Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, are attending the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference 2022 in Toronto, Ontario today (Monday, June 13).

The province has participated in the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference for over 40 years. This year, 27 companies with a Newfoundland and Labrador presence are attending.

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

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

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, will deliver opening remarks at the Jimmy Pratt Foundation Early Childhood Education Conference on Monday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at the First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity, located at 42 Bannerman Street in St. John’s.

The “’Let’s Get it Right!: Conference on Early Childhood Education for the Next Generation’ will bring child care advocates, government representatives, academics, labour leaders, and Early Childhood Educators from across the province together for a day of discussion and learning.

Media interested in attending are asked to contact Neria Aylward with the Jimmy Pratt Foundation at 709-693-4488 or neria@jimmyprattfoundation.ca.

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Media contact
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

 

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, will announce an expansion of capacity for the Practical Nursing program offered by the College of the North Atlantic on Monday, June 13 in Gander. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Health long-term care facility at 1A Magee Road.

Minister Byrne and Minister Haggie will be joined by representatives of College of the North Atlantic.

The event will be live streamed on Facebook.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Jeremy Reynolds (jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca).

Attendees will be required to wear masks while inside the facility.

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Media contact
Jeremy Reynolds
709-729-2377, 691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

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

 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, today announced that the Provincial Government will bring ‘Come From Away The Concert’ and the new musical comedy ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ to Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Arts and Culture Centres’ program line up for Come Home 2022.

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning international hit musical ‘Come From Away’ has delighted audiences around the world. ‘Come From Away The Concert’ returns to be presented at the Steele Community Centre in Gander and the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s. This concert production will reunite members of the Toronto cast and band along with original Broadway cast member and the province’s own Petrina Bromley. ‘Come From Away The Concert’ will be presented in Gander, from September 13-15 and in St. John’s, from September 19-20, as marquee events for Come Home 2022.

In October, the province’s Arts and Culture Centres’ present ‘Tell Tale Harbour.’ Based on the screenplay, ‘The Grand Seduction’ by Ken Scott, this new musical comedy from Confederation Centre of the Arts in Prince Edward Island will see its Newfoundland and Labrador debut as another marquee event for Come Home 2022. Co-written by and starring the province’s musical icon Alan Doyle, ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ also features the talents of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Jillian Keiley and Edward Riche.

Tickets for both shows go on sale Wednesday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets for ‘Come From Away The Concert’ can be purchased through the Steele Community Centre Box Office and the Mary Brown’s Centre Box Office. Tickets for ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ can be purchased at artsandculturecentre.com.

Other Arts and Culture Centre presentations featured throughout the remainder of Come Home 2022 include Wonderbolt Circus, Atlantic Jazz Nights, ‘Second Shot: The Curling Musical’ and ‘Middle Raged’ with Geri Hall from This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Featured festival events include ‘The Kitchen Party Theatre Festival’ in Grand Falls-Windsor with Berni Stapleton and the Tombolo Multicultural Festival featuring Juno award-winning Okan. Other prominent artist performances happening include Half Moon Run, Ron Sexsmith, Rum Ragged and Sarah Harmer. Information on these events is available at artsandculturecentre.com.

Quotes
“Exciting things are happening in Newfoundland and Labrador for Come Home 2022. The stage is set and I hope you’re ready for some incredible performances. Along with the impressive performances that will grace the stages of our Arts and Culture Centres province-wide, we are thrilled to be bringing ‘Come From Away The Concert’ and the ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ musical home to our province. I want to say a very special thank you to our partners involved in making this happen, including the producers of the Come From Away concerts and Confederation Centre of the Arts in Prince Edward Island. We couldn’t have done this without your energy and support.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arts and Culture Centres offer the best of the best when it comes to this province’s talent, as well as a diverse lineup of artists from across Canada and around the world. I hope residents and visitors seize the opportunity to take in some of the Come Home performances because, in doing so, I’m sure they will have an unforgettable experience.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are beyond thrilled to bring ‘Come From Away’ back to its home in Newfoundland this year! When we first performed our show there, it was a life-changing experience for us – and the Come From Away Company – and we are grateful to be invited back with a Canadian cast including several Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, like Petrina Bromley, coming home from Broadway! It means the world to us to share these stories with the community that was so generous with us and has now inspired millions around the globe.”
Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Creators, Come From Away

