Government of Newfoundland News

On Monday, May 30, 2022, the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will raise the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone flag in recognition of Provincial Francophonie Day.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the East Block lobby of Confederation Building.

In the evening, the exterior of the building will also be lit in red, white and blue in recognition.

This event is hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Federation. The Minister will be joined by students from École Rocher-du-Nord, Rose des Vents choir, as well as representatives from various Francophone community organizations.

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Avis aux médias : la ministre Stoodley participera à la Journée de la francophonie provinciale

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

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The Provincial Government, along with Memorial University, IBM Canada, and the Government of Canada, today launched two new initiatives at Memorial University – the Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research and the Accelerated Analytics and Machine Learning project.

Memorial University will receive a more than $18 million investment, which includes a $16-million, in-kind investment of hardware, software and staffing from IBM during a period of four years. IBM will also provide free development and cloud credits to early stage entrepreneurs and startup companies via the Startup with IBM program. The Provincial Government is contributing $1.35 million towards the two initiatives, while the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is contributing $1.4 million.

Led by Memorial, Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research and the Accelerated Analytics and Machine Learning initiatives will focus on innovation and research in such diverse fields as data science and astrophysics, genetic analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, image analysis and scientific computing. The Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research will be equipped with powerful high-performance computers able to process huge amounts of complex data, leading to faster insights for projects such as the Accelerated Analytics and Machine Learning.

Working with Memorial University, IBM will also help drive further economic development in the province by supporting skills growth via the IBM SkillsBuild program. The free digital training program helps learners develop valuable new skills and find jobs, regardless of their background or education. SkillsBuild provides learners with professional workplace readiness and technical skills and enables them to earn digital badges recognized by the market. Globally, IBM is committed to providing 30 million people with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030.

This undertaking builds on the tremendous success of the partnership first formed in 2014 between IBM, Memorial University, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.

Quotes
“Industry has made it clear that as our innovation economy grows, there is a greater need for more highly qualified people or talent. This collaboration will provide access to high performance computing within our province, allowing for even more opportunities for researchers, industry partnerships and the start-up community to meet the growing needs of our tech sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“By investing in innovative projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are able to reap the awards of accessing state-of-the-art innovation and research right here at home. This important work will benefit our health care system by providing medical data technology and collection, evaluating skills gaps, as well as provide essential exploration and learning opportunities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is committed to working with key partners to help build the digital economy and support long-term economic growth in this region. By investing in high-tech equipment and skills development at Memorial University, we are supporting innovative learning, advanced research and opportunities to grow the technology industry.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Ongoing collaborations with our government and industry partners allow Memorial to meet the challenges and opportunities of our province and beyond. These significant investments will further enhance Memorial’s capacity in strategic areas, provide world-class scientific training opportunities for faculty and graduate students and allow Memorial to continue supporting the tremendous growth of the local technology industry.”
Dr. Vianne Timmons
President and vice-chancellor, Memorial University

“Our goal is to deliver more diverse computing services to teaching and research communities, to speed up their processes of scientific and technical innovations, and to further increase our contributions in Newfoundland and Labrador. This investment is a testimony of our continued commitment to support and collaborate with Memorial University and both levels of government to help further advance Canada’s ability to innovate, address a critical skills gap, and drive research and innovation.”
Frank Attaie
General Manager-Technology, IBM Canada

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

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

Paul McGrath
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Melissa Ennis
Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research
709-864-6458
melissa.ennis@mun.ca

Ruhee Dhar
IBM Canada
ruhee@ibm.com

 

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The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, joined the other three Atlantic Ministers Responsible for Agriculture on Thursday, May 26 in Halifax to discuss approaches for the next agricultural policy framework, emerging issues, and potential collaboration opportunities to support agriculture producers.

Agriculture is a vital part of the region’s economy and workforce and an important contributor to local food supply. Among other items, the group discussed rising production costs, mental health of farmers and emergency preparedness.

The next agricultural policy framework is currently being developed by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to provide agriculture policy and programming. It will replace the Canadian Agriculture Program when it expires March 31, 2023.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Budget 2022 provides over $10.9 million to support farmers and producers in their essential work. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, $26.2 million has been invested to support this province’s agriculture sector.

