Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government is today recognizing February 13-18 as Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Created by the Canadian Home and School Federation in 1988, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week recognizes the work of teachers, early childhood educators, administrators and school staff who are committed to children and their education.

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more than 10,500 permanent and casual school staff working as teachers, administrators and support staff throughout the province’s school system.

Supporting teachers and staff is a priority, and is included in recommendations in the Education Action Plan to build an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all children and youth.

Through the Education Action Plan, between 2017 and 2022, the Provincial Government added more than 100 school based reading specialists, approximately 200 teaching and learning assistants to support K-6 students, as well as additional teacher librarians and English-as-a-Second-Language teachers to support newcomers.

Quotes
“Every day in our province’s schools, teachers and school staff positively impact the lives of our children. I sincerely thank them for their work, as their impact extends far beyond the boundaries of classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums and music rooms. I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to show appreciation for teachers and staff as their knowledge and dedication is valued every day.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education (Alternate)

“On Teacher and Staff Appreciation week we thank teachers, school staff, and all personnel within the Francophone and English School Districts, as well as the Department of Education and the Early Learning Division for being encouraging mentors and guiding stars to thousands of children in Newfoundland and Labrador. You inspire a love of learning and make a difference to a child’s well-being and life-long success. Your patience, dedication, kindness, and expertise leave life-long legacies on the lives you touch. You are greatly appreciated.”
Don Coombs
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils

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Minister Osborne was joined by Don Coombs and Denise Pike of the NL Federation of School Councils

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Digital Government and Service NL wishes to advise that due to system upgrades, the Motor Registration Division’s online appointment booking system will be temporarily unavailable as of today (Monday, February 13). All previously booked appointments will still go ahead as scheduled. As soon as the upgrade is completed, the online appointment booking system will resume.

Anyone requiring Motor Registration services is encouraged to visit their local Motor Registration Office or Government Service Centre. Appointments for front counter service will not be required during this time, however appointments are still required for road tests. To book a road test, please call 1-877-636-6867.

Some services are also available online, including:

• Change of address (driver’s licence/vehicle registration)
• Change of vehicle ownership
• Driver’s licence renewal
• Vehicle registration renewal
• Request a driver record (abstract)
• Paying for a road test
• Taking a driver’s permit test (Class 5)

Digital Government and Service NL apologizes for any inconvenience caused by these system upgrades.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will bring greetings this evening (Friday, February 10) at the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival show “Just Be Who You Want to Be!” featuring TADA Events.

The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Glacier Arena rink one, located at 45 Olympic Drive, Mount Pearl. Also attending the event will be Frosty Festival’s board of directors, volunteers and sponsors.

“Just Be Who You Want to Be!” is a bright, positive and inspiring show with singers, musicians, dancers, choirs and drag performers of all ages bringing the audience a joyful message: Be who you are and follow your dreams! The production was developed especially for Frosty Festival and was written by Terri Andrews. Sheilagh Guy-Murphy will host the show.

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Motorists are advised that Canning Bridge on Route 220 in Marystown is currently closed. The bridge remains safe to use for pedestrians and cyclists. All other vehicles will detour around the closure via Columbia Drive and Creston Causeway.

The closure is necessary due to a reduction in the maximum load limit related to recent steel testing on the bridge. The maximum load limit was originally reduced to 10 tonnes in November.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has also notified the Town of Marystown and emergency responders about use of the bridge, and will be meeting with the town council soon to discuss next steps.

Work will begin soon to determine future plans for the bridge. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will attend an awards presentation held by Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Friday, February 10).

The presentation will take place at St. Matthew’s School, located at 119 Cowan Avenue, St. John’s at 1:00 p.m.

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Small businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are driven by creative entrepreneurs, interested in growing and seeking new economic opportunities. To enhance marketing and business development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced over $104,000 for three businesses through the Business Development Support program.

