Government of Newfoundland News
Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Attend Black History Month Event
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring greetings this Sunday, February 19 at Black Excellence, a Black History Month event hosted by the Nigerian-Canadian Association in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The event takes place at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, 245 Freshwater Road, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Minister Stoodley’s remarks will begin at 3:00 p.m.
The event is in partnership with SARFEST, MusicNL and the Ghanaian, Tanzanian, Jamaican and Kenyan communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Public Advisory: Ramp to be Repaired on Trans-Canada Highway in Western Newfoundland
Work is beginning on upgrades to a ramp on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Town of Massey Drive.
Until repairs are complete, the ramp leading from Confederation Drive to the westbound Trans-Canada Highway (Exit 5) will remain closed due to the deterioration of the retaining wall supporting the ramp at the embankment.
The closure is necessary for the safety of motorists in the area. Motorists departing the City of Corner Brook can access the westbound Trans-Canada Highway via the Lewin Parkway (Route 450). Motorists departing Massey Drive can access the westbound Trans-Canada Highway via the Massey Drive access road at its interchange with the parkway.
Design of the new infrastructure is anticipated to be completed this spring, leading to repairs beginning at that time. Updates on construction timelines will be provided as they become available. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates the work being completed this summer.
Information on active highway construction projects, highway repairs, and winter driving conditions is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
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Public Advisory: Highway Enforcement Officers Help Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking
Provincial Highway Enforcement Officers with Digital Government and Service NL will be participating in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative from February 20 to 24, 2023.
During this initiative, officers will raise awareness by passing out wallet cards to commercial drivers during inspections and traffic stops. These wallet cards include the warning signs to look for that may indicate someone is the victim of human trafficking, and how to report a suspected case.
The Human Trafficking Prevention program seeks to reduce human trafficking throughout North America through co-ordinated enforcement and educational awareness measures within the commercial motor vehicle industry.
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Premier Furey and Minister Crocker Extend Best Wishes to Team NL as 2023 Canada Winter Games Begin
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are extending best wishes to Team NL athletes who are beginning the first week of competition at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.
Trampoline Gymnast Gleb Evstigneev will be the flagbearer for Team NL at the opening ceremonies for the games tomorrow (Saturday, February 18). Viewers can tune in to live coverage at 8:00 p.m. NST (7:30 p.m. in most of Labrador). Select events at the games will also be broadcast live and on demand on the Canada Games website.
The first group of Team NL athletes will compete in 10 sports, including Biathlon, Women’s Curling, Hockey, Speed Skating, Squash, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball as well as two Gymnastics disciplines – Artistic and Trampoline. Team NL will also compete in Karate, which is making its debut at the 2023 Games.
The Canada Games are the highest level of national competition for Canadian amateur athletes. The 2023 Canada Winter Games are being held from February 18 to March 5, 2023.
Quotes
“Each of these athletes is a special part of the team that represents Newfoundland and Labrador, and their hard work and dedication to their respective sports inspires all of us. As they begin this next chapter of their sport story, I know that they will make us incredibly proud and I wish them, their coaches and the mission staff all the best. Go Team NL!”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“These remarkable young athletes are embarking on an experience that will create a lifetime of memories. I wish them, as well as their coaches and the mission staff, the best of luck at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. All of Newfoundland and Labrador will be cheering you on at the country’s premier amateur sport competition.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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Learn more
2023 Canada Winter Games Schedule
Watch the 2023 Canada Winter Games
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Council of Atlantic Premiers to Meet in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, is pleased to host a meeting of the Council in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on February 20th. Premier King will be joined by his colleagues Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, and New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.
A news conference with the Atlantic Premiers will be held at 11:45 a.m. on February 20th in the Media Room at the Shaw Building, 95 Rochford, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Media will have the option and are encouraged to join the news conference virtually – due to media room capacity, only a limited number of members from the media will be permitted in the room.
Please note that:
- All media representatives, including journalists, photographers, camera operators, and technicians, are required to register by submitting their name, affiliation, and contact information by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 17th to Morgan Martin (mxmartin@gov.pe.ca).
- Please indicate whether you plan to attend in-person or virtually. If you plan to attend virtually, please indicate whether you would like to be called upon to ask a question. Please note that we will attempt to call upon as many journalists as possible, depending on time constraints.
