Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced today that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will build a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s.

Premier Furey was joined for the announcement by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

While the site of the new hospital has not been finalized, the site of the former Grace Hospital is being considered.

Consultants will be engaged this fall to begin the planning of the new hospital.

Recognizing the child care challenges faced by health professionals in the province, particularly with shifts during irregular hours, consideration for early learning and child care resources will be part of the planning process for the new hospital.

The replacement is in addition to the construction of the new adult mental health and addictions hospital, currently under construction at Health Sciences Centre.  Construction of the new adult mental health and addictions hospital is anticipated to be completed in late 2024.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure also issued a tender earlier this year to improve and expand the emergency department at the Health Sciences Centre on the redevelopment of 2,230 square metres of the current space and the construction of a new 2,690 square metre extension.

The department anticipates awarding a contract on the redevelopment in the near future.

The new infrastructure will help realign the delivery of acute care services on the Northeast Avalon, increase access to healthcare, and ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet future health care needs.

Quotes
“We know that modern healthcare infrastructure creates better working environments and helps attract healthcare professionals, which leads to better health care services – and that is why it is important to replace this century-old building. This is in line with the principles of Health Accord NL, with the goal of improving social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting the health of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and providing timelier access to quality care. We look forward to the next steps of building a new hospital for our province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government is committed to increasing access to quality health care by reimagining and improving the delivery of services throughout our province. The construction of a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Hospital aligns with this commitment and allows for the delivery of health care in a new, modern setting.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We’re excited that the replacement of St. Clare’s will help improve healthcare service delivery for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This project will also create work for tradespeople in this province. More than 90 per cent of the tradespeople on the new adult mental health and addictions hospital and new hospital in Corner Brook are from this province and we look forward to seeing that continue.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

Health Accord NL Interim Report – A Call to Action to Transform Health

Health Accord NL

Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint

Tender Issued for New Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre

Avalon Healthcare Partnership Selected to Design, Build, Finance and Maintain New Mental Health and Addictions Hospital

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

Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement regarding healthcare infrastructure tomorrow (Monday, October 31).

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, 154 Lemarchant Road, St. John’s. Media are asked to meet at the main entrance at 9:20 a.m. for escort through the facility.

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

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

Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Availability: Premier Furey to Make Healthcare Infrastructure Announcement 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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Victoria Abattoir                                                                                         (Reg. 2222)
Proponent: Omiachi Farm

The proponent proposes to construct an abattoir on a cattle farm in Victoria, Conception Bay. The abattoir will be for slaughtering cattle from the farm with secondary processing at the existing meat shop located at 43 Swansea Road. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 28, 2022; the deadline for public comments is December 2, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by December 12, 2022.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Crown District 19 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027) (Reg. 2208)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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 Climate Change Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a Greenhouse Gas Management Plan must be prepared and submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for approval. A draft of this plan must be submitted within one year of the date of the Minister’s decision letter with an update on the progress of this plan to be submitted in 6 months. The plan is expected to include:
  • Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
  • Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five year period; and
  • A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modelling with regard to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.

• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
  • A 30-metre buffer is to be maintained around infrastructure for hydrometric monitoring stations and no Project work is to occur within 100 metres of domestic wells; and
  • Forestry operations in the Churchill River flood watershed, Otter Creek flood watershed, and other local creek flood watersheds in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay have the potential to release sediment and turbid water into the waterbody. The vulnerable areas and preventative measures must be identified to avoid releasing sediment and turbid water into the waterbody, and this information must be submitted to the Water Resources Management Division for review and approval prior to the start of forestry operations.
• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the proponent to follow the 2021 Environmental Protection Guidelines.
• The Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture must be consulted as follows:
  • prior to conducting any silviculture activities next to existing agriculture properties, within agricultural development areas (ADAs) and within agricultural areas of interest (AOIs);
  • to determine if there are any land use conflicts with ADAs, AOIs and home gardening areas within the Forest Management District;
  • to determine if there are any land use conflicts with cottage planning areas and cottage development areas; and
  • prior to the decommissioning of all roads constructed within the operating plan.

• The Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture also directs that:
  • existing agriculture operations must not be impacted by the Project;
  • the Project must not encroach on existing land titles where proposed timber harvest areas fall within community infilling limits; and
  • the Project must not encroach on Crown Land Reserves where proposed timber harvest areas overlap these Reserves.

