Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, in partnership with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), will move forward with plans to address the recommendations made by Ms. Harriet Lewis through her independent workplace review of the RNC. The report includes nine recommendations, which have all been accepted in principle and which will help improve community safety and security by contributing to a positive work environment for civilian and uniform RNC employees.

Following receipt of the report, work began to review the recommendations and determine next steps. A working group was formed consisting of leadership from the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the RNC, which meets regularly. This group will oversee work that needs to be completed.  They will determine the feasibility of each recommendation and develop a work plan for implementation.

It is anticipated the recommendations will need to be addressed in the short, medium and long term, with some work already underway by the RNC.

The objective of the independent workplace review was to assess and make recommendations to maintain and improve a healthy workplace at the RNC, as well as provide police officers and staff with a supportive environment. Specifically, the review considered workplace culture, internal communications, internal conflict management and adequacy of wellness supports for both police officers and civilian employees.

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“We recognize the importance of having effective and efficient policing in this province. The work the department is doing with the RNC to review these recommendations is part of ensuring that the RNC can focus on the safety and security of our communities by providing both civilian and uniform employees with a positive work environment. The department will work closely with the RNC and other stakeholders as we move forward to address the findings in the report.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“The focus here is providing a safe, supportive and professional workplace for all civilians and officers of the RNC, promoting their ability to provide the highest standard of police service to our communities. The RNC is dedicated to working with the Department of Justice and Public Safety to develop a framework in order to implement the recommendations put forward by the Workplace Review Report. The RNC executive team extends sincere gratitude to our employees for participating in this important process.”
Deputy Chief Stephanie Lagace
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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Learn more
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Workplace Review

Workplace Review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Complete

Minister Hogan Announces Workplace Review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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

Cst. James Cadigan #775
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
709-729-8658
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-020 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

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

Report: A-2022-020 Report Date: September 23, 2022 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Summary: The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health information received an access to information request for emails related to the 2021 cyber attack. The Centre released three pages of records and withheld 208 pages, claiming sections 29 (policy advice and recommendations), and 30 (legal advice). The Complainant argued that there was sufficient public interest to engage section 9 (public interest override). The Commissioner considered the application of section 30 and determined that the Centre had met the burden of establishing that the exception applied. However, the Commissioner was unable to determine whether the public interest override in section 9 applies to the records. Nonetheless, the Commissioner recommended continued withholding.

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

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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 $133,000 for an efficiency and fuel switching project for the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 tonnes annually.

The funding will be used to replace the oil heating system in the town’s municipal public works depot with electric heat pumps. This is the town’s last municipal building to be electrified.

The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is receiving $53,336 from the Federal Government and $44,442 from the Provincial Government, with the town contributing $35,561 in support of the energy efficiency project.

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. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is responsible for programs totaling approximately $44 million of the $89.4 million Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund agreement.

Quotes
“Every action we take today to reduce greenhouse gas emissions helps us build a stronger tomorrow. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s as they work to become more energy efficient and to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“By working with the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’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, our government partners 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. Bravo to the leadership shown by the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’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

“The Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is delighted to take this positive step forward as part of our commitment to climate change mitigation and the reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions.”
Carol McDonald
Mayor, Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

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Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Low Carbon Economy Fund

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

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

Kaitlin Power
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-230-1557
kaitlin.power@ec.gc.ca

Media Relations
Environment and Climate Change Canada
819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)
media@ec.gc.ca

Stephanie Tucker
Director of Economic Development, Marketing and Communications
Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s
709-895-8000 ext. 271
www.pcsp.ca

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The House of Assembly advises that the Fall sitting will begin on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., at which time Her Honour, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, will prorogue the First Session of the 50th General Assembly. The ceremony will take place at Confederation Building and the visitor gallery will be open to the public.

On Wednesday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m., Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor will deliver the Speech from the Throne to officially open the Second Session of the 50th General Assembly at Colonial Building. Access to the visitor gallery for the Throne Speech will be by invitation only.

