Government of Newfoundland News

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Speaker, I am pleased today to highlight the success of the Come Home Year Community Cleanup Project, administered by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board.

The Come Home Year Community Cleanup Project is a new funding initiative to support the cleanup of litter or improperly disposed bulk items in areas such as roadsides, trails, beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational spaces. Funding was provided to municipalities, local service districts, Indigenous community governments and organizations and non-profit/community groups.

This program was so popular when it was launched that additional funding was committed to accommodate the influx of applications. Overall, the MMSB approved 256 projects and a total of $520,000 was awarded in funding.

One community is using funding to cleanup a popular walking and fishing area which has been littered with large debris like washing machines and water tanks. Their goal is to make the area beautiful again and to preserve the river habitat.

Speaker, these projects will have a positive impact in protecting our environment and supporting people in our communities as we look towards welcoming home family and friends to celebrate Come Home 2022.

Thank you.

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As the inaugural round of formal public consultations draws to a conclusion and the process of ongoing engagement continues, the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism is taking more action to develop the necessary tools to stop racism in Newfoundland and Labrador. The committee includes Ministers of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills; Justice and Public Safety; Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; and Education.

Ministers are seeking input from residents, community and cultural organizations, employers, educators, researchers, and others on their experiences, and hearing recommendations on stopping all forms of racism including; anti-Indigenous, anti-Black and anti-Asian racism; anti-Semitism; and Islamophobia.

The first summary ‘What We are Hearing’ document is being prepared for public release.

Over the last six months, Ministers met with 35 groups and organizations and received 87 submissions through engageNL until February 28. The Committee also received emails and submissions from organizations and individuals. Further meetings will be held and those discussions will inform more actions. Input continues to be welcomed and encouraged from any member of the public at antiracism@gov.nl.ca.

The Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism adopted an approach of taking immediate action on issues raised during the consultations. For a sample of actions taken, please see the attached backgrounder.

Ongoing anti-racism actions include:

• Updating curriculum in schools. Culture and diversity are embedded throughout large portions of the K-12 social studies curriculum, with significant focus on the issues of acceptance, understanding, equal rights and the negative impacts of racism, among other related topics. Future curriculum updates will build on these topics with a specific lens of anti-racism; and
• Intercultural competency and trauma-informed training is offered to justice-sector employees to educate and inform staff and improve the interactions of people within the justice system.

Actions to be taken include:

• Reviewing legislative provisions to identify options to counter hate speech in provincial laws;
• Launching an anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia public education campaign, in consultation with cultural organizations and community partners;
• Commencing a provincial program review to identify and remove systemic racism, in partnership with community representatives; and
• An anti-racist education teacher working group is being established and will begin work to identify resources and professional learning opportunities for the incorporation of anti-racist education and textbooks into curriculum.

The Provincial Government has undertaken or is collaborating with Indigenous Governments and Organizations on a series of actions which honour the culture of Indigenous Peoples. These include:

• Establishment of an Anti-Racism Working Group with the Innu Nation. The working group has a mandate to develop concrete measures to ensure elected officials and government employees have an understanding and appreciation of Innu culture, values and history.
• The Provincial Government is advancing a plan to deliver cultural sensitivity training to elected officials and public service employees. This initiative builds on a call from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on all levels of government to provide their employees with understanding of the histories of Indigenous peoples.
• We are proceeding with plans to deliver apologies to former students of residential schools, their families, and communities. In collaboration with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, we are exploring ways on the appropriate approach to fulfill this commitment.
• The Innu Nation and Provincial Government announced the commissioners who will conduct the Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System.

• Symbols of Reconciliation must replace symbols of racism. Therefore, the Provincial Government:
  • Is collaborating with Indigenous Governments and Organizations on placing Indigenous-themed murals in the lobby of Confederation Building;
  • Has commissioned the design, construction and installation of a statue commemorating the Beothuk;
  • Recognized September 30 a Day for Truth and Reconciliation;
  • Changed the Province’s Coat of Arms to remove the word ‘savages and add Labrador to the name of the Province;
  • Changed the name of the Central Newfoundland body of water to Beothuk Lake, and;
  • Renamed the Mary March Museum in Grand Falls-Windsor as the Demasduit Regional Museum, following consultations with Indigenous leaders and the general public.

