Government of Newfoundland News

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will hold a media availability today (Friday, October 21) to discuss changes to COVID-19 case and contact management and the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

The availability will take place in Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 11:00 a.m.

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

-30-

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

The post Media Advisory: Dr. Fitzgerald Available to Media 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:

Blaketown to Clarkes Pond 55L Transmission Line Rebuild      (Reg. 2221)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

The proponent is proposing to rebuild transmission line 55L which extends 54.3 kilometres between Blaketown and Clarkes Pond on the Avalon Peninsula. The proposed work would include the reconstruction of several sections of the line where continued maintenance is no longer feasible.  The work would be completed in two phases between 2022 and 2024. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 20, 2022; the deadline for public comments is November 25, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by December 04, 2022.

Environmental Preview Report Guidelines Issued:

Deer Lake Secondary Dairy Processing Facility                               (Reg. 2203)
Proponent: Real Dairy Company of Newfoundland Ltd.

The minister has approved the final guidelines for the preparation of the environmental preview report (EPR) for the Deer Lake Secondary Dairy Processing Facility. The EPR guidelines identify the information that the proponent will be required to include in the EPR. The EPR guidelines document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2203/.

UndertakingS Released:
Appleton Mineral Exploration – Seismic Survey and Trenching (Reg. 2214)
Proponent: New Found Gold Corp.

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 Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following;
  • Total area cut for the development of the cut lines cannot exceed 5% of the sub-watershed area within the Protected Public Water Supply Area (PPWSA).
  • Access created in the PPWSA as a part of this project that can be travelled by motor vehicles (excluding ATVs and snowmobiles) must be decommissioned following the completion of the project.
• 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.

Springdale Junction Agriculture Development                                 (Reg. 2215)
Proponent: Michael Warren

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 Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • The proponent must maintain a minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies 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, and are either within or adjacent to the proposed land.
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

Legislative amendments to the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019 received second reading today, supporting the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to improving services and increasing consumer protection for the people of the province.

The Provincial Government regularly reviews legislation to ensure it reflects changes in industry operations. Through continued review and feedback from the industry, the proposed amendments to the Real Estate Trading Act include:

• Clarifying that a licence remains in effect unless cancelled by the Superintendent;
• Requiring an inspector to prepare a report when directed by the Superintendent; and
• Allowing for criminal record checks to be provided for licencees by recognized organizations like the Commissionaires.

These amendments strengthen the province’s real estate industry and streamline licensing processes for licencees, demonstrating government’s commitment to modernizing legislation.

Quotes
“A purchase or sale of a home is likely the largest transaction a person will ever make. It’s imperative that we have the legislation and regulations to protect homebuyers and sellers in these transactions. It is also important that legislation meets the needs of real estate brokers and real estate salespersons, ensuring an efficient regulatory process.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“These changes are a positive step for brokers, salespeople and consumers, strengthening the regulation of the real estate industry and enhancing consumer protection. The NL Association of REALTORS® appreciates being engaged during the process and looks forward to providing input in future discussions to further enhance the legislation.”
Bill Stirling
CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of REALTORS®

-30-

Learn more
Bill 14: An Act to Amend the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019

New Regulations Will Enhance Real Estate Environment in Newfoundland and Labrador

Real Estate Trading Act Amendments Aim to Improve Province’s Real Estate Environment

Real Estate Trading Act, 2019

Amendments Aim to Improve Province’s Real Estate Environment

Results of Real Estate Trading Act Consultation Available Online

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

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

Edward Hollett
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of REALTORS®
709-726-5110, ext. 108
ehollett@nlar.ca

The post Changes to Real Estate Trading Act Improve Consumer Protection appeared first on News Releases.

On Thursday October 20, 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador’s Seniors’ Advocate, Susan Walsh, wrote the Minister of Health and Community Services to request immediate implementation of the 2019 recommendation in the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate report titled Long May Your Big Jib Draw: Setting Sail, which states that “a significant review of the province’s Personal Care Homes and Long Term Care Homes” be completed.

