleep. Those things are certainly critical, but engaging with the arts and cultural sector is another way to bring health benefits. During Well-Being Week, I encourage people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to take some time to explore the many cultural activities across the province, whether that is by visiting an art exhibit, listening to music, or visiting one of the many cultural facilities in the province. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the positive experience.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Museums and galleries are essential to enhancing well-being and have become recognized as spaces of wellness in our communities. In an increasingly digital world, they provide authentic experiences that allow us to reconnect with the tangible world.”
Anne Chafe
The Rooms

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The Honourable Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is meeting with officials of the Government of Nunavut this week and participating in the annual Nunavut Trade Show and Conference.

Minister Reid is bringing remarks at a keynote luncheon during the conference on Wednesday, September 18, at 11:45 a.m. (ET), at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre.

The Nunavut Trade Show and Conference is organized annually by the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and is held September 17-19 at venues in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings on behalf of the Provincial Government this evening (Tuesday, September 17) at the official opening of the Year of the Arts Women’s Play Festival.

The event takes place at First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity, 42 Bannerman Street, St. John’s, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Presented by PerSIStence Theatre Company, the Year of the Arts Women’s Play Festival will celebrate 16 plays over 12 days (September 17-28, 2024). This project is supported by the Creative Projects Fund administered by Celebrate NL as part of its Year of the Arts program.

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The Provincial Government will host a celebration of the positive relationship between the arts and cultural sector and well-being tomorrow (Tuesday, September 17).

The event will take place at The Rooms (4th floor boardroom) at 11:00 a.m.

Jamie Korab, Member of the House of Assembly for Waterford Valley, Anne Chafe, Chief Executive Officer of The Rooms, singer-songwriter Sherry Ryan, and Beni Malone, Artistic Director of Wonderbolt Circus, will all participate in the event.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media tomorrow (Tuesday, September 17) to discuss the completion of the Team Gushue Highway.

The availability will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m. at 199-205 Brookfield Road, where the new section of the Team Gushue Highway will intersect with Brookfield Road.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl.

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The Provincial Government today announced the launch of a new Dementia-Friendly Communities website and media campaign to help increase awareness, foster more dementia-inclusive communities, and promote overall health and well-being in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media to discuss the activities today (Monday, September 16) at 1:00 p.m. at the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is located at Unit 107, 835 Topsail Road in Mount Pearl.  Minister Hogan will be joined by Shirley Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Dementia-Friendly Communities website complements actions under the Dementia Care Action Plan by promoting awareness and understanding of dementia and providing information on services and resources to support individuals and families to live well with dementia.

The awareness campaign is jointly supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada through the Dementia Strategic Fund as well as provincial funding under the Dementia Care Action Plan.

Budget 2024 provides an annual investment of $3.5 million to implement and support the Dementia Care Action Plan which provides a coordinated, collaborative approach to making meaningful changes within the system to ensure individuals living with dementia can continue to achieve life goals and obtain meaning and enjoyment in their lives.

The plan aligns with the recommendations from Health Accord NL that focus on implementation of actions to build a more integrated continuum of care which supports individuals to age well in place.

Quotes
“Building communities that are more inclusive and dementia-friendly starts with increasing awareness and understanding around dementia which helps to reduce any negative stigma and improving access to resources and supports for individuals living with dementia. This awareness campaign and website builds on our commitment through our Dementia Care Action Plan to ensure that individuals living with dementia are meaningfully engaged in their communities and supported to age well and live with dignity and independence.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The impact of dementia in our province is huge and the Alzheimer Society welcomes partnerships with the government to build dementia friendly communities. This collaboration has been impactful in helping us increase the awareness of dementia in the province and encouraging the development of dementia-friendly communities where people living with dementia, their families and care partners feel included and supported. We are pleased with our government’s commitment to the Dementia Care Action Plan and will continue to be an active partner in making meaningful changes in the system.”
Shirley Lucas
Chief Executive Office, Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador  

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Three-Year Dementia Care Action Plan Launched for Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills is continuing its cross-provincial series of engagement sessions for employers and newcomers. Sessions begin in the Central Newfoundland region on Tuesday, September 17.

Employer engagement sessions will include representatives from the Provincial Government as well as staff from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This is an opportunity for employers to ask questions to provincial and federal immigration officials. Employers looking to register for a session can use this link.

