Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will provide additional details on Bill 20 today (Thursday, November 3) at 9:45 a.m.

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

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Media contact
Tina Coffey
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Provide Update on Bill 20 appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is working with community partners, stakeholders and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to address the needs of vulnerable populations and to ensure public safety in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

In June, the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Acute Response Team was established, which brings together senior leaders and decision-makers from the Provincial Government, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador-Grenfell Health. The team meets regularly, and is striving to ensure the safety and well-being of transiently homeless and homeless individuals who present with multiple and complex service needs.

Homelessness is a complex issue and is not unique to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Throughout Canada, there has been an increase in homelessness since the pandemic, which can be attributed to various underlying issues, including mental health and addictions, loss of employment and housing supply challenges. The issues identified and experienced in this region are also often deeply rooted in intergenerational trauma and mental health and addictions.

Some of the short-term actions already under way to address these issues include:

• The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs provided funding to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to enhance security services in the community.
• RCMP B-Division recently provided additional resources to the town. Regular patrols are being carried out in the interest of public safety.
• Through the provision of housing units and an annual investment of approximately $3.6 million, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation partners with the Nunatsiavut Government for the provision of wrap around supports to individuals with complex needs.
• More than $542,000 is also provided annually to operate the Housing Hub overnight shelter and additional shelter overflow at the Labrador Inn.
• A team of outreach workers, comprised of representation from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, community groups and organizations and various government agencies provide direct outreach support to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• A Case Management Team works with individuals experiencing or at risk of being homeless and those who are transiently homeless. The team, comprised of Action Team members, collaborates and prioritizes supports and housing for vulnerable individuals in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A full list of short-term and long-term actions under way through the Acute Response Team, Action Team and Labrador-Grenfell Health can be found in the Backgrounder below.

The Provincial Government is working in collaboration with Indigenous and community partners in this effort and acknowledges and appreciates the community leaders and individuals who are making valuable contributions to address the challenges and present solutions.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government acknowledges concerns that have been raised by community leaders and residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. While the situation is complex, the Provincial Government, Indigenous Governments and Organizations and its community partners are working collaboratively through the Acute Response Team and the Action Team to address the needs of vulnerable populations and concerns associated with public safety. Collectively, we are determined to meet these challenges and continue working on these matters.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Homelessness is a complex issue, and meaningful solutions require strong partnerships. As a member of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Action Team, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is committed to continuing to work in partnership with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and all community partners to build up and further develop meaningful investments and responses to help address the needs of vulnerable populations in this region.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“The Department of Justice and Public Safety remains committed to working with communities and our police agencies to ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel safe and secure. Recognizing that the presenting issues are complex and serious, we continue to work with the RCMP in an effort to address public safety concerns while respecting the needs of vulnerable populations.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Access to the appropriate health-related services at the appropriate time is a priority for our government. We understand the complexity of some of the challenges facing our vulnerable populations, and we are working together at both the community and government levels to help ensure the proper supports and services are in place.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As the MHA for Lake Melville and a resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the political and personal challenges of keeping everyone safe is my priority. The ultimate solution will take time, however, it will lead to success. In the meantime, I thank all leaders and citizens for their assistance.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

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Learn more
Action Team Updates

Provincial Government Establishes Acute Response Team

Provincial Government Supports Emergency Response in Labrador

Community Partners Continuing Supports for Homelessness in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Federal and Provincial Governments Help Address Housing and Homelessness Needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @OLA_GovNL, @HCS_GovNL and @NLHousing

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

Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Melony O’Neill
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 689-0928
melonyoneill@gov.nl.ca

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

BACKGROUNDER

Short-term and long-term actions through the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Acute Response Team and Action Team and Labrador-Grenfell Health

Short-term

• The Provincial Government contributed $85,000 to assist The Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, in the purchase of an Emergency Disaster Relief Vehicle in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the construction of a garage to house the vehicle. The funding supplemented an investment for the emergency response project from the Federal Government.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is providing $300,000 over three years to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government for a housing supports services manager position at the Housing Hub to support individuals experiencing homelessness to move out of shelter into more permanent housing.
• Federal and provincial funding was provided to the Labrador Friendship Centre for the development of a community-led needs assessment to help identify gaps in infrastructure or services required to support the current and longer-term housing needs in the area.
• An Outreach Team meets with people where they are. Through outreach, workers are building trust with individuals and connecting with available supports and services to assist with their path to wellness.
• Under the National Housing Strategy, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded a $787,000 tender to construct four new social housing units in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Long-term

• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is developing an integrated health, housing and supportive services facility that incorporates accommodations and services currently in place at the Housing Hub and the Labrador Inn, along with supportive living units, health services and other supportive services. This facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be low barrier, will meet people where they are, will offer services through a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach, will be culturally appropriate and inclusive, and will continue to build on existing partnerships.
• The Action Team, established in 2021, is working through a coordinated approach and developing a longer term response to provide housing, health and supportive services for vulnerable populations. The Team identifies gaps in support and arranges appropriate services.
• This Action Team has representation from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the RCMP, Labrador-Grenfell Health, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and other community stakeholders.
• Labrador-Grenfell Health provides supports and resources to increase access to health services for vulnerable populations. The Regional Health Authority participated in a needs analysis to identify opportunities to improve and increase nursing, mental health and addictions, and community supports to vulnerable populations. Other supports include:
• Weekly nurse practitioner and licensed practical nurse visits to the Housing Hub to meet immediate needs and support chronic disease management.
• Weekly mental health and addictions vounsellor visits to the Housing Hub (group sessions/grief counselling available).
• The Mobile Crisis Response team works in partnership with the RCMP to meet with clients in the community who may be experiencing a crisis.
• Public Health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Housing Hub, Labrador Inn, and the correctional facility.
• Home supports are provided where there are unmet client needs related to personal care, medication management, behavioural support, household management, and respite.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement tomorrow (Thursday, November 3) regarding an international health care recruitment initiative.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Centre for Nursing Studies library, Southcott Hall, 100 Forest Road, St. John’s. The event will also be live streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

Media are asked to meet at the main entrance at 10:40 a.m. for escort through the facility. Visitor parking is available just outside of the rear entrance to Southcott Hall.

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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, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce International Health Care Recruitment Initiative appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize the Labrador veterans who served with the Newfoundland Regiment in World War I.

More than 100 years ago, these brave men left their traplines and fishing boats to fight in battles half a world away. Some of them were too young to enlist, but they were driven by a duty to serve.

Historians have studied military records to piece together the stories of their courageous service. We know quite a bit about who they were.

They were Blakes, Barneys, Curls, Flowers, Fords, Greens, Pottles, Shiwaks and Browns. They came from places like Battle Harbour, Henley Harbour, L’Anse au Loup, Sandwich Bay, Nain, Spotted Islands, Hopedale, North West River, Grand Village, Red Bay and Rigolet.

Tragically, not all of these brave men returned home. Like others, they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, the men who returned to Labrador would never be the same.

As we prepare to observe Remembrance Day next Friday, and mark Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, it is fitting that we remember the Labradorians who volunteered in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and more recently, the Gulf War and Afghanistan. They fought to preserve the freedoms and the liberties we take for granted today.

Please join with me in saluting the men and women from the Big Land who served in the armed forces and peacekeeping missions. We also praise the Labradorians who have answered the call of duty and today proudly wear the uniform of their country.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Dempster Salutes Labradorians in the Newfoundland Regiment appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in this honourable house today to share some exciting news. As I am sure everyone is well aware, the City of St. John’s is hosting the 2025 Canada Summer Games. It will be an excellent event for not only the capital city, but for all of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I am pleased to share with my colleagues today that we will be building a brand new, state of the art track and field facility. This facility will support the 2025 Games, giving athletes and coaches top-notch facilities from which to train and perform.

This project will be cost-shared between the federal, provincial and municipal governments. The City of St. John’s will be issuing a Request for Proposals for this facility.

The proposed facility will not only create a quality athletics facility in the metro St. John’s region that meets Canada Games technical standards, but will also add a significant piece of sport infrastructure to benefit youth of all ages.

The proposed facility will also support active healthy living opportunities for residents in the region, long after the Games have ended. This facility has the potential to be widely utilized by community members of all ages.

It will also enable Newfoundland and Labrador to attract more large-scale sporting events in the years to come, bringing athletes, coaches and their families to our province, benefiting our tourism industry.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that the public hearing scheduled for today to follow up on matters contained in the report of the Auditor General on the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire is postponed due to changes in today’s sitting schedule of the House of Assembly.

The Committee will provide a further update once a date to reschedule is confirmed.