The House will also sit at Colonial Building on Thursday, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. for routine proceedings and Government business. There will be limited visitor gallery capacity, available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors wishing to access the gallery can enter Colonial Building via the ground floor entrance on the west side (facing Bannerman Park), starting at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Bags/backpacks will not be permitted, except for small bags of a personal or medical nature. Limited public parking will be available at Commissariat House.

The House will not sit on Monday, October 10 in observance of the Thanksgiving Day provincial government holiday, and will resume its normal sitting schedule at Confederation Building on Tuesday, October 11 at 1:30 p.m.

All proceedings at both Confederation Building and Colonial Building will be streamed live on the House of Assembly broadcast channel and the House of Assembly website.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services will provide an update on various provincial health care initiatives, including access to primary care and recruitment and retention efforts tomorrow (Thursday, September 29).

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

 

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador 50th anniversary event tomorrow (Thursday, September 29).

The event will take place at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, 155 Water Street, St. John’s, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is a member-based organization that works to maximize the artistic and economic potential of the craft community of the province.

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

 

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, is pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Robin Fowler as Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Chief Judge Fowler replaces former Chief Judge Pamela J. Goulding, whose seven year term has concluded.

Chief Judge Robin Fowler received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University in 1994. He was called to the bar in 2000 and worked with the provincial Crown Attorney’s Office, including the Special Prosecutions Office, for approximately 13 years. He has demonstrated an understanding and awareness of Indigenous issues during his time as a judge. He has also participated in justice related activities in Miawpukek First Nation, and was a speaker at the Two-Eared Listening for Deeper Understanding: Restorative Justice in NL Gathering/Conference. Chief Judge Fowler has extensive experience prosecuting complex files at all levels of court across Newfoundland and Labrador.

A full biography of Chief Judge Fowler can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Judge Robin Fowler as Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Chief Judge Fowler brings decades of experience working in the justice system and demonstrates a high level of professionalism, compassion and decisiveness.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Robin Fowler

Chief Judge Robin Fowler was first appointed as Judge to the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in Grand Falls-Windsor on August 8, 2017. Prior to this, Chief Judge Fowler served as the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Courts and Corporate Services with the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Chief Judge Fowler received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University in 1994. Chief Judge Fowler was called to the bar in 2000 and worked with the provincial Crown Attorney’s Office, including the Special Prosecutions Office, for approximately 13 years. In 2013 he joined the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Chief Judge Fowler has extensive experience prosecuting complex files at all levels of court across Newfoundland and Labrador, including acting as lead counsel in numerous jury trials. Chief Judge Fowler served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a trained mediator and member of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) who served as the CBA Criminal Section Chair for Newfoundland and Labrador. In September 2016, Judge Fowler trained prosecutors in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the CBA’s Supporting Access to Justice for Children in East Africa project.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today (September 28) hosted a Youth Leadership Event at Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts to showcase non-traditional career options available to young people who are approaching graduation.

The panel discussion featured input from the community sector, oceans industry, and the skilled trades. Panelists included Stacy Harris, Executive Director of Communities Against Violence; David Tipton, Program Manager of the Ocean Careers Immersion Project with OceansAdvance; and Mary Ford, Outreach Manager with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices.

Panelists were able to share personal experiences from their sector, and spoke to the challenges and many opportunities that young people face as they begin to explore post-secondary career paths.

The Office of Women and Gender Equality undertakes initiatives to encourage, promote, support and retain women and gender-diverse people in leadership roles. These initiatives also connect closely to the economic participation of women and gender-diverse people throughout the province.

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“In the past, women and gender-diverse people have faced barriers entering into and advancing within some career paths. It is vital that we connect young people to jobs and industries that they may not have considered before. Youth are the future of our province, and it is important that we support them in exploring every career that they may choose as a viable path in the future.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Office of Women and Gender Equality

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

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The Provincial Government and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador continue to work collaboratively to find new and creative ways to help address the long-term stability of the health care system.