Newcomer engagement sessions will include Provincial Government staff and representatives of the Association for New Canadians. These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn about permanent immigration options, such as the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. Sessions for newcomers do not require pre-registration.

See the backgrounder for a full list of the sessions occurring in Central Newfoundland next week.

More information about future engagement sessions in the Western and Eastern regions will be provided in the coming weeks.

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Backgrounder

Central Immigration Engagement Sessions – September 17 to 20, 2024

Engagement Type Location Date(s) Time For

Employers Lewisporte
Dietrac Technical Institute, 82 Premier Drive September 17 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Springdale
Manual Hall,1 Grant Ave September 18 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Grand Falls-Windsor

Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium,

5 Jones St September 19 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Gander

Sports Hall of Fame,

155 Airport Blvd September 20 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. For

International Students Gander
CNA Gander
1 Magee Rd September 19 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. For

Ukrainian Newcomers

  Grand Falls-Windsor

Association for New Canadians,

28 Hardy Road September 18 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Gander
Steele Community Centre
155 Airport Blvd September 19 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, has proclaimed September 15-21, 2024, as Sexual Violence Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sexual Violence Awareness Week, observed annually in this province for the past 25 years, is an opportunity to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. This year’s activities emphasize the importance of reconnecting, fostering self-awareness, and rebuilding connections within communities, along with the 40th annual Take Back the Night march on September 20.

The Provincial Government works closely with community partners and violence prevention advocates, including End Sexual Violence NL, to reduce all forms of violence, abuse and neglect. End Sexual Violence NL is a non-profit, community-based, charitable organization that supports individuals of all genders who have been impacted by sexual violence.

In 2023, the Provincial Government signed a historic bilateral agreement with the Federal Government to invest nearly $13.6 million in new funding over four years to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in this province. This plan is a concrete step towards fulfilling a long-standing commitment of federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together for a country free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors and their families.

By investing in violence prevention, the Provincial Government is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, prevent and address gender-based violence. This approach is vital in breaking the cycles of violence and creating cultures of respect and understanding.

Funding from the National Action Plan has already resulted in substantial investments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to increase capacity, provincial outreach and service delivery to address gender-based violence, in partnership with community stakeholders, such as women’s centres, violence prevention organizations, Friendship Centres, and newcomer organizations.

The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Journey Project has received over $250,000 to help increase access to trauma-informed legal supports for survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence in marginalized populations, with a particular focus on Indigenous and newcomer communities. This funding is also being used to translate legal information materials into dialects of Innu-Aimun, Inuktitut, Arabic, Dari and Ukrainian.

Since December 2023, over $400,000 has been provided to organizations such as Status of Women Councils, violence prevention groups, the Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador, Thrive and Seniors NL, to carry out important violence prevention work in the areas of outreach, education and awareness.

The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council has received over $100,000 to coordinate and address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, which impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Quadrangle NL, a community of individuals working together to improve the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, received $200,000 in 2023-24 to enhance its violence prevention efforts.

To learn more about Sexual Violence Awareness Week and upcoming events, visit End Sexual Violence NL on www.facebook.com/EndSV.

Quotes
“Sexual violence impacts individuals, families and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that survivors feel heard, supported and empowered to seek justice. We must continue to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote consent and respect in all relationships. I encourage everyone to take the time to educate themselves, speak out against sexual violence, and advocate for change in our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Sexual violence continues to be a pervasive issue throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and globally. This year’s Sexual Violence Awareness week theme is ‘Reconnecting’, and highlights the importance of re-establishing bonds within communities, and creating supportive environments where survivors can find strength and solidarity. We encourage everyone to participate in the week’s events to collectively work towards a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and understood.”
Mary Walsh
Executive Director, End Sexual Violence NL

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This Sunday, September 15, marks Terry Fox Day in the province and the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, encourages widespread participation in this year’s Terry Fox Run.

The Terry Fox Run celebrates Terry’s bravery and determination as a young man diagnosed with bone cancer. After his diagnoses in 1977, and ultimately losing his leg to the disease, Terry embarked on his Marathon of Hope in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research. Though his run was cut short, he raised an impressive $24.17 million and inspired a nation. The community of Port aux Basques played a pivotal role, raising $10,000 — one dollar from each resident — which inspired Terry to aim for a dollar from every Canadian. This goal was achieved with the support of millions.

