Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced cost-shared funding of over $4.2 million, in support of the City of St. John’s Corporate Climate Plan, which will see infrastructure upgrades to various city-owned buildings, improving energy efficiency and transitioning from oil to electricity.

The funding will be used to support improvements at seven city owned facilities: St. John’s City Depot, St. John’s Animal Shelter, Buckmaster Circle Centre, Riverhead, Mary Brown’s Centre, 245 Freshwater Rd, Works Depot and Central Fire Station. These combined measures will reduce oil use by more than 232,000 litres/year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 672 tonnes annually.

The City of St. John’s received $1,696,852 from the Federal Government and $1,413,902 from the Provincial Government. This funding was provided through Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund program which is part of the $89.4 million Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, a joint initiative between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The City of St. John’s contributed $1,131,376 towards this initiative as part of its broader $6,661,630 investment to improve energy performance in 17 facilities.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund is a competitive grant-based program to fund greenhouse gas reduction projects. The fund supports projects that lower greenhouse gas emissions and is available to organizations across commercial, municipal, not-for-profit sectors and Indigenous Governments and organizations.

Quotes
“Every action taken to address climate change in our province contributes to the development of a green economy, moving Newfoundland and Labrador forward both environmentally and economically. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the City of St. John’s with this significant initiative and their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating more energy efficient facilities.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“By working with the City of St. John’s, we can help the community save money on monthly operating costs and grow the economy, all while fighting climate change. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with climate leaders nationwide to cut emissions—and will continue to do so through a renewed commitment of an additional $2.2 billion, an important part of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. I applaud the leadership shown by the City of St. John’s for helping to keep our air clean and build resilient communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“I thank our provincial and federal government leaders and industry partners, as funding to support this multi-million-dollar project is available through the Low-Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. With this project, other ongoing improvements to the city’s buildings, and the provincial government efforts to implement a low-carbon electricity grid, the City of St. John’s is on track to achieve over 70% of our Corporate 2030 target before 2025. The city’s contribution will be recovered over a 15-year term with the energy cost savings that we will achieve.”
Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

-30-

Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

 

 

The post Provincial and Federal Governments Support City of St. John’s Corporate Climate Plan appeared first on News Releases.

Progress continues in the journey toward having the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On February 10, the nomination to add the Heart’s Content-Valentia, Ireland transatlantic cable to the tentative list for consideration was officially registered by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Paris.

UNESCO World Heritage nominations involving more than one country (i.e., transboundary submissions such as this one) are highly complex, including the requirement for each country to be on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage. After five years of work, this requirement was finally met in 2022 and the collective nomination was sent to UNESCO for official registration.

As a result, both Heart’s Content and Valentia have been added the Tentative List on the UNESCO World Heritage website.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Kerry County Council, Ireland (as co-applicants) are in regular contact on advancing this nomination, and will now begin preparing the comprehensive World Heritage Nomination dossier. This will be a multi-year process. The next step is a strategic planning session this spring to develop a detailed nomination work plan.

Newfoundland and Labrador currently has four official UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Mistaken Point and Red Bay Basque Whaling Station.

Quote
“So much hard work, dedication and passion has gone into the nomination process for Heart’s Content-Valentia to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The official registration of the nomination is a significant step towards our goal of World Heritage inscription. Once achieved, it will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

-30-

Learn more
Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Canada) – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

UNESCO World Heritage Nomination – Heart’s Content/Valentia Cable Stations

The first successful Transatlantic cable was laid between Heart’s Content, Newfoundland and Labrador and Valentia Island, Ireland in 1866. It was the culmination of a grandiose mid-19th century American-British plan to connect North America and Europe via an 1886 nautical mile submarine telegraph cable along the Atlantic seabed. The idea was considered by many at that time to be impossible.

Requiring ten years and five attempts, this world altering engineering and scientific achievement (called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” at that time) represents one of the major milestones in human history, engineering, communications, and the birth of globalization. The ability to instantly and accurately communicate between the old and new worlds resulted in commercial, political, military, media, and social impacts around the world.

Permanent cable stations were built at Valentia (1868) and Heart’s Content (current station dates from 1875/76) as the respective eastern and western termini of the cable, establishing both communities as international communications centres for over a century. Between 1866 and 1894, six different cables were connected between Valentia and Heart’s Content.

The Heart’s Content and Valentia Cable Stations are the complete surviving testament to the outstanding genius and perseverance behind this world altering feat. The Heart’s Content Cable Station was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1974 and has been operated by GNL as a provincial telecommunications museum ever since. It is arguably one of the best-preserved 19th century telegraph cable stations worldwide.

Since 2013, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been in regular discussions with Valentia/Kerry County Council, Parks Canada (Canadian UNESCO State Party) and the Irish Department of Heritage (Irish UNESCO State Party) regarding a possible transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia – Heart’s Content.

