Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will host a flag raising event tomorrow (Friday, November 25) to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, also known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign.

The event will take place in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building at 10:30 a.m.

Minister Parsons will be joined by Mrs. Debbie Hibbs, mother of gender-based violence victim Juliane Hibbs, as well as Lee Kelly of Quadrangle NL. There also will be a performance by the Wape’k Muin drumming group.

Parking will be available in front of East Block, and guests are asked to enter using the main entrance facing Prince Philip Drive. Guests who require an accessible entrance can use the blue zone parking behind East Block and enter through the “Public Gallery Entrance”. The event will also be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will deliver an update on provincial immigration performance for 2022 and expectations for 2023 today (November 24).

 

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 11:30 a.m.

 

The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

 

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The Department of Education is expanding its current review of assessment in the province’s K-12 schools. As that review is ongoing, a decision has been made to cancel public exams for the 2022-23 school year.

The public exam system as it existed pre-COVID 19 may no longer meet the educational needs of students. The Department is expanding its review of the current public exam system, with a view to creating an innovative, up-to-date system of evaluating high school students.

The Department of Education continues to support teachers in the evaluation and assessment of students, and thanks them for their commitment to high-quality learning.

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COVID-19 activity remains relatively steady in the province. As we move into the winter season where people will spend more time indoors, the Provincial Government is reminding residents of the current guidance for people with COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. For 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

• Wear a mask outside your household.
• Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk areas, including hospitals, long-term care homes, large crowded settings and social gatherings.
• Avoid non-essential close contact with high-risk individuals, including those with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.

This year, Public Health is anticipating an active influenza season that will combine and interact with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other circulating viruses. To minimize the impact of these viruses this winter, Public Health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine, and ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. Both vaccines are proven to be safe and effective ways of reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19, and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. Residents five years of age and older can receive both vaccines simultaneously.

Appointments can be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Additionally, appointments can be booked through regional health authority clinics by visiting www.timefortheshot.ca/vaccines. You may need to check periodically for walk-in clinics and availability of appointments.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Quebec and the Nunatsiavut Government jointly conducted the seventh biannual census of the George River Caribou Herd in July 2022. This year’s census results indicate the population remains at a vulnerable low, with an estimated 7,200 caribou. Overall, the population has declined by 11 per cent since 2020, and by more than 98 per cent since 2001.

Although overall population size decreased, the adult proportion of the population increased an average of seven per cent per year from 2018 to 2022, which is cause for optimism for the persistence and eventual recovery of this vital caribou herd.

The 2020 census results showed the first George River caribou population increase in over 25 years, from an estimated 5,500 caribou in 2018 to 8,100 caribou in 2020. Wildlife officials were cautiously optimistic about the increase, while noting it was mainly due to a summer of high birth rates and a population consisting of 35 per cent calves, which had to survive their most vulnerable two years before maturing and contributing to population growth.

The herd’s range is remote, with low levels of human-related habitat disturbance and currently low wolf densities. The recent census indicates calves make up 22 per cent of the total population, relatively similar to calf proportions in 2018 and 2016. Recent years have shown considerable improvements in both adult female survival and fall calf recruitment when compared to the years leading to the implementation of the hunting ban on George River caribou in 2013.

Despite these gains, the continued illegal harvest of George River caribou by a relatively small number of people continues to delay and threaten herd recovery. The goal of the current hunting ban is to prevent the complete loss of George River caribou, and to allow the herd to recover so Indigenous communities can practice caribou-related traditional activities without jeopardizing the sustainability of the herd for future generations.

The Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture works closely with wildlife enforcement from the province of Quebec and the federal Canadian Wildlife Service to make all reasonable efforts to protect Labrador’s caribou herds.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Employment and Education Summit this evening (November 23) at 5:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Grenfell Campus Atrium, 20 University Drive, Corner Brook.

The summit is hosted by Choices for Youth and supported by the NL Workplace Innovation Centre.

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As part of Research Week 2022, the Provincial Government is highlighting more than $850,000 in funding contributions to research projects happening in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Researchers throughout the province work across multiple disciplines to help us better understand the world and connect with industry and innovation opportunities. In addition to the provincial investment, these four projects are leveraging nearly $5.2 million from national and other sources.