Participants in the Terry Fox Run are encouraged to use the hashtag #DearTerry on social media to share photos and support the cause.

Additionally, the Terry Fox School Run is set for Friday, September 27, with educators and families invited to inspire children by sharing Terry’s story and the message to “Try Like Terry.”

The legacy of Terry Fox has endured long beyond his Marathon of Hope. Since that historic run, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million globally for cancer research, continuing to honour Terry’s vision.

In 2016, the Provincial Government declared the second Sunday after Labour Day Terry Fox Day in the province.

Quotes
“Terry Fox is a Canadian icon and his legacy continues to inspire Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as well as people throughout Canada and the world. At just 19 years old, Terry exemplified incredible perseverance and dedication to a cause. On September 15, I encourage everyone who is able to join their friends and family in participating in a Terry Fox Run event. Terry’s light still shines brightly, symbolizing hope, courage and determination for all Canadians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Terry Fox Run is a wonderful chance for people to come together and be active in their communities for a meaningful cause. This Sunday, September 15, I encourage individuals of all ages to ‘Try Like Terry’ and take part in this special event.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is participating in events September 13 and 14 at the annual Cartwright Heritage Fair.

Labrador flag events, including a parade and a flag-raising ceremony at the town hall, start at 6:00 p.m. The opening of the Heritage Fair and a celebration of the Labrador flag gets under way at 6:30 p.m. at the Roy Sainsbury Memorial Gymnasium. Activities include traditional drumming, skits, traditional clothing fashion show, and music by the Flummies.

The Cartwright Heritage Fair is open to the public. Check the Cartwright Town Council’s social media for scheduling details.

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Big game season opens in most areas of Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Saturday, September 14):

• Moose (island): September 14, 2024 – December 31, 2024 (except for national parks)
• Moose (Labrador): September 14, 2024 – March 9, 2025
• Caribou (island): September 14, 2024 – December 1, 2024 (closing dates vary for Caribou Management Areas 70, 71, 72). Note: Caribou hunting is prohibited in Labrador
• Black bear (island): September 14, 2024 – November 10, 2024
• Black bear (Labrador): August 10, 2024 – November 30, 2024
• Coyotes and wolves: September 14, 2024 – July 15, 2025 (coyote, province-wide). Dates for wolf vary by region
• Trapping Seasons and Zones: Dates vary by species and region
• Small game (island): Dates vary by species and region
• Small game (Labrador): Dates vary by species and region

All hunters and trappers must observe firearm regulations and safe practices. Wildlife regulations, hunting season dates, bag limits, safety tips and more are available in the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Information gathered from hunters and trappers is critical to establishing harvest rates for big game species. Hunters and trappers are encouraged to submit hunter return forms to the Wildlife Division and participate in specimen collection programs for moose, caribou, black bears or coyotes/wolves. License holders from last season who have not already done so can submit 2023-24 hunter return forms to:

Wildlife Division/Licencing
P.O. Box 2007
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1
Email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca

Big game jawbones can be dropped off at one of 50 locations across the province. Participating hunters will receive a Cooperating Hunter Crest for supporting big game population research.

New hunters wishing to become eligible for the 2025-26 Big Game Licence Draw must complete the Canadian Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course before November 30, 2024.

Resource Enforcement Officers will be carrying out dedicated hunting and trapping patrols during the season. It is the responsibility of hunters and trappers to be aware of hunting and trapping regulations.

The public plays a crucial role in the stewardship of our natural resources. Anyone with information on any natural resource-related illegal activity is encouraged to call 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at stoppoaching.ca.

Quote
“Hunters and trappers are the stewards of Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife resources and the information they share is essential to the management decisions we make. I encourage all hunters to participate in wildlife management by submitting hunter returns and participating in our various collection programs. Poaching continues to be a major concern in Newfoundland and Labrador, and tips from the public play an important role in investigating and apprehending violators. I encourage you all to be caretakers of our wildlife resources by reporting poaching activities. I wish you a safe and successful hunting season.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Volunteer fire departments are the heart of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It is vital to their safety and performance that volunteer firefighters have the necessary equipment to effectively do their jobs. Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced an investment of over $3 million to replace more than 300 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety; Duane Antle, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association; and Leslie Kenny, Fire Chief, Holyrood Fire Department, at an event in Holyrood.

