Government of Newfoundland News

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is processing requests from wind energy project proponents for temporary wind monitoring activities on Crown lands. This process is not part of the ongoing crown land nomination and bid process with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. This is also separate from the environmental assessment process through the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Wind energy project proponents are permitted to apply for a temporary licence to place data collecting meteorological evaluation towers on Crown lands. To date, five companies have applied for meteorological evaluation towers, and the applications cover 19 potential tower sites in the eastern, western and Northern Peninsula regions. Thus far, eight sites have been approved, one has been rejected, and all others are under assessment.

These licences are temporary during the data collection phase; once data collection is complete, the licence terminates and the conditions include the need for the site to be returned in a condition acceptable to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

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Media contact
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3733
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Requests for Wind Monitoring Activities on Crown Lands appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is part of the Canadian delegation attending the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

COP27 signifies the importance for world leaders to implement and transform key climate related decisions into concrete actions. The conference will focus on raising ambition, building upon the previous Conference of the Parties, including the COP26 outcomes (Glasgow Pact) with an aim to address the climate emergency and promote coordinated action to tackle climate change impacts and reduce emissions. COP27 is focused on four overall goals: mitigation, adaption, finance and collaboration.

Tomorrow (November 8), Minister Davis will be a panelist at an event hosted by the Ocean Frontier Institute at Canada’s COP27 pavilion. He will speak on the important role our oceans play in the carbon cycle, as well as opportunities to enhance the potential of our oceans as a carbon sink and a carbon capture and storage solution, as they can absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release.

The Provincial Government is committed to addressing climate change. Our actions include the implementation of a climate change action plan, a new renewable energy action plan, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, establishing a Net-Zero Advisory Committee and advancing electrification and innovation to further the transition into more renewable energy sources.

Quote
“COP27 is a tremendous opportunity to engage with international jurisdictions and organizations on future actions and goals to mitigate the global impacts of climate change. Climate change affects all of us, and I look forward to participating in this esteemed conference to promote provincial capacities and infrastructure as it relates to oceans technology. I am also looking forward to learning from other jurisdictions on pathways to achieve net zero. I welcome the many important conversations that will bring forth a wealth of information and knowledge on this crucial global issue.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27)

Environment and Climate Change

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

The post Minister Davis Attending 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is currently reviewing the recently submitted Nominations of Areas of Interest for wind energy projects in the Province. Next week, the department will host a series of virtual sessions with respect to those land areas of interest being considered for a future call for competitive land bids, starting in December 2022.

This input will be used to inform decisions about lands that may be made available for a competitive bid process for onshore wind development projects, and to help ensure the development of the province’s wind resources is undertaken in a responsible, timely, sustainable and competitive manner.

It is important to note that this engagement activity is incremental to further engagement that will be required as part of existing processes such as Environmental Assessment review, should development be proposed in a particular area.

The department invites stakeholder groups to the following virtual engagement sessions regarding two Land Areas of Interest for Wind Energy Projects:

• Monday, November 14, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.

The intent of this engagement process is for the Provincial Government to:

• Meet with representatives from the selected areas to provide an overview of the Crown land nomination process;
• Inform the community that the area, selected through the recent call for Crown land nominations for onshore wind energy projects, may be offered as part of a competitive bid process; and
• To determine the level of support for further consideration.

It is requested that participants pre-register. Those wishing to register for any of the sessions can email windlandnominations@gov.nl.ca.

An online questionnaire soliciting feedback will be made available at the link below immediately following the first information session. For more information on these public engagement sessions, visit www.engageNL.ca.

The department received 31 land nomination submissions for wind energy projects. Through a detailed assessment, the Provincial Government will determine which land package(s) will be made available for this first round of the competitive land bid process. The process is expected to be launched on December 15, 2022. More information on the competitive land bid process will be available in the coming weeks.

Quote
“These engagement sessions are part of our fair, transparent and competitive approach to ensuring the province’s wind energy resources are developed in a responsible manner and provide the greatest long-term benefit to residents of our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Crown Land Nomination Process for Onshore Wind Energy Projects

EngageNL

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @IET_GovNL

Media contact
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Land Area of Interest 1 – Eastern Area Land Area of Interest 2 – Western Area

The post Virtual Engagement Sessions on Land Areas of Interest for Wind Energy Projects Launching Next Week appeared first on News Releases.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, today’s technical briefing and media availability with Auditor General, Denise Hanrahan, will be postponed. A new date will be announced in the near future.

