Government of Newfoundland News

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Wildlife Division, in partnership with Memorial University, is conducting testing for avian influenza in furbearers.

Trappers are encouraged to submit skinned carcasses of the following species:

• Red fox
• Arctic fox
• Weasel
• Beaver
• Lynx
• Labrador marten
• Mink
• Muskrat
• Otter

Memorial University will provide a $10 carcass collection payment for each specimen submitted, up to a total of 1,000 specimens. This program will only apply for the remainder of the 2024/25 trapping season.

Payment eligibility is on a first-received basis until payment forms for 1,000 registered carcasses have been collected (500 from Labrador and 500 from the Island of Newfoundland). Payments will be issued at the end of the collection process.

Carcasses can be submitted to any Forestry and Wildlife office. All seasons and methods of capture must align with provincial regulations. For more information contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025.

While the likelihood of becoming infected with avian influenza virus is low, individuals should still be cautious when handling wildlife. Follow biosecurity measures and safe-handling and cleaning guidelines such as wearing rubber gloves, using a well-ventilated area and washing your hands and surfaces.

Information on preventing the spread of avian influenza is available from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website. Hunters and trappers should also follow Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines regarding wildlife and avian influenza.

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Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing health tech sector is creating jobs while developing innovative solutions to improve the quality and cost efficiency of health care. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $464,000 in nonrepayable funding for BreatheSuite to assist with incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its rehabilitation products.

Incorporated in 2018, BreatheSuite has focused on assisting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory illnesses by delivering a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation program. BreatheSuite’s program helps users maximize their lung capacity and mobility through exercise, education, monitoring and self-management.

Support for the project will help the company use AI and automation to better manage referral intake and patient enrollment. The company will also create AI-based tools to improve patient engagement and usability including content delivery, goal tracking, gamification, and personalized recommendations. Finally, the company will develop an onboarding portal for health care providers to automate licensing processes, program delivery, appointment tracking and HIPAA-compliant records management. This project is supported through the Business Growth Program, which provides non-repayable contributions for projects or initiatives to assist businesses start, innovate, scale and improve sales locally, nationally or internationally.

In addition to this investment from the Provincial Government, BreatheSuite is receiving advisory services and up to $700,000 in research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to advance AI technologies in its Virtual Pulmonary Rehab Program. Combined with a further $606,000 from BreatheSuite, this project totals an investment of over $1.77 million.

Quotes
“By bringing together leading expertise and cutting-edge technology, BreatheSuite is once again showing what high-impact health tech innovation in the 21st century looks like. The company has a very qualified team of engineers and software developers, as well as health care professionals, including physicians and respiratory therapists. Our department is pleased to provide support as they take the next step in scaling up the company and delivering even better health outcomes for patients.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Over the last 18 months, we have made a transformational change at BreatheSuite that has made an incredible impact to the patients that we serve across North America. With this investment from the province, we’re able to continue striving towards our ambitious goals, with the vision of helping respiratory patients live longer, healthier lives. We are so glad to have the province support this next phase of growth and are very excited to see what’s to come.”
Brett Vokey
CEO, BreatheSuite

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Learn more
Business Growth Program

BreatheSuite

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-056 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

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

 

Report: A-2024-056 Report Date: December 17, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety seeking correspondence between the Minister of Justice and Public Safety and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Department’s search produced 92 pages of responsive records, many of which were withheld pursuant to section 29(1)(a) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Department later claimed that section 5(1)(a) of the Act also applied to several records. The Complainant challenged the use of these exceptions and claimed that the Department did not meet its duty to assist as set forth in section 13(1) of the Act. A review by this Office determined that the Department did meet its duty to assist, but that a further search for the final versions of some documents should be conducted. This Office also held that section 29(1)(a) did not apply to some of the information and recommended it be disclosed but concluded the remainder of the information or records withheld pursuant to sections 5, 29, 30. And 40 could continue to be withheld.