Quotes
“Our government is deeply opposed to racism in any and all forms. The Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism maintains constant and regular engagement with community groups and leaders to optimize ongoing actions and planning future action. While all involved don’t always agree in full on solutions and precise paths forward, we appreciate the many spirited discussions and suggestions put forward, always guided by a shared vision that we are action-oriented, with many actions to date and many more to come.” Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills’

“The consultations that we held with many groups and individuals have certainly been educational. The views, observances and life experiences that were shared with me and my fellow Ministers on the Committee have greatly helped me understand the racism that exists in our Province. What we have heard has already resulted in moving forward with changes and our commitment to making further changes is stronger than ever.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

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

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

BACKGROUNDER

Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism: What We’re Hearing and Action Taken

Date What We’re Hearing Action September 2021 It is a challenge to get resumes reviewed by employers and to be invited for an interview. One-of-a-kind ‘Job Matching’ initiative for international students and their partners. December 2021 MCP coverage should continue after graduation for international students. Extension of MCP coverage for international graduates to cover 90 days post-graduation for an additional 90 days – now ‘best-in-class’ in Canada. December 2021 Anti-racism activities are distinct from multiculturalism and provincial funding should be made available to support community-based anti-racism activities. Launch of Settlement and Integration Grants with anti-racism activities as a funding priority. January 2022 Communities should host events to promote multiculturalism. Launch of Multiculturalism Grants Call for Proposals. January 2022 Designate January 29 as “National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia”. Designated January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia – marked though statement by MCAR and lighting Confederation Building in green. February 2022

  Public employees should receive more cultural sensitivity training. Roll out of Intercultural Competency Training for the Public Service. Ongoing Consider legislative options to address hate speech within provincial jurisdiction. The jurisdictional legislative review is ongoing to inform consideration of future amendments to provincial legislation or supporting initiatives to address hate speech.

  Ongoing The Canadian Identities textbook should be removed from the reading list immediately. The textbook was reviewed by Education staff and work is underway to replace the textbook.  In the interim, a memo was sent to all educators that identified the offensive material in the textbook and provided official direction to not use it. Ongoing Adopt texts that have local and anti-racist content and reflect the multiplicity of lived experience of students who are from immigrant, refugee, Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities in NL. Education is now receiving resources from local publishers, such as Breakwater, representing diverse cultural voices that will be reviewed by staff and review committees. The anti-racist education teacher working group will begin work to identify resources for the incorporation of anti-racist education into curriculum. Ongoing Students, teachers and other academic staff should be provided with a remedial course on how to read for racism in textbooks and other teaching materials. Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei, Interim Dean of the Memorial University School of Social Work, is developing and will deliver a series of professional learning sessions on anti-racism education as it applies to curriculum development to Education staff.

NLESD, with Provincial Government funding, is providing a nine-session webinar series for all teachers called “See Us, Learn Us: Teaching about the Black Canadian Experience.”

Other related professional learning sessions are under consideration or development.

 

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Effective Thursday, April 7 the Kippens Ridge forest access road, located near the Town of South Brook, will close to vehicle traffic until further notice.

Temporary closures at this time of year are required to protect forest access roads from damage during the spring thawing period. The road will remain open to snowmobile and ATV use.

For further information regarding this forest access road closure, please contact the Springdale Forest Management Office at 709-673-3821.

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

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology:

I am pleased today to notify members of the House of Assembly that the Provincial Government is lifting the current moratorium on wind development, creating an opportunity for industrial customers to generate wind energy for their own consumption and wind generation for export.

Speaker, a moratorium on wind development has been in place since 2007 and was a barrier to wind investment and development.

Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the best wind resources in North America. These can be used to power wind turbines and generate electricity for: industrial customers; export through transmission lines; for the production and export of hydrogen/ammonia; and, to supply energy to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Speaker, my department has been engaged with a number of companies interested in exploring industrial development. By lifting the existing moratorium to enable onshore wind development, we are allowing companies to proceed through an approval process for wind development. Details on this process will be released in the coming weeks.