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Tabling of the Auditor General’s Report on a Performance Audit of Nalcor Energy Postponed appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-026 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

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

Report: A-2022-026 Report Date: November 3, 2022 Public Body: Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate for records relating to the Complainant and their minor children. The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate responded by withholding all responsive records under section 41 of the Act. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office arguing jurisdiction, procedural fairness and the public interest. The Commissioner found that the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate’s application of section 41 was appropriate and recommended the public body continue to withhold the records.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-026 Released appeared first on News Releases.

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

CONDITION of release Approved:

Southern Bay Blue Spruce R.V. Park and Campground                            (Reg. 2135)
Proponent: Camkap Software Development Group Inc.

On October 28, 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change approved the Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for the Southern Bay Blue Spruce R.V. Park and Campground. Completion of the ESA is a condition of release from environmental assessment for this project.

Undertakings Released:
Maccles Lake Road Farm Expansion                                                               (Reg. 2217)
Proponent:

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following conditions:
  • The proponent is to maintain a minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the Project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division. For more information, please contact the Wildlife Division at (709) 637-2052.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) demonstrating that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to 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 the release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

Springdale Glove Manufacturing Facility                                                       (Reg. 2218)
Proponent: Superior Glove Works Limited

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Pollution Prevention Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the proponent to submit a Waste Management Plan for approval, prior to Project commencement. The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
  • A Water Resources Management Plan that demonstrates the safe disposal of the facility’s process water and storm water runoff or the near by waterbody, without causing a significant adverse environmental effect.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following;
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division
• The proponent is required to 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 is required to 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.

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, today announced a contribution of over $115,000 to the Town of Botwood and the Botwood Mural Arts Society towards a commemoration project for the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit.

This commemoration project will involve the installation of a slightly larger than life bronze statue of Demasduit, Nonosabasut and their newborn child. The statue will be located on Botwood’s Blueberry Hill, overlooking the waterways on which the Beothuk travelled from their winter homes to their summer fishing grounds and upon which Demasduit’s life ended.

The statue will be surrounded by a healing garden, a place of quiet reflection for our shared journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Demasduit died onboard the HMS Grasshopper in Botwood Harbour on January 8, 1820. The commemoration project to mark the 200th anniversary was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This provincial contribution is in addition to $356,000 the town has received through the Legacy Fund of the federal Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, also announced today.

In addition to the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, other funding partners include the Town of Botwood, Miawpukek First Nation, Botwood Heritage Society, Botwood Mural Arts Society and the United Church of Canada.

This project is supported by all five Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and by all neighbouring towns in the Exploits region.

Quotes
“Congratulations to the Town of Botwood and its community and Indigenous partners for coming together to bring forth a proposal to commemorate the tragic passing of a Beothuk woman, Demasduit. The Provincial Government is pleased to join with the Federal Government and other investors in a project that honours the history and legacy of the Beothuk people.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“We are thrilled with the level of support the Town of Botwood has received for this important work. We are grateful to both the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the importance of the Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit and its place in the history of our community, our province and our country. The combined financial contributions from both levels of government will go a long way to ensuring this project leaves a legacy of honour to Demasduit, her family and the Beothuk people.”
James Sceviour
Mayor of Botwood

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL

Media contacts
Allan Bock
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Mike Shainline
Town of Botwood
709-290-1901
shainline.dm@gmail.com

The post Project Commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Demasduit appeared first on News Releases.

Tomorrow (Saturday, November 5) is Guy Fawkes Night, and the Provincial Government is reminding residents to ensure bonfires are conducted in a safe and legal manner.

Residents are encouraged to attend a community-sponsored event, but for those who choose to hold a private bonfire, please ensure you are complying with municipal and provincial laws and contact your municipality, local service district, Inuit Community Government or local fire department for more information.

Residents are advised that it is against the law to openly burn plastics, tires, asphalt products, paint products, used oil, household garbage and treated wood. In areas where bonfires are permissible, residents are cautioned to take the following steps:

• Fires should be placed on a gravel base eight to 10 metres from trees or structures;
• Flammable liquids should not be used to start or accelerate a fire, and aerosol cans and pressurized gas cylinders, such as propane cylinders, should not be added to a fire;
• Only adults should add material to the fire, and children should be kept at a safe distance at all times and closely supervised by guardians around a bonfire;
• Property owners in the area of the fire should ensure all combustible materials are properly secured;
• Bonfire organizers should ensure ready access to fire extinguishing tools and supplies; and
• Once finished, the fire should be fully extinguished using water and/or gravel and the bonfire area should be cleared and returned to its previous condition.

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

The post Public Advisory: Guy Fawkes Night Bonfires Should be Safe and Legal appeared first on News Releases.