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

 

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Under section 13.5 of the Fatalities Investigations Act, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety is required, within 60 days after receiving a report from the Child Death Review Committee (CDRC), to make public those recommendations relating to:

• Relevant protocols, policies and procedures.
• Standards and legislation.
• Linkages and coordination of services.
• Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.

The CDRC forwarded a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on October 30, 2024.

This report resulted in the following recommendation:

• The Child Death Review Committee recommends that the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate determine if the subject of the report received the services and supports that they required to meet their mental health, child development and safety needs.

This report has been forwarded to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is seeking public input on highway improvement projects to be considered for the upcoming 2025-26 road construction season, as well as future years.

Residents can submit their views or concerns, along with photos, to roadsplaninput@gov.nl.ca or the following mailing address:

Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Attention: Director of Roads
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Residents are encouraged to provide highway information such as region, route name or number, the nearest municipality or landmark, and the type of highway issue being experienced. The deadline for submissions is end of day January 19, 2025.

Information received will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the information gathered by the department. Road projects that will be included in the plan will be based on safety; traffic volumes; socio-economic impacts; input from the general public; commercial, industry, and tourism impacts; populations serviced; the impacts of climate change; and assessments by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s engineers.

In 2023, the Provincial Government announced a historic investment of nearly $1.4 billion to improve highway and road transportation infrastructure over five construction seasons, with $288 million invested in highway construction in the 2024-25 season.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

Quote
“The assessment of our roads infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is an important element in the development of our provincial roads plan. We use this engagement with residents of the province to ensure we are aware of any additional matters that need our attention as we set our priorities for the upcoming roads plan.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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A new NLSchools Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy will come into effect when students return from holiday break on January 6, 2025. The policy aims to reduce the impact of inappropriate personal electronic device usage, such as cell phones, on learning.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will be available to the media today (Tuesday, December 17) to discuss the policy. The availability will occur at 11:00 a.m. in the lobby of West Block, Confederation Building.

Under the policy:

• Students in grades K-6 are encouraged not to bring personal electronic devices to school and will not have access to devices during school hours.
• Students in Grade 7 to Level 4 who bring a personal electronic device to school must switch it off and store out of sight during instructional hours. Students can access their devices during recess and lunch breaks.

Individual exemptions to the policy may be provided for medical and educational reasons.

Consultation on the proposed policy received robust engagement and feedback from over 13,000 participants, of which over 40 per cent were students, as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association and other key educational partners.

The policy is available on the NLSchools website here. To support fulsome understanding of the policy, a frequently asked questions document for students and parents/guardians is also available on the NLSchools website and is linked below.

Quote
“We have heard loud and clear that personal electronic devices are impacting students’ learning environment, and that action is needed to help students focus in the classroom. I thank the thousands of teachers, students, and parents and guardians who shared their feedback and helped us finalize this policy. This valuable input showed how important this policy is to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and our government is proud to bring in this directive to help create more positive teaching and learning environments in schools.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Frequently Asked Questions – Students, Parents and Guardians

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The Policing Transformation Working Group is seeking the public’s input to help shape the future of policing services in the province. The Working Group developed a detailed survey as part of public engagement efforts to hear from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The survey was developed with feedback from several community partners: Stella’s Circle, First Light, End Homelessness St John’s, Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, City of St John’s, End Sexual Violence, Public Legal Information Association, Thrive, and Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This confidential and voluntary survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. All responses will be kept anonymous, and only overall results will be shared.

The survey is available here until January 22, 2025. The survey is being administered by Quality of Care NL, an applied health and social systems research and evaluation program based at Memorial University. Quality of Care NL has expertise in public engagement and survey development, including management of the public engagement process for Health Accord NL.

For any questions about the survey or if you require assistance in completing the survey, please email policingtransformation@gov.nl.ca. In addition, the Working Group thanks the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries for helping anyone requiring assistance to complete the survey.