Research and knowledge development across all sectors is critical for diversifying and growing the province’s economy, including the following investments:

• $179,795 for the Esseltine Lab to support Dr. Jessica Esseltine, Dr. Graham Fraser and Dr. Curtis French in their research project: Advancing Imaging Facility for the Visualization of Live and Complex Biological Specimens. This research aims to understand how cells, tissues, and organs function and addres knowledge gaps in several diseases that are common in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• $590,000 for Future Ocean and Coastal Infrastructure – a Memorial University led partnership research project. Co-led by Dr. Paul Foley and Dr. Lorenzo Moro, the project is working to identify and address infrastructure needs and problems related to safety in marine work, the sustainability of blue economies and inclusion, equity and diversity in coastal communities and marine sectors in the context of climate, ocean and economic change. This research is important for building a stronger economic foundation for coastal communities and ocean industries in Atlantic Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
• $75,424 for Dr. Talia Jane Stockmann and Dr. Francesca Kerton to assist with the development of a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Spectro-electrochemical Analysis Lab. Dr. Stockmann and Dr. Kerton are working to take atmospheric carbon dioxide and change it into products like fuel or graphite. They are also researching new molecular catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into reusable plastic. This research has potential to have far-reaching societal, industrial, and scientific impacts.
• $17,800 to Dr. Syed Imtiaz for research into a Training Self-Learning Artificial Neural Network Model from Unlabeled Data. Manufacturing high quality products at low cost has made process industries very complex over the years. This research aims to develop an automated monitoring tool for process systems that is able to tackle noisy, mislabeled data and data scarcity problems. The project will directly benefit the process industries in the province, including refinery, offshore oil and gas processing facilities and mineral processing industries.

The Provincial Government continues to celebrate and raise awareness of the great research and development being done in Newfoundland and Labrador, and encourages continued collaboration among the research community.

The goal of Research Week is to celebrate and raise awareness of the renowned research expertise of those in the province, and to encourage more multidisciplinary collaboration among the research community.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador researchers are globally recognized and our government is proud to support them. In addition to expansion of knowledge, each of these projects is advancing our understanding in key areas that will have both societal and economic impacts. The projects also assist industry with identification of new opportunities and solutions to ongoing challenges.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will announce a funding partnership with Mitacs tomorrow (Thursday, November 24).

The announcement will take place at Bounce Health Innovation, located in the Faculty of Medicine building, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s in room 3M 200 on the third floor. The event will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Mitacs is a national not-for-profit that helps create the conditions for Canada’s private sector to become a global leader in innovation.

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

Today, the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the nominees for the 2022 Human Rights Awards. The annual awards recognize individuals who have made and/or continue to make meaningful contributions to advancing and furthering human rights in the province.

The Human Rights Commission does not nominate people. Instead, nominations come from people in the community who see the value in the great work individuals are doing.

The winner of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award will receive an original painting by Grenfell Visual Arts student, Jennifer Donaldson. Biographies of the nominees and artist can be found in the backgrounder below.

The 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award and Human Rights Champion recipients will be announced at a virtual ceremony at Government House on Thursday, December 8 via zoom at 3:00 p.m. The timing of the presentation coincides with International Human Rights Day.

To request a link to the ceremony, please email Hilary Hennessey at HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

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

You can also follow us on Twitter & Instagram @nlhumanrights

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

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of the 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award Nominees

Andrea Augot (she/her) has worked with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, Newfoundland and Labrador for the past 11 years as the Coordinator of Client Services. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist. Andrea also has first-hand experience as someone living with hearing loss and understands the daily challenges that hearing loss presents to people of all ages. To help break down barriers for members of the hard of hearing community, she provides support in finding hearing accessible solutions. As the Chair of the CHHA-NL Advocacy Committee, Andrea is passionate about equal access to services within private and public sectors for everyone.

Bernice Hancock (she/her) was born and grew up in Corner Brook, NL, in a large family of 9 children. In 1984 she moved to Stephenville to attend College, where, as a student of the Community Studies Program, she began her journey as a community activist and advocate for human rights.  She met her spouse, a fellow student of the program, and together they raised their two sons who are now making their own contributions to improving the lives of others in the fields of teaching and family medicine. Throughout her career she has worked and volunteered for many organizations and agencies including the John Howard Society, Canadian Red Cross, College of the North Atlantic, Department of Justice Victim Services Branch, Bay St. George Status of Women Council, Violence Prevention Southwest, NL Association of Family Resource Programs, NL Housing and Homelessness Network, and has served on numerous committees and boards at the local, provincial, and national level.