“Confederation Centre of the Arts is thrilled to partner with the Arts and Culture Centres to bring ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ to Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a musical full of East Coast pride about the true meaning of home, so it couldn’t be a more fitting addition to the Come Home 2022 celebrations.”
Steve Bellamy
CEO, Confederation Centre of the Arts

“I hope that our audiences enjoy the exceptional lineup of performances this fall, including the two major productions coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. Please consider supporting the wonderful performing arts offerings at all community venues throughout the province this year.”
Aiden Flynn
Director, Arts and Culture Centres

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Learn more
Arts and Culture Centres

Come From Away

Tell Tale Harbour

Come Home 2022

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

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

Sue Frost
Junkyard Dog Productions
sue@jydprod.com

Emily McMahon
Confederation Centre for the Arts
902-628-6135
emcmahon@confederationcentre.com

The post ‘Come From Away In Concert’ and ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ Musical Part of Arts and Culture Centres’ Program Line Up for Come Home 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

An amendment to motor vehicle regulations now allows for the quick exchange of a Ukrainian driver’s licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador licence.

Ukrainian newcomers with a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence, and a record of their driving history will also be eligible for competitive automobile insurance rates. This progressive change allows Ukrainian newcomers to secure jobs faster and settle in communities throughout the province, better ensuring a long-term stay here.

Ukrainian newcomers can have their Class 5 driver’s licences exchanged at any Motor Registration Division office, provided they are can produce:

• A Ukrainian driver’s licence;
• Proof that they are at least 17 years of age; and
• Proof that their driver’s licence is not suspended, cancelled, revoked, or expired more than five years (driving history record).

If required, the Motor Registration Division can provide letters to individuals to confirm their driving history record. These letters can then be presented to insurance companies to obtain insurance rates comparable to drivers with similar experience.

Any valid foreign driver’s licence can be used for the first three months of residency, after which, new residents must apply for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence and complete the examination process.

Digital Government and Service NL has assessed Ukraine driver’s licence requirements, and has determined that they are similar to the requirements in this province. With the amendment, Ukraine has now been added to a list of countries for which the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can waive examination requirements.

For the time being, examination requirements are waived for Class 5 licences only. The Registrar could exchange other licences in the future, but more information and assessment is required.

Commercial driver’s licence holders who meet the medical requirements will be tested to ensure compliance with the National Safety Code.

More information on the driver’s licence application process for newcomers can be found here.

Quotes
“Given the requirements for obtaining a driver’s licence in Ukraine are similar to those in Newfoundland and Labrador, the safety risk for drivers coming to this province is low. It is important that we make the transition for Ukrainian newcomers as smooth as possible, as they settle into their new home.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Getting a local driver’s licence allows our talented Ukrainian newcomers to secure jobs faster and settle in communities throughout our province, while increasing the likelihood of a long-term stay. The Provincial Government continues to add to the compelling package for Ukrainians to ‘Choose Newfoundland and Labrador’. This approach continues to be a success, as demonstrated by the confirmation of a second Newfoundland and Labrador airlift scheduled to land in St. John’s on June 14.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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

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

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has transferred the historic Grand Falls House and land surrounding the property to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be joined by Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Barry Manuel and Grand Falls House Heritage Committee chair Peggy Bartlett at Grand Falls House to discuss the transfer today, (Friday, June 10) at 12:00 p.m.

The Grand Falls House is being transferred at no cost to the town or province.

Because of the transfer, the department anticipates annual savings from not having to continue to pay to secure and maintain property.

Grand Falls House was built in 1909 by Alfred and Harold Harmsworth and formed part of the properties established to service the paper mill. It is one of the oldest buildings in the community and region. The property comprises a large 1909 Tudor Revival style residence along with a small maintenance garage within a site of mature parkland overlooking the Exploits River.

In 2021-22, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure disposed of nine properties, including a building formerly used by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and eight undeveloped parcels of land.

