Government of Newfoundland News

Today, the Provincial Government is recognizing the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, our government acknowledges that violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a national crisis. The Provincial Government will continue to work alongside Indigenous Governments and organizations to reduce and prevent gender-based violence in our province.

In addition to providing core operational funding to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, the Office of Women and Gender Equality provides annual funding for the coordination of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering. A final report based on the knowledge shared at the most recent Gathering, titled Hear Our Voices, was presented to government in July 2022.

Recommendations from Hear Our Voices are currently being reviewed for actions that may be taken to best address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our province. No actions will be taken by the Provincial Government on the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee’s recommendations without collaboration with the province’s Indigenous people.

Additionally, the Office of Women and Gender Equality continues to work with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to advance the National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to creating a province that is safe for all people. Community agencies, Indigenous Governments and organizations and violence prevention advocates are key partners in the ongoing work to prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Quotes
“Our Government is committed to truth and reconciliation, and an integral component of reconciliation is to advance work regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. As we reflect on the important work that lays ahead, we also honour the members of the Indigenous community who have experienced or who have had their lives stolen due to violence.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Our commitment to working with Indigenous Governments and organizations to implement the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is grounded in listening, learning and understanding the experiences of Indigenous people – particularly Indigenous women and two spirit individuals. We want to be part of responsive actions that address root causes.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“As a government we continue to work to support initiatives that directly target violent behavior and fight the social normalization of violence. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government will continue to work with our federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to address violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our province and country.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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

Allan Bock
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

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The following is being distributed at the request of Her Honour, the Honourable Judy M. Foote P.C., O.N.L, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

At a ceremony today at Colonial Building, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, congratulated the remarkable recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s recipients are Robert W. Cormier, C.M., Dr. Catherine Donovan, Alan Thomas Doyle, C.M., Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Carla Emerson Furlong, Joseph D. Goudie, Dr. Proton Rahman and Maxwell (Max) Short. Seven of the individuals were present at today’s ceremony, and a presentation will be made to Alan Thomas Doyle, C.M. at a later date.

The recipients are receiving the province’s highest honour for their ‘demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents.’

With today’s recipients, there is now a select group of just 135 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians invested to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Biographies for each person honoured at today’s ceremony can be found in the backgrounder below.

Each recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is nominated for the award and is presented with a medal bearing the shield of Newfoundland and Labrador surmounted by the Crown. Members receive a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor, Chancellor and sealed with the seal of the Order, as well as a miniature medal and a lapel pin. Members of the Order are entitled to use the initials O.N.L. after their names.

More information on the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/onl.

Quotes
“The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, first approved by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, is our province’s highest honour and a part of the official honours system of Canada. The eight exemplary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians invested today join a prestigious group of 135 individuals who have received the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador since the honour was first bestowed in 2004. These eight recipients demonstrate deep commitment and dedication to our province and their fields of expertise. The impact of their work resonates not only within Newfoundland and Labrador, but our country, and internationally. It is my honour to recognize these outstanding individuals with the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L.
Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador

“These eight individuals represent the best of Newfoundland and Labrador and they are true mentors and ambassadors for the province. While they may come from different walks of life and have varying experiences and contributions, they share a common drive to make the world a better place. It was a privilege to recognize them today as they receive the province’s highest honour in the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. I offer sincere congratulations on behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Reconnaissance des derniers récipiendaires de l’Ordre de Terre‑Neuve-et-Labrador

Media contacts
Samantha Harding
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
709-729-4494
samanthaharding@gov.nl.ca

Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of those invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

Robert W. Cormier, C.M.
Robert W. Cormier lives in Cape Saint George where his extensive dedication to the French language has had a lasting impact on his community, and the French education system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Cormier is a graduate of Memorial University’s Faculty of Education and worked for more than 30 years as a teacher, principal and program coordinator.

Mr. Cormier is a founding member of the first French Association in Newfoundland and Labrador, Les Terre-Neuviens Francais, as well as a founding member of La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, the provincial francophone federation. He has served as president of both organizations.

