Government of Newfoundland News

Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a monitoring report on outstanding performance audit recommendations to the House of Assembly. The report covers reports issued from 2017 to 2021 and provides a status update on performance recommendations.

The Office of the Auditor General undertakes performance audits that examine how well government and its entities manage resources and operations. Performance audits seek to determine if specific programs or functions are working as intended and offers recommendations for improvement.

“Recommendations are a critical part of our audits, and it is reasonable to expect that departments fully implement recommendations within three years of an audit being issued. However, this year’s monitoring indicates that one in three recommendations (thirty-seven per cent) from 2017 to 2021 remain outstanding. Even more alarming is that two out of three of those (sixty-two per cent) are over five years old,” commented Denise Hanrahan, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For example, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has not implemented eight recommendations (twenty-eight per cent), including seven related to the home support program. As a result, serious gaps continue with respect to the timely review of home support service assessments and the monitoring of home support hours. Additional information on outstanding recommendations can be found in the backgrounder below.

“Unresolved recommendations – especially after several years – indicates those topics still have gaps that require further attention. Particularly concerning are the number of departments and entities with low implementation rates across a number of performance audit reports. This type of inaction means risks remain, can grow or new risks may be created,” added Auditor General Hanrahan.

The Office of the Auditor General monitors previous performance audit report recommendations over seven years. An initial follow-up is conducted approximately two years after the release of a report, followed by continuous monitoring annually for an additional five years or until recommendations are fully implemented or otherwise resolved.

The full report can be found by visiting the link below.

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www.ag.gov.nl.ca/reports/all-reports

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

As of January 2025, there are 29 recommendations not implemented in the expected three-year time frame. There are many government departments and entities that have areas where improvements could be made, where services could be more efficient; and where savings could be realized with more effective program delivery.

Of particular concern:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has not implemented eight recommendations (twenty-eight per cent), including seven related to the home support program. As a result, serious gaps continue with respect to the timely review of home support service assessments and the monitoring of home support hours.
• The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has seven outstanding recommendations (twenty-four per cent), including those related to training of school bus drivers, root cause analysis of ferry vessel mechanical issues and road condition and complaints management.
• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation has not completed any of the four recommendations (0 per cent) made from the 2019 report on the Oversight of Provincial Wellness Priorities. It was recommended the department:
  • Develop an action plan for healthy active living to support government’s health outcome targets and bring indicators in line with the Canadian average by 2025.
  • Develop a monitoring/evaluation framework for overall healthy active living programming and ongoing assessment of progress against established targets and desired outcomes.
  • Develop a reporting framework for partnering departments on the information required to monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of healthy active living priorities.
  • Work with partnering departments to improve the effectiveness of oversight of provincial healthy active living priorities across government.

• The Department of Education does not have a nutrition policy that applies across the province and certain elements of internal control oversight related to the K-12 system continue to be unaddressed.
• A key finding from the NLC audit remains outstanding, specifically the issue of conflict of interest within the public service and Crown entities.
  • The department should adequately address conflicts of interest within the public service and Crown entities, including consideration of any legislative amendments required to improve accountability and transparency.
• Recommendations related to compliance with compensation policies by entities and those charged with their governance remain outstanding.

The Office of the Auditor General is no longer monitoring 36 outstanding recommendations that were originally reported in six reports from 2016.

• Salaried Physicians – 15 outstanding recommendations
• Road Ambulance Services – 11 outstanding recommendations
• Acute Care Bed Management – five outstanding recommendations
• Child Protection Services – two outstanding recommendations
• Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador – two outstanding recommendations
• Teacher Allocation in Schools – one outstanding recommendation

Ongoing performance audit work at the Office of the Auditor General includes:

• Memorial University: Facilities Management
• Auditor General’s Report on the Province’s 2024 Financial Statement Audits
• Medical Care Plan (MCP)
• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary: Operations
• Personal Care Homes
• Health Sector Contracts – Phase 1
• Housing Corporation: Supply Management
• House of Assembly Compliance Audit

Upcoming performance audit work at the Office of the Auditor General includes:

• Long-Term Care
• Health Sector Contracts – Phase 2

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and NL Health Services have launched a Provincial Locum Recruitment Program that will increase access to health care for residents in the province.