- Only registered media will receive updates to the meeting schedule and media opportunities via email or text message.
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Enhancing Outdoor Adventure Opportunities
Home to one of the world’s greatest wilderness areas, Newfoundland and Labrador is the ultimate outdoor adventure destination. To enhance marketing and development opportunities, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced nearly $231,000 for five businesses through the Business Development Support program.
Well-known adventure tourism entrepreneur Stan Cook is offering visitors a new way to discover Newfoundland and Labrador with other passionate travelers. Rock Water Luxury Tours is a luxury helicopter business, with stops in Deer Lake, Fogo and St. Johns. To aid in the marketing and branding of this new business, Rock Water Luxury Tours is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $79,400 from the Business Development Support program. The company is matching the provincial contribution for the project.
To further grow and develop marketing opportunities, Sylt Lake Tent Camps is receiving $62,660 from the Business Development Support program. This non-repayable funding will allow this Lewisporte-based company to undertake several marketing initiatives to attract more non-resident visitors, including website improvements. The company is providing $21,370 towards the initiative.
For over 25 years, A1 Hunts Twin Lakes has been offering a moose and black bear hunting experience. The company is receiving a non-repayable $42,875 contribution from the Business Development Support program to assist with digital marketing initiatives to attract more visitors to its lodge. This Springdale-based company is providing $32,875 towards project costs.
Based in Corner Brook, Where-Ya-Wannabee Outfitting Lodge is a year-round operation that offers moose and bear hunts, as well as snowmobiling experiences to targeted markets outside of Canada. To assist with its marketing and promotion, Where-Ya-Wannabee Outfitting Lodge is receiving $29,600 in non-repayable support from the Business Development Support program. The company is contributing $29,100 towards the project.
Located at West Brook on the Great Northern Peninsula, Caines Adventure Outfitters is an outdoor adventure tourism destination that is accessible year-round. The company is receiving a non-repayable $17,250 contribution from the Business Development Support program to help further promote its business and build its clientele. Caines Adventure Outfitters is contributing $23,550 for the initiative.
The Business Development Support Program supports small and medium-sized businesses that demonstrate a desire to develop and grow by improving the operations of their business and expanding their export markets. Support for these projects demonstrates a focus on small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador, and contributes to the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthen the province’s economic foundation.
Quotes
“Supporting economic development is a priority for our government. This support will aide these five businesses, helping them attract even more outdoor enthusiasts to come to our province and experience some of the most rewarding adventures in the world.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We have something really special here in Newfoundland and Labrador when it comes to outdoor tourism. Our pristine natural environment is beloved as a prime location for outdoor sport and adventure, and our nature-based experiences are our most sought after from a tourism perspective. Supporting these businesses is an excellent way to grow this sector of our economy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Funding received from the BDS Program allows Sylt Lake Tent Camps to step-up its brand development, website refresh and marketing. This will allow for new targets, especially those who completely rely on online channels when seeking hunting opportunities. The funding also ensures the company is current as well as progressive in maintaining, and attracting non-resident clients, resulting in keeping another local business alive and competitive.”
Elaine Bursey
Sylt Lake Tent Camps
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Learn more
Business Development Support Program
Where-Ya-Wannabee Outfitting Lodge
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Public Advisory: Motorists Advised to Watch out for Caribou on Northern Peninsula Roads
A high number of caribou are currently active on Northern Peninsula roadways near St. Anthony airport, making them vulnerable to traffic. Motorists are advised to watch out for caribou in these areas. Caribou are expected to remain in the region throughout the winter.
Motorists can reduce the risk of a caribou-vehicle collision by:
- Scanning both sides of the highway and having passengers watch for caribou;
- Paying attention to caribou warning signs;
- Avoiding driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are commonly alongside roadways; and
- Reducing speeds while driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.
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Joint Statement from Minister Bragg and Minister Davis on ASP and FFAW-Unifor Announcement
The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, are pleased to see the shared commitment between the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor) to address the challenges facing the crab fishery.
“Our government is pleased to see the ASP and FFAW-Unifor indicate their desire to work together to address issues like pricing, scheduling and trip limits prior to the start of the fishery season. We are all aware that these issues impact many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as there are 17,000 seafood workers in 400 communities throughout the province that rely on the fishery for their livelihood.