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

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will provide a technical briefing regarding the Provincial Government’s infrastructure approval process in relation to the recently announced plan to construct a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

The technical briefing will take place today (Wednesday, November 2), beginning at 1:15 p.m.

The briefing will take place at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure boardroom, 5th floor, West Block, Confederation Building. Media planning to participate are asked to arrive at the West Block entrance by 1:05 p.m.

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Media contacts
Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Technical Briefing on Infrastructure Approvals Process appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed legislation to create a single health authority for the province was introduced today in the House of Assembly. If passed, the new Provincial Health Authority Act will facilitate the integration of the existing four health authorities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information into one entity.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media to provide details on the proposed legislation today (Wednesday, November 2) at 12:15 p.m. in the front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

Announced as part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government has begun the process of integrating the existing four health authorities into one entity, with a view to streamlining programs and services, as well as associated corporate services such as human resources, payroll and finance. In April of this year, Mr. David Diamond was named the transitional CEO for the establishment of the single health authority and has been leading the transition team since that time.

Given the importance of ensuring the new authority structure is reflective of all regions of the province, the legislation proposes creating Regional Health Councils. These councils would be responsible for advising the provincial health authority on the particular needs of various areas of the province to deliver health care at the regional level.

The legislation also proposes creating a Quality Council, appointed by Lieutenant-Governor in Council, that will be responsible for, among other things, reporting to the Minister of Health and Community Services on the quality and performance of the health system. In the spirit of transparency, the Bill requires the minister to release reports on the quality and performance of the health system to the public.

Bill 20 also proposes to task the new provincial health authority with the responsibilities and duties of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. This will help ensure that the health authority is well-positioned to meet the needs of the provincial health system and pursue the tremendous opportunities of digital technology in health care.

Employment impacts resulting from the creation of a single health authority will be managed primarily through attrition and other efficiencies, and it is anticipated that employees would be offered meaningful, comparable alterative employment in the new health authority.

Quote
“The new Provincial Health Authority Act will support the transition to a single provincial health authority and fulfil the mandate of providing uniform, quality health care to all residents of the province, regardless of where they live. The goal of this transition is to create more consistency in health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as avoid duplication in associated corporate services, thereby enhancing the delivery of important health care services.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings to the opening of Mineral Resources Review 2022 tomorrow (Wednesday, November 2).

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 2022 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 will focus 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 contact
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Participate in the 2022 Mineral Exploration and Mining Conference and Exhibition Event appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act received Second Reading in the House of Assembly today. The Provincial Government is proposing various amendments, including modifications to the membership of the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel.

If approved, the amended legislation will:

• Introduce a five-year statutory review for the collective bargaining model outlined in the Act;
• Introduce changes to the composition of the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, including:
  • Retaining the three-person Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, with the addition of two alternate chairs;
  • The chairperson and alternate chairs will be appointed by the Provincial Government, with direction from industry; and
  • The certified bargaining agent and the processors’ organization will each nominate one member and one alternate member for appointment to the panel.
• Upon joint request of the parties to collective bargaining, the Chairperson alone can hear and consider the parties’ positions and issue a decision.

In July 2022, Minister Davis announced an independent review of the collective bargaining model contained in sections 19.1 – 19.14 of the Act. Input was received from fish harvesters, processors and their respective organizations, and other interested parties. The report, ‘Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Model: Past, Present and Future’, was released on October 14 and contained 20 recommendations.

The Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act was created in 1971 and regulates collective bargaining between fish harvesters and processors. The current collective bargaining model, introduced in 2006, established the three-person Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel. The Panel’s mandate is to facilitate collective bargaining in the fishing industry and set price and conditions of sale when the parties have been unable to conclude a negotiated collective agreement.

Quotes
“As the Minister Responsible for Labour, I am committed to ensuring we have legislation that is current and responsive to the needs of the fishing industry, and to identifying opportunities to improve the province’s fish price setting process. I have had detailed conversations with both the Association of Seafood Producers and the Fish Food & Allied Workers Union, and thank them for their input into the review process.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

“The efficient and timely setting of fish prices is a common objective for all those engaged in the province’s fishing sector. These amendments are intended to lead to quicker resolutions during the negotiation process and help those working in the fishing industry achieve maximum economic benefit from our seafood resources.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Minister Davis Releases Independent Report on Review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Model

Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act

Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @ECC_GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

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

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

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, November is Financial Literacy Month. This year’s theme is “Make Change that Counts: Managing Your Money in a Changing World.”