Come From Away is coming home! Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that a home-grown, reimagined version of the internationally acclaimed theatrical production, Come From Away, will be housed in Gander, beginning in the summer of 2023.

With book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the Gander production will be executive produced by Come From Away’s originating producer, Michael Rubinoff.

Nationally renowned director and Newfoundlander and Labradorian Jillian Keiley is returning to the province from the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to direct Gander’s Come From Away.

Shows will take place at the Gander Arts and Culture Centre (Joseph R Smallwood Centre), under the leadership of Arts and Culture Centre director, Aiden Flynn. Performances will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning on July 7 with an official opening taking place on July 22.

The final performance of the inaugural run will take place on September 3, 2023.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, November 7 at noon via the Arts and Culture Centre website.

Come From Away is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Quotes
“Bringing a full-length Come From Away production to Gander is, quite simply, a dream come true. Since its inception, this musical has connected people from all around the world to our people and province with the beautiful story of how our community stepped up in an unimaginable time. Now, the musical will bring people from all around the world to Newfoundland and Labrador. I extend my sincere appreciation to Irene Sankoff and David Hein for their desire to make this a reality for the people of Gander, surrounding communities and, indeed, the entire province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Come From Away is a story about Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, ‘come from aways’ and the heart of this place. The sky is the limit with regard to this show’s impact on Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural and tourism industries and it is a natural progression in Come From Away’s journey to bring this show home to ‘The Rock’!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“After sharing this incredible story on Broadway and around the world, there was only one place in North America to launch an all new production, Gander. We are excited that acclaimed Newfoundland and Labradorian director, and our friend, Jillian Keiley will reimagine Come From Away in the community where the story unfolds.”
Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Creators, Come From Away

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Learn more
Arts and Culture Centres

Come From Away

Come Home 2022

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

Follow Come Home 2022 on Instagram

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

Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 709-327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Michael Rubinoff
Executive Producer
416-525-7787
rubinoffm@gmail.com

Aiden Flynn
Director, Arts and Culture Centres
709-729-3904, 709-725-1430
aflynn@gov.nl.ca

The post Come From Away to Come Home to Gander in Summer 2023 appeared first on News Releases.

Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, will table the second of two performance audit reports on Nalcor Energy in the House of Assembly on Monday, November 7, 2022.

A technical briefing for media will take place on Monday (November 7, 2022), beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Office of the Auditor General’s boardroom, 7 Pippy Place, St. John’s. Media representatives planning to participate are asked to RSVP to Chrysta Collins (chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca).

The Auditor General will be available to the media beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Media planning to participate are asked to be at the Office of the Auditor General no later than 1:15 p.m.

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Auditor General to Table Report on a Performance Audit of Nalcor Energy appeared first on News Releases.

Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, clocks need to be turned back one hour.

When adjusting clocks, residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety advises that smoke alarms are required to be installed in the following areas of a residence:

• On every level of your home, including the basement;
• In every bedroom; and,
• In the hallway or room outside of every bedroom or separate sleeping area.

It is recommended that households or cabins that have a wood, oil or propane fuel-fired appliance also have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the structure.

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Media contacts
Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Public Advisory: November 6 Marks Annual Conclusion of Daylight Saving Time appeared first on News Releases.

Yesterday, in a presentation at the Confederation Building, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, awarded the St. John’s Status of Women Council’s Managed Alcohol Program with the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care.

Caitlin Urquhart, Chair, Board of Directors; Lisa Faye, Executive Director of the St. John’s Status of Women Council and Women’s Centre; and Rebecca Fleming, Managed Alcohol Program Coordinator were in attendance and were acknowledged for their hard work and dedication in mental health and addictions programming and services.

The Managed Alcohol Program is a pilot that began in 2021 and assists women and non-binary people who experience risks and harms related to alcohol use. The program’s harm reduction approach provides participants with a safe and stable supply of alcohol, along with social and health care support. The team works with Eastern Health to assess participant eligibility, determine a safe dose of alcohol and provide ongoing reassessment and primary health care services.

Premier Furey was joined at this presentation by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.

Presented for innovative initiatives that make positive impacts in mental health and addictions care in each province and territory, the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care recognizes individuals and organizations excelling in these fields.