Mr. Cormier has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve the French language and culture in this province. He quickly realized the importance of Education as a means of not only preserving the language but also promoting and instilling pride in it. From personal experience, Mr. Cormier knew that, although the people of his own community spoke the French language, they had never been given the opportunity to learn to read and write it.

In his leadership role, Mr. Cormier helped obtain French First Language education for students in this province. In 1988, the former French Immersion program, which begun in Cape St. George in 1975, was transformed into the French First Language program which is now offered in the francophone schools across the province. These schools are managed by the Provincial Francophone School Board, an important tool in giving francophones control over their education.

Although Mr. Cormier is retired, he continues to serve the community as a volunteer member on the Board of Directors of Les Terre-Neuviens Francais and the Board of Directors of Long Range Community Business Development Corporation.

Mr. Cormier was awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal and invested into the Order of Canada in 2002.

Dr. Catherine Donovan
For more than 30 years, Dr. Catherine Donovan helped build the foundation for Public Health in Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a retired professor of public health and former Medical Officer of Health at Eastern Health who worked tirelessly to promote and protect the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Dr. Donovan is a graduate of Memorial University and the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Donovan exemplifies true resiliency. At the beginning of her career as Medical Officer of Health in the early 1990s, she helped contain a HIV outbreak in Conception Bay North through her leadership and public health advice. By the end of her career, she helped navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Donovan dedicated much of her career to promoting health; she served as the Principal Investigator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Heart Health Program and for more than 15 years chaired the Provincial Wellness Advisory Council.

Before her retirement in 2020, Dr. Donovan played an instrumental role in the development of the Masters of Public Health and the Indigenous Health program at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine where she acted as Program Chair, Associate Dean and Associate Professor before she retired.

Dr. Donovan is the recipient of many awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for the Contribution to the Promotion of Heart Health, the Jansen-Ortho Inc. Award for Advancing the State of the Art of Public Health in Canada and the Nathan Gosse Award for Significant Contribution to Environmental Public Health in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Alan Thomas Doyle, C.M.
Alan Thomas Doyle is a musician, composer, writer and humanitarian from St. John’s. His immense pride and passion for Newfoundland and Labrador is infectious and he uses his platform to help those who need it most.

Mr. Doyle has been involved in dozens of foundations, causes and organizations such as Daffodil Place, Team Broken Earth, Children’s Wish, the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Memorial University, Smiling Land Foundation, and the Canadian Cancer Association, just to team a few. In 2018, Mr. Doyle co-founded the Dollar A Day Foundation, which has distributed more than $3 million to dozens of mental health and addictions programs in every Province and Territory in Canada.

In addition to his work as a humanitarian, Mr. Doyle’s music has united so many while spreading the province’s rich culture and heritage around the world. He has sold over 1 million albums with his work in Great Big Sea and Solo releases all of which have featured the sounds and influences of Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Music. He wrote and recorded a song with the Newfoundland Regiment Band, “Into the Arms of Home”, which touched the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as it commemorated 225 years of the regiment.  He is a Best Selling Author and his most recent musical theatre project, Tell Tale Harbour, is the fastest selling production in the 60-plus years of the storied Charlottetown Festival.

Mr. Doyle was invested into the Order of Canada in 2018.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Dr. Fitzgerald has led the public health response to the pandemic, with grace, patience and resilience. Her work has been instrumental in our province achieving the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country.

Dr. Fitzgerald was notably a leader that residents of the province could rely on through hundreds of live COVID-19 briefings, alert system implementations and the navigation of public health measures.

Her mantra of “Hold Fast” reassured countless seniors and those with chronic illnesses. Her friendly videos educated residents during a stressful period and also brought comfort to families, especially those with children, whose lives had changed drastically during the pandemic.

Carla Emerson Furlong
Carla Emerson Furlong is a noted musician who has made outstanding contributions to the arts and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador and indeed, Canada. In addition, she spent decades as an avid volunteer in the community.

Ms. Furlong studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and Juilliard. She studied under famous American harpist Marcel Grandjany. Despite her studies being interrupted by World War II, Ms. Furlong graduated from The Juilliard School in 1948. During the war, she served as a Cypher Technician in St. John’s.

In 1950, Ms. Furlong was appointed harpist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and performed with Halle Orchestra, and toured Great Britain with Vic Oliver’s Variety Show.