Established by the Provincial Government in 2023, the Police Transformation Working Group is mandated to evaluate Newfoundland and Labrador’s current policing model, conduct public engagement, and provide ongoing advice to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador is joining Canada’s Premiers for the Council of the Federation meeting taking place in Toronto today, Monday, December 16.

Premiers will focus their discussions on a range of economic issues and reaffirm their commitment to working together on plans to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations.

A closing news conference is planned for 2:00 p.m. (EST) today.

On Tuesday, December 17, Premier Furey will attend a special engagement at the Empire Club of Canada to participate in a national discussion regarding Canada’s energy, resources, and climate. Premier Furey will deliver a keynote address and then join the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, for open dialogue and a Q&A session.

The Empire Club of Canada is one of Canada’s oldest and most prominent public-speaking forums. Founded in 1903, it is a non-partisan organization that provides a platform for thought leaders, politicians, business executives, academics, and other influential figures to discuss important national and global issues. The Empire Club of Canada is widely respected for its role in shaping public discourse in Canada.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians. For more information on COF media availability please visit: Ontario Hosts Fall Meeting of Canada’s Premiers – Canada’s Premiers

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:
Crown Zone 3: Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 6 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2341)
The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2022-2026). The Project would create a Domestic Harvest Block in District 6, approximately 45 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway on the Bay d’Espoir Highway. The harvest block would allow the Miawpukek First Nation to salvage burned and residual live timber within the boundary of the 2022 Bay d’Espoir forest fire. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 13, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 17, 2025, and the Minister’s decision is due by January 27, 2025.

Crown Zone 1: Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 1 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2340)

The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 1 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2022-2026). The Project is proposed in two areas of Zone 1; Fox Marsh Forest Management Area near the community of Mahers and 9 kilometres south on the Argentia Access Road. The Fox Marsh location would increase harvest to 20,700 cubic metres with a total area of 1,900 hectares. The Argentia Access Road location covers 68 hectares and would permit harvesting of 5,500 cubic metres. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 13, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 17, 2025, and the Minister’s decision is due by January 27, 2025.

Burnt Berry Agricultural Development                                                (Reg. 2339)
Proponent: Michael Warren
The Proponent is proposing to develop approximately 13 hectares of land for agriculture production on Burnt Berry Farm Road, approximately 15 kilometres west of the Town of Springdale. The land would be used for root crop production. Development would include the removal of trees, stumps, and stones as well as rock picking, applying soil amendments and planting crops. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on December 13, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 17, 2025, and the Minister’s decision is due by January 27, 2025.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT GUIDELINES ISSUED:
Argentia Renewables Project                                                                 (Reg. 2318)
Proponent: Argentia Renewables Wind LP
The Minister has approved the guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Preview Report (EPR) for the Argentia Renewables Project. The EPR guidelines identify the information that the Proponent is required to include in the EPR. The EPR guidelines are available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/argentia-renewables-project/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
South Brook Bridge Recovery and Reinstallation                            (Reg. 2333)
Proponent: Western Sno-Riders
The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2333/.

Crown Zone 2: Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 2 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2332)
The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2332/.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:
Fox Pond ATV Trail Extension                                                                (Reg. 2302)
Proponent: Cameron Hall
On December 11, 2024, the Minister advised the Proponent that the Environmental Protection Plan for the Project is acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2302/.

CONDITION OF RELEASE MET:
Labrador City Humphrey South Iron Ore Extension                        (Reg. 2114)
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada
On December 11, 2024, the Minister advised the Proponent that the conditions requiring the identification of plants, avifauna and amphibians in the Project area have been met. Additional information is available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/2114-2/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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

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The Galway Interchange Project is now complete, allowing motorists to enter and exit Galway via the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway. The new interchange is designed to help ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive, as well as nearby roadways.

