Government of Newfoundland News

As part of the modernization and transformational initiatives of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, an improved process for community-based core funding is in development with the intention of improving the delivery of services to the people of the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be seeking input from select community groups in the near future on this new process.

Government is reassuring community groups that current core funding will remain in place while the new application and assessment process is being implemented. As a result, organizations are asked to contact their relevant funding department if they have specific questions regarding the process for funding for Budget 2023.

Community groups play a vital role in the delivery of services to communities throughout the province and supply approximately 16,000 jobs to the provincial economy.

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Following a detailed assessment of 31 land nomination submissions for wind energy projects, the Provincial Government today announced the launch of a Crown land call for bids for wind energy projects.

After engaging and receiving feedback from multiple companies, the public, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and to ensure a fair and transparent process for all, interested companies can now submit bids for available Crown lands within the areas designated for wind development. The selected areas do not include certain known land use conflicts, such as endangered species habitat, where development may be problematic or prohibited.

Bids will be accepted from December 14, 2022 until midnight on March 3, 2023. A Phase 1 review will be conducted on all bids on criteria such as ensuring the companies have experience, financing, etc. Those companies passing Phase 1 review will proceed to the next phase beginning early April 2023. To ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive approval process, the document, “Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects” was developed to outline the information that would be required of bidders, and how bids would be evaluated.

This Call for Bids does not award Crown land; however, successful bidders from this process will be issued a wind application recommendation letter from Industry, Energy and Technology. This letter will grant a bidder the exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Crown land application and approval process.

Environmental Assessment registration is not required during the call for land bids phase; however, prior to final award of Crown land, an environmental assessment will be required for wind projects over one megawatt.

The Provincial Government launched the Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. Lifting this moratorium was the initial step in this multi-stage process to facilitate electricity-generation from wind resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quote
“Our government has taken numerous steps to enable economic development opportunities related to wind energy development. This process has been designed to enable the development of our wind energy resources in a manner that ensures the greatest long-term benefit to residents. This includes a focus on maximizing jobs and revenue for programs and services, while ensuring a competitive approach. We will continue to ensure transparency and fairness in our wind energy development process.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects

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

News Release: Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

 

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Arts and Culture Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador have experienced a successful 2022 to date, with an increase of audience attendance by 53 per cent over 2021. This follows a record-breaking year for visitation to provincial historic sites and parks so far this year.

Approximately 113,000 patrons attended performances across the province this year, as the Arts and Culture Centres returned to traditional operations following the lifting of public health restrictions. This also allowed the Barbara Barrett Theatre in St. John’s to reopen for the first time since 2020.

With support from Come Home 2022, Arts and Culture Centres across the province presented 442 events, including five performances of Come From Away: The Concert and 11 performances of Tell Tale Harbour, featuring Newfoundland and Labrador’s own, Alan Doyle.

The Arts and Culture Centres supported cultural events, as well as individual artists, including: the Tombolo Multicultural Festival Committee, First Light Friendship Centre, the Kitchen Party Theatre Festival Committee, The Juniper Tree Collective, Azal Dosanjh and Santiago Guzman. (More information about these projects is available in the backgrounder below.)

In keeping with their role as a community hub, the Arts and Culture Centres also collaborated with local artists on a benefit concert for those affected by the war in Ukraine, which took place in April.

This holiday season, the Arts and Culture Centres province-wide are pleased to offer a remarkable calendar of more than 40 holiday-themed performances. Full event details are available at artsandculturecentre.com.

Quote
“Arts and Culture Centres are vital to our efforts to enrich communities and share our province’s unique culture and heritage with the world. While many arts centres around the world were reopening to audiences in 2022 for the first time since the pandemic began, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arts and Culture Centres had continued to operate within appropriate health guidelines, giving residents, artists and performers uninterrupted access to programming and support. With the added excitement of Come Home 2022, this year has proven to be a success, and we look forward to building on that in the New Year.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Arts and Culture Centres

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BACKGROUNDER

The Arts and Culture Centres has been working with Playwrights Guild of Canada’s inaugural John Palmer Award winner, Santiago Guzman in the development of a show titled “Newfoundlanded”. In this show, Guzman explores the journey of becoming a Canadian citizen as an immigrant in Newfoundland and Labrador. Drawing on the lived experiences of over 80 individuals, “Newfoundlanded” explores the themes associated with the concept of ‘home’.