Bernice currently works as the Executive Director of the Community Education Network for Southwestern Newfoundland, a collaborative, inclusive community-based organization committed to the provision of life-long learning opportunities through stakeholder engagement and the facilitation of a coordinated and flexible approach to service delivery based on identified needs.  She has been with the organization for over 25 years, serving as Program Director for Early Years Initiatives for 19 years and as Executive Director for the past 7 years.  For over 35 years she has volunteered with the Bay St. George Status of Women Council and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, continuing her commitment to advancing gender equality throughout her adult life.  She is a tireless advocate for human rights, working to ensure equitable access to services and the development and implementation of inclusive, diverse, and flexible programs, services, and supports for children, families, youth, and adults living in the southwestern region of the island and throughout the province.

Dr. Sulaimon Giwa (he/him) is an associate professor and Associate Dean of Social Work at Memorial University, as well as the endowed chair in criminology and criminal justice at St. Thomas University. Dr. Giwa’s professional experience as an interdisciplinary scholar-educator-activist includes research and policy work, anti-Black and anti-racist community and organizational change, and direct practice at the community and federal levels.

Dr. Giwa is a sought-after speaker and trainer on equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism (EDI-AR). Many individuals and organizations have benefited from and continue to benefit from his expertise in firmly embedding EDI-AR in organizational policies, structures, and cultures. Dr. Giwa, as a community builder, contributes to the advancement of human rights in the community in a variety of ways, including his work as co-chair of the City of St. John’s Inclusion Advisory Committee, chair of the City of St. John’s Anti-Racism Working Group, and key advisor in the development of Community Justice Connect.

Dr. Giwa’s research to support LGBTQ+ newcomers is helping to reshape the province’s settlement and integration landscape, toward the creation of positive spaces that are inclusive and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ newcomer population, while ensuring their access to services and programs that address their unique needs. Dr. Giwa has been a critical voice at public inquiries such as the Mass Casualty Commission, where he was invited to participate in a policy roundtable on community policing, safety, and wellbeing. In addition, the Independent Civilian Review of Missing Persons Investigations commissioned Dr. Giwa to investigate systemic bias in police investigations involving racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ people, following the murders of several gay men of colour in Toronto between 2010 and 2017.

Dr. Giwa is a member of the National Advisory Committee to Address Anti-Black Racism in Research and Research Training Programs for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC); a member of the African, Caribbean, and Black National Expert Working Group, Rapid Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on STBBI Care and Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada; and a member of the National Guideline Development Expert Advisory Committee for SOGIESC/LGBTQIA+ Newcomers and Refugees. Dr. Giwa is the author or coauthor of four books, all of which address EDI-AR and the human rights of marginalized groups both domestically and internationally.

Greg Parsons (he/him) is a 51-year-old firefighter, public speaker, mental health advocate, and a member of Canada’s wrongfully convicted. In 1991, Greg was falsely accused with the killing of his mother, Catherine Carroll, and was soon tried and convicted based on evidence that was primarily based on hearsay from the community. When developments in DNA technology found that it was not Greg, but an unknown person, he was then exonerated of all charges. From that day, he vowed to continue fighting for justice for his mother, and was given some sense of relief in 2003, when Brian Doyle was charged and sentenced to life for the killing of Catherine Carroll.

Despite the victory, Greg was changed by the events of the 90s, he saw how based on no evidence, a community could turn on one of their own. With numerous encounters of harassment by law enforcement based on a criminal incident he had zero involvement in. This has led to Greg developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, in combination with his heavy involvement in emergency responses. He has taken it upon himself to help uplift the community again, by being a vocal advocate for Mental Health access across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

With all these hardships, Greg still wished to find a way to give back to his community. He found himself working in the fire department, where his co-workers became a family dedicated to uplifting and protecting our community. In 2021, Greg was awarded the Fire Fighter of the Year award, for his implementation of education over the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as his many years as a dedicated member of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department.

Today, Greg still continues the fight for justice within our system. He has recently featured on a special with CTV’s W5, to further the information of his case, and to advocate for fair sentencing within our justice system. He has participated in conferences with AIDWYC (Association in defense of the wrongfully convicted) as a guest speaker. He was also invited to address members of the RNC recruitment class as well as the Rotary club and more. His story has been featured in media outlets all over Canada. Greg was also approached by a United Kingdom production company and was featured in an International documentary.