This compliments the joint announcement today on the expanded mandate of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Board to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy development, such as offshore wind and clean hydrogen.

Our government launched the Province’s Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. This is an initial step in a multi-stage process to enable wind generation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Speaker, this is a significant move in supporting our transition to a greener economy. This supports government’s focus on working with the private sector to find new export markets for the province’s underdeveloped renewables.

Newfoundland and Labrador possesses valuable and abundant developed and undeveloped renewable energy resources, as well as experience and expertise in the province’s technology and energy sectors. Our renewable energy industry is growing; this news today continues to grow on the experience and economic potential of the sector.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology will participate in Genesis’ 25th Pitch and Pick event tomorrow (Wednesday, April 6).

The event takes place at Verafin, 18 Hebron Way, St. John’s, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Pitch and Pick is an event that invites start-ups from Genesis’ evolution program to pitch their idea to representatives from academia, public and private funding agencies, and the local tech community.

Space is limited for this event, and non-medical masks are recommended for attendees. To register, visit here.

A live stream of the event can be viewed here.

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

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New proposed legislation titled ‘Emergency 911 Act’ began second reading in the House of Assembly today. If passed, the new Act will guide the transition of the NL911 Bureau into the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

This change will not affect the 911 service to the public and calls to 911 will continue to be answered and routed to first responders. NL911 staff will be transitioned into core government. The current service fee paid by users would remain the same. The department will continue working with the NL911 staff and board member organizations to ensure a seamless transition.

The department would have direct oversight over the 911 service. This will ensure NL911 is part of the consolidation and coordination of public safety and emergency services functions within the Emergency Services branch of government, including the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, a province wide emergency public safety radio system and the implementation of recommendations from the Inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will bring the province in line with the majority of jurisdictions in Canada that have their 911 services as part of their government departmental structures.

While Next Generation 911 is not yet available in any jurisdiction in Canada, government’s intention is to move forward with the Next Generation 911. The department will work closely with partners to move this project forward.

Quote
“The 911 service is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The goal of this transition is to create synergies while we modernize and enhance the system to provide even better service as it becomes part of our broader public safety initiatives. The department will build on the good work done by the agency and the board. We thank front-line emergency responders for the critical role they play in the safety of residents of the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, QC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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

The post Provincial Government Introduces New Emergency 911 Legislation appeared first on News Releases.

With the passage of ATIPPA, 2015, the legislature unanimously accepted the recommendations of the Wells Committee Report, which effectively repudiated previous amendments to the statute with Bill 29, putting an end to an era of significantly weakened oversight over how government handled information and ushering in the best access to information law in the country. Among the recommendations unanimously accepted was that

“The Act have no restriction on the right of the Commissioner to require production of any record for which solicitor-client privilege has been claimed and the Commissioner considers relevant to an investigation of a complaint.”

This was explicitly stated in the Explanatory Note accompanying the legislation and confirmed by the Minister responsible at the time during second reading when the bill was introduced in the House of Assembly.

Rather than accept an accountability regime which ensures effective and independent oversight of government, this government chose to seek a court ruling to undermine the legislature’s commitment to transparency and accountability it enacted in 2015. On Thursday, March 31, 2022, the Court sided with the government and found that the Commissioner could no longer review records relating to a denial of access to information if the denial cited solicitor-client privilege as its basis.

Furthermore, it appears from the ruling that a public body need only cite that section of the Act and no one, not even a court, will review the records to verify whether the claim is legitimate. Despite the Court explicitly acknowledging that the legislature intended that the Commissioner review solicitor-client records, the Court construed the legislation contrary to its purpose.

The Commissioner will be appealing the Court’s decision as a matter of public interest, to support the fundamental values of government transparency and accountability which are core to the purpose of this Office. At a time when the province is facing increasing financial and economic difficulties, it is ever more important that transparency be at the forefront.