Issues related to the care of seniors in both of these Systems were noted in 2018/19 which resulted in the recommendation for a review of both of these Systems. As the Advocate currently conducts Engagement Sessions in the province issues related to the care of seniors in the Personal Care Home and Long Term Care System continue to be raised. Further, similar concerns related to the care and treatment of seniors in the hospital system are also prevalent.

“The details shared by family members of the care and treatment of their loved ones in the health continuum including hospitals, Personal Care Homes and Long Term Care facilities are heart wrenching and fundamentally wrong. We can and must do better.”
Susan Walsh, NL Seniors Advocate

Further, in her October 20, 2022 letter to the Minister of Health and Community Service, the Seniors’ Advocate has noted that the need to review the Personal Care Home and Long Term Care Systems is even more critical today, and has therefore recommended that:

The Department contract an external expert in residential care for seniors to review both the Personal Care Home and Long Term Care homes/facilities and systems. This review should include an evaluation of each home/facility, from a quality of care, structure and oversight perspective. Further this review should then consider the draft standards the Department of Health and Community Services has developed for both of these Systems to determine: a) if they are adequate to meet the needs of seniors in both Systems, b) the required staffing ratios, and c) can these ratios be achieved within the current staff complement. Speaking to residents and their families should be part of this review.

“I wish to be clear that there are many intersecting issues, in addition to staffing, that are creating the current significant concerns I am hearing exist in the hospital, Personal Care Home and Long Term Care Systems. There are staff that are delivering quality care in very demanding environments in some circumstances without adequate training requirements and with what appears to be significant staffing shortages that place additional pressure on the existing staff. Seniors deserve an external review completed by experts in the area of residential care and the requirements of care for seniors with complex needs.  I will ensure that any review is comprehensive, with recommendations for real change that get implemented.”
Susan Walsh, NL Seniors Advocate

-30-

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

The post Seniors’ Advocate Seeks Review of the Personal Care Home and Long Term Care Systems appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed legislative amendments to the Highway Traffic Act received second reading today in the House of Assembly, building on improvements to make our roads safer and help save lives.

The proposed amendments to the Act would see an increase in fines by $100 for exceeding the speed limit by between 11 and 20 km/hr, 21 and 30 km/hr, 31 and 50 km/hr, and 51 km/hr and over. This increase would also apply to fines for excessive speeding in construction and school zones. Fines for racing vehicles or bicycles on highways, and performing or engaging in stunt while driving are also increased by $100.

The amendments would be supplemented by regulatory changes that will increase the demerit point allocations from two or four points, to six points, for exceeding the speed limit by 51 km/hr and over. The number of days a vehicle will be impounded would increase from three days to seven days for racing vehicles on highways, or performing or engaging in stunting.

These fines are intended to come into force April 3, 2023.

Over the past several years, the Provincial Government has amended the Highway Traffic Act to strengthen penalties for driving violations, in an effort to deter dangerous and life-threatening behaviours. Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Province will continue to work with law enforcement, safety partners and stakeholder groups seeking ways to raise awareness about road safety.

Quotes
“We understand that changing dangerous driving behaviour is not as simple as increasing fines. Speeding, stunting, street racing and other inappropriate driving habits are all public safety issues. I want to remind motorists that driving is a privilege, not a right.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“We welcome Minister Stoodley’s proposed amendments to further strengthen the Highway Traffic Act. There are far too many examples of senseless road tragedies in this province. Hannah’s death is one of them. These changes will improve road safety and help further protect the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Gail Thorne
Stand for Hannah Foundation

-30-

Learn more
Road Safety Week Encourages Motorists to Drive Safely

New Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations Come Into Effect on May 19

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Allow for Further Improvements to Public Safety

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Further Improve Public Safety

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

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

The post Proposed Changes to the Highway Traffic Act Impose Stronger Penalties for Speeding Offenses appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will announce funding to support ongoing diversity and inclusion work in the province’s municipal sector in partnership with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) and Equal Voice NL.