Quotes
“The Grand Falls House has great value for the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor due to its architecture and historical significance. All parties have done due diligence to help make this happen and we are happy to complete the transfer of this property to the town. The property can now be used for the benefit of residents and tourists.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The Grand Falls House has been a historic icon in Grand Falls-Windsor for generations. With this agreement, the Grand Falls House and its property can be developed into a community attraction that both residents and visitors can fully enjoy. It’s with great pride that we can restore this important piece of our town’s heritage and make it accessible for generations to come.”
Mayor Barry Manuel
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor

““On behalf of the Grand Falls House Foundation, I am so pleased to see the transfer of the Grand Falls House and land to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. This 110-year-old mansion has long been an icon within the town for outdoor social events and photo opportunities and this agreement will now allow us to focus on a regional tourism strategy. The house and land, rich in history and heritage, has tremendous potential. In keeping with the foundation’s mandate, we will be reaching out to the community and its stakeholders to develop a viable and sustainable business plan that will be a destination for locals as well as the tourists that visit our province.”
Peggy Bartlett
Chair, Grand Falls House Heritage Committee

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

Robyn Hannaford
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
709-489-0173
communications@townofgfw.com

Peggy Bartlett
Chairperson, Grand Falls House Foundation
709-486-0714
pmbartlett161@gmail.com

The post Historic Property Transferred to Town of Grand Falls-Windsor; Minster Loveless Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will announce the Arts and Culture Centres program line up for Come Home 2022 tomorrow (Friday, June 10).

The announcement will take place on the upper level of the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s at 12:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Announce Arts and Culture Centres Program Line Up for Come Home 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media to provide an update on the report from the Office of the Citizens’ Representative of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will take place at 4:30 p.m. today (Thursday, June 9) outside the House of Assembly.

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Media contact
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Hogan Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, was joined by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, to announce a call for applications for the 2022-23 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.

This program is well recognized throughout Canada and internationally as an effective mechanism for proactive planning for demographic change. The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program assists incorporated municipalities, local service districts, and Indigenous governments and organizations, in making their communities more age-friendly.

Funding of up to $10,000 is available for incorporated municipalities and Indigenous governments and organizations to conduct an age-friendly assessment or to implement aspects of an existing Age-Friendly Action Plan. Communities including local service districts that take a regional approach are eligible for up to $15,000.

To obtain a copy of the program guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website at or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The deadline to submit an application is October 14, 2022.

In 2021-22, the following nine communities received funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program. Details can be found in the backgrounder below.

For more information on last year’s recipients, please see the backgrounder below.

As part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government is investing $95,000 for the program.

Quotes
“Throughout the province, the country and around the world, benefits of age-friendly communities continue to be seen and encouraged. As a government, we support this philosophy that regardless of age, ability, income, or other status, people live and thrive best in their own homes and communities. Clarenville and the Random Age-Friendly Communities Board have been leaders and innovators in this area. Most recently, they have launched an Age-Friendly Business Recognition Initiative, which I am confident will be a model for other communities and businesses. Let us all work together to create more age-friendly communities that support the seniors of today and tomorrow.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Engaging with the business community is a sound approach to bring positive change to businesses and enhance experiences for older adults. I commend the Random Age-Friendly Communities organization in providing this opportunity to the business owners of Clarenville to develop ways to acknowledge seniors and ensure their operations are age-friendly. An age-friendly community promotes good health, wellness and safety and instills stronger community connections.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“An age-friendly business will recognize the value and changing needs of its customers and employees across all ages. The age-friendly model can help attract and retain customers, as well as older workers in the 21st century.”
Leo Bonnell, Vice Chair
Random Age-Friendly Communities Board

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Learn more
Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program

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

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

Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Leo Bonnell
Random Age-Friendly Communities Board
709-466-2933
lcbonnell@nf.sympatico.ca

BACKGROUNDER

2021-2022 Grants under the Newfoundland and Labrador Age-Friendly Communities Program

Applicant Project Description Grant Town of Humber Arm South Age-Friendly Needs Assessment and Action Plan Development $10,000 Town of Hermitage –Sandyville Age-Friendly Coast of Bays $15,000 Town of Lawn Town of Lawn – Age Friendly Needs Assessment $7,160 Town of Clarenville/Random Age-Friendly Communities Board Age-Friendly Business $10,000 Town of Fogo Island Inclusive Spaces Make Happy Faces! – Making changes in our Park $10,000 Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce/ Town of Placentia Age Friendly Placentia – Bridging Generations $13,170 Town of St. Lawrence Cape Chapeau Rouge Walking/Hiking Trail Completion $10,000 Town of Summerford Active for Life $13,170 Town of Point Lance Active Seniors 6,500 Total   $95,000

 

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will attend an electric vehicle presentation and demo tomorrow (Friday, June 10), hosted by Drive Electric NL.