Snowball Earth Natural Products is a sustainable mud product hand carved from glaciated valleys in Conception Bay. Made with elevated levels of strontium, manganese, magnesium and other elements, this product is used for wrinkle repair, cleansing, exfoliation and provides relief for itchy and irritated skin. To assist with marketing this unique product, specifically the development of a website with e-commerce capabilities, owner Bull Cove Valley Development is receiving a non-repayable contribution of $73,875 from the Provincial Government. The company is investing $24,625 in the project.

Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals is a craft and gift business owned by Tiffany Elton. The company creates two distinct product lines – Dear Dawcy is an extensive line of hand-made jewellery, while Ritual Botanicals is a line of hand-crafted natural bath, beauty and home products. The company is receiving a non-repayable contribution $19,890 from the Provincial Government to develop a strategic marketing plan for social media activities. Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals is matching the provincial investment for this initiative.

Located in Cormack, Sea Salt & Twig Designs & Apothecary focuses on hand-made jewelry and skincare products. Its jewelry products are created using a variety of techniques and materials including resin, wood, and antler. To assist with marketing development, including print materials and photography, the company is receiving $10,500 in non-repayable support from the Provincial Government. The company is also contributing $10,788 towards the project.

The Provincial Government’s 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
“As a government, we continue to assist individual craft businesses with their plans to grow and professionalize their enterprises, and to foster economic opportunities so these creative entrepreneurs can thrive and grow.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are absolutely inspired with the $73,875 assistance provided from the Business Development Support program. Combined with the recent mining lease approval from mineral lands this assistance will enable the creation of a sustainable, eco-friendly new industry in Conception Bay for many years to come. Thank you very much. Great things are happening.”
Paul Conway
Bull Cove Valley Development Inc.

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Business Development Support Program

Dear Dawcy & Ritual Botanicals

Sea Salt & Twig Designs & Apothecary

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The Provincial Government today announced that a comprehensive review of long-term care and personal care homes in the province to identify opportunities to improve quality of care and quality of life of residents is now underway. The review is also aimed at enhancing staff engagement and improving the quality of the work life for staff.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Dr. Susan Mercer, Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health, will be available to the media today (Thursday, February 9) at 11:30 a.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.

A panel has been established to finalize the scope of the review, facilitate stakeholder engagement, provide expert advice to government on its findings, and provide input on an implementation plan. The members of the panel are:

• Janice Keefe – Chair of the Department of Family Studies and Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University and Director of Nova Scotia Centre on Aging:
• Susan Mercer – Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health; and
• Kelli O’Brien – President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Ontario, and former Vice President at Western Health.

The panel will also identify an individual with lived experience who will be invited to become a member of the advisory panel.

Health Accord NL provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for re-imagining health care in Newfoundland and Labrador in order to best address the needs of people in communities throughout the province. It recommended improving the quality and availability of long-terms care and the development of legislation for home care, personal care homes and long-term care homes.

Quotes
“We are very pleased that our review of long-term care and personal care homes in the province is now underway, with the first step being the establishment of a team of experts that will lead the review. Our government remains focused on the quality of care in all care settings, including long-term care and personal care homes, and we look forward to the valuable insight that the panel will provide.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This review is a welcome opportunity to improve and build upon standards and monitoring already in place in the province’s long-term care and personal care homes. I look forward to working with the panel to recommend opportunities to enhance not only the quality of life for residents in these care homes, but also the quality of work life for those who are employed in these settings. We recognize and appreciate their hard work and commitment to care.”
Dr. Susan Mercer
Clinical Chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-005 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-2023-005 Report Date: February 7, 2023 Public Body: Treasury Board Secretariat Summary: The Applicant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Treasury Board Secretariat for records relating to a complaint made against him and the subsequent investigation. Treasury Board Secretariat provided records to the Applicant, but withheld some information. The Applicant filed a complaint with this Office requesting a review of the decision to withhold some information pursuant to section 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy), specifically names of other employees and comments made about him. The Commissioner recommended that the Treasury Board Secretariat continue to withhold the information.