The program provides opportunities for physicians to work as locums throughout the province, including communities that have had recruitment challenges.

Effective January 1, incentives are available to locum physicians employed by NL Health Services and private practice locum physicians, including a locum bonus of $10,000 for physicians who provide more than 25 days of locum services per fiscal year.

Physicians interested in providing locum services can register online at www.workinhealthnl.ca/. Physicians interested in new locum opportunities with private community-based practices are also encouraged to e-mail medservicesprograms@gov.nl.ca for more information.

Since April 2023, more than 145 doctors have agreed to work in the province.

Administered by the Department of Health and Community Services, the Provincial Physician Locum Recruitment Program was established as per a Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association.

More information on recruitment and retention incentives for health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities to work in Newfoundland and Labrador is available at workinhealthnl.ca.

Quotes
“We continue to work collaboratively with our stakeholders to find meaningful solutions to recruit and retain health care professionals in our province. This program provides opportunities for physicians to work in other regions of the province and increase access to health care in those regions. Our incentives, signing bonuses, and programs like this are helping to alleviate the pressures in our province’s health care system, as we continue to improve access to health care delivery in the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is dedicated to providing high-quality health care to residents in communities throughout the province. The Provincial Locum Recruitment Program offers robust incentives to bring physicians to areas where recruitment has been challenging. We look forward to welcoming new physicians through this initiative in order to strengthen health-care delivery across the province.”
Dr. Gena Bugden
Vice-President of Medical Services, NL Health Services

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Community Physician Locum Opportunities

New Physician Signing Bonus Program Announced to Support Physician Recruitment

Efforts Continue to Attract Health Care Workers Through Expansion of Come Home Incentive

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services and Government House Leader, is pleased that the extraordinary sitting of the House of Assembly in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec concluded with all Members in the House voting in support of the resolution to move forward with negotiations.

All Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Members of the House of Assembly, Members of the Third Party, and Independent Members voted in favour of the resolution. The Official Opposition left the Chamber before the vote.

A new independent, expert panel led by the Consumer Advocate will be created to add an additional level of oversight to the negotiations towards Definitive Agreements. It will report quarterly to the House of Assembly and the public, in a manner that respects commercial sensitivities, privilege, and does not jeopardize the Provincial Government’s negotiations. The creation of this panel is a result of an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Third Party, and Independent Members.

Minister Hogan wishes to thank all members for participating in the four-day sitting to share their views and ask questions on the MOU to maximize the benefits of the hydroelectricity capacity of the Churchill River for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

He would also like to extend the Provincial Government’s appreciation to the invited guests of the legislature for providing information and answering questions from MHAs. Guests included key individuals on the MOU negotiating team: Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro; Walter Parsons, Vice-President, Transmission Interconnections and Business Development; and Denis Mahoney, KC, Justice and Public Safety Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General, as well as Michael Ladha, KC, Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Representatives from independent expert advisors Power Advisory and JP Morgan joined as guests of the legislature as well.

Quotes
“The extraordinary sitting of the House of Assembly was an exercise in democracy. It was a true honour and a highlight of my political career to be a part of a historic debate on an MOU that will benefit future generations. I would also like to thank the negotiating team, and independent experts from JP Morgan and Power Advisory for being so forthcoming with information, as well as every member who asked questions on the MOU.  I look forward to returning to the legislature to debate the final definitive agreements.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Government House Leader and Minister of Health and Community Services

“This past week provided an opportunity for all members of the House of Assembly to ask questions of experts and to become informed about the contents of the Churchill Falls MOU. It was an opportunity that I didn’t take for granted as I was not provided the same opportunity as an opposition member with respect to Muskrat Falls. There is no doubt that this past week confirmed that this is a good deal for Newfoundland and Labrador, a deal that will provide billions of dollars to our province, jobs, mining expansion opportunities, and a bright future for our children and grandchildren. We will look back at this moment in history in our province as the beginning of the moment that changes everything.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Learn more about this historic MOU by visiting Ourchapter.ca.