• In response to the commitment to address public concerns related to the alignment of a Project Boundary with a fire break, and a lack of domestic harvesting opportunities, the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
  • the proponent is to adjust the boundary of the ‘No Cut’ area in Operating Area CC19515-NWRN1 to align with the current fire break within the Town of North West River, effective for the 2023-2027 plan;
  • the proponent is to undertake the necessary mapping and consultation work to explore options that may permit domestic harvest across a wider geographical area of District 19. Consultation should occur in 2023 with the goal of implementing any domestic harvesting boundary changes on January 1, 2024; and
  • the proponent is to examine past silviculture treatment data for the Johnson’s Road area to assess the available hardwood supply outside silviculturally treated areas and the ‘No Cut’ areas for potential opportunities for harvest.

• 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.

Crown Zone 8 Five Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027)     (Reg. 2210)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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 Climate Change Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a Greenhouse Gas Management Plan must be prepared and submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for approval. A draft of this plan must be submitted within one year of the date of the Minister’s decision letter with an update on the progress of this plan to be submitted in six months. The plan is expected to include:
  • Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
  • Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five-year period; and
  • A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modelling with regard to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.

• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
  • A 30-metre buffer must be maintained around the hydrometric station # 02YD002 located at Northeast Brook near Roddickton and no Project work is to occur within 100-metres of domestic wells.
  • Forestry operations in the Parsons Pond River flood watershed have the potential to release sediment and turbid water into the waterbody. The vulnerable areas and preventative measures must be identified to avoid releasing sediment and turbid water into the waterbody, and this information must be submitted to the Water Resources Management Division for review and approval prior to the start of forestry operations.

• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires that the proponent follow the 2021 Environmental Protection Guidelines.
• The Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture must be consulted as follows:
  • prior to conducting any silviculture activities next to existing agriculture properties, within agricultural development areas (ADAs) and within agricultural areas of interest (AOIs);
  • to determine if there are any land use conflicts with ADAs, AOIs and home gardening areas within the Forest Management District;
  • to determine if there are any land use conflicts with cottage planning areas and cottage development areas; and
  • prior to the decommissioning of roads constructed within the operating plan.

• The Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture also directs that:
  • existing agriculture operations must not be impacted by the Project;
  • the Project must not encroach on existing land titles where proposed timber harvest areas fall within community infilling limits; and
  • the Project must not encroach on Crown Land Reserves where proposed timber harvest areas overlap these Reserves.

• The Provincial Archeological Office of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation requires a 50-metre buffer, where no ground disturbing activity is permitted around Ethnographic site “12P/02/03 Ethno 1.”
• 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.

Sexton’s Road Snowmobile Trail Re-Route                                       (Reg. 2213)
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Association

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:
  • Where possible, for slopes less than 30 percent, the proponent must maintain a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone around all waterbodies, from the high water mark, 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. Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in this zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 percent, the proponent must maintain an undisturbed riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (%). Land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities must not take place in this zone.
  • 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 proposed undertaking occurs in a silviculturally treated, commercial forest area and forestry activities must not be restricted in any way. Forestry activities include but are not limited to forest access road construction, maintenance and decommissioning of forest access roads, timber harvesting, silviculture treatment, forest protection, forest management research and monitoring, conservation and other activities carried out in accordance with sustainable forest management practices. Silviculturally treated land must not be disturbed in any way during the construction or use of this trail.

• 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.

Power has been restored to the west wing of Confederation Building, East Block, from the basement to the fifth floor following a power outage Saturday, October 22.

Public service employees who have been working from home while repairs were being completed can return to their workspaces in coordination with their supervisors.

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Media contact
Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Power Restored at Confederation Building, East Block appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to support residents impacted by Hurricane Fiona. As part of the $30 million allocated to the Hurricane Fiona Financial Assistance Program, additional steps are being taken to support residents with reimbursements for necessities, as well as support with temporary housing for impacted residents.

Health and Safety Reimbursements
On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, $250,000 has been provided to the Canadian Red Cross to administer for the reimbursement of immediate needs and necessary items related to the health and safety of residents, purchased within the first month after Hurricane Fiona. For information about the eligible items, please see the backgrounder below.

The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, November 18, 2022. Receipts must be provided and reimbursement is up to a maximum of $2,500 per household.