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INQ Consulting and INQ Law have been appointed to assist the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to complete the second statutory review of the Personal Health Information Act. The Act establishes rules that custodians of personal health information must follow when collecting, using and disclosing individuals’ confidential personal health information.

The Act, proclaimed in 2011, is required to undergo a review once every five years. This process will result in recommendations to modernize the legislation. The review will include:

• An environmental scan looking at opportunities for improvement and legislation from other jurisdictions;
• Interviews with stakeholders across Newfoundland and Labrador and other provinces and territories; and
• An opportunity for public input.

INQ Consulting and INQ Law were chosen based on their particular focus on data privacy protection. A statutory review committee has been established with representatives from INQ Consulting, INQ Law and officials from the Department of Health and Community Services.

Given the vital oversight role of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner with the Act, the Information and Privacy Commissioner will be engaged throughout the review.

Beginning in February, the public will be invited to participate in an online questionnaire through engageNL. More information will follow when this questionnaire is open. Furthermore, those interested in providing a written submission as part of the review may do so by emailing phiareview@gov.nl.ca before March 1, 2023.

Quote
“We are pleased that the review of the Personal Health Information Act is underway. The legislative review offers oversight to ensure that patient privacy is paramount when dealing with personal health Information, while also maintaining patients’ access to their own health information. Patient information is highly sensitive, yet must be shared across a range of health care providers, making this legislation vital to our health care system. We look forward to receiving the report from the committee.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, are participating in the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase in Ottawa. Taking place from February 7 to 11, this event is a joint project of the Labrador North and Baffin Regional Chambers of Commerce, and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading and largest northern trade shows and conferences.

Aimed at promoting business and economic development in Labrador and the eastern Arctic region of Canada, the Northern Lights Business and Cultural Showcase will deliver a trade show, presentations, workshops and a cultural/art pavilion, with a particular focus on Indigenous interests.

To assist the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce with the promotion of regional and sectoral development, diversification and innovation, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology contributed $25,000 through its Regional Development Program.

The Labrador North Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that works with community stakeholders to determine strategic development opportunities in the region, and assists in the implementation of action items to achieve these goals.

Quotes
“The Northern Lights conference is a great opportunity for our Northern and Eastern Arctic businesses to promote the regional industry, history and culture to southern markets. We are proud to support this event, and our government’s presence helps facilitate important relationships while getting a first-hand understanding of what these rural businesses need in order to compete in a global market.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Congratulations to the Labrador North and Baffin Regional Chambers of Commerce for the work they have undertaken to organize keynote speakers, workshops, an arts and cultural pavilion and a trade show to bring what the North has to offer to major markets in eastern Canada. This event, which was first held in Ottawa in 2008, shines a spotlight on opportunities for business and cultural partnerships, tourist attractions and the people of the North.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Northern Lights

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Today, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen areas of collaboration, partnership, and future development.

The MOU was signed by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross, Deputy Premier, Government of Nunavut. The MOU signing ceremony took place during the Northern Lights 2023 conference in Ottawa.

As Northern neighbours, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut have personal, cultural and social relationships that have led to collaboration and partnerships. Both jurisdictions have strong Indigenous populations and share a like-minded approach to safe and sustainable Arctic development, focused on achieving mutual benefits for Northern and Indigenous communities.

The MOU asserts a strategic alliance for the jurisdictions and recognizes their respective strengths and expertise towards enhancing economic and social development and deriving benefits as opportunities emerge in the Arctic region.

The governments have agreed to establish a Cooperation and Implementation Committee, which will be co-chaired by the Labrador Affairs Secretariat, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, on behalf of Government of Nunavut. The committee will jointly develop a framework for cooperation and coordination at the governmental level in areas of mutual interest.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut share a desire to build on their commonalities through advancing innovation, enhancing economic and social development, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness to support and maintain vibrant, prosperous communities.