In December 2022, a contract was awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. valued at $10.3 million. The work included construction of an underpass below the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 41, as well as ramps and a roundabout on the western side of the highway that will connect to Danny Drive via the underpass.

The contract also included the construction of a temporary four-lane diversion on the Trans-Canada Highway to allow motorists to travel around the construction site at a reduced speed. Now that the project is complete, the temporary diversion has ended and traffic flows have returned to normal operation.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quote
“Road infrastructure improvements such as the Galway Interchange Project are important for the growth of communities such as Galway. They also help improve road safety, given the motoring public are entering and exiting from the Trans-Canada Highway, as well as help further economic opportunities in the region.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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Residents are reminded that the HST break on essential items begins tomorrow (Saturday, December 14) and will be in place until February 15, 2025.

The tax break on essentials was announced by the Government of Canada on November 21, 2024 and is being supported by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as highlighted here. This affordability measure will provide an estimated $48 million in provincial tax relief.

The tax exemption for essentials applies to:

• Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches.
• Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout or delivery.
• Snacks, including chips, candy and granola bars.
• Beer, wine, cider and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages up to 7 per cent ABV.
• Children’s clothing and footwear, car seats and diapers.
• Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls and video game consoles.
• Books, print newspapers and puzzles for all ages.
• Christmas trees.

Further information from the Government of Canada, including all qualifying goods, are available here. The Federal Government’s phone number for HST enquiries is 1-800-959-5525.

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Residents living in coastal Labrador communities who are 65 and older are reminded to file their 2023 income tax returns by December 31, 2024, to avail of the 2024 Coastal Labrador Seniors’ Food and Heating Supplement.

As announced in Budget 2024 and in the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, this annual $500 supplement is available to seniors living in Coastal Labrador communities to help with the cost of food and heating.

There is no requirement for eligible individuals to apply, but eligible residents (those aged 65 and older who live in coastal Labrador communities) must have filed their income tax returns by the end of the year.

For assistance on filing your tax return, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which coordinates with community organizations to host free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.

Residents who have already filed their tax returns will receive their cheques in the coming weeks.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise motorists on the West Coast of traffic impacts on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) between the Riverside Drive and Marble Mountain interchanges next week.

Between Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17, one of the eastbound lanes of the TCH in the area will be closed and motorists should anticipate traffic slowdowns and delays. On Wednesday morning, December 18, all lanes of the highway will be closed for a short period of time and motorists should plan for this delay. An update will be provided on Tuesday, December 17, regarding the timing of the closure on Wednesday.

The temporary lane reduction and closure are necessary to facilitate highway maintenance work in the area.

Speed reductions will be in place and motorists are advised to please exercise caution in the area, be vigilant and slow their speeds.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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On Saturday, December 14, work will be conducted on the westbound lane of the overpass on Pitts Memorial Drive (Route 2) where it crosses the Trans-Canada Highway. The work will begin around 7:00 a.m. on the overpass.

While work is underway, this section of highway will be temporarily closed for up to 10 minutes. Motorists travelling on the highway are asked to slow their vehicles and please respect the traffic control measures in place.

The public is reminded that fines for speeding in construction zones range from $100 to $1,500.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-055 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

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

Report:         A-2024-055

Report Date: December 11, 2024

Public Body:  Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Summary:     The Complainant made an access to information request to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for an investigation record. The RNC refused to disclose the record on the ground that it was excluded from the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 by section 5(1)(m). The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office. The RNC refused to provide the record to our Office, since section 5(1)(m) is also a provision under which there is no statutory authority to require that a public body provide records to the Commissioner for review. The Commissioner nevertheless concluded, on the evidence provided by the Complainant and the RNC, that the RNC had not met the statutory burden of proving that section 5(1)(m) applies, and therefore recommended that the RNC disclose the record to the Complainant, subject to any applicable exceptions.

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Media Contact:
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
(709) 729-6309

 

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will share details of the transformative Churchill Falls agreement in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Churchill Falls tomorrow (Friday, December 13).