Ms. Furlong was instrumental in establishing the Harp Department at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, performed with the Toronto Symphony and the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra, and recorded CBC Television and Radio shows. In 1962, she returned home to join the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra as principal harpist and helped establish the School of Music at Memorial University.

For more than 40 years, Ms. Furlong guided locals and visitors to learn about the architectural significance of the Anglican Cathedral. She generously gave her time to the Avalon Battalion Band of the Church Lad’s Brigade, Kiwanis Music Festival, as well as mentored students for examinations for the Trinity College and the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Ms. Furlong was a sought-after harp instructor. People travelled considerable distances to study with her until she stopped teaching, one year ago, at the age of 99.

Joseph D. Goudie
Joseph Goudie is a proud Métis elder widely recognized for his public service and outstanding heritage and cultural contributions to Labrador. His long and storied career began at CBC Radio in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as a broadcaster. In 1975, Mr. Goudie was the second Indigenous member elected to the House of Assembly, and made history as the first Labradorian to serve in cabinet. He spent more than thirty years perfecting craftsmanship as a master traditional Labrador canoe builder.

Throughout his life, Mr. Goudie raised awareness of Labrador’s unique cultures and tirelessly promoted its rich and diverse heritage to the world. Prior to entering politics, Mr. Goudie founded the Labrador Heritage Society and became its president. In that capacity, he was instrumental in the start of Them Days magazine, which is still active today.

His leadership and legacy continue in many cultural and heritage institutions such as Parks Canada and the Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, Labrador Heritage Society, Labrador Metis Association, Labrador Winter Games, The Trapline Marathon, and the Great Labrador Canoe Race.

Mr. Goudie was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017.

Dr. Proton Rahman
Dr. Proton Rahman is internationally-renowned in the field of health care. He was the Associate Dean of Clinical Research at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. He is also a clinician scientist, professor of medicine, and staff rheumatologist at Eastern Health. Dr. Rahman is a graduate from Memorial University and the University of Toronto. His groundbreaking research and leadership has had a profound impact on patients around the world.

He is well recognized for his translational genetics research and has identified several novel susceptibility genes in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as new genetic markers for disease progression and pharmacogenetics in other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Dr. Rahman established a research program at Memorial University, pioneered the development of the Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Database, and lead the Janssen and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Innovation Partnership. He obtained over $68 million dollars in research grants and is published in top genetics and rheumatology scientific journals.

Dr. Rahman is the recipient of many awards including the University Research Professor, Distinguished Canadian Rheumatology Investigator Award, President’s Award for Outstanding Research, Arthritis Society of Canada Scholar, Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

His efforts in leading the COVID-19 Predictive Analysis Team helped shape and guide the province’s pandemic response.

Maxwell (Max) Short
Maxwell (Max) Short has spent six decades advocating for the quality of life of fishing families across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Short is familiar with the fisheries industry having started at a young age after his family resettled from a northern community in the province. In the early 1950s, he fished with his father and grandfather in the Gulf of St. Lawrence where he developed his passion.

He made the transition from the fishing boat to the office in the 1970s, where he showed leadership and influence that fostered his many connections with the Federal Government. Mr. Short’s work was instrumental in securing the Federal Government’s support for fish harvesters and plant workers during the cod moratorium in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Short was a member of the Northern Cod Commission, the Canadian delegation to the North Atlantic Salmon Commission (NASCO), the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), and the Canada/France Advisory Commission. He was also a Canadian Commissioner to the Canada/Norway Sealing Commission.

From 1994 to 2003, Mr. Short was the special advisor to the Ministers of Fisheries and Oceans.

L-R (top row): Dr. Proton Rahman; Dr. Janice Fitzgerald; Robert Cormier, C.M.; Joseph D. Goudie
L-R (bottom row): Dr. Catherine Donovan; The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; The Honourable Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador; Maxwell (Max) Short
Missing from photo: Carla Emerson Furlong, Alan Thomas Doyle, C.M.