Each award recipient receives a certificate, signed by the Premier of their province or territory, as well as a $5,000 prize to advance the awarded initiative and foster further innovation.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to providing mental health and addictions support to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and recognize the importance of programs like this one. We are pleased to celebrate the important work of the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council and their Managed Alcohol Program with this meaningful award.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“It is so important to see the talented stakeholders get recognized for the important work they do in our communities. Their harm reduction approach provides participants a safe and stable supply of alcohol, along with social and healthcare support, which align with our province’s mental health and addictions programs and services.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The St. John’s Status of Women works every day to support people in our communities who are facing challenges. The work of our Managed Alcohol Program changes lives – it builds a community of support with people who face challenges related to their drinking. It takes away the judgement that people face and helps them build the future that they want for themselves, to reach their own goals. Receiving this award, seeing this recognition of our hard work and innovation is very much appreciated.”
Lisa Faye
Executive Director, St. John’s Status of Women Council and Women’s Centre

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On November 3, 2022, Premier Furey awarded the St. John’s Status of Women Council’s Managed Alcohol Program with the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care. First Row (L-R): Minister Tom Osborne, Premier Furey, Minister Pam Parsons Back Row (L-R): Caitlin Urquhart, Chair, Board of Directors; Lisa Faye, Executive Director of the St. John’s Status of Women Council and Women’s Centre; and Rebecca Fleming, Managed Alcohol Program Coordinator

Learn more
Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care

St. John’s Status of Women Council

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
Number
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

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

Lisa Faye
Executive Director
709-753-0220
lisa@sjwomenscentre.ca

The post St. John’s Status of Women Council Receives Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Labrador Affairs, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will participate in a sod-turning ceremony for a project commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Demasduit tomorrow (Friday, November 4).

The ceremony will be held at Blueberry Hill in Botwood at 1:00 p.m., and will include representation from community and Indigenous partners.

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Media contacts
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
709-899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Dempster and Howell to Participate in Town of Botwood Ceremony appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, is pleased that collective agreements for 13 bargaining units represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) have been signed.

The Provincial Government and NAPE worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement for the nearly 20,000 public service employees represented by the union. These agreements are for a term of four years.

Highlights of the agreements include:

A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;

• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
• Increases to protective clothing and uniform allowances;
• The formation of a joint committee to identify issues with recruitment and retention in all NAPE bargaining units;
• A review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
• An increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks; and,
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.

Since the beginning of 2022, agreements have been signed with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association Labrador West Collective Agreement, the Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and now the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees. Negotiations with other public sector unions in the province are currently underway.

Quote
“The signing of these agreements is the culmination of the respectful work by negotiating teams from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees. This is a fair and responsible agreement that is intended to strengthen our public service. We look forward to reaching agreements with other unions and professional associations currently in the collective bargaining process.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
Provincial Government Reaches Collective Agreements with NAPE

Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement 

Provincial Government and Dentists Sign Agreements

Provincial Government and Physicians Sign Memorandum of Agreement

Media contact
Victoria Barbour
Treasury Board Secretariat
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government and NAPE Sign Collective Agreements appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a special announcement related to the province’s arts and cultural sector tomorrow (Friday, November 4) at 10:30 a.m. at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education and MHA for Gander.

Media are invited to attend and are asked to please RSVP to Gina MacArthur (ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca).

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

Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Special Arts and Cultural Announcement in Gander  appeared first on News Releases.

The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for the running of youth secure custody facilities in the province, and this is a responsibility we take seriously. However, we now know that there were young people at these institutions in the 1970’s and 80’s that experienced harm. For many, this harm still lives with them today. The abuses that occurred at these facilities were the subject of a class action lawsuit which the Province has now settled. It took courage for class members to come forward and bring their stories to light. The class members trusted those who were taking care of them at these institutions and that trust was broken. Not just with the young people who were staying at the facility, but with their families and communities.

For those individuals who were mistreated, as well as their families and supporters, I, as Attorney General, and on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of this province, want to acknowledge the harms that these young people suffered while they were in custody. These abuses should not have happened and no young person should have had to endure what these people endured. For this, I offer a sincere and profound apology.

The goal of youth custody is to deliver programs to assist youth in successfully re-integrating in the community and limit their time in custody. The youth who spent time at our facilities during the class period deserved our support, our respect and our care.

We are committed to learning from the past and ensuring that no other child experiences the trauma these people lived through. The stories told by survivors are tragic and they compel us to do better. Again, I express our sincere apologies to all those affected, we are truly sorry that you experienced such pain.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Hogan Offers Apology to Youth Secure Custody Class Action Members  appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings to the Women in Mining session at the 2022 Mineral Resources Review tomorrow (Friday, November 4).

The event takes place at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Mineral Resources Review is a joint venture of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. This four-day event focuses on recent and pending developments, emerging projects, and the potential for future investment and discovery.

Interested media are required to register in advance. Registration for members of the media is free. The conference schedule can be found online.