He continues to work with his family in the Fire Department, while being a source of mentorship and expertise for all those around him.

Ijeoma Nicole Obiodiaka (she/her) is an anti-racism and Black inclusion activist. She was the first Black Student Representative on the NL Canadian Federation of Students Provincial Executive Committee. During her role as the President of the Black Student Association, she founded Newfoundland’s first-ever black-owned market. This gave black entrepreneurs access to financial and business capital resources that they did not have access to. Nicole continues her advocacy work by being a voice for underrepresented groups.

Jenn Deon (she/her), of settler background, has worked and volunteered in many capacities within the province since the early 90’s. A long-time community advocate and theatre arts practitioner, Jenn returned from attending the 2017 Women’s March in Washington DC with an idea to use the power of storytelling to help change hearts and minds to promote feminism. From this, the PerSIStence Theatre Company was founded and rapidly became a local change agent with a myriad of projects responding to and reflecting on issues relevant to woman and girls in the province.

Jenn was the lead conceptualizer behind the multi-faceted VOTES FOR WOMEN 100 project in 2021 that commemorated and reflected upon 100 years since women in St. John’s first achieved the right to vote in municipal elections. During this year, seven free Ladies Reading Room events were held, highlighting and unpacking the themes of Women and Politics; Women and Image; Women and Health Care; Women and Immigration; Women and Work; Women and Violence; and Women and Legacy.

In addition to leading that year’s activities overall, Jenn also directed a production of a new play, THE MIRROR, written by Trudy Morgan-Cole, that highlighted the contributions of Armine Nutting Gosling to the local suffrage movement.

An offshoot of the Votes for Women 100 year included work to realize the first statue to a named woman in the City of St. John’s, and in 2022 the ARMINE NUTTING GOSLING STATUE received a green light, to be erected in Bannerman Park in 2023. It will also be the first public statue designed under commission to a woman, Sheila Coultas.

Recently, Jenn oversaw the development and production of the province’s first professional play written and performed entirely by Indigenous women, with a local Indigenous theme. Supported by Jenn’s vision and leadership, STOLEN SISTERS, a story of the Beothuck, written by L’nu playwright Leahdawn Helena and performed by Inuk performer Deantha Edmonds, premiered in 2022 and will tour across Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland) and up-and-down communities of coastal Labrador in 2023.

 

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.

 

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 of 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).

 

Laurabel Mba (she/her) is a Communications, Marketing and Fund Development Specialist and a mom to a 3-year-old boy. She recognizes and has lived experiences of the disparities in society for BIPOC, marginalized and underrepresented communities. She lends her voice and leverages her experiences to bring their concerns and struggles to the decision-making table. She is one of the hosts of Rogers TV show “Out of the Fog.” Laurabel enjoys shining light on those working hard and smart to make Newfoundland and Labrador a more welcoming province as well as those striving to improve the lives of all who call it home.

As a member of the Anti-racism Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador, a member of both the St. John’s Status of Women Council and Happy City St. John’s. She works with a wide variety of like-minded individuals to improve the experiences of marginalized communities in our province. Her activist spirit became public after the murder of George Floyd. The unfortunate incident inspired her to write a series of poems focused on the black experience of fighting racism and prejudice.

Laurabel Mba is involved in numerous campaigns focused on advocacy on issues about 2slgbtq+ representation, inclusion and diversity in politics and mental health. She lives her life showing that the effects of barriers faced by marginalized communities is far-reaching and works tirelessly to deconstruct them systematically.

 

Leisha Toory (she/her) is an international undergraduate student at Memorial University, pursuing a major in Political Science with a concentration in Global Studies, a minor in French for Francophones and a Certificate in Public Policy with concentration in Governance.

She is the founder of the Period Priority Project which aims at fighting period poverty by making period products accessible to everyone who needs them. Within 6 months, over 12,500 menstrual products have been distributed across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Prince Edward Island and Alberta.

Leisha has also partnered with the Prince of Wales Collegiate to host reusable cloth pads sewing workshop for students. In collaboration with the Social Justice Cooperative NL, Period Priority Project is also distributing 100 menstrual cups. 24 period underwear have also been distributed to students who expressed interest. 6 free menstrual products stations have also been set up in the gender inclusive washrooms at Memorial University to send the message that not all cisgender women menstruate and not all those who menstruate are cisgender women.