The College continues to assess standards and streamline the process for Canadian and internationally-trained physicians to become licensed in the province. The following is an update on the most recent changes made by the College:

• The number of clinical practice hours required to obtain or maintain a licence has been further defined. The new requirement is 450 hours in the three years before application;
• There are changes to the application requirements for applicants seeking a licence in Specialty Practice. A policy has been implemented allowing previously licensed specialists who are impacted by new licensing standards to be granted a licence in certain situations;
• Where an applicant meets the requirements set out in the College’s policy, provisional licences can now be issued for General Practice Locums to learners enrolled in a postgraduate specialty training program at the Faculty of Medicine of Memorial University; and
• For new applicants, three courses that were formerly mandatory – “Writing Prescriptions”, “Safe Prescribing”, and “Personal Health Information Act” – are now recommended. The course “Providing Safe Healthcare for Indigenous Patients in Newfoundland and Labrador” remains mandatory.

Health Accord NL was created in November 2020 to reimagine the health care system to best deliver services to people in communities across the province. It was mandated to deliver a 10-year Health Accord with short, medium, and long-term goals for a health care system that better meets the current needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. A number of the initiatives are already underway, with additional recommendations announced as part of Budget 2022.

Details on these initiatives can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“While recruitment and retention challenges are not unique to Newfoundland and Labrador, our government continues to find innovative means to help increase our health care workforce. Continued collaboration with stakeholders like the College of Physicians and Surgeons is integral, as together we continue to work towards better health outcomes for the residents of our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Minister and the Department of Health and Community Services. The College continues to review all licensing standards and processes to optimize efficiency and advance standards for the current landscape, while ensuring that physicians who are licensed have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide safe and quality medical care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Tanis Adey, CEO & Registrar
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-726-8546
cpsnl@cpsnl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Recent Measures to Address the Shortage of Health Care Professionals

• A one-year pilot program to help entice retired family physicians to come back to the workforce.
• Committed to a suite of measures to expand the supply of health care professionals:
• Creation of new collaborative community team clinics;
• Increase in virtual care services to assist with the provision of urgent care; and
• Commitment to further increase the number of graduates from Licensed Practical Nursing Programs by 40 per cent and Personal Care Attendant Programs by 20 per cent.
• Two new programs launched to support family doctors in the province and help improve access to primary health care:
• The New Family Physician Income Guarantee initiative guarantees a minimum income equivalent to that of a salaried family physician to new family doctors who bill on a fee for service basis and open a family practice clinic – or join an established clinic – for the first two years of their practice. This will ease some of the uncertainty associated with the business aspects of opening a clinic by increasing financial certainty. Funding recipients will be required to enter into a two-year return-in-service agreement with government.
• The Family Practice Start-Up Program will provide $150,000 to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, and stay in the practice for five years. Recipients who are approved for both programs must sign a five-year return-in-service agreement with government. Additionally, both programs will be linked to establishing a patient roster in the community, as well as the provision of after-hours care.  This is the highest incentive offered to family physicians at this time in Atlantic Canada.
• Initiatives announced in March 2022 to address the challenges facing nurses in the province, including the nursing think tank; Requests for proposals for core staffing review, health human resource plan and workforce research; and an Internationally Educated Nurses Bursary.
• A new Assistant Deputy Minister for the recruitment and retention office has been hired and the office has been established within the Department of Health and Community Services.
• An additional five undergraduate seats have been added to the Memorial University’s medical School for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
• Launched Extraordinary Every Day, a health care campaign aimed at recruiting and retaining health care professionals.
• Staffing in the regional health authorities has been enhanced to further support recruitment and retention efforts.
• A number of financial incentives and employee supports have been implemented to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the workforce.
• Compensation rates for covering emergency rooms in smaller rural health centres (category B facilities) have been increased as a temporary measure until October 31, 2022 to help retain existing physicians at these sites, as well as to attract other locum physicians during periods of vacancy. As well, in Labrador, Category A rates were increased in the last MOA.
• $30,000 provided to Eastern Health to support students in the Radiation Therapy Program for each of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. This will double Eastern Health’s capacity to support students in the program.

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To coincide with the increase to the minimum wage on October 1, 2022, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, today announced the details of a new Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers.