Quotes
“Current international issues affecting the agriculture sector are hitting close to home, and serve as a strong reminder of the direct connection Atlantic Canadians share with each other, and as members of the global economy. I am grateful for the support and cooperation of our Atlantic counterparts as we continue working together to increase food self-sufficiency, and continue building a strong, sustainable agriculture sector for the future.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Newfoundland and Labrador

“The global pandemic highlighted the importance of local agriculture and food supply chains, and that also applies to Atlantic Canada. Making sure our farms are healthy and sustainable is a top priority for each of us,” said Minister Morrow. “We need to help ensure our farmers can achieve that goal while facing rising costs that also result from global conditions.”
Honourable Greg Morrow
Minister of Agriculture, Nova Scotia

“I was pleased to participate in this valuable gathering to discuss common concerns and compare notes on best practices. In looking at the next policy framework at the national level, it is critical that the Atlantic provinces are unified in our support for the agricultural sector and increasing production. The new framework is meant to position our agri-food producers and processors and others in the sector as world leaders in sustainable agriculture and enable a globally competitive sector. My department looks forward to continuing to work with our Atlantic colleagues representing the region’s needs. Our agriculture sector is an important part of New Brunswick’s economy.”
Honourable Margaret Johnson
Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, New Brunswick

“As we have through the heights of the pandemic, it’s important for agriculture leaders in the region to continue to work together and identify areas of need as well as opportunities for growth in our industry. While we know that local and regional agriculture sectors are experiencing similar difficulties due to global constraints, we also know that with collaboration and support our farmers can continue to lead our communities towards an economic and environmentally sustainable future, and we look forward to the work ahead.”
Honourable Bloyce Thompson
Minister of Agriculture and Land, Prince Edward Island

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Media contacts

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

Bruce Nunn
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Agriculture
Government of Nova Scotia
902-476-6454
bruce.x.nunn@novascotia.ca

Kelly Cormier
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Government of New Brunswick
kelly.cormier@gnb.ca

Kip Ready
Agriculture and Land
Government of Prince Edward Island
902-314-3407
kjready@gov.pe.ca

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced today the 2022 recipients of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board’s (MMSB) Community Waste Diversion Fund. Grants totalling $76,960 have been provided to 11 projects that support sustainable waste management in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Town of Pouch Cove, which received $9,800 from the Community Waste Diversion Fund, hosted today’s event. The Town highlighted how funding from MMSB will help reduce the use of bottled water through the introduction of new chilled bottle filling stations. The new water stations, strategically positioned at key locations in the community for the convenience for residents, hikers, and tourists, are equipped with technology to count the number of bottles saved.

The Community Waste Diversion Fund provides a maximum $10,000 contribution to municipalities and local service districts for the implementation of community initiatives that create opportunities to divert more waste from landfills. This year’s recipients will carry out projects that address textile waste, implement recycling/reuse initiatives and target organic waste.

A full list of the 2021-22 recipients is provided in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“I congratulate all recipients of this year’s program to support projects to make our environment cleaner. The Town of Pouch Cove is a positive example with their innovative project for residents. Through its new chilled bottle filling station, residents, tourists and hikers can access safe and clean drinking water. As a result, the amount of plastic waste from bottled water will be reduced from the environment.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the MMSB

“On behalf of MMSB, congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Community Waste Diversion Fund. Communities play an integral role and MMSB is proud to support communities that share its commitment for a greener future. Together, we can find sustainable waste management and diversion solutions that protect our environment. We encourage organizations and communities that have innovative ideas to consider applying for funding in the future.”
Derm Flynn
Chair, MMSB Board of Directors.