As the ministers responsible for fisheries and labour, we meet with both of these groups on a regular basis. It is exciting to see them taking an approach to collaborate on key issues. We are looking forward to working with both groups to find solutions that work for all sides, so that fish harvesters, plant workers and residents benefit from a strong industry.
We have extended congratulations to both ASP and FFAW-Unifor on this important partnership. We hope that as the fishing season progresses in 2023 and into the coming years, both groups will see success through a united approach.
The 2022 fishing season was extremely successful, and the Provincial Government continues to work with those who are supporting the sustainable management of our fishing sector.”
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Provincial Government Funds Expansion of Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades
The Provincial Government is providing $910,649 to fund the expansion of the Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades to Corner Brook and St. John’s, and to maintain the existing office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This new footprint enables the office to serve more status and non-status Indigenous peoples interested in seeking employment opportunities in the skilled trades.
New and emerging construction opportunities across the province influenced the decision to expand. Mining exploration and development on the west coast and central regions, hydrogen generating proposals for Bay St. George, and the pursuit of landing liquefied natural gas from the Grand Banks in Placentia Bay are creating more opportunities for Indigenous people to secure work in the skilled trades.
The three offices will ensure that programs, policies, procedures and reporting mechanisms support both status and non-status Indigenous peoples. The offices will also ensure that non-status Indigenous people will be able to self-identify and will not be required to show documentation proving their Indigeneity.
The Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades, funded by the Provincial Government and operated by Trades NL, opened its Happy Valley-Goose Bay location in March 2020 to promote, recruit, support and advance the economic development of Indigenous peoples in the skilled trades. The Office has a mandate to pursue a target of reaching 15 per cent Indigenous representation in building and construction trades in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For a list of operational activities for the Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades, please see the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“By opening new offices in Corner Brook and St. John’s, we are offering enhanced support to Indigenous peoples looking to enter the skilled trades and building on the great work of Trades NL in this area. Indigenous tradespeople are playing a big role in creating a bright future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Expanding the Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades is essential to ensure status and non-status Indigenous peoples receive the support they need to enter the skilled trades. Opportunity is knocking for skilled Indigenous tradespeople across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
“The Happy Valley-Goose Bay office operated by TradesNL has achieved success in supporting Indigenous peoples who have sought employment opportunities in the skilled trades sector. Expanding the Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades to Corner Brook and St. John’s will greatly assist in recruiting and supporting individuals wishing to take advantage of new construction opportunities taking place in the Province.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“We are thrilled to be increasing our ability to serve Indigenous peoples across our province. Trades NL remains committed to ensuring Indigenous people with an interest in the skilled trades receive our encouragement and support to ply their talents in the rewarding work tradespeople perform every day.”
Darin King
Executive Director, Trades NL
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BACKGROUNDER
Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades: Activities and Operations
The Office for Indigenous and Northern Skilled Trades activities can be categorized into two categories: partnership and outreach, and employment and training support.
All offices assist clients in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment by removing barriers to ensure successful progression from apprenticeship to Red Seal certification.
Activities
Partnership and Outreach
- Promotion of skilled trades among Indigenous populations;
- Development of partnerships with Indigenous groups, unions, employer associations, employers and project owners;
- Promotion of the benefits of hiring Indigenous peoples;
- Maintaining a database of infrastructure and construction projects with forecasts of skills requirements;
- Working with project owners to establish targets for Indigenous employment and tracking progress; and
- Maintaining an advisory committee on project activity, engagement and development.
Employment and Training Support
- Providing Indigenous workers with linkages to affiliated unions and employment opportunities;
- Development of employment plans for trainees and case managing them through to employment;
- Supporting workplace diversity and inclusion;
- Provision of workplace supports to improve retention;
- Exam preparation support for trainees; and
- Arranging wage subsidy funding for placements.
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Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce Expansion of Services for Indigenous Tradespeople
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement tomorrow, February 16, regarding the expansion of services for Indigenous tradespeople.
The event will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Grenfell Room of the Glynmill Inn, 1B Cobb Lane, Corner Brook. The event will also be live streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.
Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Brendan Mitchell, Chief of the Qalipu First Nation, representatives of the Miawpukek First Nation and Darin King, Executive Director of Trades NL.
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Public Advisory: Pool at Gander Arts and Culture Centre Open
The public is advised that the provincially operated swimming pool in Gander has resumed regular operations today, (Wednesday, February 15), following yesterday’s weather-related closure.