The Juniper Tree Collective began working with the Arts and Culture Centres in January 2022 to create an interactive and immersive art installation featuring three monologues that combine family secrets with a subversive retelling of Philipp Otto Runge’s 1812 fairytale “The Juniper Tree” enhanced by personal experience and perspective.

Azal Dosanjh has been working with the Arts and Culture Centres in development of “Tamasha,” an adaptation project focusing on a unique form of political theatre with roots in Punjab, India. Dosanjh has undertaken the task of translating seven of Gursharan Singh’s plays from their original language into English. These plays will then be adapted into an original storyline for performance.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will provide an update on the next stage of the wind development process.

The event will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 12:30 p.m tomorrow (Wednesday, December 14).

The announcement will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account and on YouTube.

Technical Briefing
An in-person technical briefing for media is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at an age-friendly community Christmas dinner tomorrow (Wednesday, December 14).

The dinner, hosted by Placentia Age Friendly and the Placentia Community Connections Housing Coalition, takes place at 6:00 p.m. at Star of the Sea Hall, 14 Jubilee Road, Placentia.

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Effective immediately, Travis Wooley has been named the acting Chief Electoral Officer and Ann Chafe has been named the acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards. Where the House of Assembly is not presently sitting, these acting appointments are made by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council on recommendation from the House of Assembly Management Commission.

Both Mr. Wooley and Ms. Chafe held their respective positions previously. They replace Bruce Chaulk whose six year term as Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards ended on December 11, 2022.

In early December, the Provincial Government appointed Retired Supreme Court Justice Fowler to conduct a review of the statutory offices. As part of this review, Justice Fowler will review the structure, reporting and accountability of the statutory offices of the House of Assembly – including the Commissioner for Legislative Standards, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, Office of the Citizens’ Representative, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Office of the Seniors’ Advocate – and prepare a report that includes recommendations.

The appointment of statutory officers follows the Independent Appointment Commission’s merit-based appointment process, and will ultimately be decided by a resolution in the House of Assembly. Statutory offices operate independently from the Provincial Government and report to the House of Assembly.

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An All-Party Committee on Basic Income has been established in response to the provincial and national discussion on a basic income and following a private member’s motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly on November 3, 2021. The committee will review basic income models and approaches and assess the viability and potential for reducing poverty in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The first meeting of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income took place on Thursday, November 24, 2022. The committee is being chaired by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Other committee members include:

• Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour;
• Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for the District of Placentia-St. Mary’s;
• Craig Pardy, MHA for the District of Bonavista; and
• Jim Dinn, Interim Leader of the Third Party and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre.

The next meeting of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income is scheduled for today (December 12, 2022).

The Terms of Reference of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“I am pleased with the initial meeting held with members of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income. As a government, we remain committed to exploring and developing renewed approaches to addressing poverty, and to improve the social and economic well-being outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I look forward to working with this committee on this important endeavour.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“After a productive initial meeting, I look forward to the next steps to exploring avenues to reduce poverty throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As the cost of living continues to rise, this all-party committee is well timed. I look forward to working with the committee members to ensure strategies toward poverty reduction are explored, researched, and enacted in the future.”
Craig Pardy
MHA for the District of Bonavista

“I am pleased to see that government has decided to strike the All-Party Committee on Basic Income we called for in our Private Member’s Resolution. If we want to improve the social determinants of health, then we must address income. I look forward to working with members of the Committee to explore Basic Income as a tool to improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Jim Dinn
Interim Leader of the Third Party and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre

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BACKGROUNDER

All-Party Committee on Basic Income
Terms of Reference

1.0 Mandate
The All-Party Committee on Basic Income is established in response to the provincial and national discussion on a basic income and following a private member’s motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly on November 3, 2021. (See Annex A)

The All-Party Committee will review basic income models and approaches and assess the viability and potential for reducing poverty in Newfoundland and Labrador. The committee will consist of Honourable Members from all parties of the House of Assembly.