Historic Memorandum on New Energy Partnerships in Labrador

Public Advisory: Churchill Falls Negotiating Team to Host Series of Community Webinars January 12-14

Historic Memorandum on New Energy Partnerships in Labrador

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Gander Area Queensway North Mineral Exploration                       (Reg. 2343)
Proponent: New Found Gold Corp.

The proponent is proposing to continue advanced mineral exploration activities including core drilling on the Queensway North property located northeast of the communities of Appleton and Glenwood. Site access would be primarily by existing forest access roads and trails. A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on January 10, 2025; the deadline for public comment is February 14, 2025, and the minister’s decision is due by February 24, 2025.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Upper Humber River Residential Subdivision                                   (Reg. 2335)
Proponent: Town of Deer Lake

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/projects-2335/.

Brian’s Feeder River Crossing                                                               (Reg. 2337)
Proponent: Infini Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2337/.

Argentia Access Road Agricultural Development                            (Reg. 2338)
Proponent: Lester Farms Inc.

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2338/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

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Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford, as Chair of the Council of the Federation, will lead a joint mission of Canada’s Premiers to Washington, D.C. on February 12, 2025.

Premiers will meet with key members of the new Administration, Congress and business leaders to advocate for maintaining strong Canada-U.S. relations by addressing shared issues such as jobs and the economy, energy, critical mineral supply chains, border security and immigration.

The U.S. sells more goods and services to Canada than it sells to China, Japan, and Germany combined. Our economic partnership is worth more than a trillion dollars annually and supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border.

“Americans and Canadians are like family. We’ve been allies for generations,” said Premier Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation. “By working together, the U.S. and Canada have an enormous opportunity to grow our economies and bring good jobs back home on both sides of the border. Now more than ever, Canada’s Premiers are best positioned to carry this message and work alongside U.S. lawmakers and business leaders.”

In addition to the joint mission on February 12, some Premiers will also travel to Washington during the annual meeting of the National Governors Association on February 20-22.

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

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To strengthen the local film and television workforce, the Provincial Government is announcing a new immigration policy for newcomers employed on productions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This artist-friendly Provincial Nominee Program policy acknowledges the cyclical nature of film and television productions. The policy enables certain newcomers with full-time, cyclical employment to apply for permanent residency. For example, an individual employed on a major television production with a four-month shooting schedule and expected future television production employment projects may now be eligible for permanent residency.

Newcomers interested in learning more about this immigration option and determining their eligibility are encouraged to contact nlpnp@gov.nl.ca. The new policy can be viewed here.

This new immigration policy supports the mandate to encourage newcomers seeking employment in the arts to make Newfoundland and Labrador their permanent home and base for creative production.

Quotes
“To maximize Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic opportunity from the television and film industry, we must continue to build a skilled workforce for large-scale productions. This new immigration policy will help attract and retain newcomers in the industry and is a complement to our government’s focus on training more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in film and television studies.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“We have been dedicated to advancing the film and television industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring our province remains a vibrant hub for creative talent and continues to produce world-class content. This new immigration policy will be instrumental in attracting and retaining skilled newcomers to the sector, while complementing our government’s strategic initiatives to expand training opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in film and television studies.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture Arts and Recreation

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has received the first five new snowplows that were procured for the winter operations fleet. These trucks are part of the 64 plow trucks that are due to arrive this winter season.

The Provincial Government continuously reviews its snow clearing equipment from an operational perspective. As such, these new plow trucks will replace units that have been taken out of service as well as aging trucks scheduled for replacement.

Last year, Budget 2024 allocated an additional $25 million to purchase equipment to support road maintenance operations in the province, including loaders and tractor trucks, as well as new medium-duty plow and spreader trucks for local roads.

The Provincial Government also committed an additional $25 million per year over four more years for a heavy fleet renewal program, representing the largest ever multi-year investment in new equipment to ensure a safe and reliable road network.

While new equipment assists winter maintenance efforts throughout the province, motorists are also reminded to slow down and adjust their driving habits to be prepared for changes in weather, icy patches, slushy sections, snow covered sections and poor visibility. It is recommended that motorists should:

• Check nl511.ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions, highway cameras and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling.
• Check the latest Environment Canada 
• Slow down and drive to conditions.