More than 50 volunteer fire departments in Newfoundland and Labrador are currently using a variety of SCBA units that will be discontinued in the coming months. This breathing apparatus is one of the most important pieces of equipment for volunteer firefighters, and protects users against oxygen deficiency, gases and vapors during fires.

This investment builds on the additional budget investments in fire protection vehicles and firefighting equipment – which the Provincial Government doubled to nearly $4 million in 2022.

Quotes
“Volunteer fire departments are the heart of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. And for these volunteers to effectively do their jobs, we recognize the importance of helping to provide the necessary protective equipment. That is why today’s announcement is so important. It really takes a special type of person to be a firefighter, a person who is compassionate, and one who has a desire to help others.  Firefighters are leaders in our communities, and their crucial role allow the rest of us feel safe and protected at home.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Thank you to the approximately 6,000 volunteer firefighters who give of their time to protect families, homes, and businesses throughout our province. We are grateful to the many sacrifices you and your families make to keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians safe. One of our Government’s priorities is to help communities be safe and sustainable, and that is why we committed to protecting the hard work and selfless dedication of our volunteer firefighters.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The safety of our firefighters is the most important job a fire chief has and it’s the one thing that constantly keeps us up at night. Today’s announcement isn’t just about equipment, it’s about keeping our people safe and getting them home to their families unscathed.”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Services Association

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As anticipation builds for the 2025 Canada Games, the Provincial Government is proud to announce Celebrate NL as the Presenting Partner of the Games’ Artistic Festival and Cultural Program. This afternoon, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced a contribution of $500,000 for the initiative.

As part of the partnership, Celebrate NL will work with the 2025 Canada Games Host Society on the development of the artistic program to support the Games. This will include artistic showcases in various locations around St. John’s and surrounding areas, all of which will be free for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Artistic Festival and Cultural Program also plays a key role in promoting diversity, unity and cross-cultural understanding and provides an opportunity for the thousands of Games attendees to experience Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique and vibrant arts and cultural sector.

More details on the Artistic Festival and Cultural Program will be released in spring 2025. The 2025 Canada Games take place in St. John’s from August 8-25, 2025.

Celebrate NL, a Crown Corporation under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, attracts major events and fosters the development and enhancement of celebrations and events in and about Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“This is an incredibly exciting partnership and a fantastic opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to show the rest of Canada who we are and what we have to offer. At each Canada Games, the cultural program highlights the artistic talents of the hosting province and really makes the event shine. I look forward to seeing our province’s artists come together to welcome and provide entertainment for the athletes and visitors from across the country.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are thrilled to welcome Celebrate NL as the Presenting Partner of the Artistic Festival and Cultural Program for the 2025 Canada Games. This partnership not only enhances the cultural experience for athletes, visitors, and residents alike but also provides a wonderful platform to showcase the incredible talent and vibrant cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to working closely with Celebrate NL to create an unforgettable celebration of arts and culture that will leave a lasting legacy for our community.”
Kim Keating and Karl Smith
Co-Chairs, 2025 Canada Games Host Society

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a funding announcement in support of fire services in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Friday, September 13).

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety; Robert Fowler, Fire Commissioner; Duane Antle, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services; and Leslie Penny, Fire Chief, Holyrood Fire Department.

The announcement will take place at the Holyrood Fire Department, 5 Liam Hickey Drive, Holyrood, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, recently co-chaired the 45th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference and lead a successful delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador companies, industry associations and officials for a tech and innovation trade mission to Boston, Massachusetts. The mission focused on clean tech, ocean tech and energy, as well as health tech.

Twenty Newfoundland and Labrador organizations attended the mission and represented the technology sector, such as health and ocean, energy sector and post-secondary institutions with a focus on research and development and skills development. The mission focused on supporting market exploration, providing opportunities for growth and visibility, networking, as well as site visits to key facilities in the Boston region.

A key component of the mission was the robust business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking program. The mission included a focus on technology companies (information and communication technologies, clean technology, health technology) as well as energy, with a focus on renewables and hydroelectricity. Companies from the Boston area participated in matchmaking.