“Having up to five more chilled bottle filling stations at town buildings and recreational facilities will help with waste diversion in our community and promote drinking our clean water. Historically, due to a lack of clean drinking water, we have been heavy users of plastic bottles. With the help of MMSB, we are now proud to be able to discontinue this waste and move toward a greener future.”
Mark Vardy
Mayor, Town of Pouch Cove

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Community Waste Diversion Fund

Waste Management Trust Fund

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

Jackie O’Brien
Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
709-757-3696, 682-6657
jobrien@mmsb.nl.ca

Susan Arns
Town Clerk & Program Coordinator
225-2848 ext 228
susan@pouchcove.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Community Waste Diversion Fund 2021-22 Recipients

Town of Fogo Island – Reducing Textile Waste Phase 2: $5,892
Funding will support further growth of a program to recover, reuse and recycle textiles on Fogo Island through strategic partnerships with schools and community groups.

Town of Pilley’s Island – Sew it Again Textile Recycling: $10,000.00
Funding will help divert textile waste through the introduction of a program to collect, sort, harvest, redistribute and recycle textiles into long-life items.

Town of Georges Brook Milton – Community Composting Phase 2: $9,376
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper and two additional composters to aid in the expansion of an existing Community Composting project.

Town of Pouch Cove – Reusable Bottle Filling Drinking Water Fountains and Bottles: $9,800
Funding will promote the use of reusable water bottles over single use containers through the installation of chilled bottle filling stations.

Town of Stephenville – Community Compost Pilot Program: $10,000
Funding will support a new curbside organic waste collection pilot using an in-vessel composter for processing organic waste.

Town of St. Anthony’s – Woodchipper for Community Garden Enhancement: $10,000
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to divert wood waste and provide a mulching service to residents free of charge.

Town of Carbonear – Community Composting Initiative: $3,478
Funding will support the purchase of in-vessel composters that will provide an opportunity for residents, local food banks and nearby restaurants to divert organic waste through community composting.

Town of Summerford – Age Friendly Community Garden/Composting: $972
Funding will support the purchase of an in-vessel composter for a new community composting initiative that will be piloted by 20 families to divert organic waste.

Town of Avondale – Avondale Express Trailways Recycling – Woodchipper: $6,583
Funding will support the purchase of a woodchipper to help divert leaf, yard and wood waste from the landfill by mulching material for use in community gardens and greenspaces.

Town of Lumsden – Ride the Tide, Take a Green Side Recycling Infrastructure: $3,612
Funding will support the implementation of recycling infrastructure and education on local beaches and near the Town Hall where residents and visitors can properly dispose of their waste while protecting local sand dunes and the environment.

Town of Charlottetown – Recycling Program: $7,227
Funding will support a curbside recycling program initiative. Residents will be provided with infrastructure and a bi-weekly collection of materials that will be diverted from the landfill.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act which came into effect in December 2021, will be suspended as of June 1, 2022. These regulations required employees and service providers of certain businesses, facilities and organizations to be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical exemption. Given the current epidemiology of the province, a decision has been made not to extend them at this time.

The regulations were developed for those working with vulnerable populations within sectors such as personal care homes, assisted living facilities, home care, charitable organizations providing services to persons in need, private health clinics, private schools, post-secondary institutions, fire departments, ambulance providers, businesses employing regulated health professionals, organizations providing child care services, and organizations providing therapeutic, supportive and residential services to children, youth and families.

Also today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing the suspension of the mandatory vaccination policy for public service employees on June 1. This policy was one of the tools that assisted with continued safety in the workplace, as well as offered additional health protection for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians given the evidence of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.

While the regulations and the mandatory vaccination policy for public services employees will be suspended on June 1, Public Health will continue to monitor the epidemiology of the province and, as with any public health measure, these may be reinstated at any time deemed necessary in the future for the protection of the people of the province.

Quotes
“Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by Public Health advice aimed at protecting the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. While these regulations for employees and service providers of specified businesses will end based on our current situation, we will continue to monitor the situation carefully. If our situation down the road suggests we need to enforce these regulations again, we will reinstate them to protect our vulnerable populations.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Thank you to all public service employees and all unions for their cooperation and diligence during the pandemic. Your professionalism and support helped ensure safe working conditions and limited the spread of COVID-19.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board

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

Victoria Barbour
Treasury Board Secretariat
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce the 2022 recipients of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board’s (MMSB) Community Waste Diversion Fund, tomorrow (Friday, May 27). Minister Davis will be joined by Derm Flynn, Chair of the MMSB and Kate Sullivan, Councillor with the Town of Pouch Cove.