A UNESCO World Heritage transboundary submission requires both historic Cable Stations to be included on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. The Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site was named to Canada’s Tentative List in December 2017 and the Valentia Cable Station was added to Ireland’s Tentative List in July 2022.

In November 2020, the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia signed a Declaration of Cooperation – an informal commitment to working cooperatively in support of various efforts to commemorate and promote the historic links between the two communities.

In September 2022, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and Kerry County Council, as co-applicants on the transboundary submission, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership required to advance the nomination and ultimately achieve UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

 

The post Heart’s Content One Step Closer to UNESCO World Heritage Status appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the assembly of an expert team to lead high-level preliminary discussions with Hydro-Quebec.

The team includes industry veteran Karl Smith, Chair of the Churchill River Management Expert Panel; Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro; and Denis Mahoney, Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety. The team brings together expertise in industry, utility and law to head up these discussions.

The expert team is responsible for leading high-level discussions with Hydro-Quebec to assess whether there are meaningful opportunities for future negotiations that will ensure the best value from the Churchill Falls plant and the Churchill River for the people of the province.

The expert team will be supported by internal and external resources as required, and will engage Indigenous representatives.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong interest in determining the full economic potential of the Churchill River. The Churchill Falls facility is owned by CF(L)Co and that corporation is owned 65.8 per cent by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and 34.2 per cent by Hydro-Québec.

Quotes
“The Churchill Falls asset gains more value every day. Following productive meetings with Premier Legault last week, we have assembled some of the top talent in our province to begin high-level discussions with Hydro-Québec to better understand our mutual areas of interest and possibility for future consideration. This team will consider every potential option in front of us, understanding the industry and our position in it, to ensure we are moving forward in a manner that is in the best interest of the province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Despite the emotions of the past, we remain focused on Newfoundland and Labrador’s future. This highly capable team will help guide our province towards recognizing the best path in the lead up to 2041, and beyond.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of Panel Members

Karl Smith
Over the last three decades, Mr. Smith served in a number of progressively responsible roles within the Fortis Group of Companies, including Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (1999-2003), President and CEO of Newfoundland Power (2004-2007), President and CEO of Fortis Alberta (2007-2014), and Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (2014-2018).

Mr. Smith graduated from Memorial University in 1981 with a degree in Commerce, and following retirement has assumed a role as Chair of the University’s Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board.

Mr. Smith is a former Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (2014-2016), past Chair of the Canadian Electricity Association, and a retired member of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association (Newfoundland and Labrador Branch). Mr. Smith currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, and the Genesis Centre.  He is also a Director of the Canadian Standards Association and co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.

Jennifer Williams
P. Eng, FEC, FCAE, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Jennifer Williams was appointed President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in February 2019 and assumed additional responsibility as interim CEO for Nalcor in June 2021. Jennifer is now acting as President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Prior to 2019, Jennifer had served as Vice President, Production, with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro since August 2016. Earlier positions include General Manager, Hydro Production, as well as Manager, Regulatory Engineering. Jennifer joined Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in 2014, having previously worked with both Newfoundland Power and the St. John’s International Airport Authority.

A Memorial University graduate, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. Jennifer was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2016 and was elected as a Fellow to the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020.

Denis Mahoney
Mr. Mahoney began his career working in the public service as a Labour Relations Advisor in 1987 with the Newfoundland and Labrador Hospital and Nursing Home Association. He completed his articles of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1994. He was appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice and Public Safety effective January 1, 2022.

During his lengthy tenure with McInnes Cooper, Mr. Mahoney served in a variety of leadership roles including inaugural board director, member of the firm-wide management team and Regional Lead Partner of the St. John’s office.

Mr. Mahoney has served on a number of committees and boards, and has volunteered with several organizations including Memorial University’s Board of Regents, the province’s Labour Management Arbitration Committee, the St. John’s Board of Trade, the Strategic Partnership Coalition, the 2025 Canada Games Host Society Inc., Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association, TaskforceNL Inc., and the Boys and Girls Club in St. John’s.

Mr. Mahoney holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Queen’s University (1993) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Co-operative Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1987). In 2020, he received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

The post Provincial Government Assembles Expert Team for Preliminary Discussions with Hydro-Quebec appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will participate in the launch of a new campaign by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) to increase participation in curbside recycling tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28).

Minister Davis will be joined by Charles Bown, CEO, MMSB and Stephen Tessier, Chair, Eastern Regional Service Board, as well as Mary Walsh, who will be featured in the new campaign.