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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-006 Released
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-006 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-2023-006 Report Date: February 10, 2023 Public Body: Eastern Health Summary: The Applicant requested Operational Standards Compliance Reports completed by Eastern Health regarding the Third Party Complainant’s long-term care and personal care home for the years 2018-2020. The requested information included details of its non-compliance with the Personal Care Home Operational Standards. Eastern Health intended to release the information requested, but decided to notify the Third Party of this decision. The Third Party Complainant subsequently filed a complaint with this Office, claiming that the information must be withheld from the Applicant pursuant to section 39 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party). The Commissioner found that the burden of proof under section 43(3) had not been met by the Third Party and recommended that the information be released.-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Public Advisory: Pool at Gander Arts and Culture Centre Closed Due to Weather
The public is advised that the provincially operated swimming pool in Gander will be closed for the rest of today (Tuesday, February 14) due to inclement weather.
An update will be provided regarding the facility’s operations on Wednesday, February 15.
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Provincial and Federal Governments Support Energy Efficiency Project in the Town of Stephenville
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced cost-shared funding of over $670,000 for an efficiency and fuel switching project for the Town of Stephenville through the Climate Change Challenge Fund.
This funding will be used to replace the oil heating system with electric boilers in the Bay St. George YMCA. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 205 tonnes annually.
The Town of Stephenville is receiving $271,393 from the Federal Government; $226,138 from the Provincial Government and the town is contributing $180,951 in support of the energy efficiency project.
The 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 industry, municipalities, not-for-profits and public sector entities. The fund is supported by over $38 million in funding through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund – a joint federal and provincial initiative.
Quotes
“Continuing the work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is essential and will help build a stronger tomorrow for all. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the Town of Stephenville 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 Stephenville, we are helping the community save money on operating costs and growing the economy—all while fighting climate change. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, our government is partnering with climate leaders nationwide to cut emissions, and will continue to do so through a renewed commitment of an additional $2.2 billion—an important part of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. I applaud the leadership shown by the Town of Stephenville for helping to keep our air clean and build resilient communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Environment Canada
“Investment in clean energy is an important part of building resilience for our future. Our Climate Change Action Plan is working in partnership with provinces, communities, businesses and stakeholders—in the Long Range Mountains and across Canada—to reduce emissions, encourage clean innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“I am pleased to see this funding in place as it will add to the long-term viability of an important facility for the whole Bay St. George area. It shows what can be achieved when we all work together.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s-Humber
“Receiving funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments from the Climate Change Fund, aligns with our municipalities goal, to reach our targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Stephenville is very grateful to receive funding to upgrade and make our recreational facilities more sustainable.”
Tom Rose
Mayor, Town of Stephenville
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Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund
Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy
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Connecting Local Companies with the Global Ocean Technology Community
Five Newfoundland and Labrador businesses/institutions are participating in the Oceanology International Americas forum in San Diego, California from February 14 to 16. This leading forum welcomes attendees from over 30 countries, connecting the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities and showcasing the latest in ocean tech and solutions.
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a total of $15,000 in combined support for five companies/institutions to attend the event, explore business development opportunities, expand markets and collaborate to increase profitability. eDNAtec Inc., esonar Inc., the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Rutter Inc. and SubC Imaging are joining a diverse group of highly innovative companies from British Columbia, Quebec, and Nova Scotia to form the Canada Pavilion. This pavilion will cover 2,000 square feet of floor space, and will provide real insight into the strength and depth of Canada’s ocean technology industries.
With Canada’s largest ocean economy, Newfoundland and Labrador is at the forefront of the ocean technology sector. The province is an international centre for ocean expertise and marine technology, and a leading force in Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.
Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong and vibrant cluster of companies to support the ocean technology industry. Participation at Oceanology International Americas provides a unique forum for connecting with the offshore energy and marine industries.We are pleased to support these businesses as they forge new relationships, demonstrate commitment to their market and further develop ongoing business.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
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Learn more
eDNAtec Inc
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Premier Furey and Minister Osborne Meet With Federal Colleagues on Health Care Agreements
The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, has initiated the immediate work of negotiating bilateral agreements on health care between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.