2.0 PURPOSE

1. To review currently available income supports in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a focus on the combined impacts of available supports on individuals and families;
2. To review income support approaches, including incremental approaches to basic income, and basic income experiments  in other jurisdictions;
3. To consult and receive expert testimony on best practices regarding  basic income and other income support models;
4. To review and provide advice and recommendations on: basic income as an approach that should be tested in NL; if a basic income approach is recommended, what type of model should be used, including considering whether it should be targeted or general, eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, cost-benefit analysis, funding approaches, potential/need for a federal role and how to best engage the federal government and a timeline for implementation; and
5. To submit a report to government that will be publicly released and tabled in the House of Assembly.

3.0 KEY PRINCIPLES

• Collaborative: All members will follow generally accepted rules of collaborative work, such as respect, active listening, tolerance of differing views, etc.
• Consensus-seeking: Although consensus may not be possible on all points, best efforts will be made to reach consensus on as many key points as possible with the ultimate goal of presenting a consensus report.
• Open and transparent: Information, analysis, and feedback received throughout the process will be made publicly available.
• Accountable: Committee members commit to consider and respond to all major points made or ideas proposed, even if they disagree with or are not supportive of them.

• Accurate and thorough: Best efforts will be made to capture the views of all those interested in the topic and ensure full analyses of available data.

• Shared learning: All involved understand that this is a complex topic and that there is always more to learn about it; they accept that they can learn from experts, including people with lived experiences of poverty, the public and one another.

4.0 Membership and Meetings

4.1 Membership

Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Chair
Two (2) Government MHAs
One (1) Official Opposition MHA
One (1) Third Party MHA

If a member cannot attend a meeting, that member may be represented by an alternate Member of the House of Assembly.

4.2 Meetings

• Meetings will be scheduled monthly or more often as needed at the call of the Chair.
• If necessary, travel, accommodations and per diems will be reimbursed for members as per Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s travel policy.
• Secretariat support will be provided by the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.
• Any public communications will be approved by the committee.

ROLES

Role of Chair
The chair will convene and manage committee meetings in accordance with the terms of reference, and will facilitate requests made by committee members in collaboration with the secretariat.

The Chair will be the public spokesperson for the committee.

Voting
Decisions are made by consensus. If consensus is not possible, majority voice voting is used with the minority view documented.

5.0 TIMELINE AND COMMITTEE WRAP-UP

The committee will convene from the day of official announcement to when recommendations are finalized at which time the committee will dissolve.  The anticipated time frame is 6-8 months.

Annex A

October 2020 Resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House consider truly ending poverty in this province by establishing an All-Party Select Committee on basic income, with a mandate to review and make recommendations on: eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, additional poverty reduction initiatives, cost-benefit analysis, potential models for such a program, and timeline for implementation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Select Committee engage federal Members of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador to participate.

November 2021 Resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House consider truly ending poverty in this province by urging the government to establish an all-party Committee on basic income, with a mandate to review and make recommendations on: eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, additional poverty reduction initiatives, cost-benefit analysis, potential models for such a program and a timeline for implementation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this House urge the government to ensure that the Committee has the resources it needs to conduct its work and engage federal Members of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador to participate.

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Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced the expansion of the Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers.

The new program has been expanded to provide short-term financial support to employers with 100 employees or less that employ minimum wage earners.

This support program 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.

The maximum payout to an employer is $1,040, per minimum wage earner.

Program details and how to apply can be found here. The deadline to apply for the program has been extended to January 9, 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.

The expansion of the Transitional Support Program is an addition to:

• 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 increased 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.

Quote
“Our government understands the importance of the minimum wage rate to employees and employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to announce the expansion and extension of this support program for employers with 100 employees or less, to help offset some of their costs associated with the increase to the minimum wage. By expanding this program, we are extending the reach to more businesses and thousands of minimum wage earners. I encourage businesses to learn more about the program and to apply on or before January 9.”
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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Work will begin soon on a new interchange to allow for more motorists to travel between Galway and the Trans-Canada Highway.