The mission aligned with the NEG-ECP conference, which was held on September 9-10 in Boston. Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts co-chaired the meeting with Premier Furey. Also participating were the Governors of Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island, and representatives of the governments of Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The primary topic of discussion was the clean energy transition, with a focus on achieving broad regional economic and reliability benefits, energy independence, and job growth. The leaders held two formal discussions on developing a regional offshore wind supply chain and strategies for hard-to-decarbonize sectors.

Building on the relationship with governments and partners, Premier Furey announced the establishment of a Newfoundland and Labrador office in Boston. The office will be co-located with the Canadian Consulate in Boston.

This initiative is a sign of Newfoundland and Labrador’s full commitment to maintaining and strengthening the relationship that has been built over centuries of trade relations, and one that will continue as we chart our way together into emerging sectors and offer solutions to energy, economic and climate-related challenges.

The Boston office will help ensure there is a platform to promote the innovation and competitiveness of local companies. Growing markets will help everyone move in concert toward our shared economic and environmental goals, and help further innovation across sectors.

Quotes
“Boston is a key hub through which Newfoundland and Labrador can engage with partners and stakeholders in Massachusetts and throughout New England. This tech and innovation trade mission, with a focus on clean tech, ocean tech and energy, as well as health tech, highlighted many of the areas where we can collaborate and help each other to grow these industries in a mutually beneficial way. It also strengthened New England’s understanding of our energy potential, and I look forward to continuing those discussions. Establishing an office in Boston is an important initiative that builds on our partnerships.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey

Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Resolutions from the NEG-ECP Conference

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BACKGROUNDER

Organizations Attending Newfoundland and Labrador 2024 Trade Mission to Boston:

ASL Energy
PolyUnity
World Energy GH2
Cahill
Compusult
Vortex Energy Corp
College of the North Atlantic
Marine Institute
Nucliq Biologics Inc
Angler Solutions
Memorial University
Energy NL
Oceans Advance
econext
OPAS Mobile
Port of Argentia
eSonar
Avalon Holographics
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
Pan-Maritime

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Today, the Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, released a joint statement:

“Together, we have finalized a new Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) agreement. This 10-year agreement will provide predictable, long-term, and stable funding to communities across Newfoundland and Labrador for their local infrastructure priorities.

Infrastructure investments are essential to support communities where Canadians live, work and raise their families. CCBF has supported a wide range of major infrastructure projects in Newfoundland and Labrador such as:

• $1,383,005 million to upgrade 360 metres of Archibald Drive in the Town of Paradise with storm sewer, curb/gutter, asphalt and sidewalks.
• $26,804 to supply and install amour stone to stabilize existing breakwater in the Town of Chapel Arm.
• $71,749 to supply and install rubber surfacing to enhance accessibility at the Cobb’s Pond Rotary Park at the Town of Gander.

With this deal, communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $168.7 million in CCBF funding over the next five years.

Upgrading municipal infrastructure that people rely on is an important part of addressing the housing crisis. Growing communities need affordable homes as well as infrastructure such as modern water and wastewater systems, public transit, and recreation centres that support this growth.

We are proud to renew this agreement that will create and support public infrastructure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need.”

Quick facts

• Across Canada, the federal government is renewing the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) and is investing $26.7 billion over the next 10 years (2024-2034) to support core infrastructure projects.
• Between 2014-2024, the CCBF invested more than $2.4 billion a year across Canada to over 3,600 communities through 19 different project categories that include public transit, highways, local roads and bridges, recreation, community energy systems and water infrastructure.
• Over the first five years of the agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $168.7 million, including $32.1 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
• The CCBF supports infrastructure projects that help bolster housing supply. It is a permanent, indexed source of funding provided up front, twice a year, to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to local governments and other entities to support local infrastructure priorities.
• The renewed CCBF ties access to funding to actions by provinces, territories, and municipalities to increase Canada’s housing supply.

Associated links
The Canada Community-Building Fund

Infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada Community-Building Fund (Formerly the Gas Tax Program) – Municipal and Provincial Affairs

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will make an announcement related to support for the 2025 Canada Games tomorrow (Thursday, September 12).

The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Bannerman Park Gazebo on Military Road, St. John’s.

Minister Crocker will be joined at the announcement by Kim Keating, Co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador 50+ Federation’s 47th Annual Convention banquet tomorrow (Thursday, September 12).

The convention’s banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Marystown Hotel and Convention Centre, 180-190 Ville Marie Drive, Marystown.

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