The event will take place at the Municipal Works Building, 301 Cameron Place, Pouch Cove starting at 10:00 a.m.

– 30 –

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

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will join Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, for a funding announcement at Memorial University tomorrow (Friday, May 27).

The event takes place in the Frank & Eileen Gronich Lecture Theatre (room M1M102), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Clinch Crescent, St. John’s, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Minister Stoodley and MP Thompson will be joined by Frank Attaie, General Manager – Technology, IBM Canada and Dr. Neil Bose, Vice-President (Research), Memorial University.

Be advised that parking is limited and that carpools/taxis are recommended.

Those attending the news conference are reminded that masks are mandatory on campus at Memorial University.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-3492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

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Today, the Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education announced $600,000 in funding to a restorative justice initiative led by Relationships First: Restorative Justice Education Consortium-NL.

Relationships First: Restorative Justice Education Consortium-NL, which is chaired by Dr. Dorothy Vaandering and Dr. Rose Ricciardelli, aims to nurture and support relational organizational cultures where children, youth, and adults alike thrive.

The funding, provided by Justice and Public Safety, will go toward hiring two Restorative Justice Coordinators, one for justice and community, and one for education, who will work to infuse Indigenous leadership of restorative justice into all facets of society.

The restorative justice movement is deeply rooted in teachings and traditions from Indigenous peoples of North America and beyond. Restorative justice aims to repair harm and rebuild relationships within communities.

Quotes
“We recognize government has a role to play in restorative justice and are pleased to offer funding to this group to continue their important work. As a government, we must always be seeking alternatives to the established way of dealing with societal issues, including justice reforms. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with this group to advance a restorative approach in our justice system.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Restorative justice is something we are looking to expand more into our K-12 school system. The Department of Education’s current mandate includes working with the expertise established at Memorial University to enhance teacher training in restorative justice principles and work to implement these principles into all our province’s schools. I am very much looking forward to the guidance this group will provide ensuring our policies, procedures and programming reflect a restorative justice lens.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

“The restorative justice movement has roots in Indigenous peacemaking. Therefore, I am pleased to see the Consortium intends to collaborate with Indigenous communities and seek the wisdom of elders with respect to restorative justice. Reconciliation is complex and Relationships First is discovering a bridging role toward Reconciliation. It’s our hope that harms may be healed and replaced with harmony.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“Relationships and interconnectedness are at the heart of restorative justice. When these break down, everyone and everything is impacted. We are grateful for funding that will allow us to collectively rediscover that before harm can be addressed, we need to understand how it came to be. Leaders and elders from the Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit communities understand this at their core. With their invaluable guidance, we are excited that Relationships First will be working together with so many to amplify the principles and practices of restorative justice for the well-being of everyone in this province.”
Dr. Dorothy Vaandering
Professor, Faculty of Education
Director, Relationships First: Restorative Justice in Education Consortium-NL

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

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

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

Dave Sorensen
Memorial University
709-864-2143, 709-685-7134
sorensen@mun.ca

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, today released the final report of the Minimum Wage Review Committee.

The report was completed after a comprehensive analysis and stakeholder engagement process, including input from employers, employees, advocacy, labour and employer groups, and the public.

A copy of the complete report and related annexes can be found here.

In January, the Minimum Wage Review Committee was established with a mandate to review input on the minimum wage, on the minimum wage adjustment process and the wage rate.

Earlier today, Minister Davis announced increases to the Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador. On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour. On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by another 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour.

The Provincial Government is also creating a one-year Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers. The program will provide 50 cents an hour, per employee, for employers with 20 or less employees. The program is application-based and further details will follow on the application process in the coming weeks.

Quote
“I thank the Minimum Wage Review Committee for their dedicated efforts and for their contributions to this important work. Our government understands the importance of the minimum wage rate to employees and employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am undertaking a thorough review of the report with my departmental officials and will take all recommendations into consideration.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
Minimum Wage Review Committee Final Report

Labour Standards Act and Regulations

Labour Standards Division

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

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced cost-shared funding of $500,000 for an efficiency and fuel switching project for Labatt Brewing Company in St. John’s. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 528 tonnes annually.