The event takes place at Gonzaga High School, 20 Smithville Crescent, St. John’s, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Attend Electric Vehicle Event appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is coordinating a second airlift of Ukrainian refugees that will depart Warsaw, Poland and arrive in St. John’s on Tuesday, June 14.

Ukrainians arriving June 14 are equivalent in number and composition to the first airlift that arrived on May 9 – the first government-sponsored airlift for Ukrainian refugees in North America.

All arriving Ukrainians have been granted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Visa that permits them to live and work in Canada for up to three years. Ukrainians arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Emergency Travel Visa will also receive provincial Medical Care Plan and Prescription Drug Plan coverage.

After arrival, most Ukrainian newcomers will be transported to pre-arranged accommodations in the St. John’s area to rest and begin adjusting to their new surroundings, while others will travel on to stay with family and friends throughout the province. This transition will be eased because of the pre-arrival support provided by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism’s Ukrainian Family Support Desk.

Options to assist include:

• Employers with job offers can contact UkrainianFamily@gov.nl.ca
• Individuals with housing can contact the Association for New Canadians by email ukraine@ancnl.ca or 709-325-0881
• For additional ways to support Ukrainian newcomers, visit the Association for New Canadians Ukraine webpage.

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

The post Public Advisory: Second Newfoundland and Labrador Airlift of Ukrainian Refugees Arriving June 14 appeared first on News Releases.

On the afternoon of June 7, I received correspondence from Executive Council requesting that I review a report that had been prepared by the Citizen’s Representative, and related correspondence. I had not been consulted prior to receiving this request. Less than a half hour later, before I had the opportunity to consider the request, Executive Council issued a press release indicating that the documents had been sent to my Office for “review and analysis to ensure personal information of complainants is protected”. Also, the Premier and Attorney General held a media availability regarding this matter. While these may not have been the Premier’s words, the media reported that the Premier had “instructed” me to undertake this review. He was quoted to say that I would “scrub” the documents as part of my “due diligence”.

On June 8, I wrote the Clerk of the Executive Council to decline to review these documents. As an independent statutory officer of the House of Assembly, actions that I take are grounded in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. My primary role, as defined in that statute, is to provide independent review of decisions made by the government and other public bodies. While there is some scope for me to provide advice to public bodies in certain contexts, if I provide detailed advice on a decision of a public body – in this case, reviewing proposed redactions – I become part of the decision making process and thereby undermine my ability to provide independent review. If there was a complaint about this matter, my ability to review it would be compromised. As it happens, I have already received one complaint related to this matter. The suggestion that the review of documents in advance of their disclosure is my due diligence suggests that I bear responsibility for these decisions. Instead, the due diligence must be taken by the public body, and is subject to my review.

It also must be clarified that there is no authority in law for the Premier, any Minister or Cabinet to instruct my Office. The House of Assembly, as the legislative branch, provides oversight of the executive branch. If I was subject to instruction by the executive branch, then my role would not be seen as independent by the public. Trust in government is based on the existence of strong oversight, and the integrity of that oversight must be maintained.

I believe that the Premier’s intention in asking me to review the documents was a good faith effort to protect the privacy of the complainants and witnesses to this report. The only advice that I am able to offer the government is that, if ultimately it chooses to release some or all of these documents or information within them, that it satisfies itself that it has the legal authority to do so, and it makes best use of the resources that it has available to it, in the form of experienced ATIPP coordinators and legal advice, to make appropriate redactions. My role will be to provide independent oversight of these decisions.

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

The post Statement of the Information and Privacy Commissioner Regarding his Office’s Role with Respect to Disclosure of Documents by Public Bodies appeared first on News Releases.