The new program provides short-term financial support to employers with 20 employees or less that employ minimum wage earners. It offers $0.50 per hour for all hours worked at the minimum wage rate, from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. It will provide two payments to eligible employers, with 80 per cent of the eligible amount paid up front, and the remaining 20 per cent paid after the covering period ends. Eligible employers are required to submit documentation to the Provincial Government for both disbursements.

Eligible employers can receive up to a maximum of $20,800. Program details and how to apply can be found here.

Applications will be accepted up to December 1, 2022. An application is considered complete once all required information and documentation have been submitted. For program inquiries, please call the Labour Standards Division at: 1-877-563-1063 or by email at tsp@gov.nl.ca.

On May 26, 2022, Minister Davis announced the creation of the Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers, along with three increases to the minimum wage. On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour. On April 1, 2023 the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents to $14.50 per hour, and on October 1, 2023 the minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour.

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“Our Government recognizes how important it is to have a balanced approach on the issue of minimum wage, as it impacts both the employee and the employer. Increasing the provincial minimum wage is just one of the steps our government is taking to help more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the increased cost of living. This new support program will provide eligible employers with assistance as they adjust to the changes to the minimum wage. I encourage all those interested in participating in the program to visit the website and apply.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
Transition Support Program for Smaller Employers

Provincial Government Releases Minimum Wage Review Committee Report

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

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement to support a fuel switching project for the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, tomorrow (Thursday, September 29). Minister Davis and MP Thompson will be joined by Carol McDonald, Mayor of the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Town Hall Council Chamber, 1119 Thorburn Road, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will speak at a virtual event titled “Basic Income: New Policies for a New World” tomorrow (Thursday, September 29) at 11:55 a.m.

The virtual event is hosted by Food First NL and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research, in partnership with members of the Basic Income NL network including the Community Sector Council Newfoundland and Labrador, Social Justice Cooperative NL, End Homelessness St. John’s and Choices for Youth. The event aims to raise awareness about basic income and its impact on the social determinants of health, and to build future partnerships.

To register for the event, visit www.basicincomenl.ca/register.

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

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have been devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Fiona will receive immediate financial support from the Provincial Government.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has an initial allocation of up to $30 million to support the Hurricane Fiona Financial Assistance Program which will be offered to impacted residents and communities of the southwest coast of the island. For impacted individuals that are in need of 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.

Assessments of the extent of the damage is ongoing in consultation with communities. Coordination with the Government of Canada continues to determine the scope of response and further assistance required.

The following immediate one-time financial assistance will be offered to eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians:

• $1,000 per household who temporarily evacuated from their principal residence during the storm and have returned by September 30, 2022; or
• $10,000 per household who have been displaced from their principal residence and have been unable to return by September 30, 2022.

Funding of $500,000 will be provided to the Canadian Red Cross to administer on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, nominally allocated as follows:

• $250,000 to support claims for immediate assistance, for example removal of debris, personal items;
• $250,000 to provide temporary accommodation assistance.

There will be an additional $500,000 to be distributed among impacted communities on the southwest coast of the island, based on needs assessment.

Financial assistance associated with principal place of residence repairs and/or rebuilds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with support from impacted residents and insurance companies/adjusters as applicable.

Residents will be required to apply for funding under the Hurricane Fiona Financial Assistance Program via the Canadian Red Cross. Details on the application process and forms will be released in the coming days.

The Superintendent of Insurance has issued a bulletin to the insurance industry explaining the process for obtaining additional licences for the hiring of temporary adjusters, in an effort to respond to insurance claims resulting from the hurricane in a timely manner.

Quotes
“The devastation experienced by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is unimaginable. The impacts are far-reaching, with families, communities, businesses and non-profit organizations having to pick up the pieces. Our government recognizes the severity of the losses and is assuring affected residents that immediate supports are available to those who need them as quickly as possible. The $30 million being provided today is meant to help people in starting the recovery process from this devastating event.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This region of the province has seen a lot of significant weather events, but nothing like what we have seen from Fiona. We are focusing not only on the immediate response to help residents in impacted communities, but also working on how we can support in the months and years to come. I want to assure the people of my district that our government will be there for them throughout.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile

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

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, an Incident Command Centre team has been established to assist communities in southwestern Newfoundland.