The funding will be used to replace a diesel boiler with two high efficiency propane boilers which will produce high pressure steam for production purposes at the Labatt Brewery on Leslie Street in St. John’s.

The company is receiving $250,000 each from the Provincial and Federal Governments with Labatt also contributing $500,000 in support of the project.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund is a competitive grant-based program to fund greenhouse gas reduction projects. The fund supports projects that lower greenhouse gas emissions and is available to organizations across commercial, municipal, not-for-profit sectors and, Indigenous governments and organizations.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change is responsible for programs totaling about $44 million of the $89.4 million Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund agreement.

Quotes
“Supporting projects with the business community, such as these energy efficiency upgrades at the Labatt Brewing Company, is part of our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate clean innovation and growth and build resilience to climate change impacts. Every action taken contributes to the development of a green economy, moving the province forward both environmentally and economically.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Making the switch off of diesel will help Labatt Brewery in St. John’s become more fuel efficient and reduce their emissions by 528 tonnes every year. By partnering with Labatt and the province, we’re lowering emissions and building Canada’s renewable energy future.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl

“This is great news for Labatt Brewing Company and the community of St. John’s. This project is another great example of working together to address the environment impacts of climate change. These upgrades build on a greener community.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education and MHA for Waterford Valley

“We would like to thank the Federal and Provincial governments for recognizing the impact this project will have on the environment. Not only are we switching to a cleaner fuel, the new boilers will be more efficient. This project will reduce our heat energy by 25 per cent and 90 per cent of the water used in the boiler will be reused. Labatt is committed to the environment, and through this and other improvements at the St. John’s brewery, committed to Newfoundland and Labrador as well.”
Marc Ballantyne
General Manager, Labatt Atlantic Breweries

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Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Constituency Office
Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Member  of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
709-772-4776

Wade Keller
Federal/Atlantic Corporate Affairs
Labatt Breweries of Canada
902-402-8694
Wade.Keller@labatt.com

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the stress on people due to the global impacts of high oil prices and pandemic-related supply shortages. To further help residents with the high cost of living, government is providing additional support of $80 million for targeted measures, including a temporary provincial gasoline tax reduction, a one-time home heating supplement for furnace oil, and a commitment to increase the minimum wage.

Today’s measures are in addition to the $142 million announced in Budget 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, bringing the total cost of government support to $222 million.

The two targeted and temporary measures to help with the cost of living include:

• Temporarily lowering the price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (includes HST) until January 1, 2023. This is possible through a reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel by 7 cents per litre. Changes in the gasoline tax will be introduced in the House of Assembly and will come into effect upon implementation by the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities.
• In Fall 2022, a one-time payment will be provided to supplement the cost of furnace oil used for home heating. This supplement will be income-tested based on family net income. Households with family net income under $100,000 will receive a payment of $500. Households with family net income between $100,000 and $150,000 will receive a partial payment of between $200 and $500. More details on how to apply for this supplement will be available in the coming weeks.

For more information on these two targeted and temporary measures to help with the cost of living, please email taxpolicy@gov.nl.ca or phone 709-729-3166.

In addition, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced three increases to the minimum wage based on the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee. On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour. On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour. On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by another 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour.

Government is also creating a one-year transitional support program for smaller employers at a cost of approximately $5 million. The program will provide 50 cents an hour, per employee, for employers with 20 or less employees. The program is application-based. Further details will follow on the application process in the coming weeks.

For more information on changes to the minimum wage, please email labourstandards@gov.nl.ca or call toll free 1-877-563-1063.