Quote
“These five new trucks are welcome replacements to the province’s fleet of winter maintenance vehicles, enhancing our ability to maintain our provincial highways and roads during the winter season. Safety is paramount for our government, and the support in Budget 2024 will allow us to continue to add more vehicles as they are manufactured.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services and Government House Leader, along with the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will create a new independent, expert panel to provide additional oversight of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hydro-Quebec.

The ministers made the announcement in partnership with the two members of the Third Party, NDP Leader and MHA for St. John’s Centre Jim Dinn and MHA for Labrador West Jordan Brown, and the two Independent Members, Mount Pearl-Southlands MHA Paul Lane and Humber-Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador worked with the members to reach this agreement on the new, independent, expert oversight panel.

The panel will be led by the Consumer Advocate, and will:

• Review the MOU and progress towards Definitive Agreements.
• Provide advice to Cabinet.
• Provide summaries to the public and to the House of Assembly in a manner that respects commercial sensitivities, privilege, and does not jeopardize the Provincial Government’s negotiations. These summaries shall be provided on a quarterly basis.

The Consumer Advocate will be provided with necessary funding to provide this oversight, and shall appoint a panel of three persons, including the Consumer Advocate as Chairperson. The Consumer Advocate shall submit a list of candidates to the Provincial Government for review and appropriate vetting. The Provincial Government shall return a list of all qualified candidates, from which the Consumer Advocate shall select two additional members for the panel.

The Consumer Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador is a statutory officer and represents the interests of domestic and general service customers in relation to specific hearings and applications before the Public Utilities Board. The appointment of the Consumer Advocate follows the merit-based appointment process led by the Independent Appointments Commission.

Quotes
“Independent review of the negotiations with Hydro-Quebec was a critical component in reaching this historic Memorandum of Understanding and will continue to play an important role in getting the most out of future negotiations toward definitive agreements. I thank our colleagues in the House of Assembly for working with us to develop a strong framework for this additional independent oversight going forward.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services and Government House Leader

“We all want to ensure that we do not repeat mistakes of the past and that definitive agreements with Hydro-Quebec provide the best deal possible for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. By engaging the consumer advocate to chair a new, independent expert panel to oversee the ongoing negotiations, we can be confident that the important need for independent oversight of this historic deal for our province is achieved.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology

“We were very clear about the need for independent oversight and what that independent oversight would look like to ensure the MOU is the best deal possible. We listened to the concerns raised by many and could not vote for the MOU without a truly arm’s-length committee set up to review and report quarterly to the House of Assembly and the public. We constructively worked with government to get this agreement on behalf of the people of the province.”
Jim Dinn
Leader of the NDP and MHA for St. John’s Centre

“I am very pleased to be part of today’s announcement relating to the establishment of an independent oversight panel to review this historic MOU. It demonstrates that as members, we can achieve better outcomes for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador when we work together. We have a tremendous opportunity before us, and it is critical that we get it right this time. I believe that this additional layer of oversight will assist us in doing just that.”
Paul Lane
MHA for Mount Pearl – Southlands

“The people of the province and Humber-Bay of Islands expect all of us to work together to make this province a better place for the residents. I am very pleased to work with the government members, NDP members and Mr. Lane to add an extra layer of confidence with an independent oversight panel. This panel will ensure that the MOU is a sound foundation with guardrails to protect our interest and ensure negotiations follow the MOU guiding principles and report back to the House of Assembly and to the public on their oversight review.”
Eddie Joyce
MHA for Humber-Bay of Islands

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Learn more
Learn more about this historic MOU by visiting Ourchapter.ca.

Historic Memorandum on New Energy Partnerships in Labrador

Public Advisory: Churchill Falls Negotiating Team to Host Series of Community Webinars January 12-14

Historic Memorandum on New Energy Partnerships in Labrador

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Today, the Provincial Government released Education Accord NL’s interim report, A Vision for the Future: Transforming and Modernizing Education.

Education Accord NL Co-Chairs Dr. Anne Burke and Dr. Karen Goodnough will be available to media tomorrow (Friday, January 10) to discuss the interim report. The co-chairs will be joined by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education. The availability will occur at 11:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. Media planning to attend should RSVP to lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca.