Quotes
“We value the partnership we have with the Government of Nunavut. We are geographic neighbours and we share many economic, social and cultural relationships. Signing this Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our efforts to continue working together on shared priorities such as climate change, health care, housing and emergency preparedness.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Nunavut’s relationship with Newfoundland and Labrador is founded on common values and a shared maritime history. This partnership allows us to work together to diversify our economies in areas like fisheries, tourism, and modern internet connectivity. As coastal regions we will collaborate on infrastructure that promotes growth and contributes to Canadian sovereignty.”
Honourable P.J. Akeeagok
Premier of Nunavut

“Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut share a common approach towards safe and sustainable development in the Arctic and the North. We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship and generating increased business opportunities and joint ventures to prepare for future development and increased economic activity.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding, our governments can work to bolster social development and reduce homelessness and food insecurity. Together, we can strengthen our skilled labour force by partnering in education and training that is relevant and accessible to our remote communities.”
Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross
Deputy Premier of Nunavut

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BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Nunavut initially signed an MOU in 2015. The agreement was based on a history of longstanding and successful cooperation between the two jurisdictions.

In recent years, the jurisdictions identified some of the challenges associated with working within the MOU and resolved to commence discussions towards updating the agreement to reflect current social and economic priorities.

Through the new MOU, the jurisdictions will collaborate, share information and facilitate partnerships in the following priority areas:

• natural resources;
• education and training;
• transportation;
• infrastructure;
• culture, language, heritage and tourism;
• research and development;
• health care;
• emergency preparedness;
• social development and wellness; and
• gender.

As part of the development of a two-year work plan to implement initiatives in the identified priority areas, the Cooperation and Implementation Committee will produce an annual report to the Premiers outlining progress and potential areas for future collaboration and partnership.

Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut are members of the Northern Development Ministers Forum (NDMF), a group comprised of provinces and territories in the North. The NDMF advances the diverse and common interests of people living in Canada’s North, while raising awareness among decision-makers and the public about the accomplishments, contributions and potential of the North.

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The Provincial Government is providing funding of $150,000 to the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador for the delivery of two programs that support individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

The First Link Program connects individuals with dementia, their families and care partners to health information and services in their community from the time of diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease. The program has four main components – information, education, support and resources – and is aimed at improving knowledge of dementia and coping skills.

The Dementia Passport is an e-learning program developed to support health care providers, including home support/personal care home workers in their efforts to provide high-quality care to people living with dementia. These evidence-based learning modules provide education on all aspects of dementia care. Users can select the modules of most interest and employers can monitor completion of the modules. The program is offered free-of-charge to home support/personal care home workers.

More information on these programs and how to access them can be found here.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are approximately 10,000 people living with dementia in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is anticipated that this number will increase to more than 14,000 by 2035.

As part of Health Accord NL, an education working group was formed in response to the need for a better-balanced health system that includes the social determinants of health. Aimed at collaborative learning and the need to break down silos, the group determined changes are required to the educational content delivered to providers in the province in their formal education programs and through continuing education. Support for dementia care in the province aligns with this Health Accord NL recommendation.

Quotes
“Enhancements to community-based dementia care, including education for health care providers, are key focus areas of Health Accord NL. The First Link Program and the Dementia Passport are valuable programs that support individuals living with dementia and their care givers. We are pleased to provide this funding, which will help improve the quality of life for those living with the disease and the community which surrounds them.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Knowledge, support and community changes everything for families living the dementia journey. These two programs supported by the Department of Health and Community Services are significantly valuable to our families. Our First Link Program provides an opportunity to know what to expect and how to navigate the care for their loved one while maintaining a healthy balance for the care partners. Our Dementia Passport Program helps health care providers avail of evidence-based e-learning education to provide the best care possible to those they are supporting in the community and in personal care homes. Our families are grateful for the government’s commitment to making a difference for the 10,129 people in our province on the dementia journey.”
Shirley Lucas
Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding tomorrow (Wednesday, February 8) in Ottawa.

The announcement and signing ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (12:00 p.m. AST, 12:30 p.m. NST) at the Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.