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay event will take place at the Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre, 21 Voisey Drive, at 10:00 a.m. (AST).

The Premier will be joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Perry Trimper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for Lake Melville, and Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Media planning to attend are asked to please RSVP to VictoriaBarbour@gov.nl.ca.

The Premier will then travel to Churchill Falls to share details of the agreement with the community.

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Today Newfoundland and Labrador signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Québec to terminate and replace the 1969 Upper Churchill Contract, develop Gull Island and expand capacity of the Churchill Falls plant. The deal will result in more than $225 Billion in total revenue to the provincial treasury over the life of the agreements.

The Innu of Labrador have a special relationship with the Province through the New Dawn Agreement. Innu Nation Grand Chief Simon Pokue and Premier Furey signed an official acknowledgement of the MOU confirming the province’s commitments to the Innu of Labrador.

New Agreement on Upper Churchill
The resulting agreement would come into force effective January 1, 2025. The new Power Purchase Agreement means an immediate increase in the price for Upper Churchill Power. This increases annual revenue to the province an average of $1 Billion per year over the next 17 years compared to the average of less than $20 million per year received today. It also changes the effective price per kilowatt hour from 0.2 cents to 5.9 cents – or thirty times the current price. The new agreement includes a price escalator, with the price for power growing based on a market-based block pricing model over the life of the contract. A new modern shareholders’ agreement will also be put in place.

New Developments
New developments will increase capacity in Labrador by 3,900 MW. Hydro-Québec will pay Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro $3.5 Billion in today’s dollars for the right to co-develop these projects and those funds will be used to pay Newfoundland and Labrador’s equity in the new assets.

The Gull Island Generating Station will be constructed with an installed capacity of 2,250 MW. A new powerhouse will be built at Churchill Falls adding 1,100 MW. Québec will bear full responsibility for construction risks and cost overruns on these new projects.

The existing units at Churchill Falls will be upgraded to increase capacity by 550 MW. New transmission lines will be built in Labrador and Québec to enable these new generation projects.

The value of these combined construction projects is at least $33 Billion and will provide thousands of jobs over a generation.

With access to more power from the existing Churchill Falls plant and increased capacity from new developments, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will access 1,990 MW, which is almost four times the capacity it has today. This will be available for industrial development in Labrador, increasing economic development and even more jobs for this province.

The $225 Billion in revenue is transformative in meeting the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians – for schools, hospitals, roads, technology, debt relief and more. It also allows the Government to maintain the current power rates for Labrador residential and small business customers, while ensuring Labrador industrial rates remain competitive.

Quotes
“Today we began to write a new chapter for this province and this changes everything. This agreement will have a generational impact on the growth and prosperity of Newfoundland and Labrador. It will mean nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars in revenue over the life of the agreement for schools, hospitals, roads and debt relief, and it will bring thousands of new jobs through construction and industrial development. And it starts as of 2025 with a billion dollars a year flowing to the province from the Upper Churchill compared to the $20 million we receive today.”
Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is an historic day for the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec and the Innu Nation. I am pleased that the two provinces have reached an MOU that respects our deep relationship with the Mishta-shipu (Churchill River waterway) and the land that is central to our people. The acknowledgement by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes and protects our New Dawn (Tshash Petapen) Agreement and provides for inclusion of the Innu of Labrador in future energy projects.”
Grand Chief Simon Pokue
Innu Nation

“Access to clean energy for Newfoundland and Labrador will fuel growth for local business and attract development to our province,” said Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology. “It provides certainty for industrial customers to plan their futures right here in Newfoundland and Labrador and increases our attractiveness as a key jurisdiction for business growth across sectors. This is transformational.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology

“Today, we rightly amplify the powerful Churchill River and secure its place as one of national importance for us and our country. This river is a world-class source of renewable energy, critical to addressing climate change and is an important economic enabler. Together with our partners in Quebec, we are building a prosperous energy-driven future for all.”
Jennifer Williams
President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

For more information, please visit www.ourchapter.ca

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(French version below)

Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec have signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for hydroelectric generation in Labrador. The resulting proposed partnership will create a significant and immediate increase in value for Newfoundland and Labrador and make a substantial contribution to Quebec’s energy security.