By taking a position contrary to the intent of the legislature, it would appear this government is in the process of doing through the courts what would be politically unpalatable to do through the legislature, i.e., to shield itself from accountability. Specifically, this ruling means that the government, and indeed all public bodies, such as municipalities, crown corporations and others, can simply tell access to information requesters “no” and if they do so while citing this particular section of the Act and there will be no independent review or meaningful recourse. Courts have found that the government has made over-broad claims of this privilege in the past and, without oversight, there is no reason to think that this will not occur again in the future.

This matter could, however, more expeditiously be resolved through an immediate commitment from government to amend the legislation and remove any doubt that it is not above the law, and that the Commissioner must be able to review any record in the control or custody of a public body on investigating a complaint, to ensure that access to information laws are being respected and followed, in keeping with the commitment made by the government of the day when it introduced ATIPPA, 2015 in response to the ill-fated Bill 29 amendments. This was the recommendation of former Justice David Orsborn in his Report of the Statutory Review of ATIPPA, 2015, which has been with the government since last year.

“If this ruling stands, there will be no protection against spurious denials of access or overbroad claims of privilege,” said Commissioner Harvey. “It stabs at the heart of the very purpose of having an access to information law – independent oversight. Rather than attempting to tear down access to information through the courts, I call on the government to eliminate the unnecessary cost of this appeal, including the time and frustration of citizens seeking information. Amend the statute to provide even greater certainty that government is not above the law, thereby reassuring the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability.”

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Comments on Recent Court Ruling Regarding Commissioner’s Powers under ATIPPA, 2015 appeared first on News Releases.

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

Speaker, as we are nearing the Easter break in schools and looking toward the end of another year, it is time to once again recognize educators that have gone above and beyond for students and school communities.

Today, I am pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the second annual Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

Last year we were pleased to introduce these awards that recognize teaching excellence in areas that have at times been overlooked, but which are meaningful and impactful for our province’s K-12 students.

The Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes primary, elementary or secondary teachers in all disciplines who have demonstrated innovation in instruction and a commitment to preparing their students for future success.

The Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

Speaker, last year we held the first annual award ceremony here in Confederation Building and it was a very special ceremony. Members from both sides of the aisle joined the festivities and I think all who took part can agree that it was extremely gratifying to see the pride of the educators who were recognized, their families and their colleagues.

I encourage students, teachers, colleagues and administrators to nominate a deserving teacher today. The deadline for submissions is May 20. Information about the awards and the guidelines are available on the Department of Education’s web page.

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Yvette Coffey, President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available today (Tuesday, April 5) to discuss the Nursing Think Tank which took place April 4-5.

The availability will take place in scrum area in front of the House of Assembly, Confederation Building, at 12:45 p.m.

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

Nancy Hollett
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

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The April 30, 2022 deadline to remove studded tires in the province is being extended to Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The extension is due to the continuation of winter-like conditions in some areas of the province.

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

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Residents residing in coastal communities along the Labrador coast, Northern Peninsula and northeast coast are encouraged to take measures to help avoid polar bear encounters.

Ice conditions this spring are likely to result in polar bear sightings. Ice flows carrying polar bears in search of seals are anticipated to be close in proximity to the coast. Conservation officers have responded to a number of polar bear sightings over the past week.

The public is strongly encouraged to remain at a safe distance to avoid any encounter with a polar bear. When one is in the vicinity, keep pets inside or under close supervision, travel in groups when outdoors if possible, and never approach a fresh kill or carcass.

Always adhere to the proper storage, collection and disposal of garbage to avoid attracting bears into communities and yards.

Under no circumstances should residents approach a polar bear. While every situation is different, when encountering a polar bear take note of the bear’s behavior.

If the bear does not see you:

• Quietly back away and leave the area;
• Try to stay downwind of the animal;
• Keep an eye on the bear; and
• Never get between a bear and her cubs.

If the bear has seen or smelled you:

• Remain calm;
• Give the bear space and a route to get away;
• Back away but do not run;
• If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly; and
• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear.

Any polar bear sightings should be reported to the nearest provincial Forest Management Office for investigation.