Joining the Premiers as signatories to the MOU are the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Pamela Hakongak Gross, Deputy Premier, Government of Nunavut. Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville will also be in attendance.

Interested media are advised to contact Allan Bock (allanbock@gov.nl.ca) to receive further information about the announcement and signing ceremony.

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The third session of the Premier’s Roundtable on Gender Equity was held today (Monday, February 6) with close to 60 people in attendance. Participants included representatives from across government, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, political parties, leaders from community-based agencies, experiential experts, and advocates in the areas of gender equity and social justice.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, opened the day alongside Indigenous leaders and Elders. The session began with an opening ceremony that included smudging and lighting of the Kullik, with throat singing and drum dancing shared at the end of the day.

This session focused on the topics of integrational well-being and care work; access to health and culture; and taking action towards gender equity and well-being. These topics highlight the impact of social determinants of health on the overall wellness of individuals.

The Premier’s Roundtable on Gender Equity was created as a dedicated space to identify ways to further advance gender equity in the province. It is an opportunity for participants to help shape solutions that foster inclusion and respect in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Information and knowledge captured at the Premier’s Roundtable on Gender Equity is used to help inform the ongoing work of the Provincial Government to achieving true gender equity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to working with all stakeholders on innovative solutions for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This roundtable is an important forum to listen and learn from leaders, experts and community members that are doing important and innovative work. This kind of collaboration and understanding is vital to building a more equitable province for people of all genders, and I thank everyone involved.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“At today’s session we were able to identify opportunities to build on the great work that is happening throughout the province to create a more equitable place for people of all genders. Our government sees the importance of focusing on a well-being approach to meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Today’s discussions allowed space to deepen our collective understanding and draw out solutions to address some of the gendered issues that are impacting people’s lives every day. I extend my thanks to everyone who participated in today’s session.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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The Provincial Government is advising that it has received the 2041 Churchill River Management Expert Panel’s report. The report included significant analysis and will help ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador is best positioned to maximize long-term benefits from the Churchill Falls assets for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Launched in May 2022, the panel consisted of industry experts, as well as appointees from the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government and NunatuKavut Community Council. Their analysis was a recommendation from the Muskrat Falls Commission of Inquiry.

Given that the Provincial Government will use the panel’s analysis in future commercial negotiations, it would weaken government’s ability to secure maximum benefits for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians if the report was made fully public. High level information will be made available to the public at churchillriverexpertpanel.ca.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a strong interest in determining the full economic potential of the Churchill River, which includes the existing plant at the Upper Churchill (5,428 MW), Gull Island (2,215 MW) and potential upgrades at the power house at Upper Churchill (approximately 1,300 MW) in conjunction with any opportunities that may exist in relation to Muskrat Falls (824 MW).

The Churchill Falls facility is owned by CF(L)Co and that corporation is owned 65.8 per cent by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and 34.2 per cent by Hydro-Québec.

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“I would like to thank members of the expert panel for their investment of time, energy and expertise on this important initiative. Their contribution will help guide our work as we look to maximize the incredible value of Churchill Falls for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Expert Panel on Churchill Falls 2041 Announced

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is joining the Prime Minister and Canadian premiers for discussions on a renewed health care funding partnership with the Federal Government tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7).

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Residents seeking information about Income Support can now call one provincial toll-free phone number, 1-877-729-7888. Individuals can also continue to access the Income Support program by email at incomesupport@gov.nl.ca.

Those calling any other phone numbers associated with the Income Support Program will hear a recording indicating to call the new provincial phone number.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-004 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-2023-004 Report Date: February 2, 2023 Public Body: Department of Health and Community Services Summary: The Complainant made several access to information requests to the Department of Health and Community Services under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Department did not respond to the requests within the time frame set out at section 16 of the Act and was therefore deemed to have refused access to the requested information. The Complainant asked the Commissioner to investigate these deemed refusals. The Commissioner recommended that the Department release the records responsive to the Complainant’s five requests within ten business days.