A $10.3 million contract has been awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. to construct an underpass below the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 41 as well as ramps and a roundabout on the western side of the highway that will connect to Danny Drive via the underpass.

The contract also includes the construction of a temporary four-lane diversion on the Trans-Canada Highway to allow motorists to travel around the construction site at a reduced speed.

The new infrastructure will allow motorists to depart and enter Galway via the highway’s westbound lanes. The new interchange will also ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive and nearby roads.

Updates on construction progress and lane reductions will be provided as work progresses. The department anticipates construction being completed in 2024.

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.

Quote
“Constructing a new interchange to Galway on the Trans-Canada Highway will help ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive, which is one of the busiest highways in the province. Transportation infrastructure is critical to help growing communities like Galway. Creating easier access to the area will also help economic development.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Gosling Lake RV Park                                                       (Reg. 2226)
Proponent: Abbass and McLean Holdings Inc.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate a 14-hectare RV park at the location of a former camping park on Route 520, east of Gosling Lake. The park is located approximately 15 kilometres north of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 24 kilometres southwest of the Town of North West River.  Park development would include installation of a sewage system and fencing, and the construction of a gatehouse and main building with a convenience store, restaurant, office, laundry and washroom facilities.  The park grounds would include approximately 80 RV sites; six cabins; and 20 tent lots and playground. 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 December 8, 2022; the deadline for public comment is January 13, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by January 22, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

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

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. This includes the commitment to provide permanent, uninterrupted public access to the backcountry via the by-pass road described in the submission.
• The Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of my Department requires the following:
• The proponent must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the WRMD for the installation of a real-time water quality/quantity monitoring network for groundwater/surface water, as will be determined upon further consultation. The proponent is to bear all costs associated with the monitoring network and must install the network prior to commencing Project operations to collect adequate background data; and
• The proponent must submit a groundwater assessment and monitoring report for approval by the WRMD, prior to commencing Project operations. The groundwater assessment must include existing/baseline groundwater levels, flow and quality and must describe how/whether mining operations will affect the groundwater levels, flow and quality in the area.
• The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure requires the proponent to undertake and provide a Traffic Impact Study following the ‘Guidelines for Preparation of a Traffic Impact Study,’ to determine if upgrades to the on-ramp merge lane from Minerals Road are necessary to mitigate traffic safety concerns associated with the Project.
• 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_May-2022.pdf

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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More accessible and affordable public housing is being constructed in St. John’s for people with lower incomes.

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing $1.85 million to support the construction of eight new affordable housing units on Janeway Place, in Pleasantville, for households with lower incomes. The contract was recently awarded to CAN-AM Platforms and Construction Ltd. The project received $1.85 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) as well as through Canada Community Housing Initiative with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, joined the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville to view the construction site today.

Once completed, the development will consist of two, four-unit buildings. Each building will include two fully wheelchair-accessible, one-bedroom units on the main level, and two, one-bedroom units on the second level. Universal Design features will be incorporated throughout the building and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, lever-type door handles and faucets.

Energy efficiency will also be a key element in the design and construction of the buildings. These homes will exceed the energy performance requirements of the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.

This new development builds on the Federal and Provincial Government’s commitment to expand affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador through the National Housing Strategy. Recently, a cost-shared $13.2 million federal/provincial investment was announced to support the construction of a 40-unit apartment complex, which will also be located in Pleasantville.

Quotes
“Access to safe and affordable housing is vital to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to working together with our Federal, Municipal and Indigenous Governments and community partners to develop new housing solutions to support the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The Rapid Housing Initiative is an effective way to stimulate the local economy, provide affordable housing options, and better meet the needs of people here in St. John’s and across Canada. I am thrilled to see construction for this project up and running. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.

“I am pleased to see construction starting on these much needed affordable housing units in the District of Virginia Waters-Pleasantville. Continued collaboration and partnership between the province and the Government of Canada is what makes important infrastructure developments like this possible.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville

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NOTE: Photos accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.