A full list of cost of living investments in support of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is available in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had many discussions with my federal colleagues regarding the inflationary pressures that are impacting people throughout the country and indeed the world. We also understand that Newfoundland and Labrador has a higher cost of fuel and goods given our geography. I am confident that the temporary and targeted measures announced today will offer relief to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and I appreciate the cooperation with our federal colleagues around this issue.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Every day, we are hearing from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are looking for help with the rising cost of living. To date, we have provided $222 million to the people of the province in short- and long-term measures. We will continue to listen, and to find solutions as we work our way through this extraordinary time.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“I want to thank the Minimum Wage Review Committee for their work. Today’s announcement of increases to the minimum wage aligns with recommendations outlined by the committee, which help address the rising cost of living in our province. Additionally, the new one-year transitional support program for employers with 20 or less employees will provide assistance as they adjust to the new changes.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

– 30 –

Learn more
News Release: Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges

News Release: Government Announces Five-point Plan to Help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the High Cost of Living

Calculator for the NL Income Supplement and the NL Seniors’ Benefit

Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

Oil to Electric Rebate Program

Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities

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

Victoria Barbour
Finance
709-729-4087, 327-6152
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

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

BACKGROUNDER

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cost of Living Investments
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced $222 million in targeted short- and long-term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, including:

Short-term

• A temporary lowering of the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel by 7 cents per litre to January 1, 2023 ($44 million). Note: Changes in the gasoline tax will be introduced in the House of Assembly and will come into effect upon implementation by the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities;
• A one-time payment in fall 2022 to supplement the cost of furnace oil used for home heating. ($31 million);
• In April 2022, provided a one-time benefit for those receiving income support ($5 million);
• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance ($37.8 million); and,
• 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for one year ($27 million).

Transition

• Funding for electric vehicle rebates and charging infrastructure ($1.9 million);
• Funding to help homes transition from oil to electricity ($2 million); and,
• Increasing the minimum wage rate and providing a transitional support program for smaller employers (program estimated at $5 million).

Long-term

• 10 per cent increase to the Income Supplement ($6.8 million);
• 10 per cent increase to the Seniors’ Benefit ($6.5 million);
• Lower child care costs from an average of $35 per day just 18 months ago to $10 a day starting in January 2023 ($46 million);
• An increase in the Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement ($0.3 million);
• Physical Activity Tax Credit (estimated $7.0 million); and,
• Expansion of the Bus Pass Program to seniors over age 65 who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement and youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program ($2.1 million).

The post Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, will announce additional measures today (Thursday, May 26) to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the cost of living. The event takes place at 1:00 p.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

The announcement will be livestreamed on Facebook.

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

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living appeared first on News Releases.

Today the Provincial Government announced more than 30 locations for a pilot Pre-Kindergarten early learning program that will open in 2022-23. The pilot will result in approximately 600 new regulated child care spaces in communities throughout the province.

These locations are the first in the Pre-Kindergarten early learning program created through the Federal-Provincial Early Learning Action Plan, set for full implementation by 2025-26. The full list of locations in the pilot can be found in the backgrounder below.

As a regulated full-day early learning program, families will pay the regulated child care rate for each child in Pre-Kindergarten ($15 per day for the remainder of 2022, $10 per day starting in 2023). The program will run full-time, including during the summer months.

The Pre-Kindergarten program will be run by not-for-profit organization(s), and registration dates for families will be announced by these operator(s) once opening dates are finalized for each site. The Department of Education released a Request for Proposals (RFP) today allowing established not-for-profit groups to submit their qualifications and apply to run these facilities. All applications will be considered, with preference given to organizations that demonstrate they can run multiple locations. The deadline for submissions is June 6, 2022.

The first locations will open in either Fall 2022 or Winter 2023 to any child who starts Kindergarten in September 2023. Pre-Kindergarten spots will be available to any child in this age range, whether they have existing child care or not, as any child transferring from an existing child care location will open up a spot in their previous service for new children. Details on the registration process will be provided in the coming weeks once operators are confirmed.

At full implementation, the province-wide Pre-Kindergarten program will create approximately 3,100 regulated spaces by 2025-26, which will open up existing child care spaces for younger children.

The Provincial Government continues to maintain a contact list of anyone interested in working in the Pre-Kindergarten pilot program. If you are interested you are encouraged to email PreK@gov.nl.ca to join the contact list for the application process. Hiring preference will be given to early childhood educators holding a Child Care Services Certification (CCS) Level III or higher, including those who left the sector while holding this certification.