Work to replace a culvert on the Trans-Canada Highway near Norris Arm will begin tomorrow (Friday, June 10).

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work on the culvert replacement beginning Friday evening and the highway reopening to traffic Sunday afternoon.

While work is ongoing, both eastbound and westbound traffic will detour through the Town of Norris Arm via Route 351. Motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control, and travel cautiously trough the community.

The detour is necessary for the safety of motorists and crews working in the area and to avoid lengthy traffic delays.

A contract valued at approximately $5.4 million was awarded to Municipal Construction Limited in May to complete this work, replace culverts, and repave approximately 11.6 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway between Road to the Isles (Route 340) and Norris Arm this construction season.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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

The post Public Advisory: Temporary Detour This Weekend in Central Newfoundland appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is announcing a change in status for two species listed under the provincial Endangered Species Act and the additional listing of seven more species.

Based on improved information regarding the Red Crossbill percna subspecies and Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch, the status of both species has been down-listed from Endangered to Threatened.

The island of Newfoundland’s natural Red Pine population and the Bank Swallow have been designated Threatened under the Act, and five species have been designated Vulnerable, including Evening Grosbeak, Red-Necked Phalarope, Mummichog, Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee, and Transverse Lady Beetle.

Seven of the species have been listed based on recommendations from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and two are in response to recommendations from the provincial Species Status Advisory Committee. These assessment bodies incorporate the best available scientific, local, traditional and Indigenous knowledge to assess the national and provincial status of species.

Sixty-five species are listed under the Act, including 28 Endangered, 18 Threatened and 19 Vulnerable.

• “Endangered” means a wildlife species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.
• “Threatened” refers to a wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors limiting their survival.
• A designation of “Vulnerable” means a wildlife species has characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

Additional information on the listed species is available in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Conserving biodiversity continues to be a key priority as we work to ensure the sustainable management our province’s wildlife resources, and I am encouraged by the improvement in status for two of our protected species. By listing these species – which include a diverse group of birds, bees, fish, beetles, plants and trees – we are initiating an important, collaborative process of recovery and management planning to help ensure the future conservation of all wildlife species.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Endangered Species ActSpecies at Risk

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

Species Status Advisory Committee

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER

Down-listed Species

Red Crossbill percna subspecies: Threatened

The Red Crossbill percna subspecies (Loxia curvirostra percna) occurs only in Canada, and is only known to breed on the island of Newfoundland, and Anticosti Island in Quebec. These have experienced steep, long-term population declines that are expected to continue based on threats such as competition and predation from introduced squirrels, and habitat loss including potential losses of Red Pine stands from Sclerroderris canker. An increase to its known range into Anticosti Island and subsequent higher population estimates have led COSEWIC’s recommendation to change the status of Red Crossbill from Endangered to Threatened. As a migratory species, Red Crossbill is also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch: Threatened
Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale subsp. mackenziei) is a small, boreal-Arctic perennial herb in the pea family. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the species is only known in small areas in the Port au Port Peninsula – Cape St. George area. This species was previously listed as Endangered, but recent provincial surveys have revealed a larger population size. Although human activities that cause habitat degradation continue to threaten this plant, these threats are not expected to rapidly affect this entire species, resulting in the provincial assessment and designation as Threatened.

Newly added Species

Red Pine (Natural Populations): Threatened

The genetically distinct native Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) exists primarily in 22 known natural stands on the island of Newfoundland, including the Sandy Lake area, Exploits region, and Bonavista Bay region. The European strain of Scleroderris canker threatens natural populations; management actions to help control the spread of Scleroderris in Newfoundland include establishing quarantine areas, and felling and mulching infected stands. Other threats to Red Pine include squirrels preying on cones, changes to fire regimes, and habitat alterations. Legal protection of native Red Pine will help protect important habitat for the threatened Red Crossbill. The listing does not apply to Red Pine forestry plantations.