The non-binding memorandum has two components: new contracts with Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation (CF(L)Co) and both Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro for existing Churchill Falls generation at a new price; and the development of new generation projects in Labrador. Over time, total generation will reach 9,190 MW of which 7,200 MW will be purchased by Hydro-Québec and 1,990 MW will be available to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Hydro-Québec will also pay Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro an option payment of $3.5 billion net present value for the right to co-develop new projects in Labrador. The combined option payments and the resulting provincial dividends and water rentals will result in approximately $1 billion in annual payments to Newfoundland and Labrador starting in 2025. The average cost of power from Churchill Falls under this agreement will be approximately 6 cents/kWh. Hydro-Quebec will direct dividends from its ownership to reduce the impact to its customers to 4 cents/kWh.

Existing Generation from Churchill Falls

The memorandum provides for the termination and replacement of the current contract for the existing generation from Churchill Falls. The MOU forecasts payments from Hydro-Québec to CF(L)Co of $33.8 billion net present value between 2025 and 2075. According to the terms of the MOU, Hydro-Québec will pay CF(L)Co energy prices that are forecast to increase over time depending on markets in Quebec and elsewhere as pricing will be linked with various market indices.

New developments

• Gull Island: The Gull Island hydroelectric power generating facility project will be constructed along the Churchill River and will generate 2,250 MW.
• Churchill Falls Expansion: A second facility will be constructed near the current Churchill Falls site. The new facility will contribute 1,100 MW of installed capacity.
• Churchill Falls capacity increase: The capacity of the existing Churchill Falls facility will be increased, adding 550 MW to the total installed capacity.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will lead the project to increase capacity at the existing Churchill Falls facility. Given its proven track record with major projects, Hydro-Québec will act as the project lead for Gull Island and the new facility at Churchill Falls and will manage the financial and construction risks associated with them.  Each utility will lead the construction of new transmission in their respective jurisdictions enabling the transfer of the increased electricity generated in Labrador.

Prices for the production from the new developments will be based on actual construction and operating costs and will escalate over time. On average, the price is expected to be 11 cents/kWh.

Partnership with Indigenous Communities

This memorandum will fully respect existing agreements with the Indigenous communities of Labrador. Both Governments and utilities commit to meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples right from the start of projects and at every step in their development.   We will engage in this dialogue in a spirit of openness, transparency and collaboration.  Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec will work together to this end.

The non-binding MOU signed today is an important step towards a new Newfoundland and Labrador – Quebec partnership on hydroelectric generation in Labrador. Over the coming months, signatories will continue their analysis of new projects with a view to reaching a definitive agreement. Until such an agreement is reached, the existing contract remains in force.

Quotes

“Today represents a significant milestone for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian. Over the life of the agreement, we will generate dividends to the province of more than $200 billion by 2075, have access to nearly four times the electricity we do today to support industrial growth in Labrador, and realize the development of Gull Island without the financial and construction risks. We have brokered the terms of an agreement that will bring full and fair benefits to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and unlock the true potential of the Churchill River for the benefit of generations to come.”
Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I am very proud to announce a historic new agreement between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to securing a favorable price until 2075 and adding 2,400 megawatts of capacity — a 50 per cent increase — this agreement will generate savings of over $200 billion over 50 years. This allows us to secure a major energy block for several generations while ensuring a price far lower than the alternatives. It will help us keep electricity rates as low as possible for Quebecers. It’s a win-win!”
François Legault
Premier of Québec