To ensure that Pre-Kindergarten will be a play-based program with consistent programming in all locations throughout the province, any staff hired to take part will be required to complete a short orientation course related to the early learning framework, developed in consultation with the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador specific to work the Pre-Kindergarten setting.

Through the Early Learning Action Plan, by 2025-26 the province aims to add approximately 6,000 additional regulated child care spaces and to increase the percentage of fully certified early childhood educators working in the sector to at least 60 per cent.

Quotes
“Having established our province as a leader in affordable child care, we have turned our efforts toward expanding access for more children in this province. This Pre-Kindergarten pilot is the starting point for significant growth in quality, regulated child care in Newfoundland and Labrador, and our government will continue to aggressively pursue expansion until no family has to choose between affordable child care and their careers or other life goals.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The pilot program is the first step in adding nearly 3,100 Pre-Kindergarten spaces by 2025-26. These efforts will create new spaces not only in Pre-Kindergarten but also in existing child care services, meeting a significant short-term need and expanding quality early childhood education.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

“The Pre-Kindergarten pilot program will support families in Western Newfoundland, in turn supporting the local west-coast economy. It will create employment for those in the region who want to work in child care, as well as those who want to work in other industries but have been held back by a lack of child care access. This is good news for our region and our province.”
Scott Reid
Parliamentary Secretary
Department of Education

“This Pre-Kindergarten initiative will take our province a step closer in building a universal early learning and child care system that is accessible to all children and affordable for all families. It will also provide early childhood educators with additional opportunities that can aid in recruitment and retention in our sector.”
Skye Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Pre-Kindergarten Request for Proposals
News Release: Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Provide Update on Pre-Kindergarten and the Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan
News Release: Federal-Provincial Action Plan on Early Learning and Child Care Released
News Release: $10 a day child care for families in Newfoundland and Labrador 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

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

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

BACKGROUNDER

Locations for 2022-23 Pre-Kindergarten Early Learning Pilot Program

Pre-Kindergarten Early Learning pilot locations will launch throughout the 2022-23 fiscal year. While some locations will open as early as Fall 2022, all locations will be in operation no later than March 2023. Official announcements from the chosen operator(s) will indicate registration and opening dates once they are finalized.

 

Region Community Location Avalon St. John’s Bishop Abraham Elementary School Avalon St. John’s East Point Elementary Avalon St. John’s Roncalli Elementary Avalon St. John’s St. John Bosco School Avalon Conception Bay South Admirals Academy Avalon Conception Bay South Topsail Elementary Avalon Conception Bay South Upper Gullies Elementary School Avalon Paradise Elizabeth Park Elementary Avalon Paradise Paradise Elementary Avalon Mount Pearl Mary Queen of the World Avalon Portugal Cove St. Phillip’s Beachy Cove Elementary Avalon Torbay Holy Trinity Elementary Avalon Bay Roberts Bay Roberts Primary Avalon Victoria Persalvic Elementary Avalon Dunnville St. Anne’s Academy Western Region Corner Brook JJ Curling Elementary Western Region Corner Brook Eastside Elementary Western Region Deer Lake Elwood Elementary Western Region Stephenville Crossing St. Michael’s Elementary Western Region Port-aux-Basques St. James Elementary Western Region La Scie Hillside Elementary Northern Peninsula Plum Point Viking Trail Academy Northern Peninsula St. Anthony White Hills Academy Central Gander Gander Academy Central Grand Falls-Windsor Woodland Primary Central Lewisporte Lewisporte Academy Central Glovertown Glovertown Academy Central Fogo Island Fogo Island Academy Labrador Happy Valley- Goose Bay Peacock Primary School Labrador Labrador City A.P. Low Primary School Labrador Cartwright Henry Gordon Academy Bonavista Peninsula Bonavista Matthew Elementary Bonavista Peninsula Port Rexton Bishop White School South Coast/Burin Peninsula Burin Donald C. Jamieson Academy South Coast/Burin Peninsula Fortune Lake Academy

 

The post Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Set to Create Approximately 600 Regulated Early Learning Spaces in 2022-23 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia tomorrow (Thursday, May 26) to meet with Atlantic Canadian Ministers of Agriculture.