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In keeping with the spirit and intent of the Provincial Government’s Come Home 2022 campaign aimed at encouraging former residents of Newfoundland and Labrador now living away to come home, a Come Home 2022 incentive is now available to help bring health care professionals back to the province. Aimed at physicians, nurses and paramedics, the initiative is available to individuals from Newfoundland and Labrador who have been living outside the province for at least six months.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media today (Tuesday, October 4) at 12:30 p.m. to discuss this initiative. The availability will take place in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

In order to qualify for the program, at least one of the following criteria must be applicable:

• Born in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Trained in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Performed residency in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Educated in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Previously practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador; or,
• Have other ties to Newfoundland and Labrador considered on a one-off basis, using the professional judgment of the Regional Health Authority in the spirit and intent of this incentive.

Once the criteria has been met, eligible applicants would then qualify for one of the following incentives:

• Physician – $100,000 for five year return-in-service agreement;
• Nurse Practitioner – $60,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Registered Nurse – $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Licensed Practical Nurse – $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Advanced Care Paramedic – $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement; or,
• Primary Care Paramedic – $50,000 for three year return-in-service agreement.

While this initiative is aimed at ex-patriate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, incentives are also available for non-Newfoundland and Labrador residents at the following rates and service agreements:

• Physician – $50,000 for five year return-in-service agreement;
• Nurse Practitioner – $30,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Registered Nurse – $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Licensed Practical Nurse – $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement;
• Advanced Care Paramedic – $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement; or,
• Primary Care Paramedic – $25,000 for three year return-in-service agreement.

In order to qualify, applicants are required to have a job offer from one of the Regional Health Authorities, a private clinic or private ambulance operator. For physicians proposing to open their own clinic, a letter of intent is required.

Individuals who avail of the Come Home 2022 initiative for health care professionals are still eligible for other incentives previously announced for which they may qualify.

Quote
“We continue in our efforts to help stabilize the health care workforce in our province, and we feel our Come Home 2022 incentive is another meaningful initiative towards that end. There is nowhere in Canada like Newfoundland and Labrador, and no one knows that better than ex-patriates, so we want to incentivize them to come home. At the same time, we are also offering meaningful incentives to others who may want to live and work in this place we are fortunate to call home.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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

 

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Innovation Week 2022 creates an opportunity for techNL to raise awareness, create connections, and showcase innovators while creating a foundation for a strong tech sector ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador. To celebrate Innovation Week, the Provincial Government, through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, today announced nearly $805,000 in funding support for four projects.

Martak Canada is a provincial company focused on providing quality products and services to the global shrimp processing industry. To assist with the second phase of its innovative ProPeeler technology, Martak received $131,900 through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation. This innovative project will further enhance the ProPeeler’s vision system through the use of artificial intelligence, allowing the company to progress to the commercialization stage. The company is also receiving advisory services and up to $406,156 in research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program in support of the project.

SmartICE is an award-winning social enterprise that works in partnership with communities, academia, industry and government to provide a near real-time sea ice monitoring and information service that blends Inuit traditional knowledge with state-of-the-art technology. To support the development of the next generation of its SmartBUOY technology, SmartICE received $400,181 through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation. This funding will allow the SmartBUOY to be more robust and provide a wider range of environmental information for communities in Canada’s north as well as to industrial clients.

ReportMate is an artificially intelligent platform that transforms medical file processing. To support the company’s project to improve medico-legal report writing using techniques such as Optical Character Recognition and Natural Language Processing, ReportMate received $192,414 through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation. ReportMate is also receiving advisory services and up to $240,000 in research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program in support of the project.

EcoBloc is an ultrasonic rodent exclusion solution that is more humane than traps, safer than poisons, environmentally sustainable, and completely inaudible to humans. To assist with expanded marketing solutions such as distribution, product design, and internationalization efforts, EcoBloc received a non-repayable contribution of $83,975 through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation. This funding support will allow the company to obtain business development software, purchase industry association membership fees, attend trade shows and develop marketing materials.