“This memorandum secures access for Quebec to a large quantity of renewable energy for 50 years at the lowest price possible.  We have taken a meaningful step toward ensuring Quebec’s energy security for generations to come.  The agreement advances our decarbonization efforts and is a valuable contribution to our collective wealth.”
Michael Sabia
CEO of Hydro-Québec

The powerful Churchill River, the Mishta-Shipu as it is known by our Innu partners, is a world-class source of renewable energy, critical to addressing climate change and is an important economic enabler. Together with our partners in Quebec, with today’s announcement, we are building a prosperous energy-driven future.
Jennifer Williams
CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

 

Un nouveau partenariat énergétique pour Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et le Québec

Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et le Québec ont signé une entente de principe importante concernant la production hydroélectrique au Labrador.  Le partenariat proposé permettra une augmentation significative et immédiate de valeur pour Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, tout en contribuant grandement à la sécurité énergétique du Québec.

L’entente de principe non-contraignante contient deux volets : de nouveaux contrats entre Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation (CF(L)Co), Hydro-Québec et Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro pour l’accès à la production existante de Churchill Falls à un nouveau prix ; et le développement de nouveaux projets de production hydroélectrique au Labrador. À terme, ce sont 9 190 MW qui seront produits, dont 7 200 MW qui seront achetés par Hydro-Québec et 1 990 MW disponibles pour Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Hydro-Québec versera également à Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro des paiements d’options totalisant 3,5 milliards de dollars en valeur actuelle nette pour obtenir les droits de codévelopper de nouveaux projets au Labrador. Les paiements d’options combinés et les dividendes provinciaux et redevances hydrauliques qui en découlent se traduiront par des paiements annuels d’environ un milliard de dollars à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador à partir de 2025. En vertu de cette entente, le prix moyen payé pour l’électricité produite à Churchill Falls sera d’environ 6 cents/kWh. En tant que qu’actionnaire de la centrale, Hydro-Québec utilisera les dividendes de sa participation afin de réduire l’impact pour ses clients à 4 cents/kWh.

Production existante de Churchill Falls

L’entente prévoit la fin et le remplacement du contrat en vigueur pour la production existante de Churchill Falls. Elle prévoit des paiements de la part d’Hydro-Québec à CF(L)Co d’une valeur actualisée de 33,8 milliards de dollars entre 2025 et 2075. Selon les modalités prévues, le prix de l’énergie payé par Hydro-Québec à CF(L)Co augmentera au fil du temps en fonction des conditions de marché, au Québec et ailleurs, puisque le prix sera lié à différents indices de marché.

Nouveaux développements

• Gull Island : Le projet de centrale hydroélectrique Gull Island sera construit sur la rivière Churchill et produira 2 250 MW.
• Expansion de Churchill Falls : Une deuxième centrale sera construite à Churchill Falls, près du site actuel. Celle-ci produira 1 100 MW.
• Augmentation de puissance de Churchill Falls : Enfin, des travaux d’augmentation de puissance sont prévus pour la centrale existante de Churchill Falls, qui ajouteront 550 MW à la production totale installée.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro sera maître d’œuvre pour le projet d’augmentation de puissance de la centrale existante de Churchill Falls. Considérant son expertise et ses réalisations dans la construction de grands projets, Hydro-Québec agira comme maître d’œuvre pour la construction de la centrale de Gull Island et de la nouvelle centrale de Churchill Falls, tout en assumant les risques financiers et de construction qui y sont associés. Chaque entité dirigera la construction d’un nouveau réseau de transport sur son territoire respectif afin de permettre d’acheminer cette augmentation de l’électricité produite au Labrador.

Le prix de la production des nouveaux développements sera établi selon les coûts réels de construction et d’opération et augmentera au fil du temps.  En moyenne, on prévoit un coût de 11 cents/kWh.