The Accord Advisory Team, in collaboration with the Pillar Committees and Advisory Board, have actively engaged individuals and groups through dialogue, consultation, and knowledge-sharing. Input and engagement involved content experts, focus groups, key informant meetings, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, symposia, a public survey, and written submissions. This stakeholder engagement remains ongoing.

The Education Accord NL’s interim report outlines the work completed to-date, findings, and foundational elements that outline the vision of the final report. The interim report can be viewed online here.

Education Accord NL was created in January 2024 to reimagine the education system. It will ensure students and learners at all levels receive the educational services they need in the classroom, are prepared for the modern global economy, and develop strong decision-making skills to foster positive health and well-being.

The deadline for the Provincial Government to receive the final Education Accord NL report is March 31, 2025.

Quotes
“Education is critical to the long-term success of our province. I thank Education Accord NL for its interim report, and I look forward to receiving the final report which will outline a 10-year plan for education in Newfoundland and Labrador. The time is now for us to transform and modernize education so that future generations will thrive.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“As co-chair of the Education Accord, these past nine months have demonstrated the tremendous interest Newfoundland and Labradorians have in the future of education in this province. We have met with parents, students, educators, academics and leaders and community members, all of whom brought their ideas, energy, experiences, creativity, and commitment to this process. This interim report contains just a snapshot of the ideas and input which will inspire, challenge, inform and guide us as we prepare the final report. We look forward to the exciting challenge of the next few months as we continue to consult, gather, and condense all our stakeholders’ ideas into calls to action and recommendations creating a vision that can take our education systems and society into the next decade and beyond.”
Dr. Anne Burke
Education Accord NL Co-Chair

“Over the last few months, it has been a privilege to be part of a process that is examining the strengths of the Newfoundland and Labrador education system, as well as areas that need renewal and change. Extensive engagement is occurring with educators, students, families, and community groups to collaboratively consider what we need as a province to create a robust education system that is responsive, equitable, and learner-centric. The interim report offers highlights and themes that will provide a pathway to generate a set of calls to action, ensuring education at all levels has the capacity to be transformative and deeply enriching. Personalization, supportive networks, flexibility and innovation, and community involvement will become catalysts for both individual and societal transformation.”
Dr. Karen Goodnough
Education Accord NL Co-Chair

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Provincial Government Announces the Creation of Education Accord NL

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On the morning of January 6, 2025, Resource Enforcement Officers from St. John’s Detachment responded to a report of a moose that was potentially shot in the area of Clarke’s Beach/South River. When officers arrived on scene, they found a young cow moose struggling in the water. Upon further investigation, officers found signs of injury to its two front legs and had to dispatch the animal.

Upon examination, officers determined that the moose had been shot in the two front legs, rendering the animal almost immobile.

Resource Enforcement Division is seeking information from the public on this matter. The moose is believed to have been shot around 10:15 a.m. on January 6 in the area of Clarke’s Beach Road, near the part of the pond locally known as “The Motion” (see attached map). The moose was shot out of season and within 1,000 meters of a playground, both of which are illegal under the Wild Life Act.

Anyone with information is asked to call St. John’s Detachment at (709) 729-2348. Individuals may also report suspected illegal activities related to natural resources by calling 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or stoppoaching.ca.

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The Provincial Government is now accepting applications for this year’s Newfoundland and Labrador Multiculturalism Grant Program.

Grants of up to $1,500 are available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous governments, municipalities, schools and educational institutions to develop, plan and host initiatives that promote and celebrate cultural diversity in Newfoundland and Labrador. Special consideration will be given to initiatives focused on anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion.

The program provides funding year-round, with many recipients using it to support events during Multiculturalism Month, celebrated every March in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For full information about the program, please visit the website. Interested organizations must apply through the Labour Market Program Support System (LaMPSS) by 4:30 p.m on Friday, January 31, 2025. Schools are required to submit a separate application form.

Supporting multiculturalism in Newfoundland and Labrador creates more welcoming and inclusive communities, while raising awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in building a more prosperous province.

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The deadline to apply for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s home heating supplement program is Wednesday, January 15, 2025. As announced in Budget 2024, maintaining the home heating supplement for furnace or stove oil is one of the measures the Provincial Government is undertaking to help residents with affordability.