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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Andrew Parsons to Participate in Women in Mining Event appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address delegates to the 2022 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference tomorrow (Friday, November 4) at 9:45 a.m. at the Arts and Culture Centre Theatre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is also attending the conference with the following schedule:

• Bringing greetings at the opening ceremonies this evening (Thursday, November 3) at 7:30 p.m. at the Gander International Airport, 1000 James Boulveard;
• Addressing delegates at the Appreciation Banquet, Friday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m., Quality Inn and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander; and,
• Address the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Annual General Meeting, Saturday, November 5 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Arts and Culture Centre Theatre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs; and the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are also attending the conference.

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

Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Howell to Participate in the 2022 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, today announced more than $200,000 in scholarships for 201 recent high school graduates as part of the Provincial Scholarship Program. The program recognizes high school graduates throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for their hard work, dedication and academic achievements.

Scholarships include one Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship, 120 Electoral District Scholarships and 79 Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships, all valued at $1,000, as well as one Junior Jubilee Scholarship, valued at $2,500.

The Junior Jubilee Scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest scholarship score in the province. This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Ormsby, a graduate of St. Bonaventure’s College.

The Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship is awarded to a child of a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (active, retired or deceased) with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee Scholarship recipient). This year’s recipient is Abby Gosse, a graduate of Mount Pearl Senior High.

The 120 Electoral District Scholarships are awarded to three high school graduates in each electoral district with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee and the Constable W.C. Moss Scholarships recipients).

The Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships are awarded to the remaining students province-wide with the highest scholarship score – other than the Junior Jubilee, Constable W.C. Moss and the Electoral District Scholarships recipients.

A complete list of Provincial Scholarship winners and information on how scholarship recipients can receive their provincial scholarships can be found here.

Quote
“I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the 201 graduates receiving a provincial scholarship this year. Students throughout our province have demonstrated a strong sense of commitment, a keen desire for learning and furthering their education. The past few years have been hard overall on students, and I admire their determination in reaching their academic achievements. I wish them and all students the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Learn more
2022 Scholarship Winners

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

 

The post Minister Haggie Announces Recipients of Provincial Scholarships appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced today that the Provincial Government is spearheading a mission to India to recruit internationally-educated registered nurses who can fill vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. The mission complements other ongoing national and international recruitment activities targeting health care professionals.

Premier Furey was joined at the announcement by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, and representatives from two regional health authorities.

An advance team of Provincial Government officials will depart for southwestern India in the coming weeks with the goal to set up a recruitment desk in the city of Bengaluru, located in the state of Karnataka. They will be joined by a representative of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador who will be dedicated to oversee licensure.

The state of Karnataka has been chosen because many nurses in the region receive similar training to what registered nurses receive in Newfoundland and Labrador. The region was also chosen because it has a high concentration of prestigious nursing schools. Additionally, the Provincial Government has had past success recruiting health care professionals from Bengaluru.

Once landed, the team will meet with institutions that graduate nurses who have the academic credentials to qualify for licensure in Canada. The team will also begin raising awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal immigration destination through presentations and meetings with nurses and nursing students.

Creation of the recruitment desk in India is modeled on the recent success in Poland that showed being on-the-ground is essential to establishing relationships and identifying high-potential candidates for immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“This mission takes an innovative and successful model for international recruitment and applies it to addressing the nursing shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government and dedicated partners are taking bold action to address the staffing issues facing the health care system in our province, as we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain health care professionals at this critical time.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The mission is the culmination of months of work spent to identify the best market in the world for recruiting internationally educated registered nurses who have been trained in similar ways to Newfoundland and Labrador nurses. Our expert recruiters and settlement officers will ensure Indian nurses receive a full range of supports from first contact, to arrival and beyond. We are once again making Newfoundland and Labrador an immigration destination of choice.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“For some time now, we have been employing a number of measures to try to find new and creative ways to help bring health care professionals to our province and encourage the ones already here to stay. It is our hope that these highly-skilled professionals from India, who have similar training to our nurses, will choose to live and work in our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The College of Registered Nurses is the largest healthcare regulator in the province with a mandate to ensure the Registered Nurses we licence provide safe, ethical, and competent care to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In collaborating with Indian nursing schools and state and national nursing regulators of India, Newfoundland and Labrador can better identify areas that align with our benchmarks and standards. Establishing these regulatory connections is a fundamental first-step in becoming a Registered Nurse in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IPGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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, 709-691-2298
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 of Newfoundland & Labrador
709-730-3436, 1-800-563-3200
jsheppard@crnnl.ca

The post Launch of Mission to Recruit Registered Nurses from India appeared first on News Releases.