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Robin Hood Bay Materials Recovery Facility, 340 East White Hills Road, St. John’s. Media wishing to acquire additional footage are asked to bring their own personal protective equipment, including safety boots.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Participate in Launch of a New Curbside Recycling Campaign appeared first on News Releases.

In keeping with the Provincial Government’s commitment to accelerate innovation and build a healthy province, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced $149,000 in funding support through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to PragmaClin Research Inc. to further their work on Parkinson’s disease.

PragmaClin Research Inc., owned by Bronwyn Bridges and Gord Genge, is a medical technology company that operates in the health care sector. Mr. Genge was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and throughout his steps to diagnosis had identified several patient assessment issues that needed to be solved, including long wait-times and subjective patient assessment. Ms. Bridges is a Ph.D. student at Memorial University, and while conducting her research on Parkinson’s disease she met Mr. Genge and discussed potential solutions to patient care issues. Shortly thereafter, PragmaClin was formed in 2020.

PragmaClin says it is driven to find a disruptive solution to managing Parkinson’s disease, which currently affects about 10 million people worldwide. The company is developing a one-of-a-kind product, the Parkinson’s Remote Interactive Monitoring System, which is set to monitor, analyze, and rate the severity of Parkinson’s disease symptoms remotely and objectively. The system is unique in that it does not require any specialized equipment or wearable sensors that would be unfamiliar to both patient and practitioner, providing an easier path to adoption.

The non-repayable funding support from the Provincial Government will enable PragmaClin to further enhance the Parkinson’s Remote Interactive Monitoring System (PRIMS) and elevate it from a demonstration to a market-ready stage. PragmaClin is also receiving advisory services and research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program to support the project.

Quotes
“I’ve had the privilege of learning about the experiences of Ms. Bridges and Mr. Genge, and am truly impressed by their determination and commitment to building from Mr. Genge’s lived experience to alleviate the struggles of others. PragmaClin is well-positioned in an emerging market, not only because of its commercialization value, but also because of the potential it holds in transforming lives. I’m excited to see the outcome of this project.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“PragmaClin is honored to receive support from both the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the National Research Council of Canada. This support will allow us to expand our team and hire consultants to help us commercialize and validate PRIMS. It is our goal to improve health care delivery services through technology and we want to be able to launch from home before scaling globally. The local ecosystem for health tech companies has allowed PragmaClin to grow faster than we could have imagined.”
Bronwyn Bridges
PragmaClin Research Inc.

“The Parkinson Society Newfoundland and Labrador is very supportive of PragmaClin’s continued development of the PRIMS device. People living with Parkinson’s in rural and remote areas all over the world could benefit from the practical solutions PRIMS offers for their ongoing monitoring and therapeutic needs.”
Derek J. Staubitzer
CEO and Executive Director, Parkinson Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

The post Supporting Research and Development for Technology Enhancements appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are extending best wishes to Team NL athletes competing during the second week of the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

This week, Team NL athletes will compete in 10 sports, including Alpine Ski, Badminton, Boxing, Cross Country Ski, Men’s Curling, Mixed Curling, Figure Skating, Women’s Hockey and Judo. Also, for the first time in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history at the Canada Winter Games, Team NL will compete in the Snowboard event.

During the first week of the Games, one Team NL athlete earned a gold medal and another was honoured as a role model for others.

Gleb Evstigneev, who was named as Team NL’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies, earned Newfoundland and Labrador’s first ever gold medal in Trampoline.

Over the weekend, Team NL Gymnastics athlete Gabe Flynn received the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award. The award is given to an athlete during each week of the Games who shows the True Sport values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun on and off the field of play.

The Canada Games are the highest level of national competition for Canadian amateur athletes. Closing ceremonies will take place on Sunday, March 5 at 8:00 p.m. NST, 7:30 p.m. in most of Labrador and may be viewed at www.canadagames.ca/watch.

Quotes
“It was a true honour for me to be in Prince Edward Island to cheer on Team NL athletes competing during the first week of the games. They are giving their all to their competitions and I look forward to seeing more amazing performances over the next week. Best wishes to all who will be competing. Go Team NL!”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“These remarkable young athletes have made all of Newfoundland and Labrador proud over the past week, and I know they will continue to do so as the Canada Winter Games continue. I wish everyone the very best for a successful competition this week.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

-30-

Learn more
2023 Canada Winter Games Schedule

Watch the 2023 Canada Winter Games

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Premier Furey and Minister Crocker Extend Best Wishes to Team NL Athletes Competing in Week Two of the Canada Winter Games appeared first on News Releases.

Beginning today (Monday, February 27) applications for the 2023-24 big game licence draw are being accepted online through the Wildlife Information Management System website. The online application window is scheduled to remain open until April 28, 2023.