To access this funding, residents need to contact the Canadian Red Cross. Starting Saturday, October 29, residents can call the toll free number 1-800-863-6582, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. NST to make an appointment.

Temporary Housing Supports
The Provincial Government is offering financial assistance and accommodation supports to help transition eligible households from emergency accommodations into temporary longer-term housing as the region continues to recover from Hurricane Fiona.

There is no application required, however impacted residents must be registered with the Canadian Red Cross and have completed a housing intake assessment with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development. A representative from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will be in contact with these residents regarding the available supports.

Supports include:

• $1,000 per household per month for those who continue to live in private accommodations with family, friends or other community members.
• Up to $1,000 per household per month to assist in covering the cost of a rental accommodation.
• Assistance in identifying a rental accommodation from a list of available rental properties in the region.
• In the event a household cannot find private or rental accommodation, a leased accommodation may be arranged by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation from a licensed establishment in the hospitality industry.

Guidance will also be provided to assist impacted households establish tenant/landlord lease agreements as applicable.

These assistance programs are in addition to the funding that has been distributed to those who have been displaced or evacuated, and have either returned home or are not yet able to return home. To date, almost $1.8 million has been dispersed to people from that fund.

For additional information on Hurricane Fiona relief efforts, please visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/jps/hurricanefionarelief/.

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

BACKGROUNDER

Health and Safety Reimbursements

To be eligible for funding, households must:

• Register with the Canadian Red Cross;
• Ensure the reimbursements pertain to their primary residence that was impacted by Hurricane Fiona; and
• Provide receipts/invoices dated between September 24, 2022 and October 31, 2022.

Support for health and safety needs of impacted residents

Health

• Medical devices and aids (i.e., CPAP, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Health care supplies (i.e., eyeglasses, dentures, etc.)

Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (i.e., work uniform, boots, gloves)
• Car Seat
• Stroller

Support for homeowners with minor damage for repairs, remediation, clean-up and replacement

Household Appliances – Must be for primary use of household

• Washer/Dryer
• Refrigerator/Freezer

Clean-up, remediation, minor repairs

• Debris Removal
  • Contractor costs, gas, equipment rental or purchase
• Tree removal
  • Contractor costs, gas, equipment rental or purchase
• Interior cleaning: Water/mold remediation
  • Contractor cost, home inspection cost, professional cleaning, supplies
• Minor repairs to essential home structures such as shingles, siding, windows, and doors

Please note, a household’s own labour is not eligible for reimbursement.

The post Public Advisory: Funding and Supports Available for Residents Affected by Hurricane Fiona appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, today announced that a fund of $3 million will be available for tourism and hospitality operators to enhance their products and experiences. This funding will further support the recovery and growth of the province’s tourism industry following the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This $3 million investment will fund non-repayable contributions of up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects, up to a maximum of $25,000.

The objectives of the program are to support commercial tourism and hospitality operators who aspire to:

• Enhance products and experiences;
• Improve the quality and market readiness of existing tourism products and experiences;
• Facilitate extending experiences into the “shoulder seasons”;
• Enhance efficiency of operations; and/or
• Increase accessibility to tourism products and experiences.

Funding from the Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund is available to Newfoundland and Labrador owned and operated tourism and hospitality operators, including licensed accommodations, tours, attractions, food and beverage purveyors, outfitters, transportation services, retail businesses and for-profit events.

More information, including eligibility criteria and the application form, is available on the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation website so that operators can review and prepare their proposals.

Proposals will be accepted from November 4 to November 25, 2022. Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2023.

Quote
“Tourism and hospitality operators are critical to our provincial economy, and are eager to share authentic Newfoundland and Labrador experiences with residents and visitors alike. The Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund is an investment that will help them make their products and experiences even more attractive and further enhance our reputation as a world-class travel destination.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Tourism Experience Enhancement Fund Guidelines and Application

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

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Today the amended Adoption Act, 2013, which governs the adoption process in Newfoundland and Labrador, is now in effect. The approved amendments will further strengthen the province’s adoption legislation and recognize the unique needs of Indigenous children and their families in the adoption process.

The adoption legislation will now:

• Recognize the rights and needs of Indigenous children in the adoption process;
• Expand the factors considered when determining the best interests of the child for the purposes of adoption to include the importance of preserving an Indigenous child’s cultural identity and the importance of sibling relationships;
• Clarify when and under what conditions court ordered contact continues after an adoption is finalized through new openness order provisions;
• Address a legislative gap for adoption of youth leaving care between their 18th and 19th birthdays; and
• Clarify confidentiality provisions to ensure appropriate transparency while protecting the confidential information of those involved in adoption processes.