Learn more
Provincial and Federal Governments Announce Development of a New 40-Unit Affordable Housing Complex in Pleasantville

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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

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(L-R) Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville and MP Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, joined Max Day, Project Supervisor for CAN-AM Platforms and Construction Ltd., to view the construction site where eight new affordable housing units are being built on Janeway Place, in Pleasantville, St. John’s.

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The Department of Justice and Public Safety continues its ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign providing tips on how to protect yourself and your family this holiday season.

Choosing a real Christmas tree is a staple of the holiday season for many families in Newfoundland and Labrador. Before you start ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, here are some tips to help protect your property and loved ones from potential hazard:

• When choosing a real tree, ensure it is fresh and the needles do not drop when touched;
• Ensure the tree is placed a safe distance (minimum one metre) from any sources of heat;
• Always make a fresh cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in its stand;
• Add water to the tree stand daily to slow the drying out process and reduce the risk of fire; and
• Dispose of your tree properly as soon as possible after the holidays.

Once a week during December, the department is issuing a Public Advisory to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as they celebrate the holidays.

Follow @JPS_GovNL on Twitter for more safety tips.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the St. John’s Retired Citizens Association’s Christmas Dinner and Dance today (Friday, December 9) at 6:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, St. John’s Branch 1, 57-59 Blackmarsh Road, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, is pleased to advise that 96 per cent of the initial 392,000 cost of living relief cheques have now been mailed to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador; and is thanking public service employees for their hard work in ensuring people received their cheques before Christmas.

Cheques were mailed to eligible residents based on their address on file with the Canada Revenue Agency as of June 2022. Cheques will continue to be mailed as more residents late file their 2021 tax returns. Those who file between October 1 and December 31, 2022, will receive their cheques once we receive the required information from Canada Revenue Agency. Residents who have not yet filed their 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador tax return are reminded that the deadline is December 31, 2022.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced on October 5, 2022 that it was issuing a one-time cost of living relief cheque of up to $500 to residents of the province who have reached the age of 18 years old as of December 31, 2022 and who filed a 2021 tax return with an adjusted income of $125,000 or less.

Those with adjusted income of less than $100,000 will receive $500 and those with adjusted income between $100,000 and $125,000 will receive a partial payment ranging between $250 and $500.

This one-time benefit is estimated to cost $194 million and is part of $430 million in targeted short and long term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living.

More information on the initiative is available online at One-Time Cost of Living Relief.

If you have additional questions, please telephone Tax Administration Division at 1-877-729-6376. Please wait two weeks before calling to question the status of your cheque to allow time for Canada Post delivery. We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience.

Quote
“I’m pleased to advise that the one-time cost of living relief cheques have now been sent to the majority of eligible residents in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a coordinated effort involving many public service employees throughout government who are working hard to get the cheques mailed out to residents before Christmas. Please be patient and kind to those working on the frontlines. This is quite a substantive program to help with the cost of living, and is one of the many we have implemented, including the home heating supplement, the temporary reduction of the provincial tax on gasoline, and increases to the income supplement and seniors’ benefit.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more

Public Advisory: To Receive Cost of Living Relief Cheques, Please Ensure 2021 Income Tax Return is Filed

Provincial Government Provides Additional One-time Cost of Living Relief

Provincial Government Launches Home Heating Supplement Program (Furnace and Stove Oil)

News Release: Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges

News Release: Government Announces Five-point Plan to Help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the High Cost of Living

Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living – News Releases

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

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BACKGROUNDER

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cost of Living Investments

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced $430 million in targeted short- and long-term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, including:

Short-term:

• One-time cost of living relief up to $500 for residents of the province who have reached the age of 18 years as of December 31, 2022 and who filed a 2021 tax return with an adjusted income of $125,000 or less;
• Temporarily lowering the price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (includes HST) to March 31, 2023. This is possible through a reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel by 7 cents per litre;
• Home heating supplement program (now closed for applications). The supplement ranged between $200 and $500, was available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2021 was $150,000 or less and had directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
• In April 2022, provided a one-time benefit for those receiving income support ($5 million);
• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance ($37.8 million); and,
• 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for one year ($27 million).