A Period Positivity Series is in the works which will feature radio interviews aimed at breaking the normalized culture of silence around menstruation and dismissing the gendered language when it comes to menstruation.

 

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 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.

 

Matt Barter (he/him) is a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, walking in nature, and volunteering in the community. Growing up, Matt lived in Burgeo, Deer Lake, and Conception Bay South.

Matt has made many efforts to meaningfully contribute in advancing and furthering human rights in the province. From the time he first arrived on campus seven years ago, Matt has worked to have an indelible positive impact on the community, working as a MUN Students’ Union Board member, a journalist, and a writer. He has advocated for the responsible use of public funds by the University and affordable, accessible education. Matt’s protesting and activism have put him at risk academically, emotionally, and financially. However, he continues to advocate for accessible education.

Matt currently resides in Torbay but spends most of his time in St. John’s. He runs an independent newspaper that champions student rights and has a focus on reporting the activities of Memorial’s administration. Matt is particularly critical of high administrative salaries and deteriorating infrastructure on campus. He has written over 100 articles. A fierce believer in giving back to the community, Matt continues to volunteer as an usher at the LSPU Hall.

 

St. John’s Status of Women’s Council (SJSWC) is a feminist organization that, since 1972, is continually working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women and non-binary people in the St. John’s area. Every day the organization speaks up for and advocates on behalf of the most marginalized in our community, speaking truth to power and standing in solidarity with movements across the province for human rights.

 

Visual Artist – Grenfell Campus, Memorial University

This year’s winner of the Human Rights Award Art Prize is Jessica Donaldson (she/her).

As a pedestrian and artist, Jessie continuously looks to slow down and partake in life with more presence. Ktaqmkuk / Newfoundland is her chosen home, and through walking, she has connected with people and this land in unpredictable and delightful ways. She is drawn to both nature and the built environment, and is compelled to artistically share some of these moments and glimpses.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s advance team for the mission to establish a nursing recruitment desk is now in Bengaluru, India, and will be also be spending time in Mangalore, Manipal and Hyderabad in the coming weeks. The advance team is accompanied by the Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, who is dedicated to oversee areas of regulatory alignment and comparable educational programs.

On Monday, November 21, the advance team held a series of meetings with St. Martha’s College of Nursing, a nursing training institution established in 1933. Meetings at St. Martha’s included a meeting with senior administrators and a presentation to 50 final-year nursing students about career opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On Tuesday, November 22, the team visited the East West Group of Institutions campus. This visit included meetings with the chairman, executive director, director of academics, and the principal of the School of Nursing and Physiotherapy. A presentation on health employment opportunities was delivered to more than 100 final-year nursing students.

The goal at each meeting is to establish mutually beneficial partnerships between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and these post-secondary institutions.

In the coming days, meetings will take place with other nursing colleges throughout Karnataka state, the Karnataka State Nursing Council and the Government of Telangana and its Telangana Overseas Manpower Company in Hyderabad.

To complement in-person recruitment and relationship-building activities, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is launching an email portal to engage with nurses from India who are interested in coming to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. Interested nursing students and registered nurses in India should convey their interest to WelcomingIndia@gov.nl.ca. By using this email, interested nurses will be taken through the process involved in moving to Newfoundland and Labrador to work as a registered nurse.

Quotes
“With urgency and purpose, our advance team is on-the-ground in India and has already begun meeting with senior leadership, administrators and students at prestigious nursing institutions. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador officials, together with the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, are breaking new ground together as we work to fill nursing positions in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The mission to recruit qualified registered nurses from India has begun in earnest. Less than 24 hours after arrival our team was already meeting with quality candidates interested in working as nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to the many planned meetings and engagements in the days ahead to build strong relationships in advance of the official recruiting mission in early 2023.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“I am delighted that efforts are underway in India regarding the recruitment of much needed registered nurses. It is so important that we attract additional qualified health care professionals to help carry the load that our nurses have carried for some time now. It is our goal that this mission will be the start of a very successful recruitment effort.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The College of Registered Nurses is the largest health care regulator in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our unwavering mandate is to ensure the people of our province receive care from Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners that meets a standard of excellence. Our role in this mission is to explore areas of regulatory alignment for those who wish to practice in Newfoundland and Labrador and to identify areas of improvement in the application process.”
Ms. Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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

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

James Sheppard
College of Registered Nurses
709-753-6198, 1-800-563-3200
jsheppard@crnnl.ca

St. Martha’s College of Nursing – group photo. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador official presenting to students at St. Martha’s College of Nursing. Lynn Power, Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, presenting to nursing students in their final year of studies. With senior administrators outside the East West College of Nursing campus. Presenting to students at East West College of Nursing.