Residents can apply online at Home Heating Supplement Program. To ensure the most efficient processing time, please make sure your application is complete. This includes:

• Providing a copy of your invoice(s), which includes the delivery address, for the purchase of at least 250 litres of furnace or stove oil.
• Signing your application.
• Double-checking that the social insurance number provided is correct.

If a resident has a parent or family friend who may be eligible for the program, please encourage them to apply.

The supplement, which ranges between $200 and $500, is available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2023 was $150,000 or less and have directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their principal residence.

For more information, please email OilSupplement@gov.nl.ca or phone 709-729-4645 (toll-free 1-844-729-4645).

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a review of the certification process for early childhood educators.

The RFP is seeking a vendor to evaluate the current certification process for early childhood educators and propose recommendations to shift to a competency-based approach to certification. A high-quality early learning workforce is a key component to ensuring the affordability, inclusivity and quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In August 2024, the Provincial Government released Newfoundland and Labrador’s Early Learning Action Plan 2024-2026. This action plan recommended a review and modernization of the early childhood educator certification process, and that prior learning assessments and work experiences be recognized by certification processes.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl. The closing date for proposals is February 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. NT.

This initiative is part of the $306 million being invested through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of 5,895 spaces by March 2026.

Quotes
“The early learning workforce is a key part of ensuring children are receiving high-quality early learning and child care services. We have heard loud and clear that a review of the certification process for early childhood educators will support continued efforts to further professionalize the sector. Our government encourages vendors to submit a proposal for consideration in this review process.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Early childhood educators are at the cornerstone of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, and we are committed to supporting a qualified workforce. I look forward to seeing the results from this review process.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“A strong certification process is key to enhancing the professionalism of early childhood educators and ensuring high-quality care for children and families. The Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes this review as an opportunity to support professional growth, modernize certification to align with current and future trends, and better meet the needs of educators, families, and communities.”
Skye Taylor
Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Medical Benefits Now Available for Early Learning Workforce

Provincial Government Seeking Expressions of Interest for Next Phase of Pre-Kindergarten Program

Improvements to Quality and Inclusion for Early Learning and Child Care Services in Newfoundland and Labrador

Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province

Operating Grant Program

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

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The Provincial Government is notifying residents of Newfoundland and Labrador that on January 7, 2025, the Provincial Government received notice that PowerSchool had experienced a cybersecurity incident. PowerSchool is a third party which provides a platform used in the provincial K-12 education system, as well as many other jurisdictions.

The incident is not specific to Newfoundland and Labrador.  PowerSchool notified customers in multiple jurisdictions in North America.

The Provincial Government is working with the vendor to determine the extent of data accessed and number of individuals who may be involved. There has been no disruption to the daily operations of schools or classroom instruction.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will be available to the media to discuss the PowerSchool cybersecurity incident today (Wednesday, January 8) at 12:45 p.m. The availability will occur in the West Block Lobby of Confederation Building.

PowerSchool has stated that they do not anticipate the data involved being shared or made public, and they believe it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination. The company has indicated that the incident has been contained and they have increased security within their systems to prevent further incidents.

PowerSchool has stated that it does not expect any misuse of personal information or financial harm to impacted individuals as a result of this incident. They will be providing credit monitoring services to affected adults and identity protection services to affected minors in accordance with regulatory and contractual requirements. More information will be provided on these services and eligibility when available.

Multiple government departments are involved to determine next steps, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has been notified. While the investigation is ongoing and information received from PowerSchool may change, the Provincial Government will provide further information as it becomes available. A webpage will be established on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website with public information. At this time, all inquiries can be sent to PowerSchoolinfo@gov.nl.ca.

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Avis au public : Incident de cybersécurité sur la plateforme PowerSchool

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The Department of Digital Government and Service NL is advising the public that a fraudulent text message regarding Motor Registration Division services is circulating within the province.

The text message instructs the recipient to pay a large sum of money by the end of the week to avoid having their driver’s licence suspended.

The department’s Motor Registration Division does not communicate information about a person’s driver’s licence or amounts that may be owing through text messages.

The public is advised to delete these text messages without responding, to never click on any link provided, and to block the caller’s number.

Recipients of these text messages are also encouraged to report them to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or their local police.

