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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-039 Released

lun, 08/26/2024 - 12:30

The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-039 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report:     A-2024-039 Report Date: August 22, 2024 Public Body: City of Corner Brook Summary: The Complainant filed an access to information request with the City of Corner Brook seeking information on a series of properties. The City produced a large number of responsive records but withheld some information, citing sections 28(1), 29(1), 31(1), 35(1) and 39(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant asserted that the information should not have been withheld and also that the City did not meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of the Act. This Office determined that the City did meet its duty to assist. However, this Office did determine that some of the exceptions claimed by the City could not be supported and recommended the release of some of the information that was withheld.

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Safety Initiative for K-12 Public Schools Kicks Off Back-to-School Season

lun, 08/26/2024 - 12:06

The Provincial Government is expanding supports for students in the K-12 public education system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, is announcing that a newly developed position – student services teaching and learning assistants – will be introduced in select K-12 schools this September.

The student services teaching and learning assistants will work with guidance counsellors and instructional resource teachers to further support behavioural management skills for students. They will also have other duties including hall monitoring to promote the overall safety and well-being of the school environment. The Department of Education has identified six schools to pilot this initiative this school year.

This initiative reinforces commitments made by the Provincial Government to improve school environments, increase overall safety, and prevent violence in the school setting. Efforts in recent years include the addition of 32 full-time equivalent school administrators throughout several schools; adding 58 full-time equivalent guidance counsellors; improving the student-to-counsellor ratio from 1:500 to 1:333 developing partnerships with Choices for Youth, Thrive Community Youth Network and the Jacob Puddister Foundation; and a focus on social-emotional learning that is embedded in the K-12 curriculum.

Quotes
“We want to ensure students, educators and support staff have safe school environments every day. We are committed to improving the school environment for our students, increasing overall safety, and preventing violence. This safety initiative will help staff and support our school communities.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association welcomes any investment in our K-12 public education system that helps to address increasingly complex student needs and the growing levels of aggression and violence impacting our members and their students. The introduction of the student services TLA role in a small number of schools is a welcome step in the right direction, which we hope will be expanded across the system in the future. Adequate supports for students and the safety of everyone in our schools must be a priority, which is why the NLTA spearheaded the creation of the School Safety Coalition and continues to advocate for safe and well-resourced teaching and learning conditions for our members and their students.”
Trent Langdon
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association

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Learn more
Provincial Advisory Council on Education Regulations Now in Force

Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL 

Like us on Facebook

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Media Advisory: Minister Haggie to Bring Greetings at the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Mural Unveiling in Botwood

lun, 08/26/2024 - 10:50

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will bring greetings at the Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial Mural Unveiling Ceremony tomorrow (Tuesday, August 27).

The ceremony will be held at the Botwood Flying Boat Museum, 15 Airbase Road, Botwood, at 2:00 p.m.

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Official By-Election Results for Waterford Valley

dim, 08/25/2024 - 17:30

The Official Addition of the Votes was conducted today (Sunday, August 25) at the Waterford Valley District Returning Office. The Returning Officer reviewed the voting tallies from by-election night.

The official results of the by-election are as follows:

Waterford Valley Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Official Results: BOLAND, Nicole New Democratic Party 1027 KORAB, Jamie Liberal Party 2067 WILKINS, Jesse Progressive Conservative Party 1423 TOTAL VOTES: 4517

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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Environmental Assessment Bulletin

ven, 08/23/2024 - 14:30

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

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:

Lewisporte Biomedical Waste Incineration                                        (Reg. 2316)
Proponent: Paul Dalley Holdings Inc.

The minister has advised the Proponent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required for this Project. Additional information is required to inform the minister on issues including, but not limited to:

  • Project details and rationale
  • Waste management
  • Incinerator technology and/or incineration process
  • Air emissions
  • Wastewater effluent
  • Emergency response
  • Community consultation

An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to draft guidelines for the Proponent in preparing the EIS. The EAC includes representatives from the following provincial government agencies:

  • Department of Environment and Climate Change
    • Environmental Assessment – Chair
    • Pollution Prevention Division
  • Department of Health and Community Services
  • Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
  • Tourism Product Development

The public will be invited to provide comments on the draft guidelines. For further information on this Project, please contact Tahazzud Hossain at (709) 729-4223 or email tahazzudhossain@gov.nl.ca.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC REVIEW:

Kami Iron Ore Mine                                                                                   (Reg. 2301)
Proponent: Champion Iron Mines Ltd.