The post Advance Team Arrives in India and Begins Meetings with Nursing Colleges appeared first on News Releases.

The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Thursday, November 24 at 12:15 p.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber.

The meeting will be televised on the House of Assembly broadcast channel and streamed on the House of Assembly website. Briefing materials will be available on the website at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday.

The agenda for the meeting follows.

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

House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

Date: November 24, 2022
Time: 12:15 p.m.
Location: House of Assembly Chamber

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes:
   a. June 14, 2022
   b. June 21, 2022
   c. June 24, 2022
   d. June 28, 2022
   e. July 6, 2022
   f. August 17, 2022
   g. October 3, 2022
   h. October 17, 2022
   i. October 19, 2022
2. Reports:
   a. Speaker’s Report – Rulings on Allowance Use
   b. Clerk’s Report – Authorizations for Furniture and Equipment
   c. Financial Reports:
   i.1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022
   i i. 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022

   d. Budget Transfers Report – 2021-22 Fiscal Year
   e. Caucus Operational Funding Grant Reports – 2021-22 Fiscal Year
   f. Audit Committee Report

3.  Audit Committee Appointment

The post House of Assembly Management Commission Meeting appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is expressing its disappointment with the Government of Canada’s decision to impose its federal carbon tax backstop on the province as of July 1, 2023. The Federal Government’s decision does not reflect the pressures that residents and businesses are facing with the rising cost of living, or Newfoundland and Labrador’s meaningful actions to address climate change and being a leader in transitioning to cleaner energy.

The Provincial Government now joins six other provinces who have received the federal carbon tax backstop. While maintaining a commitment to advance initiatives to address climate change, now is not the time for tax increases on such products as home heating fuel.  As stated by Premier Furey in his September 2, 2022 correspondence to the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

“The current price signals being provided by the market are far stronger than the signals that removal of these exemptions would have provided under normal economic circumstances, and they are already generating the changes in perspective and behaviour that the Federal Government desires.”

In terms of the financial impact of this backstop, the Provincial Government will repeal its legislation and no longer collect carbon tax. Residents will receive Climate Action Incentive Payments directly from the Federal Government once the federal system is implemented in 2023.

The Federal Government has made the carbon tax on fossil fuels a key component of addressing climate change. In Newfoundland and Labrador, a carbon tax was implemented in January 2019. As a result of the Made-in Newfoundland and Labrador approach, there had been no carbon tax on home heating fuel, among a range of other uses of fuel. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been vocal in opposing the Government of Canada’s removal of carbon tax exemptions, as outlined in several letters to the Federal Government.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to addressing climate change, and has implemented a number of climate change initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the backgrounder below.

In addition, the province’s large-emitter output based-pricing system aligns with the Federal Government’s criteria for 2023-30, and the current provincial system will continue to apply to large industry. The Provincial Government will move forward in the coming weeks to make the necessary regulatory changes to ensure continued alignment.

Quotes
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are facing extremely difficult circumstances in the current global environment. It is with this in mind that I have advocated again and again for flexibility regarding the carbon tax. Today, we are disappointed to hear that the Government of Canada is imposing its federal carbon tax backstop and taxing home heating fuels, as well as other fuels. We will continue to advocate to ensure our province is treated fairly.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As a result of the federal carbon tax backstop, residents of the province will now see a carbon tax on home heating fuel as well as other fuels. This change will also limit the Provincial Government’s financial capacity to provide related programs to residents. Instead, rebates will go directly to residents from the Federal Government.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“This is disappointing news that will impact many. As a government, we are committed to addressing climate change and we have done so and will continue to, through the many initiatives and actions we have implemented to date. We will continue to work hard in all areas to achieve emissions reductions, including through annually increasing reduction targets for large industrial facilities, massive investment to power our electrical grid with clean energy, and residential, municipal, institutional, and transportation fuel switching programs.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
Provincial Government Releases Federally-Approved Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Approach to Carbon Pricing