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

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The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will be available to discuss Emergency 911 legislation tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5).

A technical briefing for media will be provided in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, at 9:30 a.m. followed by an availability with Minister Hogan at 10:00 a.m.

Physical distancing and mask requirements will be in place.

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

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In an effort to ensure expert advice for poisoning events in the province is readily available, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has entered into a new agreement with the Atlantic Canada Poison Centre (ACPC) in Nova Scotia, and a new poison line has been established to provide poison triage and advice.

By calling1-844-POISON X (1-844-764-7669), the general public in Newfoundland and Labrador now has 24/7 access to a Specialist in Poison Information, toxicologists, botanists and laboratory technologists; assessment, triage, management and follow-up of poison exposures; decision support regarding transfer to a health care facility and ongoing management; and inclusion in a Canadian Surveillance System for Poison Information.

Prior to this agreement, calls regarding potential poisoning incidents were directed to the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine (811). Health care providers consulted with ACPC toxicology specialists for complex poisoning cases. Having direct access to a Regional Poison Centre will result in a streamlining of health care services and a reduction in overall health care costs by reducing emergency room visits by managing calls at home with guidance and follow-up from a specialist, a reduction in ambulance transports as paramedics on scene can call the poison centre, and a reduced stay in hospital due to the Specialist in Poison Information follow up.

From March 2019 to February 2021, a total of 3,289 poison calls were serviced by the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine.

Quotes
“Having direct access to poison triage and advice is very important for the residents of our province. With this expanded service, both individuals and health care workers will be able to speak directly with a specialist in the area, without first having to go through our HealthLine service. It also has the potential to reduce the call volume to 811 preserving the RN resources for callers who need to speak to someone regarding their symptoms, and translate into fewer visits to our emergency rooms.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Poison Information for the Public and Health Care Professionals

811 HealthLine

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

The post New Poison Line Available for Access to High-Quality Triage and Advice appeared first on News Releases.

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

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Scully Mine Tailings Impoundment Area Expansion Project        (2158)
Proponent: Tacora Resources Inc.

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 Pollution Prevention and the Environmental Assessment Divisions of the Department of Environment and Climate Change require the proponent to develop a Dust Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (DMMP) for the project. The DMMP shall propose monitoring of total suspended particulate and fine particulate levels at sensitive receptors including nearby communities, in addition to the existing air quality monitoring stations in and around the towns of Labrador City and Wabush. The DMMP shall identify, in consultation with the public and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, potential receptors of dust from the project, including human, plant and animal receptors, and implement and monitor measures to mitigate the effects of dust. The DMMP shall be approved by the Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change prior to project commencement.
• The Environmental Assessment Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the proponent to submit an Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan (EEMP) that identifies the potential effects of the project on traditional, cultural, spiritual, and recreational activities in the project area, proposed mitigations, and monitoring that will be conducted to confirm the efficacy of the mitigations or propose adaptive management. The EEMP shall demonstrate the participation of Indigenous peoples and the public in identifying potentially affected activities, mitigations and follow up monitoring and adaptive management. The EEMP for traditional, cultural, spiritual and recreational Activities shall be approved by the Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change prior to project commencement.

• The Environmental Assessment Division requires the proponent to establish a Stakeholder Consultation Committee to provide, at minimum, a quarterly report that identifies committee membership; location, time and date of meetings; meeting attendance; opportunities for stakeholders to action agenda items; items discussed; proposals for complaints resolution; status of complaints resolution; and the next scheduled meeting. The Stakeholder Consultation Committee must be chaired by Tacora, and the opportunity to participate on the Committee must be extended to the Towns of Labrador City and Wabush, the public, and to Indigenous Governments and Organizations. The Environmental Assessment Division must approve any proposed changes in meeting frequency.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the proponent to complete a hydrogeological assessment of the project area. An initial report with currently available data must be submitted and approved by the Water Resources Management Division prior to commencing any work related to the project, with follow up reports to be submitted annually until the groundwater assessment is complete.
• The Water Resources Management Division requires the proponent to maintain a 100-metre buffer around the Wahnahnish Lake Protected Public Water Supply Area boundary, in accordance with Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 4/13, under the Water Resources Act. The boundary is shown on the Water Resources Management portal at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/waterres/portal/. Project activities shall not occur within the 100-metre buffer.
• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (FFA) requires the following buffers around waterbodies:

• • For slopes less than 30 percent, a minimum 30-metre naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies (including wetlands) from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 percent, a naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone shall be calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (per cent).  No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.