These amendments followed engagement with key partners to inform policy development, clinical practice procedures and regulations, as well as the implementation of training for staff and stakeholders. The Act, which received Royal Assent on November 4, 2021, can be found on the House of Assembly website.

For more information on the adoption process, please visit the department’s website.

Quote
“It is paramount that children who are eligible for adoption are matched with loving and supportive families in a timely manner, and that the unique needs of Indigenous children are recognized. I am pleased that the amended Adoption Act, 2013, is now law. The amendments are certainly reflective of best practices and input gathered from birth families, adoptive families, foster parents, the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the public.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more

Provincial Government Proposes Amendments to the Adoption Act, 2013

Adoption Act, 2013

Information on the Adoption Process

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

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

The post Amended Adoption Legislation Now In Effect appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will make a funding announcement related to tourism operators tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at 11:00 a.m.

The announcement will take place at the Marble Mountain Resort, 2 Marble Drive, Steady Brook.

Media planning to attend are asked to please RSVP with Adrienne Luther (adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca).

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Announce Funding for Tourism Operators appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2022-025 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-2022-025

Report Date: October 25, 2022

Public Body:  Independent Appointments Commission

Summary:     The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Independent Appointments Commission for records relating to the review of applicants for a Vice-Chairperson position on the Labour Relations Board. The Complainant was seeking information as to why a second Vice-Chairperson was not appointed. The Independent Appointments Commission responded to the Complainant, providing records but withholding some information pursuant to sections 27 (cabinet confidences), 32 (confidential evaluation) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). This Report finds that the Independent Appointments Commission had conducted a reasonable search for records and that the exceptions were applied appropriately.

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

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, welcomes Linda Clemens Spurrell to the position of Child and Youth Advocate. The appointment, effective October 25, 2022, was confirmed by resolution of the House of Assembly on October 11 as per Section 4 of the Child and Youth Advocate Act. She succeeds Jackie Lake-Kavanagh who retired on December 31, 2021.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of all children and youth in the province and provides public oversight of government programs and services. The Office can be reached at 1-877-753-3888 or office@ocya.nl.ca.

Quote
“I extend my congratulations to Linda Clemens Spurrell on her appointment as the Child and Youth Advocate. Her varied experience within the public service will be an asset to that role and I wish her well as she takes on the work of that office. I extend my appreciation to the former Advocate, Jackie Lake-Kavanagh, for her contributions during the time she served in that role and wish her well in her retirement. I would also like to extend appreciation to Karen Grey, Director of Reviews, Investigations and Systemic Advocacy, who served as the acting Child and Youth Advocate in the interim.”
Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate website

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

BACKGROUNDER

Linda Clemens Spurrell began working as a public servant in 1993 as a front line social worker with the then Department of Social Services. Linda is a graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1993 and a Master of Social Work in 2010. Through Linda’s 30 year career as a public servant she has worked in front line social work positions, policy and program development, training and quality management, front line supervision, and progressive senior management positions within the Department of Social Services, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Department of Health and Community Services, and the former Department of Child Youth and Family Services.

Prior to her appointment as the Child and Youth Advocate, Linda Clemens Spurrell served as Assistant Deputy Minister for the Child and Youth Services Branch of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, a position she held since 2019.

Linda’s entire career has focused on the needs of children and youth of this province and as a registered social worker, she believes in the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and mutual respect.

The post Speaker Welcomes Recently Appointed Child and Youth Advocate appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association’s annual conference.

Minister Parsons will bring greetings during the business luncheon tomorrow (Friday, October 28) at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Loveless will speak at the awards gala on Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Both events will take place at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, in St. John’s.

Working on behalf of over 640 firms, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association has served as the voice of the provincial construction industry for more than 40 years.

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

Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Parsons and Loveless to Participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association Conference appeared first on News Releases.

With Music NL’s Music Celebration Week taking place on the west coast this year, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will participate in events in Corner Brook.

Minister Crocker will attend the Industry Awards on Friday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Corner Brook Civic Centre, 1 Canada Games Drive, where he will present the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Minister Byrne will attend the Music NL Awards Gala on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre, 11 University Drive, where he will present the Folk/Roots Artist/Group of the Year Award.