The 2023-24 moose quota for the island of Newfoundland is 27,575 licences, including 15,857 either-sex, 7,328 male-only, 3,930 non-resident and 460 not-for-profit licences. This is an overall decrease of 90 licences compared to 2022-23. Quotas have decreased in 14 Moose Management Areas, and increased in 11 other areas. In Labrador, the overall quota of moose licences available for the resident big game draw is 340, with a decrease of five licences in Moose Management Area 52.

Quota details for individual Moose Management Areas and not-for-profit moose applications are available on the Wildlife Information Management System website.

The 2023-24 season maintains a caribou quota of 575 licences for the island of Newfoundland, including 339 either-sex, 20 male-only, and 216 non-resident licences. There is no caribou licence allocation for Labrador.

The big game licence application process for the resident moose/caribou draw is available as an online service only. Based on user feedback, the Wildlife Information Management System website has been updated to include more helpful tips to make it easier to set up an account and apply for a licence. For more information, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or 709-729-2630, or email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“We are committed to conserving and protecting wildlife resources while supporting hunting and trapping opportunities. From its role in maintaining food security and traditional values, to opportunities for recreational benefits and economic growth, the big game hunt is integral to life in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage eligible hunters and trappers to get their applications in through our improved online application system.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like FFA on Facebook

 

 

The post Applications Now Open for Big Game Licence Draw appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, announced more than $4.8 million to support the construction of a new seven-unit, second-stage housing project in Labrador City.

The Government of Canada is contributing $3.4 million to the Hope Haven Transition House through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund’s Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will also provide Hope Haven Transition House with $1.4 million through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

NLHC provides $9 million annually to the province’s 10 transition houses, of which Hope Haven receives approximately $700,000. This funding enables the transition houses to provide safe short-term accommodations, services and resources for women and children at risk of, or experiencing, violence.

In addition, Hope Haven Transition House will be contributing $50,000 towards the project, which will be constructed on property donated by the Town of Labrador City.  The development will also receive a $200,000 contribution from the Iron Ore Company of Canada-Rio Tinto, as well as $5,000 from Tacora Resources. Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2023, with a tentative completion date of July 2024.

This partnership between federal, provincial and community funding streams is a promising initiative that will cater to the housing needs of women and children who experience domestic or intimate partner violence in the Labrador West region. The project is a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

Quotes
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why our government is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of Canadians, including right here in Labrador City. The Hope Haven Transition House will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence and this investment is meant to foster healing, rebuild lives and greater independence. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Everyone deserves to live a life free of violence. Working together with our federal, municipal and community partners, we are creating safe, supportive and affordable housing options for women and children who are experiencing or at risk of violence. These initiatives show what we can accomplish for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by working collaboratively with partners.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Through the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, our government is helping create safe environments where a child is able to learn and grow in a stable environment. This is why our government is providing funding to build and operate Hope Haven Transition House, right here in Labrador City. This will be a place of sanctuary for women and their children escaping family violence. It will provide an opportunity to rebuild lives and gain independence and will include access to critical support services.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“The second-stage housing project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make a safe place for women and their children. Together with contributions from the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Tacora Resources, Hope Haven Transition House and the Town of Labrador City, the new housing unit will be a welcome addition in the community.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Hope Haven has been providing services to women and their children experiencing violence in Labrador West for over 30 years. Second-stage housing will allow us to grow the continuum of supports and safe housing options and help reduce barriers for women leaving violence and abuse. Housing is a human right and is an essential piece of safety planning. We look forward to providing safe and affordable housing to our residents as we continue to work toward violence prevention.”
Nicole Young
Executive Director, Hope Haven Transition House

“IOC has been a partner of Hope Haven Women’s Transition House since it opened in 1989 in Labrador West. We have worked closely throughout the years to support education and awareness initiatives, fund programs, and partnered with them to provide a housing unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to commit $200,000 towards the second-stage housing project to help provide improved, safe and integrated services for women and children fleeing violence in our region.”
Mike McCann
President and CEO, Iron Ore Company of Canada-RioTinto

-30-

Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing

Like us on Facebook

 

 

The post Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Announce Funding to Support New Transitional Housing for Labrador City appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28) to support the City of St. John’s Corporate Climate Plan.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s City Hall, 10 New Gower Street, fourth floor in the Foran Greene Room.

Minister Davis will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, representing the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s, Councillor Maggie Burton and Byron Chubbs, VP Engineering and Energy Supply for Newfoundland Power.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Announce Funding for an Energy Efficiency Project appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are expressing their condolences on the passing of the incomparable Gordon Pinsent.

“Gordon Pinsent was perhaps the original renaissance man. There was nothing that he couldn’t do. He was a celebrated actor, poet, visual artist, author – the list goes on. He could make us laugh, make us cry or just make us smile by looking at the signature twinkle in his eye.