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

Victoria Barbour
Finance
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

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

BACKGROUNDER

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Change Initiatives

• Introduced a Climate Change Action Plan.
• Invested more than $13 billion in Muskrat Falls, which will result in an electricity system that will be greater than 98 per cent carbon free
• Advancing a Renewable Energy Plan that supports the local, national, and global transition to clean energy
• Created laws and performance standards for larger emitters of greenhouse gas emissions on land and offshore.
• Introduced a Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador carbon plan.
• Bringing clean energy to public and private sector buildings.
• Reducing waste.
• Increasing access to electric vehicles.
• Helping homeowners become more energy efficient.
• Helping homeowners transition from oil to clean electricity for heating.
• Helping businesses, municipalities, and industry transition from oil to clean electricity for heating and processing.
• Investing directly in businesses and organizations that support a green economy.

 

 

The post Provincial Government Disappointed with Federal Carbon Tax Backstop appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be available to discuss the Federal Government’s carbon pricing decision today (Tuesday, November 22) at 3:00 p.m.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis Available to Media to Discuss the Federal Government’s Carbon Pricing Decision appeared first on News Releases.

Come Home 2022 was a record-breaking year for Provincial Historic Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sites opened on May 21, with free admission as part of Come Home 2022, and over 117,000 people have visited the sites so far this year.

This record visitation represents an increase of 236 per cent over the same period in 2021 (34,393), 653 per cent over the same period in 2020 (15,596) and 13 per cent over the same period in 2019, pre-pandemic (103,882).

With the exception of years impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, Provincial Historic Sites have consistently experienced increased visitation each year since 2016.

While most sites have closed for the 2022 season, the Colonial Building in St. John’s remains open seven days a week until November 30. Pre-booking is no longer required and the public is welcome to visit during regular hours.

In addition, the popular holiday program Christmas at the Commissariat returns this year to Commissariat House in St. John’s, with the return of two popular formats:

Christmas by Candlelight
November 25, 26, 29 and 30
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a sip of hot cider by the crackling fire, the soft sound of festive music, the scent of fir boughs and a magical wander through the house by the glow of candlelight.

Festive Family Fun
December 3 and 4
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit Commissariat House to enjoy traditional seasonal greenery, holiday music, a taste of Christmas pudding, Christmas crafts and more.

Pre-booking is not required for Christmas at Commissariat. Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Food Sharing Association.

Quote
“Each year, Provincial Historic Sites celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and heritage through a wide variety of programming for all ages. As part of Come Home 2022 celebrations, we opened the doors to our sites with free admission and, as a result, a tremendous number of people were able to take in and enjoy these provincial gems. It is wonderful to see visitation numbers growing year over year and I encourage anyone who is able to experience the magic of Christmas at Commissariat.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Provincial Historic Sites

Christmas at Commissariat

Provincial Historic Sites Reporting an Increase in Visitor Traffic this Summer

Provincial Historic Sites Opening on May 21 with Free Regular Admission for Come Home 2022

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Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

The post Record Year for Provincial Historic Site Visits in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is advising that it will hold a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the report of the Auditor General on wetland capping on Wednesday, November 23 starting at 9 a.m. and Thursday, November 24 starting at 10 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber.

The Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands report is the result of a review initiated in October 2019 by the Public Accounts Committee, requesting the following:

“That the Auditor General investigate and report on the breakdown of communication that resulted in the flooding of the Muskrat Falls reservoir in violation of an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and the NunatuKavut Community Council to abide by the recommendations of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee, which directed that wetland capping must precede any such flooding.”

This week’s public hearing will follow up with officials from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Muskrat Falls Independent Expert Advisory Committee (IEAC).

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. Please note that testimony of witnesses appearing by videoconference will be audible from the online audio feed only.

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

Public Accounts Committee

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

The post Standing Committee on Public Accounts to Hold Public Hearing on Auditor General Report on Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands appeared first on News Releases.

The scheduled closure of the resource road near Grand Falls-Windsor, known locally as Sandy Road, has been postponed due to inclement weather. The closure was originally planned for Monday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 23 for bridge repairs.