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Crocker and Byrne to Attend Music Celebration Week Events in Corner Brook appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2022-024 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-2022-024

Report Date: October 25, 2022

Public Body:  Legal Appointments Board

Summary:      The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Legal Appointments Board for information relating to consultations and the recommendation of four named individuals who were appointed to the Queen’s Counsel on January 21, 2022. The Legal Appointments Board responded to the Complainant providing records with some information withheld based on sections 27 (cabinet confidences) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). This Report finds that the exceptions were properly applied; however, there was insufficient evidence available to conclude that the Legal Appointments Board conducted a reasonable search for records. It was therefore recommended that the Board conduct a new search by requesting from the former Chair’s law firm all responsive records.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-024 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will represent the Provincial Government at the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs’ 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala.

The event takes place tomorrow (Thursday, October 27, 2022) from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street.

Since 1998, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards have recognized women entrepreneurs whose successful businesses contribute to the provincial economy and to their communities.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala appeared first on News Releases.

The Outer Ring Road from Kenmount Road to the Logy Bay Road interchange will be closed on Sunday, October 30, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a cleanup of litter and large discarded items.

The closure is necessary to ensure a safe environment for all crews working on and near the highway.

Traffic control will be in place on the highways to guide motorists and ease the flow of traffic. Digital display signs have also been placed along the Outer Ring Road to give advanced notice of the closure.

During each cleanup, barricades will be erected to prohibit access at all entry points:

• Logy Bay Road
• Torbay Road
• Aberdeen Avenue
• Portugal Cove Road
• Allandale Road
• Team Gushue Highway
• Thorburn Road
• Topsail Road

Cleanups are required as vehicle cargo is often not secured, which causes debris to litter our roadways. The Cargo Securement Regulations, under the Highway Traffic Act, applies to all private and commercial vehicles used to transport cargo, debris or trash on a public roadway. Failing to secure cargo, or failure to comply with any of the Cargo Securement Regulations can result in a fine from $120 to $600.

Updates on the road closure and reopening will be available at nl511.ca and the 511 smartphone app.

Quotes
“Our roadways are experiencing a high volume of litter. This is why it is crucial for both our environment and the safety of drivers that we make every effort to keep our highways clean. We encourage everyone to secure items in your vehicle as we aim to lessen the amount of debris on our roads.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Every piece of litter that is properly disposed of helps preserve our natural environment. Thank you to the department staff and the road crews for their continued efforts to keep our roads clean and litter-free. I encourage all residents to take the time to ensure they dispose of their garbage appropriately.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Unsecured loads present safety hazards for all motorists. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure loads are properly secured so that flying debris does not obstruct the view of, or strike, other motorists. Securing cargo also prevents unnecessary roadside litter.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

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

Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

The post Cleanup Planned for Outer Ring Road appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association’s Women in Construction forum on Thursday, October 27, 2022.

Minister Stoodley will engage in an empowering discussion with inspiring women detailing their journey and how they are making a difference in their various sectors, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Parsons will bring greetings at the business luncheon.

Minister Stoodley will also attend the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association gala on Saturday, October 29, 2022. The event begins at 7:00 p.m.

All events take place at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Stoodley and Parsons to attend Women in Construction Forum appeared first on News Releases.

A review conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture into foreign investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador fish processing sector is now complete, and the final report is available to the public on the department website.

Based on the considerations identified throughout the review, the department will implement several measures to enhance fish processing licensing in Newfoundland and Labrador. More details on these measures can be found in backgrounder below.

The review began in May 2021 and included an in-depth analysis of:

• Information provided by fish processing companies;
• A jurisdictional scan of the prevalence of foreign investment in the fish processing sector and other resource sectors;
• Regulations around foreign investment in other fishing regions;
• Consideration of external risks to the fish processing sector; and,
• Consideration of obligations under international trade agreements and their impact on its engagement with foreign investors.

The review included consultations with key fish harvesting and processing sector stakeholder representatives, including the Fish Processing Licensing Board, the Association of Seafood Producers, the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board, Fish Food and Allied Workers – Unifor and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, the public had an opportunity to express their views through an online questionnaire at engageNL.