The announcement will take place during the Future of the Vote program tomorrow (Friday, October 21), East Block lobby, Confederation Building at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Howell will be joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality; Trina Appleby, Vice-President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador; Courtney Clarke, Co-Chair, Equal Voice NL; and Lesley Pilgrim, delegate to the Future of the Vote program.

The announcement will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

-30-

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Announce Funding for Continuation of Make Your Mark Campaign appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this honourable House to talk about our government’s use of Gender-Based Analysis Plus, also known as GBA+, on all newly implemented programs, policies, legislation and budgets.

Speaker, the use of GBA+ ensures that the perspectives of those who are marginalized are brought to the forefront, and considered at the very earliest stages of policy development.

The Premier included references to the need for GBA+ in the mandate letters for every Minister, which is a clear indication of the importance of this practice to our government.

The Office of Women and Gender Equality has provided targeted GBA+ training to over 500 public service employees who are involved in program, policy, budget and legislative development. This training and approach has resulted in an increased focus on gender-based policy decision making.

Speaker, most notably, just this week our government introduced the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act, which supports fair and equitable compensation practices in the province. GBA+ analysis played an important role in drafting and finalizing this legislation, to create a strong foundation for equitable compensation practices in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our government is investigating virtual training options to cultivate further understanding of GBA+ throughout the public service, as well as making the training more accessible for agencies, boards and commissions.

Speaker, our government will continue to seek out and implement new and innovative tools, methods, and practices to help us create a more equitable province for all people.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Gender-Based Analysis Plus Supports Equitable Government Policy appeared first on News Releases.

Applications for the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program are now open, and submissions will be accepted until November 7, 2022. Through these grants the Provincial Government supports Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous Governments and Organizations in their efforts to prevent violence against Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and to engage Indigenous men and boys in the prevention of violence.

Funding for the 2022-23 Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program is made available through the Office of Women and Gender Equality. Since 2005, over $3.5 million in project funding has been awarded to Indigenous Governments and Organizations to assist with culturally appropriate violence prevention work in Indigenous communities.

Program guidelines, criteria, application form and contact information can be found here.

Quotes
“The Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program reaffirms our Government’s commitment to preventing violence against Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our province. This Program is an important piece of our collective work to create a safer, more inclusive province for all.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“The Provincial Government and its partners recognize there are many approaches to ending violence, including increasing awareness, offering education and training, and investing in leadership development and capacity building. Projects can also promote and assist in helping individuals address violence in a culturally appropriate manner. Thank you to all groups who advocate for women, children and their communities and for their work towards curtailing the incidence of violence.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

-30-

Learn more
Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @WGE_GovNL

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

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

The post Applications Now Open for Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is asking individuals who have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona and who have not already registered with the Canadian Red Cross to please do so by either:

• Calling the toll free number, 1-800-863-6582, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. NST; or
• Visiting in-person at St. Christopher’s Hotel, 146 Caribou Rd, Channel-Port Aux Basques, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. NDT from Tuesday to Sunday weekly. Please note the registration centre will not be open on Mondays.

-30-

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

The post Public Advisory: Update for Individuals Impacted by Hurricane Fiona on Registering with the Canadian Red Cross Site appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, will make an announcement tomorrow (Friday, October 21) to support a fuel switching project for Sea-Force Hyperbaric Inc. The Ministers will be joined by Jim and Barry Hynes, Directors, Sea-Force Hyperbaric Inc.

The event will take place at Sea-Force Hyperbaric Inc. facility, NewDock – 475 Water St., St. John’s, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Media are asked to confirm their attendance with Debbie Marnell, debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca, by 5:00 p.m. today (Oct. 20).

-30-

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

The post Media Advisory: Provincial and Federal Governments to Announce Energy Efficiency Project for Sea-Force Hyperbaric Inc. appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will greet Future of the Vote delegates tomorrow (Friday, October 21) and will bring greetings on behalf of the Provincial Government. The event formally gets underway at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room A at the Confederation Building, West Block.