In his career, which spanned over 60 years, he helped to define the arts and culture sector in this province and across Canada. Among his accolades and awards, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts, as well as six Gemini Awards, two Canadian Screen Awards and a Canadian Film Award.

Gordon Pinsent’s contributions to our arts and cultural landscape are unmatched. He blazed a trail for countless Newfoundland and Labrador artists and performers, inspiring them with his humility, kindness, generosity and wit, which remained unchanged throughout his years of success.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s light is a little bit dimmer today. But we can honour his life by remembering him, celebrating his legacy, and remembering that he was ‘ours’. And we were so proud of him. Always.

We share our condolences with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Gordon.”

-30-

The post Joint Statement from Premier Furey and Minister Crocker on the Passing of Gordon Pinsent appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is undertaking a mission to the United Kingdom to recruit physicians and other health care professionals who can fill vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. This mission builds upon other international recruitment efforts to bring health care professionals to our province, led by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services.

The United Kingdom has been chosen as training standards for physicians are similar to Newfoundland and Labrador, and the team will be exploring recruitment opportunities for health care professionals who meet equivalent licensure requirements. The team will visit several cities with a high concentration of high-quality medical schools to raise awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal immigration destination.

The Provincial Government has invested an additional $30 million on recruitment and retention initiatives for health care professionals. To learn more about the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for health care workers looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit workinhealthnl.ca or email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“Recruitment and retention is about strengthening our health care system to address existing challenges and provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the high-quality care they need and deserve. Our government is modernizing and reimagining the health care system, with help from Health Accord NL, to bring it out of the outdated 1960s service model into one that fits the demographics of our province today. It is our hope that physicians, resident physicians and other health care professionals from the United Kingdom will choose to live and build a career in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“National and international recruitment activities targeting health care professionals are part of our government’s plan for health care, to help ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to efficient primary care and to improve working conditions for the dedicated professionals in the system. As we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain health care professionals, I am proud to say that based on our recruitment work to date, our province is indeed being seen as an attractive destination for health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

-30-

Learn more
Work in Health Newfoundland and Labrador

Health Accord NL

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Announces Recruitment Mission to United Kingdom to Recruit Physicians appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that Blair White has been appointed as Chief Information Officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Mr. White was most recently the Assistant Deputy Minister of Digital Health with the Department of Health and Community Services, following several years with the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information.

Mr. White replaces Sean Dutton, who has been acting Chief Information Officer since January 19, 2023. Mr. Dutton retains his title as Deputy Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.

The appointment is effective as of February 27, 2023.

A complete biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I welcome Mr. White to his new role in the provincial public service. He brings a wealth of experience in the field of information technology that will help enhance our ability to support the needs of the public service, as well as opportunities to better support online service delivery.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Blair White
Blair White started his career in various front-line Information Technology support positions before progressing to management and executive positions. After working for several years in the private sector, he joined the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI) in 2007 and progressed to serve in several leadership positions, finishing with three years at the executive level. Over his term with NLCHI, he led several large provincial digital health implementations and operational units. For the past year, Mr. White has been the Assistant Deputy Minister of Digital Health, in the Department of Health and Community Services. Mr. White is a member of the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors and is a member of the SportNL Board of Directors.

Mr. White holds two undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in technology, and has completed the Mini MBA series from McGill University, as well as several industry-specific designations.

The post Premier Furey Announces Executive Appointment appeared first on News Releases.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT SUBMITTED:

Deer Lake Dairy Secondary Processing Facility                         (Reg. 2203)
Proponent: The Real Dairy Company of Newfoundland Ltd.

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2203/

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, or

to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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

Public comments must be received by March 29, 2023. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by April 8, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Steady Brook Residence                                                             (Reg. 2231)
Proponent: Kimberley Madore

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:
  • No vegetation clearing is 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 Saw­whet Owl). The location of all raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.

• • The proposed site borders the Humber River, which is a scheduled salmon river. Considering that the Project is for the development of a single family residential home within the municipality of Steady Brook, a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone must be established along the Humber River, from the high water mark. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities should take place in this zone. The buffer is required to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitat.
• 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.

-30-

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

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

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

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.

 

 

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will take part in events today (Friday, February 24) to mark 365 days of Ukrainian resistance.

At 1:30 p.m. there will be a proclamation signing in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building to recognize Holodomor Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Byrne will be joined by representatives of Ukrainian NL. “Holodomor” is a Ukrainian word meaning “death by hunger” and refers to the forced starvation of millions of Ukrainians by the leaders of the United Soviet Socialist Republics from 1932 to 1933.