The proposed Kami Iron Ore Mine Project is undergoing an environmental assessment review and an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required. The Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has prepared draft EIS Guidelines that identify information that must be included in the EIS. The public is invited to review these guidelines and provide written comments by October 2, 2024. Comments received will be reviewed and considered before the EIS guidelines are finalized and issued to the Proponent.

More information on the Project is available on the department’s website at:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2301/

Written comments must be submitted by October 2, 2024, to:

Paul Carter
Project EA Committee Chair
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. box 8700
St. John’s, NL   A1B 4J6
Email: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

District 20 Five-Year Operating Plan (2025-2029)                                      (Reg. 2315)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture  

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2315/.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:
Swift Current Quarry                                                                                 (Reg. 2193)
Proponent: Dean Clarke Contracting Ltd.

On August 23, 2024, the minister advised the Proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan for the Project was found to be acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2193/.

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:

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

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

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

 

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Atlantic Provincial Housing Ministers Invite Federal Partnership to Address Atlantic Canada’s Housing Challenges

ven, 08/23/2024 - 14:00

Housing challenges are escalating across Atlantic Canada, and advancing solutions to these challenges was the focus of yesterday’s meeting of the region’s housing ministers. The Atlantic Provincial Ministers remain eager to collaborate closely with the federal government to fulfill the commitments made during the last meeting in January with the Honourable Sean Fraser, Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, including the development of a tailored framework for an Atlantic Innovation Initiative.

The Atlantic Ministers recognize that addressing the housing crisis requires a joint effort. They are committed to working together with the federal government to ensure that the substantial investments made by the provinces are matched by federal support. This partnership is vital to delivering the housing solutions Atlantic Canadians urgently need.

The Ministers emphasized the need for more frequent and focused collaboration with the federal government, noting that Atlantic Canadians cannot afford to wait while the housing crisis worsens. The federal government’s housing plan, while a step in the right direction, needs to be further refined to ensure fairness and flexibility so funding programs can address the unique needs of Atlantic Canada. The Atlantic Ministers are eager to see the shared commitments made in January translate into immediate, meaningful actions that are responsive to the specific housing market conditions of the region.

A targeted federal investment of $500 million is being proposed to meet the immediate housing needs across Atlantic Canada, a critical step toward ensuring all Atlantic Canadians have access to adequate housing.

Exploring Innovative Solutions to Common Barriers
The discussions focused on innovative solutions to accelerate development timelines, including pooling resources to test and scale up advanced construction techniques, investing in the growth of the Atlantic offsite construction industry, and addressing housing-related labour shortages by facilitating easier access to careers in the skilled trades. The provinces are seeking additional resources to make offsite construction a more viable option for new housing developments, including funding for pre-construction activities and the creation of standardized regional housing designs and tools.

An Invitation for Federal Collaboration
The Atlantic provinces are fully committed to regional collaboration and believe that, with a strong partnership with the federal government, they can effectively tackle the housing challenges facing the region. While the tools currently available have laid some groundwork, there is a clear need for new, region-specific programs to deliver immediate and effective housing solutions. The Atlantic Ministers are ready to engage in a renewed, strengthened partnership with the federal government to turn shared goals into tangible outcomes.

Quotes
“Yesterday’s meeting with our Atlantic colleagues reiterated our common goal and commitment to work together to create affordable housing in communities across the region as quickly as possible. The government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains focused on addressing the diverse housing needs throughout the province and welcomes the opportunity to continue advancing a regional approach to drive innovation and productivity to accelerate housing supply for the benefit of our residents and residents across the Atlantic region.”
Honourable John Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minster of Mental Health and Addictions, Newfoundland and Labrador

“Nova Scotia’s government is ready to move forward with bold initiatives, and we believe that working hand-in-hand with the federal government is the best path to success. We need to act now, not just for the future but for the immediate well-being of Nova Scotians and all Atlantic Canadians. Together, we can create solutions that truly address the unique needs of our region.”
Honourable John Lohr
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Nova Scotia

“Our government understands the urgent need for safe, affordable, and accessible housing for all New Brunswickers. We recognize the importance of being responsive to housing market changes and challenges – that’s why partnerships like this are imperative to solving the housing crunch. We will continue to build on our successes and ensure we’re laying a strong foundation for generations of New Brunswickers to come.”
Honourable Jill Green
Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation

“Through our provincial housing strategy, we are making significant investments to address the housing crisis, but we need co-operation and co-ordination at the local, regional and national level to help achieve our goals. By working closely with our federal partners and regional counterparts, we can pool our resources, align our strategies, and ensure that our initiatives effectively address the needs of all communities. We can do more together than we can separately.”
Honourable Rob Lantz
Minister of Housing, Land and Communities, Prince Edward Island

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Public Advisory: Resource Enforcement Division Investigation Results in Convictions

ven, 08/23/2024 - 11:25

A Resource Enforcement Division investigation has resulted in the conviction of three individuals from Carbonear.

On June 21, 2023, Jason Mutrey was convicted of two counts of possession of big game and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition without holding a big game licence. Mr. Mutrey was fined $2,500 and is prohibited from hunting for five years. The firearm, ammunition and moose were forfeited.

Jason Penney was convicted on April 17, 2024, of one count of possession of big game and fined $1,000. Mr. Penney also received a five-year hunting prohibition and a firearm, ammunition, axe and knives were forfeited.

Keith Mutrey was convicted on July 9, 2024, and fined $300 and prohibited from holding a moose licence for one year. The illegal ammunition he possessed was forfeited.

The incidents all occurred near Carbonear.

The public is reminded it is an offence under the Wild Life Act to hunt game of any kind without a valid licence.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity. Information from the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations. Report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Provincial Government Continues Work on Curriculum Renewal for K-12 Public Education System

ven, 08/23/2024 - 11:00

The Provincial Government continues to take action to modernize and improve the educational experience of students in the K-12 public education system.

Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is announcing additional work underway to support the transformation and modernization of the K-12 school system, including:

Transforming Grades 7-9 Curriculum
In September 2025, the Department of Education will introduce a new intermediate curriculum for Grades 7-9 which will give students more choice in the types of courses they choose to complete.

The department is modernizing K-12 curriculum and is implementing a digital curriculum platform this year called the eNLightenED curriculum portal. Grade 7-9 curriculum, as well as new implementations, will be available on eNLightenED in September 2024 with all K-12 curriculum being available by September 2025. The curriculum portal will be publicly available this September.

The recent digitization of K-12 curriculum in Newfoundland and Labrador allows for a more agile and responsive curriculum renewal process.

New curriculum in French, social studies and mathematics will also be in place for the upcoming 2024 school year:

  • Core French 5
  • Français K-2 (Immersion)
  • Français 1-3 (French First Language)
  • Français 9 (Immersion)
  • Social Studies 1-2/ Sciences humaines 1-2
  • Applied Mathematics 2202/ Mathématiques appliquées 2232
  • Applied Mathematics 3202/ Mathématiques appliquées 3232

Increased Math Specialists
To support teachers and students in mathematics, a provincial lead for mathematics and 15 mathematics program specialists will be hired within NLSchools, the Department of Education, and one position added to the Conseil scolaire francophone de Terre-Neuve et Labrador. These positions are in addition to the existing five math program specialists. Program specialists will provide targeted mathematics support and act as instructional coaches for educators as they deliver curriculum and teach students to support and improve student mathematics outcomes.

Testing, Assessment and Evaluation
A new evaluation framework for high school students is beginning in 2024 as public exams have been formally eliminated from the public education system. In 2025, year-end public exams are being replaced with modular exams for students enrolled in 3000 level academic courses and will take place three times a year. Teachers and administrators have been provided with a refreshed Assessment and Evaluation Policy to support better understanding of the requirements of testing and assessing students in the classroom.

Quote
“As the new school year approaches, it is important to highlight the progress we are making on improving K-12 public education. We are reviewing intermediate curriculum, adding math specialists and updating testing, assessment and evaluation of students which will improve the educational experience for our students, and supports their academic development so they can reach their highest potential.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Provincial Advisory Council on Education Regulations Now in Force

Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL 

Like us on Facebook

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Preliminary By-Election Results for Waterford Valley

jeu, 08/22/2024 - 21:30

The preliminary results from today’s by-election in the District of Waterford Valley are as follows:

Waterford Valley Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Preliminary Results: BOLAND, Nicole New Democratic Party 1027 KORAB, Jamie Liberal Party 2067 WILKINS, Jesse Progressive Conservative Party 1423 TOTAL VOTES: 4517

There were 36 regular polls, 3 advance polls and Special Ballot voting in the by-election with 10,593 registered electors on the final revised list of electors.