Future of the Vote allows for young women and gender diverse people to have an opportunity to represent their community in a mock debate in the House of Assembly. The event focuses on inclusion and diversity, and allows future leaders a chance to explore their paths to boardroom tables, municipal councils and legislatures.

-30-

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Bring Opening Remarks at Future of the Vote Event appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education:

Speaker, I stand today to reaffirm our commitment to providing low-cost early childhood education. Affordable child care is crucial to helping people, particularly women, enter or re-enter the workforce.

I am pleased to say that Newfoundland and Labrador is a national leader in progressively lowering the costs of child care, and this coming January we will move to a $10 a day system.

In May we announced more than 30 locations for a pilot Pre-Kindergarten early learning program that will open in 2022-23. The pilot will result in approximately 600 new regulated child care spaces. The first five locations are slated to open in November.

Overall, we have committed to creating nearly 6,000 new child care spaces.

We anticipate receiving the final report from the Early Childhood Education Human Resource Council in the near future. This will recommend a comprehensive compensation model for early childhood educators.  We have asked the council to recommend a wage grid that would reflect the education, training, and years of experience of early childhood educators.  Historically, these roles that have been undervalued and are traditionally held by women.

Early Childhood Educators are often the first point of contact for learning for our youngest population and, as such, their work is very important.

Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in celebrating the progress we are making in improving access to child care – actions that continue to advance the social and economic well-being of women and girls in our province.

The post Ministerial Statement – Government Advances Work on Early Childhood Education appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Siobhan Coady,  Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board:

Speaker, the advancement of women and marginalized people is important to our government. To ensure our public service employees are fairly and equitably compensated, we implemented a job evaluation system in 2015.

This system covers 85 per cent of core public service employees who work on the front line delivering programs and services to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The system addresses the four standard criteria recognized in all pay equity legislation for the purpose of job evaluation, which are skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.

Our job evaluation system is just one example of how our government supports women, gender diverse and marginalized employees in the public service. Over 50 percent of the core public service, including senior management, directors and executive are female. We strive to foster a workplace that is supportive of women, including such policies as flexible work arrangements, family responsibility leave, and compassionate care leave.

Creating a truly equitable society takes action from everyone. I am glad to share how we are working towards that goal.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Coady Highlights Government’s Support for Women in the Public Service appeared first on News Releases.

In an effort to continue to reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts for registered nurses in the province, the Provincial Government has extended the double rate overtime for vacation period, announced this past summer, to January 31, 2023.

This measure will support shifts being filled in advance and will also increase the ability of the Regional Health Authorities to grant annual leave for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

-30-

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

The post Public Advisory: Double Rate Overtime for Registered Nurses Extended appeared first on News Releases.

The Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador would like to advise the public that nominations are closing soon for the 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The deadline for nominations is October 31. The award will be presented on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Government House in St. John’s in celebration of International Human Rights Day. The award ceremony will have both in-person and virtual attendance available. Follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights for updates on the ceremony.

You can submit a nomination form online at www.thinkhumanrights.ca. However, if you have questions about the nomination process or would like to complete the nomination form in an alternative format, such as an interview, please contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. Documents are available in alternate formats upon request. We can be contacted:

By telephone at 729-2709 or 1-800-563-5808

By email at humanrights@gov.nl.ca

Or by mail to the
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
Regatta Plaza
84-86 Elizabeth Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. John’s, NL
A1A 1W7

Learn more at www.thinkhumanrights.ca or follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights using the hashtag #nlrights.

Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
NL Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

The post Nominations Closing Soon for the 2022 Human Rights Award appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, today announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is reducing debt and borrowing and making the first-ever contribution to the Future Fund as a result of a strong fiscal and economic outlook for 2022-2023. This is in addition to the recently announced one-time cost of living relief; bringing the total to $430 million in targeted short- and long-term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the currently high cost of living.

Government is projecting higher than forecast revenue by $1.33 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, primarily due to offshore royalties, corporate income tax, personal income tax and sales tax.

The projected increase in revenues enables government to reduce the net debt to $16.04 billion, a reduction of $1.01 billion from the original Budget 2022 estimate of $17.05 billion.