The team is led by officials with experience in incident response and includes professionals from various government departments, such as the Departments of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure.

Officials have already mobilized to the region to assist municipal officials with structural assessments, road repairs, and debris removal related to Hurricane Fiona damage.

The Fiona Response Coordinator, which was established earlier this week, will be incorporated into the Incident Command Centre.

For impacted individuals that are in need of 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

Kathryn Summers

Transportation and Infrastructure

709-729-1758, 699-6147

kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Hurricane Fiona Incident Command Centre Established; Registration Details for Canadian Red Cross appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile, will be available to media tomorrow (Wednesday, September 28) to provide an update on recovery efforts and details on an approximately $30 million immediate provincial relief package for those impacted by Hurricane Fiona.

The availability will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Channel-Port aux Basques Town Office, 67 Main Street.

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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

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality, will host a youth leadership event tomorrow (Wednesday, September 28). The event will feature panelists who will discuss experiences from non-traditional career paths in innovative industries.

The event takes place at Ascension Collegiate, 32 Main Highway, Bay Roberts at 12:50 p.m.

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

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today signed a joint Declaration of Intent with Almut Möller, State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and hydrogen technologies.

The Declaration of Intent, signed at Hamburg’s City Hall on the first day of the international WindEnergy Hamburg conference, aims to encourage the establishment of hydrogen supply chains that will result in exports of green hydrogen from the Province to Germany. In doing so, it calls for joint efforts to accelerate the growth of the green hydrogen economy in key areas such as technology and infrastructure development, regulatory regimes, and commercial investment and partnerships.

The signing of the Declaration of intent follows the signing of the Declaration of Intent to establish a Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance between the Governments of Canada and Germany, which took place on August 23, 2022 in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. The signing of the declaration in Stephenville highlighted the significant potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy resources, in particular its wind resources, and the opportunity to bring them to the global marketplace in the form of green hydrogen.

On April 5, 2022, the Provincial Government announced it would lift its moratorium on commercial wind energy developments to develop this valuable renewable energy resource with a focus on meeting global demand and furthering our work to tackle climate change. On July 26, 2022, in order to ensure a fair and transparent process, government released Guidelines: Nominating Crown Lands for Wind Energy Projects. The Guidelines outlined a two-phased approach:

1. Call for Land Nominations: Interested parties may nominate areas within which they wish to develop wind energy projects by October 1, 2022. Nominations will inform the selection of a land area(s) to be included in subsequent Calls for Land Bids.
2. Call for Land Bids: A Call for Land Bids will be issued by mid-December 2022. The Nominations process will be used to inform the competitive Bids process, which will enable the development and use the province’s wind energy resources in a fair and transparent way, and in a manner that ensures the greatest long-term benefits.

Hydrogen is a clean, emissions-free fuel source in increasingly high demand as key Canadian trading partners, such as Germany, seek alternatives to fossil fuels to transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring their energy security. “Green hydrogen” is hydrogen that is produced using energy from renewable sources, such as wind energy or hydropower, to ensure that both the production and use of hydrogen is emissions-free.

Germany’s is the largest economy in Europe and fourth-largest in the world, and the country forecasts that by 2030 it will only be able to meet 30-40 per cent of its own hydrogen demand through domestic production. Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which was released in June 2020, made €7 billion available to support green hydrogen projects within Germany, and a further €2 billion available for establishing green hydrogen partnerships with other countries.

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“I am pleased that Minister Crocker could be in Hamburg to sign this joint declaration on green hydrogen cooperation between our province and the City of Hamburg on my behalf. Newfoundland and Labrador is well-positioned to meet the clean energy needs of key Canadian partners like Germany thanks to our abundant hydro resources, surplus grid energy, world-class wind resources, available Crown land and fresh water, deep marine ports, and proximity to markets in North America and Europe. And Hamburg’s aspirations to become a hydrogen hub for Germany and northern Europe make it an ideal partner for the province. I look forward to the progress we will make together in the coming years to establish a thriving green hydrogen economy that will be beneficial for us all.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today signed a joint Declaration of Intent with Almut Möller, State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and hydrogen technologies.