Transition:

• Funding for electric vehicle rebates and charging infrastructure ($1.9 million);
• Funding to help homes transition from oil to electricity ($2 million);
• Three increases to the minimum wage based on the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee:
  • On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage increased by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour;
  • On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour; and,
  • On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour.
• A one-year transitional support program for smaller employers at a cost of approximately $5 million.

Long-term:

• 10 per cent increase to the Income Supplement ($6.8 million);
• 10 per cent increase to the Seniors’ Benefit ($6.5 million);
• Lower child care costs from an average of $35 per day in 2020, to $25 in 2021, to $10 a day starting in January 2023 ($46 million);
• An increase in the Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement ($0.3 million);
• Physical Activity Tax Credit (estimated $7.0 million); and,
• Expansion of the Bus Pass Program to seniors over age 65 who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement and youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program ($2.1 million).

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The Provincial and Federal Governments announced an $800,000 investment that will help Country Ribbon Inc. deliver more fresh, local chicken to major retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador through the purchase of air-chill technology and secondary processing equipment.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture; and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, made the announcement at Country Ribbon Inc.’s farm complex near Cochrane Pond. They were joined by Ian MacKinnon, president of Country Ribbon Inc.

There is a growing demand for locally raised chicken that is air-chilled as opposed to water chilled. Unlike traditional cooling methods, air-chill technology cools the product without retaining excess moisture. By changing its cooling technology, Country Ribbon will increase the amount of local chicken sold in grocery stores across Newfoundland and Labrador and substantially improve food self-sufficiency in the province.

This project is funded under the Partnership’s Agriculture Processing and Value-Added Program to help realize new market opportunities, and will enhance poultry processing capacity, support food safety practices, and produce quality poultry products. The investment is expected to help Country Ribbon access new domestic markets and increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3-billion, five-year (2018-2023) investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to innovate, strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-foods sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. The program will be replaced by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a new $3.5-billion, five-year agreement, between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, in effect from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.

In the first four years, the Partnership has committed approximately $26 million to fund 558 agriculture projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, including 46 new, first-year farmers. Projects under the Partnership focus on new entrants, secondary processing, food self-sufficiency, climate change, and risk mitigation for the agriculture industry. They also support innovation and environmental sustainability. More information on the Partnership is available in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Country Ribbon Inc. is playing a crucial role in strengthening food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. The $800,000-investment from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership will help the company modernize and expand its markets and make more homegrown chicken available in more stores here in the province. We look forward to the company’s continued success, and to working together to increase food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador for the future.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“The Government of Canada strongly supports supply-managed sectors including poultry, which is an important industry for Newfoundland and Labrador. With this Canadian Agricultural Partnership investment for new air-chill processing technology, Country Ribbon Inc. will improve their productivity and competitiveness, leading to the opening of new markets and a more resilient sector overall.”
Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“As a result of today’s announcement, Country Ribbon is able to begin major investments in its operations. We will immediately begin a $20-million investment over the next year, including an air chill system that will allow more local chicken to be delivered to more major retailers in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will provide a product that is preferable to customers and will replace chicken that is currently imported from the mainland. We thank the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada for their commitment to our local poultry industry, as this funding will help ensure the future livelihoods of local farms and the 300 employees of Country Ribbon.”
Ian MacKinnon
President, Country Ribbon Inc.

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Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Federal Program

Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Provincial Program

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BACKGROUNDER

• Federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to give farmers and food processors the support they need through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which invests in six priority areas:
  • Markets and trade;
  • Science, research and innovation;
  • Risk management;
  • Environmental sustainability and climate change;
  • Value-added agriculture and agri-processing; and
  • Public trust.
• The partnership builds on previous successes and makes critical investments in innovation, land development, new entrant initiatives, food safety, environmental sustainability, and market development.
• The partnership allocates $500,000 annually for agriculture development in Labrador to address the unique challenges and economic opportunities for northern food production.
• Programs are available to all eligible applicants and consider the needs of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

The post New Technology Opening Markets for the Chicken Industry in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is advising that it will hold a further public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands report on Tuesday, December 13 at 10 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber. The Committee conducted its first public hearing on this matter on November 23 and 24, 2022.