Bank Swallow: Threatened

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is part of a guild of species known as aerial insectivores that have experienced severe population declines throughout North America. Populations have declined by 98 per cent over the last 40 years, and continue to decline due to various threats on their South American overwintering and Canadian breeding grounds. Threats include loss of breeding and foraging habitat, destruction of nests during excavation, collision with vehicles, widespread pesticide use, and climate change impacts. Bank Swallow is a highly social and colonial breeding species that excavates nesting burrows in areas such as river banks, lake and ocean bluffs, and vertical piles of sand and gravel. Breeding sites are often situated near areas such as grasslands, meadows, pastures, and farmland. The Bank Swallow is listed as Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act. As a migratory species, it is also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Evening Grosbeak: Vulnerable
Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) is a stocky songbird with bold yellow, black and white colouring and a large, greenish-yellow bill. This species is a familiar visitor to bird feeders in winter and prefers to breed in open, mature mixed-wood forests. This bird is a major predator of the Spruce Budworm and helps with the natural control of this insect pest. Despite the species’ wide distribution across Canada, it has undergone declines of 77 to 90 per cent since 1970, with population increases noted over the past decade. Threats to this species include feeding on road salt and grit along winter roads, a reduction in mature and old-growth mixed-wood and conifer stands, and collisions with windows.

Red-Necked Phalarope: Vulnerable

Red-Necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is a small, blue-grey and white shorebird, easily recognized by the red-orange color on the sides and base of the neck during breeding. The species breeds across the entire circumpolar sub and low-Arctic, with males undertaking most parental care. During migration and in the winter, Red-Necked Phalaropes concentrate at sea in areas where prey is forced to the surface, which includes sites where pollutants are concentrated. Climate change and associated habitat and food-web effects are likely the greatest threat to Red-necked Phalaropes on breeding grounds. Other threats include industrial activity and pollutants in the Arctic, habitat degradation, ingestion of microplastics, and exposure to oil spills where the birds gather in large numbers on the ocean.

Mummichog: Vulnerable

Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) is a small fish that can easily be mistaken for Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanous). Within Canada, the Mummichog (subspecies macrolepidotus) is found in Quebec’s Anticosti Island and Magdalen Islands, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and insular Newfoundland along the southwest coast from Grand Bay West to the Bay of Islands. It normally occurs in shallow, brackish waters of estuaries, salt marshes or tidal streams, and occasionally found in freshwater streams and rivers. This native fish species is vulnerable to threats including by-catch in eel fisheries and possible predation by invasive green crab.

Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee: Vulnerable

Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee (Bombus terricola) is a medium-sized bee with a distinctive yellow and black abdominal band pattern. Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee is an important pollinator and occurs in a diverse range of habitats including mixed woodlands, farmlands, urban areas, montane meadows, prairie grasslands and boreal habitats. The species usually nests underground in pre-existing cavities and decaying logs. It remains relatively abundant in the north, but since the early 1990s has declined significantly across southern and central Canada, with an average 66.5 per cent reduction in relative abundance. Threats to the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee include diseases, pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss.

Transverse Lady Beetle: Vulnerable

Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata) is a native species that occurs widely across Canada and in a diverse range of habitats. They are easily distinguished from other lady beetle species by a distinctive pattern of a black band and four elongate spots. It was once one of the more common lady beetles in North America, playing an important role in the natural biological control of aphids and other insect pests. The most significant threat to this species is recently arrived, non-native lady beetle species such as the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle and Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, which affect native lady beetles through competition, predation, and introduction of pathogens. Other identified threats include agricultural pesticide.

The post New Listings Added under Provincial Endangered Species Act appeared first on News Releases.

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

PLAN APPROVED:

Port Kirwan Sheep Abattoir                                                                   (Reg. 2165)
Proponent: Aylward’s Farm

On June 8, 2022, the minister approved the waste management plan for the Port Kirwan Sheep Abattoir. Approval of the plan is a condition of release from environmental assessment. The plan is available on the Department’s project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2165/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Tors Cove Seal Processing Plant                                                         (Reg. 2156)
Proponent: Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The proponent is required to establish a Community Liaison Committee with residents of Tors Cove.
• To support the operation of the undertaking, the proponent is required to repair the Tors Cove Pond water line by reducing the flow to less than 1 million gallons per year plus fire hydrant requirements.
• 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 by law for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates, if requested. Project updates should be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

Middle Brook Fishway Refurbishment                                                (Reg. 2195)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.

• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:

• • Should instream work overlap with the fish migration period, the Wildlife Division requires a copy of the Fish Relocation Plan for review.
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
• 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. Project updates should be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

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

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
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will deliver the keynote address at the 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show of the Professional Municipal Administrators, tomorrow (Thursday, June 9).

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Address 50th Annual Convention of Professional Municipal Administrators, Gander appeared first on News Releases.

The application deadline for the land development initiative under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program is extended to June 17, 2022. This enables farmers to either amend their submitted applications, or submit new applications to request financial assistance for fertilizer purchased in 2022.

This is a one-time exception to the program for the 2022 growing season in response to requests from the agriculture industry to help address historically high fertilizer prices. Funding approvals for fertilizer and/or agricultural land development will be prorated based on program demand, and fertilizer purchases will be reimbursed up to 50 per cent of eligible costs.

Applications received after June 17, 2022 will be assessed once program savings are identified later in the fiscal year.

Budget 2022 allocated $2.15 million for land development and agriculture infrastructure initiatives under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program. Approximately $1.15 million is available for agricultural land development and/or purchasing fertilizer.

For more information, visit Agriculture Programs and Funding, call 709-637-2077 or email PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Application Deadline Extended for Land Development Funding appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will bring greetings at the launch of the Age-Friendly Business Recognition Initiative, tomorrow (Thursday, June 9).

Minister Abbott will also provide details on the 2022-23 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.

The event will take place at the Clarenville Inn, 134 Trans-Canada Hwy, Clarenville, starting at 2:00 p.m.

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

Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Abbott and Howell to Speak at Launch of Age-Friendly Initiatives appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chair of the Management Commission, is providing information related to a report under the Public Interest Disclosure provisions of Part VI of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act). Despite media reports, the Management Commission has not received a formal request from the Lieutenant-Governor in Council related to this matter.

The Public Interest Disclosure provisions under Part VI of the Act, in particular subsection 58(10), limits the Speaker’s authority to receive a report from the Citizens’ Representative and to make a referral of that report to an appropriate entity following an assessment of the circumstances of the matter. These matters are taken seriously and acted upon as expeditiously as possible, while also ensuring due diligence is afforded and the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice are upheld, as they must be in these matters for all persons involved.

Once a formal request is received from the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, the Management Commission will review it in relation to its statutory authority.

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Learn more

Public Interest Disclosure – Part VI – House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act

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

The post Speaker and Chair of the Management Commission Provides Information Related to a Report Under Public Interest Disclosure appeared first on News Releases.

Changes to the Petroleum Products Act brought forward in the House of Assembly on May 14, 2022, to improve transparency within the fuel pricing process regulated by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) have received Royal Assent. The Act can be found on the House of Assembly website.

The Regulations have been published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette and are effective immediately.

Pricing is heavily influenced by global events. The process to determine fuel prices in Newfoundland and Labrador takes into consideration many factors, such as geographic location, transportation, delivery and storage costs.

The amendments require the PUB to make available to the public:

• The maximum wholesale and retail prices;
• The minimum and maximum mark-up between the wholesale price and retail price (the total allowed markup); and
• The procedure for determining adjustments to the petroleum base wholesale and retail price.

The amendments also expand the authority of the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and allows the minister to direct the PUB to review all fuel-pricing components, providing government with increased opportunities to ensure appropriate pricing.

In addition, there are now increased opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to express opinions directly to the PUB on the fuel pricing process, through public hearings directed by the minister.

The minister has written the PUB requesting a review of the suitability of the pricing mechanism for benchmark prices, as well as the maximum mark-up between the wholesale price to the retailer, and the retail price to the consumer for all regulated fuels. The minister has also directed the PUB to hold a public hearing to inform this review.

Quote
“Amendments to the Petroleum Products Act and Regulations not only improve transparency, but also help increase public awareness and contribute to better understanding of the fuel pricing process. By making this information available, people in the province will be able to clearly see what is making up the fuel prices being paid at the pumps. I encourage residents to become involved in the review by the PUB, and I look forward to the recommendations.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
News Release: Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living –

News Release: Proposed Petroleum Products Act Amendments Would Increase Transparency in the Fuel Pricing Process

Public Utilities Board

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

The post New Petroleum Products Act Increases Transparency of Fuel Costs appeared first on News Releases.