From October 4 to 6, industry leaders, partners, stakeholders and students will collaborate, network and celebrate the ninth annual Innovation Week in the province. The technology and innovation sector is a significant employer, with approximately 600 firms and over 8,000 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“While I am dealing with the devastation from Hurricane Fiona, I still want to acknowledge Innovation Week in our province. With limitless growth potential, the tech sector has grown into one of our provinces most influential and flourishing sector assets, and these four projects certainly demonstrate the depth and diversity of our emerging industry.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The support, mentorship and funding ReportMate received through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program have been instrumental in helping us scale and launch our company – after making our first hires in 2021, we are projected to grow to a team of 16 by the end of 2022, and this scale up would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of these organizations. Technology is going to continue to play a big part in the growth and future of Newfoundland and Labrador.  As a province we have a history of being innovative when things get tough, fighting and working hard to succeed, against all odds. I think we’ve seen that same spirit and drive put into every company within our tech sector and as a result I believe we will be known globally for our innovations, even more than we are today. We have created a supportive environment to help founders grow businesses in our province and the support from programs offered through the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation and the National Research Council of Canada are allowing us to compete on a global scale.”
Holly Hill
ReportMate Inc.

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

Media contacts
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Holly Hill
ReportMate
709-749-3480
holly@reportmate.ca

 

 

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The Canadian Red Cross has a new location for the emergency shelter for people displaced from their homes in the Channel-Port aux Basques area that will open at 9 p.m. tonight (Monday, October 3) at the St. James Anglican Church Hall, 1 Church Lane, Channel-Port aux Basques.

For impacted individuals that are in need of financial, housing and other immediate supports, it is critical that they register with the Canadian Red Cross online at Hurricane Fiona 2022 – Canadian Red Cross; by calling toll-free at 1-800-863-6582; or visiting the new emergency shelter site at St. James Anglican Church Hall.

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

 

The post Public Advisory: New Location for Emergency Shelter Opening Tonight for Individuals Impacted by Post-Tropical Storm Fiona appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring opening remarks at the launch of Innovation Week 2022 tomorrow (Tuesday, October 4). The event takes place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Running from October 4-6, Innovation Week 2022 will showcase the thriving technology and innovation sector in the province, and will facilitate solutions to drive the industry forward.

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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4860, 699-1982
KathyDicksPeyton@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile and the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety will be available to media tomorrow (Tuesday, October 4) to provide an update on recovery efforts in response to the impacts of Hurricane Fiona.

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, at 1:00 p.m. The availability will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

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

Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

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The Placentia Lift Bridge remains closed to marine traffic today (Monday, October 3) as repairs continue on the bridge.

The bridge remains open to vehicular traffic.

A contractor is currently on site, and a timeline on the bridge reopening to marine traffic will be provided as more information becomes available.

Additional updates will also be provided on social media via @TI_GovNL and Facebook.

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

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The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is providing an update on the multi-stage process to enable wind generation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On July 26, 2022, the Provincial Government announced a fair and transparent, multi-stage approach for enabling wind development in the province, creating an opportunity for industrial customers to generate wind energy for their own consumption and wind generation for export.

As the initial first step, the department held a call for submissions of Nominations of Areas of Interest for wind energy projects in the Province. This call for submissions closed on October 1, 2022, and the department received 31 land nomination submissions for wind energy projects.

During the next stage in the process, the Provincial Government will complete a detailed assessment to determine which land packages will be made available for this first round of the competitive land bid process. This will be informed through a review of the proposed use of the nominated land, a review of the existing land uses in nominated areas, and through engagement with communities and Indigenous partners. The call for bid process is expected to be launched on December 15, 2022. More information on the competitive land bid process, including what criteria will be followed for the bid process will be available in the coming weeks. No Crown lands have been approved, and they will not be awarded until a competitive bid process occurs.

Quote
“This multi-stage, transparent approach is working to ensure a fair process for those interested in exploring industrial developments in Newfoundland and Labrador. The province’s resources belong to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and this competitive approach is being utilized in a manner that provides the greatest long-term benefit to residents of the province as we work to ensure responsible development of our clean, renewable energy resources to meet global demand.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Guidelines: Nominating Crown Lands for Wind Energy Projects

Video: A Leader in Clean Energy

Ministerial Statement – Minister Parsons Announces End of Moratorium on Wind Development

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

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

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The House of Assembly advises that media requiring access to Colonial Building for House proceedings on Wednesday, October 5 and Thursday, October 6 will be required to pre-register. Some media capacity will be available in the gallery of the Assembly Chamber, with remaining capacity allocated in the Legislative Council Chamber, where a live video feed of proceedings will be available.