Ministers from the Atlantic provinces will discuss approaches for the next agricultural policy framework to succeed the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, emerging issues, and potential opportunities for collaboration to support Atlantic Canada’s agriculture producers.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Bragg Meeting with Atlantic Canadian Ministers of Agriculture appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will welcome delegates to the semi-annual meeting of the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress, being hosted by the Town of Torbay. Minister Howell will address the opening reception tomorrow (Thursday, May 26) at 6:30 p.m. at the Torbay Common Community Centre, 2 Convent Lane.

The Atlantic Mayors’ Congress is committed to improving municipal government and developing a strong, unified voice to advocate for municipalities in the Atlantic Region.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Welcome Meeting of the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide an update tomorrow (Thursday, May 26) at 10:30 a.m. on the Pre-Kindergarten Early Learning Pilot Program launching in 2022-23.

The Premier will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Education and Skye Taylor, Executive Director of the Association for Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event will occur simultaneously at both Elizabeth Park Elementary (80 Ellesmere Ave, Paradise) and at St. Michael’s Elementary (32 Hospital Road, Stephenville Crossing) with media invited to attend both.

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

To participate, please RSVP to Marc Budgell (marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca) and indicate the location at which you plan to participate.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Provide Update on Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Program appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, will announce funding for a restorative justice initiative tomorrow (Thursday, May 26). They will be joined by Dr. Dorothy Vaandering, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University and Director of Relationships First: Restorative Justice Education Consortium – NL.

The event will start at 2:00 p.m. in the Whale Atrium in the Core Science Building at Memorial University.

Those attending are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing.

Media are asked to RSVP to Emily-Jane Gillingham (emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca).

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Media contacts
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Hogan and Osborne to Announce Funding for Restorative Justice  appeared first on News Releases.

Pitts Memorial Drive and a section of Peacekeepers Way will be closed Sunday, May 29, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a cleanup of litter and large discarded items.

The closures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for all crews working on and near the highway.

Peacekeepers Way will be closed between Fowler’s Road and the interchange with the Trans-Canada Highway while Pitts Memorial Drive will be closed from the interchange to the New Gower Street, St. John’s, intersection.

Traffic control will be in place to guide motorists. During the cleanup, barricades will be erected to prohibit access at all entry points:

• Fowler’s Road
• Trans-Canada Highway interchange
• Ruth Avenue
• Richard Nolan Drive
• Robert E Howlett (Route 3) Interchange
• Eastbound ramp from Bay Bulls Road
• Bay Bulls Road interchange
• New Gower Street intersection

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is also using the closures to complete highway maintenance.

On Sunday, May 15, the department closed the Outer Ring Road for a cleanup that resulted in the equivalent of 10 tandem dump trucks of garbage removed from the highway, including 2,400 bags of garbage. Approximately 4,500 bags and 1,500 bags were collected in May 2021 and September 2021, respectively.

The department also used the closure to replace highway signs, remove illegally-posted signs, replace guide rails, remove excess sand and debris, and repair shoulder erosion.

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

The post Public Advisory: Cleanups Planned for Pitts Memorial Drive, Peacekeepers Way this Sunday appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement to support a fuel switching project at Labatt Brewery in St. John’s. The ministers will be joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education and MHA for Waterford Valley and Marc Ballantyne, General Manager, Labatt Atlantic Breweries.

The event will take place tomorrow (Thursday, May 26) at 11:30 a.m., in the Barrel Room, Labatt Brewery, 60 Leslie Street, St. John’s. Following the announcement, there will be a tour of the facility.

Media are asked to confirm their attendance with Lynn Robinson at lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca.

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

The post Media Advisory: Provincial and Federal Governments to Announce Energy Efficiency Project for Labatt Brewing Company appeared first on News Releases.

The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s conference titled ‘Embracing Neurodiversity’ originally scheduled for 9:00 a.m. today (Wednesday, May 25) at the Emera Innovation Exchange has been postponed. Details on rescheduling will be provided when they become available.

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

The post Media Advisory: Autism Society Conference Postponed appeared first on News Releases.