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of money management and investment education, and encourages all residents to take proactive charge of their finances.

During this session of the House of Assembly, our government introduced legislation to regulate high-cost credit lending. This new legislation will make Newfoundland and Labrador the first Atlantic province to implement a regulatory regime for high-cost credit lenders. This province will also have the most affordable payday loans in the country, as we reduced payday loan rates from $21 to $14 per $100 loaned.

I encourage all residents to seek out forms of lower interest credit before taking out a high interest loan. Reading the fine print and understanding the fees and the total cost of borrowing can help ensure residents make informed decisions.

With rising costs affecting everyone’s budgets, consider reviewing family spending habits and card statements to ensure you are not paying for unnecessary services. Consider calling utilities and insurance companies to ensure you are availing of all available discounts, for example the mandatory winter tire discount on auto insurance.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides valuable resources on topics including managing your money, debt and investments, planning for retirement and protecting yourself from fraud. I encourage everyone to avail of these resources and to “Make Change that Counts” today.

Thank you Speaker.

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As tech and innovation companies from Newfoundland and Labrador continue to make an impact nationally and internationally, a local firm is expanding its business development opportunities in North America with support from the Provincial Government.

Today the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that the Provincial Government is contributing more than $98,000 in non-repayable funding from the Business Development Support program to ClearRisk, a provider of web-based software and data solutions for medium to large-sized organizations. ClearRisk’s Risk Management Solutions platform is designed to enhance overall business performance through operational excellence.

This funding will assist the company with increased international marketing activities, including content development, social media, online ads, and participation in various North American trade shows. It will help ClearRisk to establish itself as a brand leader in Risk Management Information System solutions in the public sector/municipalities and property management space in the United States and Canada.

Founded by Craig Rowe in 2006, ClearRisk works with risk managers and senior management from over 150 organizations all across North America in retail, property management, municipalities, technology, and many other industries.

Investments in our tech and innovation sector mean more jobs and a stronger economy for our province.

Quotes
“For over 15 years, ClearRisk has been a tech leader in Newfoundland and Labrador. With support from our government, this firm will increase its global competitiveness, while minimizing market expansion risks.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are delighted with the continued support of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since our inception in 2006, the Province has been an important partner. This funding helps companies like ClearRisk take even more risk. We are always investing in our product and people, but when the Province co-invests we are able to do a lot more. This means more positions created, a better product for our customers and more success in the market. I’m very proud that ClearRisk has been a significant contributor to the NL tech sector in talent development, jobs created and contributions to the economy and community. Partnerships like the one with the Province benefit everyone.”
Craig Rowe
CEO, ClearRisk

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Learn more
ClearRisk

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

Media contacts
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca

Elyse Summers
ClearRisk
709-743-9329
esummers@clearrisk.com

The post Supporting the Continued Growth of ClearRisk appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings at the Leadership Summit for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals in the Municipal Sector, tomorrow (Wednesday, November 2). The Leadership Summit is taking place at the Quality Inn and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander starting at 5:00 p.m.

Among various topics of discussion, the summit will mark the launch of The Value We Bring project, building upon the Make Your Mark campaign to increase diversity and inclusion work in the province’s municipal sector. The Provincial Government recently announced a $10,000 investment to support The Value We Bring project.

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

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

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This past weekend was one of incredible talent and celebration, as MusicNL recognized musical excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador through its Industry Awards and Music Awards ceremonies.

The Industry Award reception was held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre on Friday, October 28. The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, had the pleasure of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Don and Kathy Wherry of Sound Symposium.

The Music Awards were held at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre on Saturday, October 29. The Honourable Gerry Byrne attended on behalf of the Provincial Government and presented the Folk/Roots Artist of the Year to the Kubasonics.

Other winners from this weekend’s awards ceremonies include:

Industry Awards:

• Event of the Year – 46th Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival
• Industry Professional of the Year – Mary Beth Waldram
• Media Person of the Year – Chris Batstone
• Music Educator of the Year – Rozalind MacPhail
• Outstanding Company of the Year – Atlantic Music
• Recording Engineer/Producer of the Year – Michelle LaCour
• Venue of the Year – The Ship Pub
• Volunteer of the Year – Alick Tsui
• Unsung Hero Award – John Clarke
• Denis Parker Industry Builder Award – Darren White
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Sound Symposium, Don & Kathy Wherry

Music Awards:

• Album of the Year – Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts – No More Hiding
• Alternative Artist of the Year – Swimming
• Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year – Rosemary Lawton
• Classical Artist of the Year – Deantha Edmunds
• Country Artist of the Year – Youngtree & The Blooms
• Electronic Artist of the Year – Alex Byrne
• Entertainer of the Year – Justin Fancy
• Folk/Roots Artist of the Year – Kubasonics
• Global Music Artist of the Year – Florian Hoefner
• Group of the Year – Quote the Raven
• Indigenous Artist of the Year – Deantha Edmunds
• Instrumental Artist of the Year – Florian Hoefner
• Loud Artist of the Year – Slowpoke
• Music Video of the Year – Rosemary Lawton – Little Fires
• Pop Artist of the Year – Rachel Cousins
• Rap/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year – King Sway
• Rising Star of the Year – Jing Xia
• Rock Artist of the Year – Nick Earle and The Reckless Hearts
• Side Musician of the Year – Dan George
• Solo Artist of the Year – Rachel Cousins
• Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year – Kelly McMichael

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation provides $350,000 annually to MusicNL to administer funding programs for musicians and to assist with the organization’s operations. MusicNL aims to increase awareness locally, nationally and internationally of provincially produced music as an art form, and as a viable industry with a significant impact on the economy.

Quotes
“It was an absolute pleasure to be on the west coast this weekend to participate in some of MusicNL’s networking events, showcases and the Industry Awards reception. The talent in this province is immense and MusicNL is doing a fantastic job of supporting the music community. I would like to congratulate all award winners, and also MusicNL for making such a positive impact over the past 30 years.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Music Celebration Week 2022 offered an eclectic showcase of performances from our province’s musicians. The talent was exceptional and over 35 buyers from all around the world have already invested and booked our members for 2023. Thanks again to Minister Crocker and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for their support.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
Chief Executive Officer, MusicNL

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Learn more
MusicNL

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

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

Sarah Newell
MusicNL
709-754-2574
sarah@musicnl.ca

The post Minister Crocker Congratulates 2022 MusicNL Award Winners appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is advising that it will hold a further public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the report of the Auditor General on the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire on Wednesday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber. The Committee also conducted a public hearing on this matter in March 2022.

The MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire report is the result of a request from the Public Accounts Committee to the Auditor General in March 2018 to undertake a review of the process used to purchase the two vessels and the number of concerns related to mechanical issues since they came into service. Tomorrow’s hearing will follow up with former officials of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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

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Learn more
Report of the Auditor General on the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire

Public Accounts Committee webpage

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

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The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate has released the 2022-23 Status Report on Recommendations. This is the first report on the status of recommendations released by this Office and will be an annual feature while there are outstanding recommendations.

To date, 25 recommendations have been issued by the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate to various Provincial Government departments and agencies arising from its first report released in 2019 entitled Long May Your Big Jib Draw. Of these recommendations, 44% have been fully implemented, 44% partially implemented, and 12% have had little or no meaningful progress, as of the reporting period.

Some government departments and agencies implemented the recommendations and went even further than expected to enhance programs/services for seniors. These initiatives are highlighted in the report and include, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development’s Age-Friendly Communities Program which continues to expand; most recently collaborating with the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and the Department of Health and Community Services to develop a common community assessment tool.

For the recommendations that remain outstanding since the 2019 report, these are in varying stages of implementation from underway to no evidence of consideration. Of note, is the recommendation for a significant review of the province’s personal care homes and long term care homes. While operational standards for both systems are in draft, the implementation of a full review of both systems is critical and must be a top priority of the Department of Health and Community Services.

It is unfortunate that some of the recommendations have had no action, such as the integration of the cost of driving medicals for those age 75 years and older into the Medical Care Plan. This is a mandatory expense for older drivers and unaffordable for some. If a senior forfeits his/her license, the resulting loss of independence and other associated risks are contrary to the tenants of age-friendly living.

The Seniors’ Advocate will continue to monitor progress on the outstanding recommendations until the Office is satisfied that all are appropriately addressed.