Next week’s hearing will follow up with officials from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as former officials of Nalcor Energy.

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and a live audio feed of the proceedings will be available on the House of Assembly website.

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Learn more
Report of the Auditor General on the Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands

Public Accounts Committee

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be providing an update on the cost of living relief cheques today (Friday, December 9, 2022) at 10:30 a.m.

The availability will take place in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building.

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

During a hybrid (in-person and zoom) ceremony today at Government House in St. John’s, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission presented the 2022 Human Rights Award to Kimberly and Todd Churchill.

The Human Rights Award is presented annually in celebration of International Human Rights Day. It recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year it was awarded to two people who were nominated together.

Kimberly and Todd received an original print by Grenfell Visual Arts student, Jessie Donaldson (she/her).

Kimberly Churchill (she/her) and Todd Churchill (he/him) currently reside in Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s with their two sons, Hunter and Carter. They both have been very vocal advocates for the past six years for the rights of Deaf children, like their own son Carter, to receive an education equitable to that of hearing children, particularly in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL). The Churchill’s have raised awareness around the lack of support in place in mainstream schools to provide Deaf children full access to quality education and full social inclusion following the closure of the Newfoundland School for the Deaf (NSD) in August 2010. As a result of the extensive media coverage of the Churchills’ advocacy, their name has become synonymous with the pursuit of equitable education for Deaf children in Newfoundland and Labrador. Kimberly and Todd have been very active advocates engaging in countless media interviews to promote awareness of these issues as well as challenging policymakers within the provincial government and school district to make necessary changes.

As a support to other parents of Deaf children, the Churchills founded the non-profit organization Children’s Language Acquisition Support System Inc. This was to support families of deaf, hard of hearing, and non-orally speaking children. The Churchills lobbying efforts have seen many positive changes such as engaging the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate to initiate a province-wide investigation on the education of Deaf and hard of hearing students in NL. In June 2020, a publication of their findings in a report “The Sounds of Silence: Perspectives on the Education System’s Response to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children” detailed how Deaf children were not receiving an equitable education compared to hearing children.

Both Todd and Kimberly Churchill are past recipients of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association-NL President’s Club Award. In addition, Todd was awarded the Caring Canadian Award by His Excellency Governor General David Johnston after being nominated by Mr. Shoemaker’s Grade 6 class at Beachy Cove Elementary for his charitable work with “Reason for the Rink”. Todd has also received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General’s office as well as the Senate 150 Medal for contributions to the community.  Kimberly has been the recipient of many awards including the Canadian Diabetes Distinguished Dedication Award, Youth Volunteer Corps Role Model of the Year and Flare Volunteer of the Year.

Also at today’s ceremony, Khadeja Raven Anderson (she/her) and Michael Duffy (he/him) were named Human Rights Champions. The Human Rights Commission grants this recognition to someone who has made a meaningful, contribution to human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. The recipient is generally chosen by the Human Rights Commissioners. This year it was awarded to two recipients.

Khadeja Raven Anderson (she/her) is a Trinidad and Tobago national, currently based in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. She is passionate about advocacy, Black Liberation, and Healing. She focuses on Anti-Racism, Anti-Black Racism, with an emphasis on the ways in which race seems to intersect between power and perception. Raven has studied at St. Francois Girls’ College in Belmont and Sixth Form Government Polytechnic Institute; and at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus. There, she graduated with honours with a special bachelor’s degree in History. Raven moved to St. John’s in 2018, and graduated, with honours, with a bachelor’s degree in Education (Intermediate/Secondary) from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Education remains a driving force in Raven’s life. Since graduating, Raven is an activist, current cofounder and co-president of Black Lives Matter NL, active member of the Anti-Racism Coalition NL, a Director of the board of Girls Rock NL and an anti-racism consultant at her agency, Ravensong Consulting NL. She is currently a producer at CBC Radio-Canada and a workplace DEI specialist at Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC).