For further information, please contact the Bishop’s Falls Forest Management District Office at: 709-258-5334.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Planned Central Resource Road Closure Postponed appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will bring greetings at a National Housing Day Community Forum tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22) at 9:00 a.m.

The forum, which is jointly hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Homelessness Network and the City of St. John’s, will take place at the network’s office, located at 77 Charter Avenue, St. John’s. Parking and entry to the building are located on East Drive.

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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

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

 

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at National Housing Day Community Forum appeared first on News Releases.

Today is World Fisheries Day, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take a few moments to reflect on the meaningful contributions that all those engaged in the fishing sector make to our province.

World Fisheries Day has been celebrated annually on November 21 since 1998. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the province’s 17,000 fishery sector workers, while highlighting the importance of wild fisheries and aquaculture to 400 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2021 fishing season was one of the most successful in this province’s history, reaching the highest landed dollar value recorded at over $1 billion. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry is meeting the growing global demand for its world-class fish and seafood products. Consumers from over 40 countries continue to choose the province’s seafood products for their taste, quality, safety and sustainability.

As part of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s World Fisheries Day youth engagement efforts, staff reached out to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students throughout the province offering the opportunity to participate in a World Fisheries Day Fisheries Sculpture Contest. Many students participated in this initiative, creating some impressive fisheries themed artwork. Contest winners are listed in the backgrounder below, and photos of sculptures can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

Quote
“Fisheries and aquaculture workers in this province are among the most knowledgeable and dedicated in their field. Their efforts continue to provide the world with safe, sustainably sourced seafood, and build upon Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a global fisheries leader. World Fisheries Day is the perfect occasion to extend a special thank you to all fishing sector professionals who continue to contribute to this industry’s success.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

World Fisheries Day – Fisheries Sculpture Art Contest Winners

1. C. Butt
   Kindergarten student from Springdale who attends homeschool
2. E. Clarke
   Kindergarten student, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s
3. E. & L. Phung
   Grade 3 students, St. Teresa’s Elementary, St. John’s
4. K. England
   Grade 3 student, MSB Regional Academy, Middle Arm
5. E. Hornell
   Grade 4 student, Holy Trinity Elementary, Torbay
6. F. Butt
   Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
7. R. Shelley
   Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
8. Ms. Steads Class
   Grade 6 students, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
9. Mr. Shoemakers Class
   Kindergarten students, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s

The post Provincial Government Recognizes World Fisheries Day appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will be attending the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Congress 2022 in Ottawa from November 21-23.

Each year, the event hosts more than 400 delegates from the tourism and hospitality industry in Canada, including key decision-makers from both the private and public sectors. This year’s theme is “Reimagining Tourism.”

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Media contact
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker Attending Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Congress in Ottawa appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it is actively following up on the findings and recommendations of the Auditor General as a result of performance audit reports respecting Nalcor Energy. The Auditor General released two reports recently respecting performance audits of Nalcor: one concerning discretionary expenses, conflict of interest processes and the use of embedded contractors and a second concerning compensation practices.

The Public Accounts Committee received briefings from the Auditor General and officials on the findings and recommendations of both audit reports. As a first step in its follow-up on this matter, the Committee has contacted NL Hydro requesting a written action plan for each of the Auditor General’s recommendations by the end of January 2023. It has also advised the entity that officials may be invited to appear before the Committee at a future public hearing with respect to this matter.

The Public Accounts Committee is a Standing Committee of the House of Assembly, which derives its authority from the House itself. The Committee is dedicated to improving public administration, including how government delivers services to its citizens, by overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of government programs and operations. It does not investigate, but rather supports the Auditor General in the execution of that office’s mandate.

Quote
“Now that the Auditor General’s work on this matter has concluded, the Public Accounts Committee is committed to conducting a thorough examination of the findings to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Committee looks forward to the cooperation of NL Hydro as it progresses with its work on this matter.”
Tony Wakeham, MHA
Chair, Public Accounts Committee

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Learn more
Public Accounts Committee

Performance Audit Report – Nalcor Energy (Discretionary Expenses, Conflict of Interest Processes and Use of Embedded Contractors)

Performance Audit Report – Nalcor Energy (Compensation)

Media contactBobbi Russell
Policy & Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

The post Standing Committee on Public Accounts Following Up on Performance Audit Reports of the Auditor General Respecting Nalcor Energy appeared first on News Releases.