• The Wildlife Division requires the proponent to provide information on proposed detector locations and installation periods for the bat-monitoring program, for its review and determination of ideal locations and time periods for deployment.
• The Wildlife Division notes the proponent’s commitment in the registration document to conduct surveys and compile survey reports for rare flora and fauna and other vegetation including wetlands, fish and fish habitat, avifauna including bats and raptors, and amphibians. The Wildlife Division requires the proponent to provide the reports of all surveys and studies indicated in the Registration document, for its review, and requests that the digital location data collected for all species be made available to the Wildlife Division for inclusion in the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Center database and for research and management purposes. Authorities will review the survey reports for adequacy of information, and mitigation measures may be required in collaboration with the authorities.

• 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 your project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

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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_Dec2021

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

Speaker, this is National Wildlife Week and I would like to take this opportunity to invite residents to learn about the many benefits provided by our province’s wildlife and to encourage everyone to take time and enjoy all that our wonderful outdoors has to offer.

We will be celebrating all week, and will conclude by hosting a National Wildlife Week Expo to promote awareness of our province’s wildlife. This unique event will take place this Sunday, April 10, at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and we are inviting everyone to take part in the fun.

The Expo will include representation from local science education organizations, local artisans engaged in wildlife-minded works, as well as other organizations that support wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainable use of wildlife.

There will be prize giveaways and a wide array of activities to educate and entertain the public, including environmental and wildlife-themed booths, activities and games, hands-on demonstrations and eco-science vendors.

For more information and interesting facts about National Wildlife Week, check out the ‘Friends of Salmonier Nature Park’ Facebook page.

Finally, I would like to thank staff in the department for their dedicated efforts planning this event and their ongoing work to manage, highlight and promote the wildlife resources of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

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The report by Rothschild & Co., the first comprehensive review of assets in the province’s history, has been received.

The report is a broad review of the business, operational, and financial condition of our assets to inform how government might optimize their potential for the full benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. There are no decisions made at this point and it is not directed at any one outcome.

As per the contract, Rothschild & Co.’s review process is now formally paused until government decides on next steps. The review of provincial assets by Rothschild & Co. is the first step of a potential three-phased approach. The independent advice received through this process provides an opportunity to gather information and evidence that will help inform next steps on how government might optimize assets for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The contents of the report include a significant amount of commercially sensitive information. Consequently, it would be irresponsible for government to release the report. Commercially sensitive information can create value for third parties at the expense of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We would not want to harm the competitive or financial position of the province or diminish the potential value of this information by disclosing it to outside parties.

This is one of several transformational activities underway to modernize the Provincial Government, as well as its Crown corporations and organizations, to improve the delivery of services for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“For the first time in our history, a thorough review of assets on behalf of the people of the province has been undertaken. We will now take the time necessary to review the information and determine how to ensure the best outcome.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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News Release: Provincial Government Engages Outside Firm to Undertake Review of Provincial Assets

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Media contact
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

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As part of the ongoing work to update the Memorial University Act, the Provincial Government has formally requested a full and comprehensive review of operations and spending at Memorial University by the Office of the Auditor General. The Auditor General has agreed to provide government with a report, which will inform the final amendments that will be introduced in the House of Assembly.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, will be available to media today at 12:30 p.m. outside the House of Assembly to discuss this process.

Memorial is world leader in ocean technology, it has well-respected engineering, nursing and medical schools, its Bachelor of Commerce program has produced countless business leaders and entrepreneurs and its arts and music faculties build on our province’s strong ties to the arts.