Borrowing requirements are reduced from $2.7 billion to $1.8 billion for 2022-23.

Also announced today is government’s intention to contribute $157 million to the newly established Future Fund. $107 million is based on non-renewable resource royalties received in 2021-22, as specified in the regulations. An additional one-time payment of $50 million will be contributed to the Future Fund based on the 2022-23 projected increase in revenues.

The average price of oil for 2022-23 has been revised to US$102 from the Budget 2022 projection of US$86 dollars. The Canada to US exchange rate has been adjusted to 77.7 cents from the Budget 2022 forecast of 79.3 cents.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy has performed well thus far in 2022:

• The unemployment rate fell to 8.2 per cent in September, the lowest rate since consistent records began in 1976;
• Population marked the fifth consecutive quarter of growth for the province, and the largest quarterly gain in recent history; increasing by 5,520 persons from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022, the largest annual increase since 1976;
• Housing starts are up 44.4 per cent over the first three quarters of the year;
• Capital investment is forecast to increase 4.7 per cent in 2022;
• Real Gross Domestic Product, a measure of our economy, is forecast to grow by 0.9 per cent; and
• Tourism sector performance continues to benefit from a pandemic rebound and the Come Home 2022 campaign.

Looking forward, economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to remain strong in the province, with opportunities in the oil and gas, mining, wind energy, groundfish, aquaculture, technology and film and video industries.

The 2022 Economic Update is available at www.gov.nl.ca/fin/budget/fall-updates/.

Government’s strategic plan to return to balanced budgets, lower the cost of borrowing, and decrease debt is focused on:

• Fixing the financing of the Muskrat Falls Project through rate mitigation and a $5.2 billion agreement with the federal government;
• Prudent fiscal governance, including expenditure control, transformational and modernization of government, strengthening the role of the Auditor General and balanced budget legislation; and,
• Responsible debt management, including effective treasury management, improved liquidity, optimizing investment performance and establishing a Future Fund.

Quote
“We are fortunate this year to have a projected increase in revenues primarily due to increases in offshore royalties and tax revenues. This is enabling us to not only provide a one-time cost of living relief cheque to residents, but also to reduce our debt and borrowing requirements. We are also making our first contribution to the newly established Future Fund to start putting aside revenues to strengthen finances, pay down expensive debt and lower the cost of borrowing. While we are in a better fiscal situation this year, we must still continue on our path to achieve a stronger, more sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador, to hold the line on expenses where possible, and to invest strategically.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance

-30-

Learn more
2022 Fiscal and Economic Update

Budget 2022

Future Fund Act to Receive Second Reading in House of Assembly

Provincial Government Provides Additional One-time Cost of Living Relief

Improved Outlook for Province’s Credit Rating

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post Reduced Debt and Borrowing, Contribution to Future Fund in Strong Fiscal and Economic Update appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is today introducing the proposed Fair Registration Practices Act to help reduce or eliminate barriers related to qualification recognition for international and Canadian-educated professionals. The Act is intended to ensure that registration practices for regulated professions are transparent, timely and fair.

The Fair Registration Practices Act, if passed, will apply to regulatory bodies by requiring them to:

• Provide clear and understandable information and ensure registration requirements are publicly available;
• Respond in a timely manner;
• Assist with internal and external navigational supports to facilitate the licensure process;
• Provide written notice of decisions along with reasons for which the decision was made;
• Review registration practices and submit regular reports to the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills; and
• Collaborate with education providers and employers to identify opportunities to develop programs that may assist unsuccessful applicants to obtain successful registration.

If passed, the Act will also authorize the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills to:

• Review registration and assessment practices of regulatory bodies who assess qualifications of applicants;
• Make recommendations to regulatory bodies about duties under the act and regulations; and
• Issue compliance orders in instances where a regulatory body has received a written notice and has not complied with the act.