At 5:30 p.m. Minister Byrne will attend a vigil for Ukraine organized by Ukrainian NL in the East Block Lobby, Confederation Building. This event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

In addition, Confederation Building will be lit blue and yellow to symbolize the flag of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian flag is currently flying on the courtesy pole outside Confederation Building.

-30-

 

The post Media Advisory: Provincial Government to Mark 365 Days of Ukrainian Resistance appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable François Legault, Premier of Quebec, will be available for a photo opportunity tomorrow (Friday, February 24) at 10:30 a.m. in the Premier’s Office at Confederation Building.

Media are requested to meet in the East Block lobby, Confederation Building by 10:15 a.m. Media planning to attend the photo opportunity in the Premier’s Office are asked to pre-register by contacting Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca.

Premiers will not be taking questions at the photo opportunity. A media availability will follow the meeting in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building at approximately 12:00 p.m.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Premiers Furey and Legault Available for Photo Opportunity and Media Availability appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is investing $973,780 over three years for Laughing Heart Music Limited to implement a music sector workforce development plan in the City of Corner Brook.

With funding provided through the federal-provincial Labour Market Transfer Agreement, Laughing Heart Music Limited will hire four staff to deliver programs essential to developing and sustaining a thriving music sector. Additional funds will be used for equipment, leases and community engagement.

Emerging and established music professionals will benefit from access to new programs, workshops, mentorships and studio space. Area residents will benefit from new conferences, exhibits, festivals and meetings hosted in Corner Brook.

Staff will work out of the burgeoning arts hub located at 62 Broadway, Corner Brook. The main floor will be used by Laughing Heart Music as office space, and will also feature a co-working space for artists, arts entrepreneurs and arts organizations. The lower level will be operated by the Rotary Arts Centre as an arts hub space that will include: an audio recording studio, an instrument and equipment library for audio recording, visual arts rooms, studio spaces and a soft crafts room for sewing, knitting, and quilting.

Laughing Heart Music is a full-service Canadian music business that has worked with notable acts such as Rum Ragged, Classified, Hillsburn, Heather Rankin, and Ben Caplan. For more information about the business please visit its website.

Quotes
“By investing in workforce development for the music sector we can more effectively harness the talent of industry professionals. Corner Brook, a community with a storied history in the visual and theatre arts, now has the prospect of becoming a thriving musical hotbed as well.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“This is a really exciting, creative project. Our provincial musicians are invaluable to Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural identity, and are intrinsic to the success of our tourism and hospitality sector, as well. I look forward to future musicians attributing their success to time spent at the Laughing Heart Music Arts Hub. Congratulations to all involved.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“It is a privilege to have been approved for this funding which we will use over the next three years to help grow and nurture the music sector here in Corner Brook and Western Newfoundland. We have the support of so many incredible partners who will help to realize our shared vision for a thriving and unified music and arts community. I am grateful to the province for their support in this endeavor, and look forward to the hard work and success stories that will come from this project.”
Nigel Jenkins
Owner, Laughing Heart Music Limited

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @IPGS_GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

 

L-R: Scott Sheppard on bass, Louis McDonald on keyboard, Aley Waterman, Nigel Jenkins, Minister Gerry Byrne and David Smallwood.

The post Growing Workforce Development for the Corner Brook Music Sector appeared first on News Releases.

Canada’s universal, accessible and publicly funded healthcare is a point of pride for Canadians.

However, health workers across Canada are under enormous strain to deliver the care that Canadian patients deserve. Immediate, collaborative, action is needed to deliver better health care for Canadians.

On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $198.6 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding, to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding includes an immediate, unconditional $2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up to address immediate pressures on the health care system.

Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are taking the next step by announcing an agreement in principle for a shared plan that will invest $2.17 billion in federal funding over 10 years in Newfoundland and Labrador, including $749 million for a new bilateral agreement focusing on the shared health care priorities, and $27 million through the immediate, one-time CHT top-up to address urgent needs, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries. This will further help provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with improvements in health care that includes:

• access to high-quality family health services when they need them, including in rural and remote areas, and for underserved communities;
• a resilient and supported health workforce that provides them high-quality, effective, and safe health care services;
• access to timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services; and
• access to their own electronic health information that is shared between the health professionals they consult.

Helping Canadians age with dignity, closer to home, with access to home care or care in a safe long-term care facility is another shared health priority where collaborative work is already underway.

By reaching an agreement in principle, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are committing to the plan laid out on February 7, 2023, which includes shared commitments to collect, use and share health information and to inform Canadians of their progress with key common headline indicators. Work will now begin on a bilateral agreement based on an initial 3-year action plan that will detail targets, timelines and additional common indicators related shared health priorities in each jurisdiction.