Michael Duffy (he/him) graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1984. After that, he attended Memorial University of Newfoundland graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1990.  Following that he attended Dalhousie Law School graduating in 1993. He was called to the Bar for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1994 and has practiced law here since that year. He is a proud husband and father to three children, and has a deep connection to his community.

He has served on the volunteer Board of Directors with Easter Seals NL since 1994.  He is currently the Provincial chair. Since 2004 he has also served the volunteer board of Easter Seals Canada and is currently the immediate Past Chair of the National Board. In 2010 he led a large team from the board of Easter Seals to Ottawa to successfully lobby for ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In 2011 he participated in a successful multinational effort to add Easter Seals Mexico to the group of Easter Seals organizations including Canada, the USA and Australia. In 2015 he led a group from Easter Seals Canada to Ottawa to consult with the Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities on the creation of the Accessible Canada Act, bill c-81.

Michael is currently chair of the 100th-year anniversary committee organizing events in 2022 to mark the 100th year of Easter Seals in Canada.

Since 2018 Michael has been Chair of the Buildings Accessibility Appeal Board for NL. Recently, Michael has served as an Adjudicator with the NL Human Rights Commission and is also currently an Adjudicator on the Law Society of NL, Disciplinary Panel. Michael created and manages an affordable housing project in Torbay.

In 2013 Michael received the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” in recognition of public service. Michael has served as President of the Cape St. Francis LDA and a member of the Board of the St John’s East LRA.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission recognizes and sincerely thanks all those who nominated individuals for the 2022 Human Rights Award. The Human Rights Commissioners had a challenging time deciding this year’s Human Rights Award and Human Rights Champion recipients. Congratulations again to all of the 13 nominees.

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Learn more
For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission can be followed on Twitter and/or Instagram @nlhumanrights.

Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

The post Human Rights Commission Announces Winners of the 2022 Human Rights Awards appeared first on News Releases.

As Come Home 2022 draws to a close, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is congratulating communities across the province for their participation and contributions in making the celebration a success.

To support communities in preparing for Come Home Year, the Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant was created. It provided $355,000 in grants to municipalities and Inuit Community Governments to help them prepare for Come Home Year celebrations.

As part of Come Home 2022, special events took place in over 170 communities, ranging from concerts, theatre, sporting and comedy events, to music festivals and events celebrating diversity.

Quote
“Municipalities played a key role in the success of Come Home 2022. Through the Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant, communities across the province embraced, planned and lead initiatives like beautification projects, new signage, created rest and picnic sites, installed stage areas for performances and a host of other projects. Thank you for your enthusiasm, leadership and contributions in making Come Home 2022 such a huge success.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Municipal Come Home Year Celebration Grant

Come Home 2022

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell participating in community Come Home 2022 events throughout the Great Northern Peninsula.

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The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today announced the launch of an updated, easy-to-navigate website that offers clients better access to Crown lands information and services.

The website offers easier access for people seeking information regarding:

• Applying for Crown lands for personal, business, and government use;
• Adverse possession;
• Titles;
• Lands available through public land draws and Requests for Proposals;
• Provincial Land Use Atlas; and
• Other Frequently Asked Questions.

Crown Lands Division manages and allocates the Province’s Crown lands for the continuous social and economic benefit of all residents. Users may apply for Crown lands online, or book an appointment via the online appointment booker.

For assistance with any Crown lands service, visit the website, call 1-833-891-3249 or email crownlandsinfo@gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Crown Lands Division receives thousands of applications every year, ranging from routine applications to highly complex files that require input from a variety of government departments, other agencies, and the applicants themselves. Our dedicated staff works hard to ensure efficient service, and this updated online resource will make it easier for all to access our services and information.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“We have made Crown lands information on our website much easier to navigate and understand. We are continuing our efforts to make government services more accessible for residents and businesses.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Crown Lands

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