Media must pre-register with Mark Jerrett (markjerrett@gov.nl.ca or 729-6943) by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5.  

Media are also advised that access to the Chamber floor for the purposes of videography/photography during the Speech from the Throne will not be permitted due to space constraints, but media may take video/photos from the gallery. A video feed will also be available in the Legislative Council Chamber and on the House of Assembly website, and photos of the Thorne Speech will be available to media upon request. The Legislative Council Chamber will also serve as the designated area for media interviews.

Media can access Colonial Building via the east ground floor entrance (off Bannerman Road). Limited parking will be available at Commissariat House.

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

 

 

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The Protected Road Zoning Plan for Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway (Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Cartwright Junction) is now in legal effect. Protected Road Zoning Plans are developed under the authority of the Urban and Rural Planning Act and the Protected Road Zoning Regulations to ensure control of development along provincial highways. Protected Road Zoning Plans are now in place on the Trans-Labrador Highway from Labrador City to Red Bay.

Most major and secondary highways within the province are designated as protected roads. Any proposed development adjacent to those highways must conform to zoning and regulations established for that area.

Public consultations were conducted on the development of the plan as well as consultations with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and municipalities in the development planning area. The final stage of consultation was held in June 2022 with a public hearing by an independent commissioner to consider objections and representation on the plan.

Registered documents and maps related to the Trans-Labrador Highway Phase III Protected Road Zoning Plan can be found here.

Quotes
“This is the third phase of the Protected Road Zoning Plans for the Trans-Labrador Highway, and will be used to manage land use within the protected road building control line of the highway. This will help ensure public safety, traffic efficiency, and provide for consistent development across the full extent of the Trans-Labrador Highway.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“The Protected Road Zoning Plans for the Trans-Labrador Highway will help guide potential development opportunities arising from the completion of the highway and the growing tourism industry of the region for the benefit of highway users.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Media contacts
Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

The post Protected Road Zoning Plan in Place for Phase III Trans-Labrador Highway appeared first on News Releases.

As a result of ratification votes held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce that collective agreements have been reached with 13 bargaining units represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE). With this result, collective agreements for 97 per cent of the nearly 20,000 public service employees represented by NAPE have been ratified and will proceed to signing.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NAPE worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement that is intended to strengthen our public service. Highlights of the agreements include:

• A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;
• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
• Increases to protective clothing and uniform allowances;
• The formation of a joint committee to identify issues with recruitment and retention in all NAPE bargaining units;
• A review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
• An increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks; and
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.

These agreements are for a term of four years.

Three collective bargaining groups did not ratify the tentative agreement. The Air Services, Correctional Officers, and Marine Services groups represent a total of approximately 650 public service employees.

Since the beginning of 2022, agreements have been ratified or signed with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association Labrador West Collective Agreement, the Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees. Negotiations are commencing with other public sector unions in the province in the coming weeks.

Quote
“I extend my thanks to the negotiating teams from government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees for collectively accomplishing a fair and responsible agreement that recognizes the important work of our employees in the public service. These agreements provide new terms and conditions of employment that will benefit our public service. I am pleased that 13 agreements will proceed to signing, representing approximately 97 per cent of our public service employees represented by the union. We will engage with NAPE concerning the three agreements that were not ratified.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government Reaches Tentative Agreements with NAPE

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement 

Provincial Government and Dentists Sign Agreements

Provincial Government and Physicians Sign Memorandum of Agreement

Media contact
Victoria Barbour
Treasury Board Secretariat
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Reaches Collective Agreements with NAPE appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joins with the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to recognize October as Islamic History Month.

Islamic History Month recognizes the expanding role that Muslim communities play in Newfoundland and Labrador. Muslim Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are making indelible contributions to many fields that further the public good, such as healthcare, engineering, science, research, education and the public service.

Muslim communities here are also diverse, with ties to a vast number of countries from around the world, and represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the province. The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador estimates that from just two dozen families when the association was first incorporated in the early 1980s, there are now more than 7,500 Muslims residing in communities throughout the province.