Premier Furey, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, met with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health, today in Deer Lake to discuss their alignment on shared priorities for bilateral agreements to improve the health care system for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Premier Furey has directed Minister Osborne to work with Minister Duclos to finalize those bilateral agreements in an accelerated fashion. The Government of Canada is investing nearly $200 billion over 10 years for provinces, territories, and Indigenous Governments to invest in shared priority areas which include:
- Expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
- Supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
- Improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and
- Modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
The Provincial Government is committed to its continued work in these areas with its plan for health care that is built on the Health Accord, recognizes post-COVID health care shortages, and addresses short-term needs while creating long-term change. The focus remains the continuous improvement of a health care system – in conjunction with stakeholders – that supports the province’s health profession workforce and better health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
For more information on recent measures implemented in health care, please click here.
Quotes
“Our government has a plan to improve health care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our work is well underway. I see the problems within the system firsthand, and recognize the value of team work – in the hospital and at the table with our federal colleagues. I look forward to finalizing these bilateral agreements with the Federal Government to move forward on our shared health care priorities with increased investment.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“From reducing surgical wait times to creating financial incentives to recruit and retain health care professionals, our government is continuously making improvements to the health care system for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I am certain Minister Duclos and I will soon reach bilateral agreements to help strengthen that work.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Learn more
Improving Access to Health Care
Working together to improve health care for Canadians
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Provincial Government Congratulates Regional Craft Award Winners
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today congratulated entrepreneurs from Newfoundland and Labrador who received awards at the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence. This year’s awards were presented at an event in Halifax during Craft East Buyers’ Expo on February 11.
Christina Dove of the Newfoundland Chocolate Company received the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Award for Outstanding Exporter. Over 15 years, the Newfoundland Chocolate Company has evolved and grown from four wholesale accounts in St. John’s to shipping product to 100 wholesale accounts across the country, while managing seven retail outlets. During the pandemic, the business quickly pivoted to build a stronger online presence, creating new products such as the ‘Stay Home with Chocolate Kit’ and the ‘Emergency Chocolate Kit’. The Newfoundland Chocolate Company’s main storefront is located in St. John’s, and includes a café, outdoor deck and production facility.
Premium handbag and leather goods studio modjūl is the recipient of the 2023 Atlantic Canada Craft Award for Excellence in Product Design. With a background in engineering, and an appreciation for Japanese craft, designer Stephen Brown uses both traditional and innovative leatherwork techniques to create distinctive styles. Brown’s signature technique focuses on interlocking or woven joinery adapted from shoemaking, giving modjūl products a distinct and original look, while staying true to a more classic design. Using vegetable-tanned cow leather ensures that modjūl’s products are made to withstand the test of time.
The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are presented annually in conjunction with the Craft East Buyers’ Expo, which showcases craft and giftware made exclusively in the Atlantic Provinces.
Quotes
“Congratulations to Christina Dove and the team at the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, as well as Stephen Brown of modjūl for their success at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence. I continue to be impressed by the creativity of our province’s craft producers, and we’re proud to support their work as they build, grow and develop their business operations.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Christina Dove and Stephen Brown are two shining examples of the innovative and resilient entrepreneurs who are part of the craft community in Newfoundland and Labrador. I congratulate them on their success at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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Learn more
Crafting Our Future – Craft Industry Strategy 2018-2021
Newfoundland Chocolate Company
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Provincial Government and Delegation Make Case to Improve Federal Search and Rescue Services in Labrador
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased with the face-to-face discussions that took place with federal cabinet ministers and officials in Ottawa last week on advancing improvements in federal search and rescue operations in Labrador.
The discussions were jointly led by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General. Joining the Ministers was a group comprised of community leaders and safety advocates who voiced appeals for improvements in light of the death of Burton Winters, a 14-year-old youth from the north coast community of Makkovik who was found deceased by searchers on sea ice in 2012, and the deaths of Marc Russell and Joey Jenkins, who were lost at sea during a fishing mishap off the southeast coast of Labrador in 2021.
The delegation included:
- Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville
- Todd Russell, President, NunatuKavut Community Council;
- Dwight and Jeanette Russell of Mary’s Harbour; and
- George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
A series of meetings were held with:
- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Emergency Preparedness;
- The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety;
- The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport;
- The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations;
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development; and
- The Honourable Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs.