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Director of Research & Quality Assurance
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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:
Bonavista Microbrewery                                                                    (Reg. 2233)
Proponent:  Bonavista Brewing Company Inc.

The proponent is proposing to establish and operate a microbrewery and tap room within an existing commercial building located at 27-29 Church Street, in the Town of Bonavista. The development would include building renovations and electrical and plumbing upgrades. The facility will use the municipal water and sewer systems and operate year-round. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.

Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove Multi-Use Trail                                (Reg. 2234)
Proponent:  Natalia Crocker

The proponent is proposing to construct an approximately 6160-metre multi-use trail from Shoal Cove to Chimney Cove. The trail construction will include clearing and grubbing and crossings of small waterways. Work is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2023. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.

Stanhope Equipment Storage Yard                                                      (Reg. 2235)
Proponent: Aurora Holdings Inc.                            

The proponent is proposing an extension to an existing business located along Route 341 within the community of Stanhope, west of Lewisporte. An equipment storage yard would be constructed and used to store imported equipment including ATV trailers, farm equipment and portable sawmills. The development would include the construction of a new building to store boats, RVs and automobiles. An area would be developed for the outdoor storage of RVs and trailers, and sea cans would be installed as personal storage units. 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 February 2, 2023; the deadline for public comment is March 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by March 19, 2023.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT REQUIRED:

Victoria River Quarry                                                                                (Reg. 2227)
Proponent: Newcrete Investments Ltd.

The minister has advised the proponent that an environmental preview report (EPR) is required for this project. Additional information is needed to inform the minister of the following, including, but not limited to:

• justification for sourcing sand and gravel in the Victoria River region as opposed to less remote and more accessible locations in central Newfoundland, including a discussion of possible alternative sources of sand and gravel that would meet the company’s needs; an analysis of alternate quarry locations and access routes to minimize the potential effects on the Victoria River watershed and caribou migration routes;
• an analysis of the potential cumulative effects of the project on the Victoria River watershed, wildlife and wildlife habitat in the area and consideration of existing and proposed mining activities, road and transmission line development and other development near the proposed project area;
• identification of any public access routes to the river that may be present within the boundaries of the proposed site, and measures that will be undertaken by the proponent to preserve public access to the river while restricting public access to work sites;
• details on the expected longevity of the quarry and an estimate of the total volume of sand and gravel present that could be extracted from the site;
• an Archaeological Impact Assessment for project activities that would occur on the east side of the proposed access road;
• a Water Resources Management Plan;
• a Visibility Management Plan; and
• public consultation.

An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to draft guidelines for the proponent for preparation of the EPR. The EAC includes representatives from the following Provincial Government departments and agencies:

• Department of Environment and Climate Change
  • Environmental Assessment Division – Chair
  • Water Resources Management Division
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
  • Wildlife Division
• Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
  • Mines Branch
• Department of Tourism, Culture Arts and Recreation
  • Tourism Product Development Division

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Torbay Powder Coating Facility                                                            (Reg. 2228)
Proponent: APC Industrial Ltd.                                                 

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Humber Valley Hiking Trail                                                                     (Reg. 2230)
Proponent: International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture advises the following:
  • The registration document includes two maps that provide slightly differing illustrations of the trail location. The trail under Crown lands application 159964, which was reviewed in its entirety in the environmental assessment, is the trail that will be considered for issuance of a licence to occupy.
  • Some sections of the proposed trail are located within suitable habitats for botanical species of conservation concern. The proponent must contact the Wildlife Division prior to vegetation clearing activities to discuss appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that listed plants or their habitats are not negatively impacted.
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) or within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.

• The proponent must 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.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

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

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

 

 

 

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is joining Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers of Indigenous Affairs and leaders of national Indigenous Organizations for discussions in Ottawa on Monday (February 6, 2023).

The agenda for these meetings will focus on exploring opportunities for enhanced collaboration between federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions and Indigenous Organizations.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Dempster to Attend Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers and National Indigenous Leaders in Ottawa appeared first on News Releases.