The Official Addition of the Votes, a procedure whereby the vote tallies from by-election night are reviewed, will take place at the district Returning Office beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. At the conclusion of the Official Addition, the by-election results are considered official and a candidate is declared elected.

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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Public Advisory: Provincial Pools to Close for Regular Maintenance

jeu, 08/22/2024 - 12:00

The provincially operated pools in Gander and Corner Brook will close to the public for their regular annual maintenance on the following dates:

Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre Swimming Pool, Gander: end of day today, Thursday, August 22. However, please be aware that the Provincial Swim Meet will continue as scheduled from Friday, August 23, to Sunday, August 25.

Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre Swimming Pool: end of day Friday, August 30.

An update will be provided when the maintenance is complete and the pools can reopen. Pool staff will be in contact with regular rental groups when the pool re-openings have been confirmed.

The department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-038 Released

jeu, 08/22/2024 - 10:05

The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-038 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-038 Report Date: August 20, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, apply for extensions when necessary, provide updates to applicants if deadlines are missed, provide periodic partial disclosure when appropriate, and provide a final response to the request within 10 business days of receipt of this Report.

 

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Voting Day is Tomorrow (August 22) Waterford Valley By-Election

mer, 08/21/2024 - 12:15

Elections Newfoundland and Labrador advises electors that tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, polls will be open in the By-Election for the District of Waterford Valley.

Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 pm.

For more information, contact the Waterford Valley District Returning Office at 709-552-7366, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott Available to Media to Discuss Choices for Youth

mer, 08/21/2024 - 10:45

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will be available to the media to discuss federal funding cuts to Choices for Youth.

The availability will take place in the lobby of the NLHC building, 2 Canada Drive, St. John’s, at 2:00 p.m.

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Minister Howell Announces New Chair of Memorial University Board of Regents

mer, 08/21/2024 - 10:15

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced the appointment of Justin Ladha as Chair of the Memorial University Board of Regents.

Mr. Ladha is a business developer and has served on Memorial University’s Board of Regents since 2023.

The Board of Regents, along with Memorial University’s Senate, is responsible for all matters related to programming, qualifications of employees and other matters deemed to be in the best interest of the institution. The Board of Regents consists of individuals with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise.

Mr. Ladha replaces Glenn Barnes, who served as board Chair since October 2022. Biographical information for Mr. Ladha can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I congratulate Justin Ladha on his appointment as Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents. His experience as a member of the board, combined with his professional background, will provide crucial leadership as the university embarks on its presidential search and continues to work on other important matters. I would also like to thank Vice-Chair Anik Rahman for serving as interim chair, and I believe he will continue to play an important role on the Board of Regents going forward.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Premier Furey Announces New Chancellor for Memorial University

Follow us on X @GovNL@EDU_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Justin Ladha
Justin Ladha is Chief Executive Officer of KMK Capital Inc.

He has experience as a member of the Board of Directors of Nalcor Energy-Oil and Gas Inc., Past Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade, and a member of the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club Executive. He has served on Memorial University’s Board of Regents since 2023.

Mr. Ladha holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University and an Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

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Media Advisory: Minister Dempster Participating in Treaty Day Celebrations in Mary’s Harbour

mer, 08/21/2024 - 09:15

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is participating in events today (Wednesday, August 21) organized by the NunatuKavut Community Council in celebration of Treaty Day. The events mark the British-Inuit Treaty of 1765.

The Minister will be joined by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

Today’s events at the Raymond C. Rumbolt Memorial Recreation Centre in Mary’s Harbour will close this evening with a flag-raising ceremony and community supper.

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Media Advisory: Minister Byrne Speaking at Keyin College Sport Sponsorship and Partnership Announcements

mar, 08/20/2024 - 13:55

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, on behalf of the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will bring remarks as part of the Keyin College sport sponsorship and partnership announcements.

The announcements will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, August 21) at the Keyin Campus at 644 Topsail Road in St. John’s at 10:30 a.m.

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Provincial Government Reminding Families About Use of Personal Electronic Devices in Schools

mar, 08/20/2024 - 12:30

As the use of cell phones during instructional time does not support optimal learning environments for students and with back to school season fast approaching, The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is encouraging parents, guardians and families to have thoughtful discussions with their children and teenagers about the use of cell phones in K-12 schools.