Quote
“Maintaining a healthy and vibrant fish processing sector that provides maximum benefit to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is a priority for this government. I am confident the steps we are taking to enhance our fish processing licensing process will ensure that our communities continue to receive the maximum benefit from our fishing resources.  Thank you to department officials for their dedicated efforts to undertake this extensive review in support of our province’s valuable fishing sector.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
A Review of Foreign Investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Processing Sector

Provincial Government Seeking Public Input on Foreign Ownership in Fish Processing Sector – News Releases

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

BACKGROUNDER

Measures to Enhance Fish Processing Licensing in Newfoundland and Labrador

The review was initiated after a recommendation made by the Fish Processing Licensing Board in September 2020 to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture to examine the matter of foreign investment in the province’s fish-processing sector.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture will implement the following measures, stemming from the findings and considerations contained in the Report on Foreign Investment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Processing Sector:

1. Enhance the viable business plan criteria for consideration of applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that all licence holders are committed to the continuing productivity and health of the fish-processing sector.
2. Add the criterion of Corporate Status and Conduct to the criteria for considering applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that only companies with a demonstrated history of good conduct will be eligible for a fish-processing licence, whether domestic or foreign.
3. Replace the criterion of Corporate Concentration with the criterion of Competitiveness for considering applications for new fish processing licences, change of operator for existing licences, and the consolidation and transfer of licenses. These measures are meant to ensure that no company, foreign or domestic, gains such a dominant position in the sector that it is to the detriment of all other companies.
4. Undertake an internal review of the fish processing licensing with the goal of enhancing data collection, analysis and reporting.

The post Report Available on Foreign Investment in Fish Processing Sector appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government has added coverage for two IV-infused medications used for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The drugs, Tysabri and Lemtrada, are primarily dispensed by community pharmacies for use outside an acute care facility, and will now be available to patients under the program.

Historically, medications requiring IV administration were excluded from the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program benefit list, given administration could only occur in an acute care facility with the medication provided at no cost to the patient. However, in recent years, an increasing number of these IV medications are being delivered through private infusion clinics in the community.

Adding these medications for outpatient use under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of the setting in which they are administered.

Quote
“Our government is committed to helping residents of the province address their health care needs, including access to prescriptions drugs. It is important that we continuously review our criteria for the funding of drugs under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of where it is administered.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP)

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post Increased Drug Coverage for Multiple Sclerosis Treatments appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at Eastern Health’s Innovation Summit tomorrow (Wednesday, October 26).

The event begins at 9:10 a.m. at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, 66 Pippy Place, St. John’s.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Bring Greetings at the Eastern Health Innovation Summit appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development announced the implementation of a new Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services through the department’s voluntary Youth Services Program.

Approximately 300 of the department’s youth clients, who are between the ages of 16 and 21 and receive residential services, are currently provided with financial and other supports. Effective January 1, 2023, these youth are eligible to receive increased financial benefits and additional supports to help them engage in or transition to the workforce and/or an education program. This new targeted program will:

• Include additional financial supports of over $600 monthly; and
• Enhance existing wrap around supports such as financial and employment counselling, mental health and addictions supports, tutoring and other education supports, and life skills programming.

Minister Abbott was joined by Rick Kelly, Executive Director, Waypoints and other community partners to make the announcement.

This innovative initiative is aligned with Health Accord Newfoundland and Labrador’s recommendation to create ways to improve the social determinants of health in the province. The implementation of this targeted Basic Income Program will help to further empower vulnerable youth to successfully transition to adulthood.

Quotes
“While poverty has always been complex and multidimensional, I recognize these are challenging times that are deeply impacting individuals and families, especially those living in poverty throughout the province. Given income is obviously a critical factor for social and economic well-being, I am pleased to implement a new targeted Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services beginning this January. This additional support will help young people to positively transition for a successful future while promoting their independence.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Waypoints is extremely pleased that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be providing additional financial and wrap around supports for young people availing of residential services under the Department’s voluntary Youth Services Program. This is a very challenging time in our economy and the extra support for the young people will certainly make a difference for their standard of living by increasing their financial security and assisting them as they transition into adulthood.”
Rick Kelly
Executive Director, Waypoints

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

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

Rick Kelly
Waypoints
709-368-6390
rickkelly@waypointsnl.ca

The post Provincial Government Announces New Basic Income Program for Youth Receiving Residential Services appeared first on News Releases.