“Meaningful change can take time; and I accept that recent global challenges may have hindered the implementation of some recommendations. This is unfortunate as some of the problems we see today may have been avoided or on the road to positive change. But the world we live in now is our “new normal” and we must get on with the work. However, progress is happening in many areas and I wish to thank those who have worked to improve the lives of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Susan Walsh
NL Seniors Advocate

This report can be found on the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate website: www.seniorsadvocatenl.ca/pdfs/StatusReportOnRecommendations2022-23.pdf

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Media contact
Sherri-Lee Owens
Office of the Seniors’ Advocate
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

The post The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate – Seniors’ Advocate Releases Status Report on Recommendations appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will tour the office space of tech firm ClearRisk tomorrow (Tuesday, November 1).

The tour takes place at 5 Hallett Crescent, St. John’s, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

ClearRisk provides web-based software and data solutions for medium to large-sized organizations across North America in retail, property management, municipalities, technology and other industries.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Tour ClearRisk appeared first on News Releases.

The 2021-22 Public Accounts, the audited financial statements of the province for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022, have been released and tabled with the House of Assembly. The deficit for 2021-22 is confirmed at $271.9 million, which reflects a $553.6 million decrease as compared with the original estimated deficit of $825.5 million.

The decrease in deficit is primarily related to expenses of $8.9 billion being lower than the original estimate of $9.3 billion, largely due to the timing in which federal cost shared programs, such as the oil and gas industry recovery assistance fund, were anticipated to be incurred.

The Public Accounts are prepared in accordance with the standards established for governments by the Public Sector Accounting Board. The Consolidated Summary Financial Statements were independently audited by the Auditor General and were issued with an unqualified audit opinion.

The 2021-22 Public Accounts were prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, similar to statements provided at 2021-22 Budget.

Copies of the Public Accounts and the related reports for 2021-22 are available at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/tbs/publications/public-accounts/.

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“The 2021-22 Public Accounts provides financial statements that received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General. To achieve a stronger, more sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador, we will continue with our strategic plan that is focused on a return to balanced budgets, lower cost of borrowing and decreased debt, including the establishment of the Future Fund.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
2021-22 Public Accounts

Report on the Program Expenditures and Revenues of the Consolidated Revenue Fund

Budget 2021

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Media contact
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Releases 2021-22 Public Accounts appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission:

Speaker, I am pleased to welcome our first new employees through the graduate recruitment program, many of whom have joined us here today, to our public service.

These recruits are highly educated and skilled. Among this team, you will find a doctorate in sociology and a host of masters’ degrees, including public health, science management, economics, marine studies and health ethics. We have graduates with backgrounds in nursing, criminology and business to name just a few.

These new employees bring their knowledge, skill and drive to collaborate and enhance development in fiscal, social, immigration and health policies, as well as Indigenous affairs, business analysis, and human resources among others. These talented recruits are very eager to make meaningful contributions to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and through it, to the people of the province.

The graduate recruitment program provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in one or more work assignments, expand skills and knowledge, network and connect with professionals and receive ongoing mentoring, coaching and learning opportunities. The goal is to develop a career path to management and executive roles within the public service.

I invite my colleagues to join with me in wishing our new graduate recruits well as they learn from and enhance our strong public service.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Coady Welcomes Public Service Graduate Recruits appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will today introduce amendments the Schools Act, 1997, for second reading in the House of Assembly. If passed, these amendments will strengthen the Act and coincide with the ongoing work on the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Department of Education.

Minister Haggie will be available to provide details of the proposed amendments prior to debate in the House of Assembly today (Monday, October 31) at noon in the front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

The proposed changes to the Act include:

• Introducing a Provincial Advisory Council on Education.  This group will take on an advisory role to the Minister of Education on all matters relating to K-12 education.  The advisory council will ensure that school councils and parents from around the province have a coordinated voice concerning educational issues;
• Amendments to the governance structure of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, including:
  • Removing the requirement for an elected board at the district. An integration board of Deputy Ministers was put in place in 2022, and will remain until the integration is complete;
  • Replacing references to the Director of Schools for the district with a new Superintendent position.  This is a change in title to distinguish the role as the integration continues; and
  • Removing the requirement for a board to appoint an associate director and assistant directors.
• Additional amendments to help modernize the Act, including updating the powers and duties of the board and the Francophone School District and incorporating gender neutral language.

These proposed updates support staff with the Department of Education and the school district as the integration process moves forward.

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“These amendments, if passed, will allow for the full integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Department of Education.  The creation of an advisory council will give parents a stronger voice in the delivery of education.  As always, we are focused on creating an education system that will provide the best possible outcomes for students.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Schools Act, 1997

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

The post Government Introduces Proposed Amendments to the Schools Act appeared first on News Releases.