A list of regulated occupations that would be covered under the Act can be found in the backgrounder below, along with examples of barriers faced by internationally educated newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador that were identified by people educated outside of Newfoundland and Labrador. This feedback was received during the public consultations held on improvements to foreign qualification recognition that took place in summer 2022.

Quote
“The Fair Registration Practices Act helps to ensure newcomers in regulated professions receive a transparent, timely and fair review of their credentials. We all benefit when highly-skilled newcomers are able to meet their full potential and fill positions in fields that are experiencing labour shortages.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

-30-

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

Like us on Facebook

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

BACKGROUNDER

Regulated Occupations Covered Under Proposed Fair Registration Practices Act

The list of regulated occupations that would be covered under the proposed Act include:

• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Registered Nurses
• Social Workers
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
• Clinical Psychologists
• Advanced Care Paramedics and Primary Care Paramedics
• K-12 Teachers
• Early Childhood Educators
• Engineers
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians
• Transport Truck Drivers

Examples of Barriers Faced by Internationally Educated Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador

The following barriers were identified by people educated outside of Newfoundland and Labrador during the public consultations held on improvements to foreign qualification recognition that took place in summer 2022.

Medical Professionals (Physicians and Nurses):

• Some internationally educated medical professionals have had to return to their country of origin to complete their employment hours in order to be eligible for a license.

K-12 Teachers:

• Internationally educated teachers require a work permit in order to teach. In most cases, to obtain a work permit, a license is required. However, a license is needed to get a job offer and hence a work permit.

International Graduate Engineering Students:

• Some international graduate engineering students at Memorial University are not eligible to obtain the professional engineer designation, as they lack a Canadian undergraduate degree or Canadian work experience despite having undergraduate engineering credentials from another country and overseas work experience in their fields.

The post Proposed Fair Registration Practices Act to Ensure Transparent, Timely and Fair Qualification Recognition appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings at econext’s annual conference tomorrow (Thursday, October 20).

The event will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, beginning at 8:35 a.m.

Minister Parsons will also participate in a panel discussion on the province’s renewable energy future. He will be joined by Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and Saqamaw Misel Joe, Chief, Miawpukek First Nation.

Working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development, econext is a not-for-profit association of businesses that aims to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

-30-

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Participate in econext Conference appeared first on News Releases.

As part of Small Business Week across Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is highlighting more than $29 million in funding contributions to small businesses, as well as support for economic development through a variety of programs and services offered by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, including:

• $15.5 million in Research and Development investments, including approximately $6.7 million directly to companies;
• More than $7.5 million was approved to support 98 projects through the Regional Development Fund to assist with community economic development projects, leveraging over $28 million from other partners and sources;
• More than $6.4 million was approved to support 156 projects through the Business Development Support Program, leveraging $5.2 million from other partners and sources; and
• $315,000 was approved to support five commercial loans through the Business Investment Program, leveraging over $1.2 million in additional funding contributions.

The Provincial Government provides a wide array of services and financial support to small and medium-sized businesses, including counselling, repayable and non-repayable financing options, enterprise promotion, and export development and trade. The department invests significantly in programs and supports for start-up companies and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates Small Business Week from October 16 to October 22, activities are planned throughout the province to highlight the industry’s significance to the growth of the provincial economy.

Quote
“Small business owners across Newfoundland and Labrador are a major contributor to our province’s economic success. Our government is proud to support these hard working entrepreneurs who create jobs, contribute to our province’s high quality of life, and play a big part in our local communities. It is important that we take the time to recognize and support our local entrepreneurs, not only this week but throughout the year.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

-30-

Learn more
Business Development Support Program

Regional Development Fund

Business Investment Program

Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL @IET_GovNL

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

The post Provincial Government Celebrates Small Business Week appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will bring greetings to the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Sector Workforce Summit tomorrow (Wednesday, October 19) at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s at 8:30 a.m.

This one-day summit planned by the Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Industry Association will address the status of the forestry workforce, gaps and opportunities, and will outline a path forward for the sector.

-30-

Media contacts
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3373, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Bragg and Byrne to Address Forestry Sector Workforce Summit appeared first on News Releases.