The Provincial Government advised the Federal Government of its request for immediate action in the following areas:
- Designation of 5 Wing Goose Bay as a Search and Rescue Centre;
- Establishment of fast rescue stations and marine craft located in Labrador; and
- A requirement that all vessels of any size are equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. This is a distress beacon that sends an alert to assist rescuers in determining an exact location quickly.
The Provincial Government appreciates the short-term actions presented by Minister Blair, and welcomes the opportunity to work in collaboration with the Federal Government on establishing medium- and long-term assets and solutions to improve federal search and rescue operations in Labrador.
Quotes
“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Federal Government for coming to the table to hear us speak about the lack of search and rescue infrastructure in Labrador and suggestions on how they can improve federal systems as dictated by their responsibility for marine and aeronautical search and rescue services. I am proud of our collective voice and the arguments we presented to make the strong case that immediate action is necessary. While this was a good first step and we are encouraged by the willingness we heard from our federal colleagues to work with the Provincial Government and stakeholders in Labrador, we have every intention to press for substantive and meaningful changes that are long overdue.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“Our government recognizes the importance of search and rescue in the province. We continue to support ground search and rescue and look forward to further discussions with the Federal Government regarding enhancements to areas under federal jurisdiction, particularly in Labrador. We are committed to working with all of our partners to strengthen search and rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
“Every employee has the right to feel protected in their place of work. Our son’s chosen workplace was the ocean as established by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans through his fishing license. Through the granting of fishing licenses and regulations, the Federal Government has a responsibility to deliver adequate search and rescue infrastructure to protect the Labrador fishers they have authorized. We reminded the Minister of Emergency Preparedness of the metal detectors that protect federal employees working on Parliament Hill. We asked him to think of Marc and Joey when he walks through security and help us offer the same measure of protection for Labrador. During a time of increasing emergency preparedness in workplaces, search and rescue in Labrador has to be afforded the same attention.”
Dwight and Jeanette Russell
Safety Advocates
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Final Report of the Ground Search and Rescue Inquiry Released
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Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Announce Funding for an Energy Efficiency Project
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement to support an energy efficiency project at the Bay St. George YMCA tomorrow (Tuesday, February 14).
The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Bay St. George YMCA, 383 Massachusetts Drive, Stephenville.
The minister will be joined by Scott Reid, MHA for St. Georges-Humber and His Worship Tom Rose, Mayor of Stephenville.
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Supporting Trade Ties in Global Markets
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister for Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a contribution of $149,250 over two years to Energy NL for international market development support in Guyana and Suriname.
This investment will allow Energy NL and the Provincial Government to build on work started in 2017, and to explore supply chain opportunities in a variety of sectors, including energy, clean technology, digitization, infrastructure, ocean technology, and many others. Through this initiative, Energy NL will support companies in a range of business development activities, including strategic planning, opportunity identification and participation in conferences and trade missions.
From February 14 to 17, 2023, the International Energy Conference and Expo is taking place in Guyana. Several Newfoundland and Labrador businesses/institutions are travelling to participate with the delegation, connecting at this premier annual meeting to facilitate the exchange of ideas, propositions, and plans for advances in the energy sector. The Provincial Government is contributing $21,000 in combined support for eight of these companies/institutions to attend the event, to explore business development opportunities.
Academy Canada, Axess Baffin, Enaimco, Hatch Ltd., Lagreeco Inc, NetBenefit Software, OPAS Mobile, radient360 Solutions and Source Atlantic are joining innovative companies from around the world at this year’s event in Guyana. Other participants from the province attending the conference include Atlantic XL and Blue Water Group.
In 2018, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to further their respective oil and gas industries.
Quotes
“This project is a testament to our government’s commitment to encouraging and enabling the export of provincial goods and services in the international marketplace and creating strong growth environments for our businesses. I take extra pride in knowing that our firms are out there helping to transform a nation and better the lives of others, while simultaneously bringing back strong revenues for our local economy. There is truly an immense growth potential in this project.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Guyana has very quickly become an important energy market for Energy NL members to share their expertise, seek new opportunities, and establish joint venture collaborations. The International Energy Conference and Expo is another opportunity for Energy NL members to strengthen ties with Guyanese companies and partake in the rapidly growing offshore sector and supply chain. I look forward to our continued collaboration and success as a result of this mission.”
Charlene Johnson
CEO of Energy NL
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