Anyone who has questions about their driver’s licence or other services provided by Motor Registration can visit the website, or call toll-free 1-877-636-6867.

Residents may check the status of their driver’s licence or motor vehicle registration, and access a number of other online Provincial Government services, at any time through their free MyGovNL account.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced the recipients of this year’s Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants.

To support school initiatives that establish safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, the Provincial Government is providing a total of $11,000 for these grants. Eleven schools have been selected to receive $1,000 each.

A list of award recipients for 2024 is available in the backgrounder below.

The Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants aim to support specific initiatives in schools that are student focused. Schools are recognized for their efforts in achieving safe, caring and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates, and sustaining safe and inclusive communities that celebrate equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

The Department of Education is committed to building an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring, inclusive and healthy learning environments for all students and staff in the K-12 public education system.

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“I am always thankful for the dedication of school communities to look out for each other. Schools strive to provide safe, inclusive, and caring environments for students and promote positive learning spaces for them. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and I look forward to hearing more details about these initiatives for your schools.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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La ministre Howell annonce les bénéficiaires des bourses pour les initiatives spéciales favorisant les écoles sécuritaires, accueillantes et inclusives

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BACKGROUNDER

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools
Special Initiatives Grants
Recipients 2024-25

École Boréale

Happy Valley-Goose Bay  

Popcorn en action! (Violence prevention)  

J. R. Smallwood Middle School

Wabush  

ASL/DHH Inclusive Signage  

Sacred Heart Elementary

Curling  

School-Wide Social Emotional Learning  

St. Boniface All Grade

Ramea

Student Den

Green Bay South Academy

Robert’s Arm

Together Space: Building Bonds and Skills

John Watkins Academy

  Hermitage Adventure Zone  

Sacred Heart Academy

Marystown

Building Connections and Community with Sammy

St. Paul’s Junior High

St. John’s

Connect with ASL

O’Donel High School

Mount Pearl

O’Donel Mural Project

Immaculate Conception School

Colliers

Swing together

Stella Maris Academy

Trepassey

Learning Loft (CDLI Room)

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and His Excellency, Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark, have agreed to a driver’s licence reciprocity arrangement between their two jurisdictions, which began January 1, 2025.

Through this arrangement, residents of Denmark will not have to complete additional testing to have their Class 5 driver’s licences recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador when they choose to make the province their home. The same applies to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who relocate to Denmark.

Driver’s licence reciprocity arrangements are permitted under Section 16 of the Highway Traffic Act Driver Regulations, 1999, so that previous driving experience is recognized, making it easier to transfer driving privileges without interruption. Under the regulations, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can waive examination requirements for Class 5 driver’s licences, when a reciprocal arrangement exists between the province and another jurisdiction.

This arrangement with Denmark continues to build on Newfoundland and Labrador’s efforts to support newcomers to the province, and follows the recent signing of a similar agreement with Belgium announced in September 2024.

Newfoundland and Labrador also has driver’s licence reciprocity arrangements with Austria, France, Ireland, Isle of Man, Japan, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Under the same regulations, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles can also waive testing requirements for people with driver’s licences from elsewhere in Canada, Germany, Ukraine, and the United States.

Learning the language and taking care of day-to-day necessities like accommodations, banking, education, health care, and transportation are all essential parts of the settlement process. With this arrangement, newcomers to both Newfoundland and Labrador and Denmark are better supported to settle into their new home quickly and easily.

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“Thank you to His Excellency and his predecessor for working with us to establish driver’s licence reciprocity between Newfoundland and Labrador and Denmark. Moving to a new country can present many challenges, and this arrangement will make things a little easier for people as they get settled into their new home.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“The Kingdom of Denmark is happy to have reached driver’s licence reciprocity with Newfoundland and Labrador. I would personally like to thank the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey and the Honourable Elvis Loveless for helping make relocating to Newfoundland and Labrador easier for Danish citizens.”
His Excellency, Nikolaj Harris
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark

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Learn more
Motor Registration

Newfoundland and Labrador Enters into a Driver’s Licence Reciprocity Agreement with Belgium

Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licences Now Available to Ukrainian Newcomers

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and Service NL Enter into a Driver’s Licence Reciprocity Agreement

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating the cast and crew of Saint-Pierre, which premieres today, Monday, January 6, and the cast and crew of Son of a Critch on the premiere of season four.