Families in K-6 schools are reminded that students are not permitted to use their cell phones in classrooms except in circumstances where their use is required to support the documented learning needs of individual students in accordance with the NLSchools Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.

In addition, schools across the province have their own acceptable use of technology procedures, which may set out further measures to address the appropriate use of personal electronic devices. The Conseil scolaire francophone de Terre Neuve et Labrador has the authority to make policy for Francophone schools.

The Department of Education is drafting a new personal electronic device policy to support students and teachers which will consider increasing restrictions on the use of personal electronic devices, including the use of cell phones in schools. In September, school communities will be consulted on the draft policy. Feedback will be considered before the new policy is adopted.

Quote
“We have heard concerns and calls to do more to address issues that arise with students and cell phones in schools. We are reminding families to have conversations with their kids on how these devices can affect individuals in different ways. Our students and their well-being are a priority, and the effects of these devices in schools can be detrimental as cell phones can affect a young person’s mental health, cause increased anxiety, promote bullying, and create a distraction while in class. We will make further changes, as required, to ensure wellness for everyone.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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Provincial Government Supporting Tourism in Port au Port West

mar, 08/20/2024 - 11:10

Helping rural communities seize opportunities to grow their tourism potential strengthens local economies, creates jobs and builds resilience for future generations. The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are investing to help upgrade an important heritage building in Western Newfoundland to improve visitor experience.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology announced a $50,994 investment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee Inc.

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, also announced a non-repayable investment of $145,843.

The contributions will support improvements to Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church and complex. This includes a new visitor services counter and tourism information kiosk, safety and accessibility upgrades, updates to the building’s exterior and entrance, and wayfinding signage on highways and roadsides. The investment will also help the committee develop a new marketing strategy for the 2025 Centennial Celebrations.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to helping communities realize their tourism potential, while attracting more visitors and contributing to the region’s continued economic prosperity.

Quotes
“The Our Lady of Mercy Complex has served as a hub for the Port au Port and Bay St. George region for decades, the centre for a host of community activities. These enhancements will create a sense of welcome for visitors, pride for those who live in the area, and will prepare the region for the 2025 centennial celebration of the heritage facility.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Our Lady of Mercy Church is a treasure of the Port au Port peninsula that should be preserved and celebrated. With the federal government investment announced today, we are giving the incredible team at the church even more tools to make the restoration possible.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee is absolutely delighted to partner with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Provincial Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to do the essential repairs and maintenance to our heritage church. It is more than a building- it is the heart of the community. The restoration activities in this project will help us achieve the goal of the board and the community to restore and preserve our heritage for future generations.”
Sandra Hunt
Chair (Acting), Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee

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Learn more
Regional Development Fund

Innovative Communities Fund

Our Lady of Mercy

Follow us on X @IET_GovNL

Like Industry, Energy and Technology NL on Facebook

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Media Advisory: Attendance at the Polls, Waterford Valley

lun, 08/19/2024 - 13:30

Members of the media are advised that Elections Newfoundland and Labrador requires advanced notice of intent to visit polling stations on by-election day, Thursday, August 22.

Please contact Rexanne Eddy, using the email address below, with the following details:

• Name of Reporter
• Polling location(s) they intend to visit
• Approximate time of visit

Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Anges Pratt Nursing Home (St. John’s)
• Babb Manor (St. John’s)
• Beaconsfield Junior High (St. John’s)
• Kilbride Lions Community Centre (Kilbride)
• Maplewood Apartments (St. John’s)
• St. Luke’s Nursing Home (St. John’s)
• St. Mary the Virgin Church – Canon Stirling Auditorium (St. John’s)
• St. Mary’s Elementary (St. John’s)
• St. Peter on the Rock (Shea Heights)
• Waterford Valley High (St. John’s)

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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Public Advisory: Public Cautioned About Scam Carbon Rebate Text Message

lun, 08/19/2024 - 13:05

The Department of Finance has been made aware of a text message advising the recipient that their carbon rebate from the Government of Canada is in a status of pending. The department has been advised the message asks the recipient to click a link by a certain deadline.

This message is in no way connected to the Provincial Government.

The Department of Finance advises the public not to reply to this fraudulent text message or click on any link provided.

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