As part of this collaborative health plan, Canada will work with Newfoundland and Labrador to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals and advance labour mobility for key health professionals. Furthermore, Newfoundland and Labrador commits to an integrated, inclusive approach to investments in health service teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools that will help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.

We will fulfill our shared responsibility to uphold the Canada Health Act that protects Canadians’ access to health care that is based on need and not ability to pay. We recognize the right of Indigenous Peoples to fair and equal access to quality and culturally safe health services free from racism and discrimination anywhere in Canada.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we showed that we can work together to tackle big challenges. We will work to deliver outcomes for Canadians and improve the health care system that Canadians value and depend on.

Quotes
“As a doctor, I see the challenges within our health care system in Canada firsthand. In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have a plan to improve the system, and it aligns with the shared priorities outlined by our Federal Government. Increased federal funding is necessary to help us modernize our health care system and better deliver care, and I look forward to the progress we will make by continuing to work together.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today’s agreement in principle with Newfoundland and Labrador is an opportunity to continue our collaboration and improve the experience of health workers and those they care for. It will modernize our health care system, improve access to family health services and mental health services, reduce surgical backlogs and support health workers. Better quality of care means helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.”
Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“Today’s agreement in principle with Newfoundland and Labrador builds on our shared objective of ensuring all Canadians, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, can access the care they need, when they need it. Our government will continue to work with our partners across the country to build a better health care system.”
Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Government of Canada

“Mental health is health, and through this agreement in principle, we will be working with Newfoundland and Labrador to integrate mental health and substance use care as a full and equal part of our universal health care system. This agreement will help to provide greater access to mental health services, reduce substance use harms, and lower stigma. Together, we must ensure that all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“Newfoundland and Labrador has its own unique health care challenges. As such, we are pleased that through these collaborative bilateral agreements with the Government of Canada, we can tailor the agreement to address our own provincial needs of our population, demographics and geography. Aligning with the recommendations of Health Accord NL, this funding will aid in strengthening our health care system to ensure better health care outcomes for the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Reach Agreement in Principle to Improve Health Services for Canadians appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today released a new wind-hydrogen fiscal framework for Newfoundland and Labrador. The fiscal framework will be applicable to wind-hydrogen projects in the province. The framework ensures Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be the primary beneficiaries of the province’s resources.

The fiscal framework provides a predictable and transparent fiscal system to inform investment decisions and resource development for wind-hydrogen projects. The plan provides for a sharing of financial returns between investors and the Provincial Government to achieve a balance between benefits to the province for use of its resources (land, wind and water) while recognizing project investment and risk. For more information on the fiscal framework, see the backgrounder below.

On December 14, 2022, the Provincial Government announced a call for bids for Crown land for wind energy development. The department has extended the deadline for bids to be submitted, and bids will be accepted until noon on March 23, 2023.

A Phase One review will be conducted on all bids on criteria such as ensuring the companies have experience, financing, etc. 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.

Successful bidders from the awarding of Crown land for wind energy development will be issued a wind application recommendation letter from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. This letter will grant a bidder the exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Crown land application and approval process.

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.

Quotes
“The new fiscal regime strives to provide the maximum economic returns to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador while encouraging investment in this emerging industry. We are following a progressive approach to attract investment by allowing proponents to recoup their investment before the fiscal framework results in higher payments to the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The Department of Environment and Climate Change has rigorous environmental assessment and water permitting processes that will require detailed information on all environmental aspects of these projects. The department is committed to the wise management of all the province’s resources for the benefit of current residents and generations to come.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

-30-

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 @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework

• Crown Land Fees:
  • Annual charge of 3.5 per cent of the market value of reserved lands.
  • Annual charge of 7 per cent of the market value of leased lands.
  • Applicable to Crown lands.

• Wind Electricity Tax:
  • $4,000 per megawatt on installed capacity.
  • Annual charge, payable at in-service.
  • Applicable to all wind projects (≥ 5 megawatts) producing electricity for the purposes of producing hydrogen.

• Water Use Fee:
  • Fee of $500 per 1000m3 of water licensed and used.
  • Fee of $50 per 1000m3 for water licensed and not used.
  • Applicable to all hydrogen facilities.
  • Payable with permit issuance as an annual charge.  Fees adjusted annually by the Canadian consumer price index as per current Environment and Climate Change regulatory practice.

• Water Royalty:
  • Payments begin with cost recovery.
  • Payable based on the calculated residual value of the water.
  • Rates linked to revenue over cost index calculation (10 per cent to 25 per cent):

Tier 1: R-factor = 1; Rate = 10 per cent (applied after 1x cost recovery)
Tier 2: R-factor = 2; Rate = 20 per cent (applied after 2x cost recovery)
Tier 3: R-factor = 3; Rate = 25 per cent (applied after 3x cost recovery)

• The Provincial Government will have the ability to enter into agreements to modify terms in the same manner as offshore oil projects.