Learn more
News Release: Premier Furey Welcomes Declaration of Intent to Establish a Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance

News Release: Update Provided on Wind Development Process

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

Guidelines: Nominating Crown Lands for Wind Energy Projects

Renewable Energy Plan

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

The post Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Signs Declaration of Intent with the City of Hamburg, Germany appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality:

Women and gender-diverse individuals in Iran are facing continued persecution as they attempt to live as equals and express themselves as individuals in their home country.

Mahsa Amini was a young woman in Iran who died in police custody after being arrested for not adequately covering her hair. Many women are protesting in response by burning hijabs, refusing to cover their hair, and calling for increased support for freedom of expression in Iran – all of which has been met with increased systemic oppression from authorities. There have also been reports of violence and oppression of members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. All of these actions are unacceptable, and painful to hear.

Our government recognizes the value of human rights, freedoms, and of supporting people to live as their most authentic self. This is particularly evident in the expanded mandate of the Office of Women and Gender Equality, which aims to advance the social, economic, cultural, and legal status of women in our province, and works towards equality among people of all genders.

As we continue to watch events unfold around the world, we must continue to protect the human rights of all people in our province, and reiterate that violence of any kind against women, girls, and gender-diverse people is not acceptable.

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

The post Office of Women and Gender Equality Shares Support for Gender Equality Rights in Iran appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Seniors’ Advocate, Susan Walsh, is advancing a public engagement process, reaching out to seniors, seniors’ families and service providers throughout the province.

“On day one of my appointment in June, I committed to hearing more from seniors, families and service providers – the people who truly know what systemic issues need to be improved in this province, and how to do so.”
– Susan Walsh, NL Seniors Advocate

The Seniors’ Advocate wants to listen and better understand the priority systemic issues seniors and families are facing. Feedback will be used to help guide the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate’s actions and strategic direction in 2023.

“My mandate is to recommend ways to improve issues, services and programs impacting NL seniors. Three years have passed since this Office undertook any significant engagement process. In that time we have all witnessed considerable change: economically, socially and health-related. It is time to hear from seniors; to learn and discuss how we can ensure positive impacts on the lives of seniors.
– Susan Walsh, NL Seniors Advocate

The Seniors’ Advocate will be conducting in-person public engagement sessions throughout the province and virtually. The first in-person sessions are below and a full listing can be found online here and a discussion guide has been developed to aid in focusing the sessions.

Clarenville
September 28, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bill Davis Chalet, 44 Tilleys Rd (hosted by the Clarenville and Area 50+ Club)

Gander
October 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lion’s Club, 29 Memorial Dr.

Grand Falls-Windsor
October 5, 11:00 a.m.-12:30p.m
25 Edwards Pl. (hosted by the Exploits Valley 50+ Club)

St. John’s
October 6, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
10 Bennett Ave. (hosted by the St. John’s Retired Citizen’s Association)

Individuals can also have their say by responding to an online survey or by visiting seniorsadvocatenl.ca and connecting to the survey link.

Paper copies of the discussion guide and survey are available by contacting the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate:

Mail:
Seniors’ Advocate
P.O. Box 13033
St. John’s NL   A1B 3V8
Fax:    709-729-6630

Email: seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca                                                      

Completed surveys must be returned by December 1, 2022

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Media contact
Sherri-Lee Owens
Office of the Seniors’ Advocate
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

The post Seniors’ Advocate Begins Provincial Public Engagement Process appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be in the City of Hamburg, Germany today (Tuesday, September 27) to sign a joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen and hydrogen technologies.

Minister Crocker will also attend the 2022 WindEnergy Hamburg Conference + H2 Expo and Conference, and meet with German officials on behalf of Premier Furey.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy resources have significant potential, particular its wind resources, and the opportunity to bring them to the global marketplace in the form of green hydrogen.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Sign Joint Declaration of Intent in Hamburg, Germany on behalf of Premier Furey appeared first on News Releases.