Memorial University remains the most heavily subsidized university in Canada. According to Statistics Canada data, 76.2 per cent of the university’s general operating revenue in 2019-20 came from government grants, compared with a Canadian average of 44.8 per cent. With this level of taxpayer investment, an unbiased overview of how the university allocates this investment is critical before changes to the Act are brought forward that would provide the university with greater autonomy.

In November 2021 the Provincial Government brought forward a new Auditor General Act, 2021, that expanded the Office of the Auditor General’s access to information and to audit the use of government funds. These amendments included the repeal of Section 38(1) of the Memorial University Act to allow the Auditor General to determine if significant investments are being managed with due regard to the economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

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“Both the Provincial Government and the people of this province place significant value on the contributions of Memorial University to the social and economic fabric of the province, and taxpayers provide a significant contribution to Memorial’s operations. As the stewards of an ongoing, sustained investment of this size, it is imperative on us, as we look to expand Memorial’s level of autonomy, to ensure that this investment is being used to maximize the benefit for post-secondary students and their educational outcomes.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“As we look to modernize the Memorial University Act for the first time in decades, we have an opportunity to bring forward positive change for the province’s only university, for students and for the province. I thank the Auditor General for her willingness to undertake this review and I look forward to analyzing her office’s report before finalizing and bringing forward these amendments to the House of Assembly.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Proposed Auditor General Act Increases Transparency and Accountability

Minister Osborne Releases Public Post-Secondary Education Review Report

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @FIN_GovNL and @EDU_GovNL   

Media contacts
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Marc Budgell
Education
709-729-0048, 689-0430
marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca

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The House of Assembly advises that limited space will be available in the public gallery for Budget Speech 2022 for photography purposes. Media requiring video of the Budget Speech may access the live feed from the House of Assembly Press Room or from the website.

Media spaces in the public gallery will be available on a first-come, first-served basis by pre-registering no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6 with Mark Jerrett (markjerrett@gov.nl.ca). Photography will also be permitted from the press gallery – pre-registration is not required.

Media entering the public gallery for the Budget Speech must be in position in the designated area by no later than 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. Once in position, movement around the gallery will not be permitted.

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

 

 

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Swift Current Quarry                                                                                 (Reg. 2193)

Proponent: Dean Clarke Contracting Ltd.
The proponent is proposing to develop a seven-hectare quarry approximately five kilometres from the town of Swift Current, near the Piper’s Hole River. The development will include vegetation clearing, grubbing and stockpiling of material on site. Operations will include excavating, screening, stockpiling and transporting aggregate materials. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on March 31, 2022; the deadline for public comment is May 6, 2022; and the Minister’s decision is due by May 15, 2022.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORTS SUBMITTED:

Star Lake to Valentine Gold Transmission                                         (Reg. 2136)

Line TL271 Project
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2136/.

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, John Reynolds, at johnreynolds@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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 must be received by May 6, 2022. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by May 15, 2022.

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

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2156/.

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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 must be received by May 6, 2022. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by May 14, 2022.

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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_Dec2021

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced 32 recipients for this year’s Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants. These grants, which total $140,000, are awarded to individuals, community groups, schools and not-for-profit organizations to support their initiatives related to mental health promotion and prevention of substance use and addictions. The list of recipients is included in the backgrounder below.

Funded by the Provincial Government, the grant program is administered in partnership with the regional health authorities who have dedicated mental health and addictions prevention and promotion consultants to work with the applicants. Applications for this year’s grants align with one or more of the following priority areas of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan:

• Suicide prevention, including stigma reduction, support for individuals experiencing suicide risk, and training on suicide risk assessment and intervention, mental health literacy and grief and loss support;
• Supporting positive mental health and wellness, including life promotion initiatives that build a sense of community, purpose, hope and belonging among individuals, families and communities and collaborative approaches to promoting positive mental health and resilience; or
• Preventing substance use related risks and harms, including initiatives to increase awareness of low-risk drinking guidelines, training related to prevention and treatment of alcohol related harms, and initiatives that reduce avoidable injuries, illnesses and deaths associated with alcohol use.

More information on the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program is available here.