The post Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Releases Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that plans are underway for the construction of a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute that will be located at the Health Sciences Centre site in St. John’s.

The new facility, aimed at the prevention and management of cardiac and cerebrovascular disease, which includes what we commonly understand as strokes, will allow for enhanced cardiac, vascular, and stroke services and other clinical services. It will create a modern working environment, and will increase the number of operating rooms and inpatient beds at the Health Sciences Centre.

The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute aligns with Health Accord NL’s recommendation to create a cardiac centre of excellence to provide an organized hub of tertiary services enabling equitable access to cardiac care.

Premier Furey was joined at this announcement by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Dr. Sean Connors, Chief of Cardiac Care at Eastern Health, Ken Baird, President and CEO (interim) of Eastern Health, and Rhonda Neary, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association.

The institute expansion is in addition to the construction of the new adult mental health and addictions hospital and a redevelopment of the expanded emergency department, both currently under construction at the Health Sciences Centre campus.

Last fall, the Provincial Government established the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance on health care infrastructure across the continuum of care, in an effort to meet existing and projected health care infrastructure needs on the Northeast Avalon. The aim is to help realign the delivery of acute care services on the Northeast Avalon, increase access to health care, and ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet future health care needs.

Quotes
“Our government has a plan for health care in our province, and by working together with all stakeholders, we are starting to see progress. Expanding cardiovascular and stroke services at the Health Sciences Centre, as well as enabling patients to get cardiac catheterization procedures on a same-day, fly-in/fly-out service helps provide timelier access to health care, which is a pillar of Health Accord NL. With this new expansion, the redeveloped emergency department and the new adult mental health and addictions hospital, we look forward to the creation of a modern Health Sciences Centre campus.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Enhanced cardiovascular and stroke care for our residents is a priority for our government, and today’s announcement signals our commitment to making it a reality. The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute will provide a centralized approach to heart, stroke and vascular care in our province. It will also play a lead role in our provincial approach to well-being and chronic disease prevention.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Adding new operating rooms, more inpatient beds and enhanced cardiovascular and stroke services is another step towards improving healthcare services in our province. Our construction projects at the Health Sciences Centre and our investments in all of our infrastructure projects are creating jobs for tradespeople in Newfoundland and Labrador and we look forward to collaborating with the construction industry on future projects.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Eastern Health is committed to providing quality health care for our patients, residents and clients. The expansion of the Health Sciences Centre, along with the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute, will enhance care while providing an improved working environment in a modern setting for our health-care workers. These initiatives are strategically poised as we begin the transition into a single health authority and implement recommendations of Health Accord NL.”
Ken Baird
President and CEO (Interim), Eastern Health

“I am pleased that this expansion to the Health Sciences Centre will enhance cardiovascular and stroke services. The addition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute demonstrates our commitment to providing second to none cardiac care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Through recent initiatives such as providing fly-in same day cardiac catheterization for residents in other regions of our province, the virtual heart function clinic, and now today’s commitment, we are ensuring equitable and timely access to top-quality cardiac services.”
Dr. Sean Connors
Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, Eastern Health

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association welcomes the announcement of a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute at the Health Sciences Centre site in St. John’s. This investment in healthcare infrastructure will not only provide improved access to care for patients, but also create new job opportunities and drive economic growth in our construction industry.”
Rhonda Neary
President and Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association

-30-

Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

Health Accord NL Interim Report – A Call to Action to Transform Health

Health Accord NL

Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint

Tender Issued for New Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre

Avalon Healthcare Partnership Selected to Design, Build, Finance and Maintain New Mental Health and Addictions Hospital

The post New Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute Announced for Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Auditor General released its annual report, confirming that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the 2021-22 Public Accounts, the audited financial statements of the province for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022. The province recorded a better and improved fiscal year-end than had been anticipated, with 2021-22 having the lowest deficit in recent years.

The report also contains an update on recommendations from prior years’ reports. Almost 75 per cent of recommendations have been fully or partially implemented.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board will be available to media at 12:45 p.m. today (Thursday, February 23) to respond to the report. The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recently strengthened the role of the Auditor General as part of its prudent fiscal governance plan. This has enabled the Auditor General to provide further recommendations in her report to improve accounting practices within government and its entities.

Quote
“We have just received the Auditor General’s annual report, and we will now take the time to review and consider all recommendations. We thank the Auditor General and her team for their work. We appreciate the sound counsel her office provides.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

-30-

Learn more
2022 Office of the Auditor General Annual Report

Provincial Government Releases 2021-22 Public Accounts

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Minister Coady Acknowledges Auditor General’s 2022 Annual Report appeared first on News Releases.