Saint-Pierre follows Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, who is exiled to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. His arrival disrupts Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault’s life, and the two officers – played by Allan Hawco and Josephine Jobert – must team up to solve crimes in the seemingly peaceful island community. Saint-Pierre was created by Allan Hawco, Robina Lord-Stafford, and Perry Chafe. Saint-Pierre airs on CBC and CBC Gem.

Additionally, the fourth season of Son of a Critch, based on comedian Mark Critch’s best-selling memoir, Son of a Critch: A Childish Newfoundland Memoir, and featuring Mr. Critch, along with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Malcolm McDowell, Claire Rankin, Sophia Powers, and Mark Rivera, premieres on Tuesday, January 7, on CBC and CBC Gem. It is filmed on location in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the film and television industry in the province generated approximately $74 million in production activity. To date, production activity for the 2024-25 fiscal year is approaching $83 million, resulting in the creation of around 1,440 full-time equivalent jobs. The Provincial Government is proud to continue its support for Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing film and television sector.

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“It’s exciting to see our province continue to evolve as a vibrant hub for storytelling, showcasing local talent and breathtaking locations. With a captivating cast and a fresh take, Saint-Pierre highlights the region’s unique beauty and growing influence in the global entertainment industry. We are also thrilled that Son of a Critch continues to be a huge success, congratulations to all of the cast and crew!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services and Government House Leader, will be available to the media at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6, outside of the House of Assembly, to discuss the extraordinary sitting of the House of Assembly.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador advised the Speaker on December 17, 2024, that the public interest requires the House of Assembly to meet on an extraordinary basis in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec. Further to that notice, the Speaker advised Members that the House of Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m. NT.

The extraordinary session is proposed to be held from Monday, January 6, to Thursday, January 9, inclusive. On these four days, the House may sit, as necessary, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Key members of the MOU negotiating team: Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro; Walter Parsons, Vice-President, Transmission Interconnections and Business Development; and Denis Mahoney, KC, Justice and Public Safety Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General, will be invited as guests of the legislature. Representatives from independent expert advisors Power Advisory and JP Morgan will be invited as guests of the legislature as well.

Following consultation with the House of Assembly in relation to procedural matters and given the extraordinary nature of the debate proposed, speaking time for each Member has been at least doubled from that normally allotted for a Resolution pursuant to the Standing Orders. The Premier, the Leader of the Official Opposition, and the Leader of the Third Party will each have two hours; the Minister for Industry, Energy and Technology (IET) and the IET critic for the Official Opposition will each have two hours; and each remaining Member will have 40 minutes.

As discussed with the Opposition House Leader and the Third Party House Leader, and as requested by the Official Opposition, Members can choose to ask questions and receive answers during their allotted time (as per Estimates or Committee of the Whole), provide their own remarks during their allotted time (as per a typical Resolution), or a combination of both.

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The Provincial Government is monitoring forecast information on a weather system that is anticipated to affect several regions of the province over the coming days (January 4-6).

This storm is expected to bring a combination of strong gusty winds, rainfall and snowfall, along with higher-than-normal water levels to parts of the northeast coast on Sunday. There is a moderate probability of localized low-level flooding along coastal areas from Ferryland to Cape Freels on the eastern and northeastern coastline.

Heaviest snowfall is most likely to occur over Newfoundland areas late Saturday night and/or during the day Sunday, while heaviest snowfall is most likely in southeastern Labrador from later in the day Sunday until Monday (January 6). Visibility will be poor at times in heavy snow, strong winds and occasional blowing snow.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast from Environment Canada for the most up-to-date information.

Similar storms in the past have caused localized low-level coastal flooding, travel disruptions, isolated power outages and wind damage. Residents are asked to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Homeowners should secure loose items around their properties (Christmas décor and lights), ensure sump pumps are in working order, and safeguard important documents.

Motorists are reminded to check driving condition reports via the NL511 mobile app, nl511.ca or call 511. Always drive according to the conditions in your area, and never cross floodwaters on foot or in a vehicle as the water may be deeper than it looks.

Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

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