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“Community-led wellness initiatives are powerful tools to support the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. These grants build upon the strength of community leaders who are working in partnership with regional health authorities and government to improve mental health and wellbeing, and prevent illness and substance use disorders. We value these community-led efforts and are happy to provide grants to assist in their work.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Details on the Community Addiction Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Fund Program

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

BACKGROUNDER

Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Recipients

Applicant Project Amount Anglican Cathedral 18-week horticultural therapy program for vulnerable individuals with mental health and addictions issues to promote mental wellness. $3,600 Lonely Man project Enhancing men’s mental health. Topics include toxic masculinity, barriers to men seeking help and stigma. $4,000 Brother Rice School ASIST training for five staff members and trauma-informed care workshop for 35 educators. $3,000 Building Bridges Youth Theatre

  Program for community members, especially seniors, to create textiles and crafts such as knitting, sewing and woodworking, exchange household items and interact with others. $3,500 CNA, HVGB Stress and anxiety reduction for Indigenous students at CNA. Program includes traditional practices, elder visits, slipper making. $4,560 CNIB Peer support for individuals with vision loss to help reconnect clients with the community and provide emotional, social and personal health supports. This would also include introducing volunteer, educational, recreational and leisure activities. $4,000 CYN Placentia Stigma reduction, suicide prevention, mental wellness activities. $3,000 CYN Southern Avalon Workshops to foster mental wellness. $3,000 Eastern Door Feather Carriers Promote Indigenous mental wellness framework using cultural ceremonies and teachings. $10,000 Eating Disorders Foundation NL Parents of Hope monthly support group. $5,000 fasdNL Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder train the trainer sessions, including new justice module. $3,000 Forest Park Primary To purchase Social Emotional Learning materials in French and English for students in Grades 2-3 to link with Towards Recovery SEL work with K-Grade 1. $5,000 Goose Bay Military Family Resource Centre ASIST training for 5-Wing Goose Bay. $8,130 Home Again Furniture Bank Collaboration among HMP inmates, build tables to distribute to people in need in the community. $7,250 Jane Collins Academy ASIST and Safe Talk Prevention training to students. $2,600 Kittiwake Mental Health Working Group Safe Talk training for students. $6,500 Lake Melville School Building mental health and wellness among students through activities with students, teachers, parents and community members. Activities include establishing clubs for chess and audio visual work, engaging in classroom movement based mental breaks to increase fitness, Gender-Sexuality Alliance and family trivia nights. $5,100 MUN Iranians Enhance mental well-being and community connection among Iranian students to reduce social isolation. $3,000 NLESD Western Maintain Gay Straight Alliance, hold Free to be Me Gender and Sexuality Alliance conference. $3,000 NL Stuttering Association Best practice fluency training for speech language pathologists. $4,750 Roncalli Central High Safe Talk Suicide Prevention training for students. $2,000 Roots of Empathy Full school year of programming on positive mental health in children. $6,400 Salvation Army Family Services Tuesday time-out sessions to enhance mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and renew their Van program so staff can visit individuals in the community to provide information on programs and services. $1,500 Scouts Canada St. John Ambulance Mental Health First Aid training. $4,000 Tanya Joy Joy Run 50, a run to promote awareness of suicide prevention. $4,000 Town of Indian Bay ATV safety and impaired driving among youth. $3,000 Trinity Historical Assn. Presentations on alcohol use, suicide prevention and mental health. $3,000 YMCA Exploits Valley/Battcock Manor Monthly community presentations to residents of Battcock Manor to decrease social isolation. $1,610 YMCA of NE Avalon 10 workshops for youth on suicide prevention, alcohol use and mental health issues. $4,000 Youth 2000 Centre 36 Wellness Wednesday sessions over a one-year period. Topics include suicide prevention/mental health promotion. $2,675 Violence

Prevention

Northern Peninsula Develop safe spaces for students in four local schools.

Rooms to include resources in a comfortable space. $7,000 Woodland Primary Social Emotional Learning for students in Grades 2-3 which will link with Towards Recovery SEL work with K-Grade 1. Funding to be used for buying programs and resource materials. $8,825  Total Funding

     $140,000

 

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