While the St. John’s metro region has traditionally been where Muslims have settled, Muslim communities are growing in other areas, such as Gander where efforts continue towards building the province’s second mosque. The first mosque in the province, the Masjid Al-Noor mosque on Logy Bay Road in St. John’s, became fully operational as a place of worship and a cultural centre in October, 1990.

To learn more about Islamic history in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador website or email manal@manal.ca.

Quotes
“It has been an honour to have celebrated important events, such as Eid al-Fitr, with Muslim neighbours, colleagues and friends, and to witness the tremendous growth of Muslim communities in every corner of our province. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador as they continue to make important contributions to our province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“I thank Minister Byrne and the Provincial Government for continuing to be a friend and engaging with us to advance the interests of Muslims in Newfoundland and Labrador, including taking action to combat Islamophobia. Anyone who wishes to learn more about our community, any time of year but especially during Islamic History Month, is welcome to connect with the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Syed Pirzada
President, Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IPGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

The post Newfoundland and Labrador Recognizes October as Islamic History Month appeared first on News Releases.

The following is being distributed at the request of Her Honour, the Honourable Judy M. Foote P.C., O.N.L, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Chancellor of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be joined by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, at the investiture ceremony for recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m., at Colonial Building, 90 Military Road, St. John’s.

The ceremony will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.

Media representatives planning to cover the ceremony are asked to RSVP with Samantha Harding (samanthaharding@gov.nl.ca) before Monday, October 3 at 12:00 p.m.

Media are asked to be in place by 1:15 p.m. Due to building capacity limits, no cameras or reporters will be permitted in the ceremony room. Media will be situated in an adjacent room and an audio and video feed will be provided.

1:15 p.m.       Media representatives in place to cover investiture; enter through the side entrance

1:30 p.m. –     Recipients and guests arrive at Colonial Building

1:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.        Investiture Ceremony

The eight inductees for this year are Robert W. Cormier, C.M., Dr. Catherine Donovan, Alan Thomas Doyle, C.M., Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Carla Emerson Furlong, Joseph D. Goudie, Dr. Proton Rahman and Maxwell (Max) Short.

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Avis aux médias : Cérémonie d’investiture de l’Ordre de Terre‑Neuve‑et‑Labrador

Media contacts
Samantha Harding
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
709-729-4494
samanthaharding@gov.nl.ca

Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Order of Newfoundland and Labrador Investiture Ceremony appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, will be participating in events in observance of the Day for Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow (Friday, September 30).

Events honouring survivors and raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools are taking place at 1:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 212 Hamilton River Road in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Kinsmen Park in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Labrador Interpretation Centre, located at 2 Portage Road in North West River.

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Media contact
Allan Bock
Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-899-6446
AllanBock@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Dempster Participating in Events Marking the Day for Truth and Reconciliation 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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Conception Bay South Pyrophyllite Processing Facility                (Reg. 2219)
And Mine Development
Proponent: Trinity Resources Limited

The proponent is proposing to install a processing facility at its existing mine site that would separate mined and stockpiled ore into various products. The processing facility would allow a complete reclamation of existing stockpiles and would eliminate future stockpiles from being created during mine development. Active mining operations in the Oval Pit and Mine Hill deposits would be re-established and a 1.3 kilometre by-pass road would be constructed. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at:  www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on September 28, 2022; the deadline for public comment is November 3, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due November 12, 2022.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC REVIEW:
Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2)
Proponent: World Energy GH2 Inc.                                                      (Reg. 2202) 

The proposed Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2) Project is undergoing a provincial environmental assessment, and an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required. The environmental assessment committee has prepared draft EIS guidelines that identify the information that must be included in the EIS. The public is invited to review these guidelines and provide written comments by November 8, 2022. Comments received will be reviewed and considered before the EIS guidelines are finalized and issued to the proponent.

More information on the project is available on the department’s website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/2202-2/

Written comments must be submitted by November 8, 2022, to:

Eric Watton, M.Sc.
Project EA Committee Chair
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s NL  A1B 4J6
Email: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Environmental Preview Report Submitted:
Rennies River Flood Mitigation                                                             (Reg. 2115)
Portugal Cove Road to Kings Bridge Road
Proponent: City of St. John’s

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’s webpage at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2115/ . Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the environmental assessment committee, Vicki Ficzere, at 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 November 3, 2022. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due November 12, 2022.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

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

On September 29, 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change informed Viking Fur Inc. that under the authority of Section 67(3) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act, the Lieutenant-Governor in Council has released the Cavendish Beef Farm Project from further environmental assessment, subject to the following terms and conditions:

2022. The proponent shall adhere to all mitigation, monitoring and commitments stated in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted on March 25, 2022.

 

1. The proponent shall submit an Odour Control Management Plan (OCMP) for all applicable farming construction and operations activities, for the Minister’s approval, prior to the start of forage and pasture land construction. The OCMP shall describe odour sources, mitigations, public consultation and methods for compliant reporting and resolution. The proponent must consult with the Departments of Environment and Climate Change and Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and Digital Government and Service NL for further details in the development of this OCMP.
2. The proponent shall submit an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) for all applicable farming construction and operations activities, for the Minister’s approval, prior to the start of forage and pasture land construction. The EPP shall describe the environmental protection and mitigation measures that will be applied throughout the life of the Project to avoid or minimize potential negative effects on the environment associated with the Project, and shall be updated by the Proponent as needed.
3. The proponent shall submit an Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan (EEMP) with a Follow-up Plan for the monitoring of effects from the farm for the Minister’s approval, prior to the start of operations. Viking Fur Inc. must consult with the Departments of Environment and Climate Change and Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and Digital Government and Service NL for further details in the development of this EEMP.
4. The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@qov.nl.ca.
5. The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licenses, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

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_May-2022.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.

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister of Labrador Affairs, and Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Education with the NunatuKavut Community Council tomorrow (Friday, September 30).

Minister Dempster and Parliamentary Secretary Reid will be joined by Todd Russell, President, NunatuKavut Community Council and Christina White, Director of Schools, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District at this signing.

The event will take place at Queen Peace Middle School, Happy Valley – Goose Bay beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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Media contacts
Nancy Hollett
Education
709-729-1906, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Memorandum of Understanding on Education to be Signed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay appeared first on News Releases.

Individual homeowners, tenants, small business owners, not for profit organizations and local service districts are advised that applications for the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program are now being accepted.

The Provincial Government has applied to the Federal Government to recover eligible expenses associated with damages and will work to maximize benefits that are applicable for coverage under the federal disaster funding assistance program. Compensation for damages caused by Hurricane Fiona will be based on criteria established by the federal disaster financial assistance programs.

Individual homeowners, tenants, small business owners, not for profit organizations and local service districts are advised that applications and information sheets for the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements Program are available online. This information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-395-5611.

The deadline to submit a claim is January 31, 2023.

The program is not an insurance program and only allows for compensation for items that are deemed essential. Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance companies first as compensation is not normally paid on items that are insurable.

Once it is safe, as you assess property for damage, communities, small business owners, non-for-profit organizations and home owners are encouraged to:

1. Contact their insurance provider to inquire on any coverage that may be available.
2. Record details of damage using photos and video if possible.
3. Restore your property or municipal infrastructure to good order as soon as possible and when it is safe to do so.
4. Be sure to keep invoices and payment receipts for any work completed.

For impacted individuals that are in need of financial, housing and other immediate supports, it is critical that they register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling toll-free at 1-800-863-6582 or visiting the emergency shelter at St. James Regional High School located at 200 Hardys Arterial Road, Channel-Port aux Basques.

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Media contact
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Financial Assistance for Residents and Communities Affected by Hurricane Fiona appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at the 18th Annual Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) Conference in St. John’s on Saturday, October 1.

The event will take place at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, Salon A, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

CADDRA is an independent, not-for-profit resource organization for medical, healthcare and research professionals with an interest in the field of ADHD.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Speak at Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance Conference in St. John’s appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will join representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association to proclaim National Foster Families Month on Monday, October 3.

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Association’s office, located at 90 O’Leary Avenue, Suite 211, St. John’s.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Proclaim National Foster Families Month appeared first on News Releases.