Partenariat avec les communautés autochtones

Cette entente se fera dans le plein respect des ententes existantes avec les communautés autochtones du Labrador.  Autant les gouvernements que les compagnies d’électricité s’engagent à collaborer pleinement avec les communautés autochtones, dès le début des projets et à chaque étape de leur développement.  Nous engagerons ce dialogue dans un esprit d’ouverture, de transparence et de collaboration.  Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro et Hydro-Québec travailleront ensemble en ce sens.

L’entente de principe non-contraignante signée aujourd’hui constitue une étape importante vers un nouveau partenariat Québec/Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador sur la production hydroélectrique au Labrador.  Au cours des prochains mois, les parties poursuivront leurs analyses des nouveaux projets en vue de conclure une entente définitive.  Jusqu’à la signature de celle-ci, le contrat actuel demeure en vigueur.

Citations

Je suis vraiment fier d’annoncer une nouvelle entente historique entre le Québec et Terre-Neuve. En plus de garantir un prix avantageux jusqu’en 2075 et d’ajouter 2 400 mégawatts de capacité, soit une augmentation de 50 %, cette entente représente des économies de plus de 200 G$ sur 50 ans. On sécurise ainsi un bloc d’énergie majeur pour plusieurs générations, tout en assurant un prix très inférieur aux alternatives. Ça va nous permettre de garder les prix d’électricité le plus bas possible pour les Québécois. C’est gagnant-gagnant !
François Legault
Premier ministre du Québec

La journée d’aujourd’hui représente une étape importante pour tous les habitants de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador. Pendant la durée de l’entente, nous générerons des dividendes de plus de 200 milliards de dollars pour la province d’ici 2075, nous aurons accès à près de quatre fois plus d’électricité qu’aujourd’hui pour soutenir la croissance industrielle au Labrador et nous réaliserons le développement de l’île Gull sans les risques financiers et de construction. Nous avons négocié les termes d’un accord qui apportera des bénéfices concrets et équitables pour Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et rendra disponible le véritable potentiel du fleuve Churchill au profit des générations à venir.
Andrew Furey
Premier ministre de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

Cette entente garantit au Québec l’accès à une grande quantité d’énergie renouvelable pendant 50 ans au prix le plus bas possible.  Nous avons franchi une étape importante pour assurer la sécurité énergétique du Québec pour les générations à venir.  L’entente fait avancer nos efforts de décarbonation et constitue une contribution significative à notre richesse collective.
Michael Sabia
Président-directeur général d’Hydro-Québec

La puissante rivière Churchill, la Mishta-Shipu comme l’appellent nos partenaires innus, est une source d’énergie renouvelable de classe mondiale, essentielle à la lutte contre les changements climatiques et un important catalyseur économique. Avec nos partenaires du Québec et l’annonce d’aujourd’hui, nous construisons un avenir prospère alimenté par l’énergie.
Jennifer Williams
PDG, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The post A New Energy Partnership for Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, today announced the appointment of Kerry Hatfield as Information and Privacy Commissioner, effective December 5, 2024. The House of Assembly passed a resolution respecting the appointment on December 3, 2024 in accordance with section 85 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015).

Speaker Bennett also extends sincere thanks to Jackie Lake Kavanagh, who served as acting Information and Privacy Commissioner during the search period, and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

Quote
“I want to congratulate Kerry Hatfield on her appointment as Information and Privacy Commissioner. She has considerable knowledge and experience in the realm of access and privacy, which will be an asset in this important role, and I wish her well in this new position. On behalf of the House of Assembly, I would further like to thank Jackie Lake Kavanagh for her exceptional commitment and exemplary public service during her time as acting Information and Privacy Commissioner.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact
Mark Jerrett
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

Biography

Kerry Hatfield
Kerry Hatfield was appointed the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador effective December 5, 2024. Commissioner Hatfield comes with extensive knowledge and experience in access and privacy issues from 20-plus years of legal practice, including 11 years providing legal strategy and advice to the Eastern Regional Health Authority, now NL Health Services. The Commissioner was made Director of Corporate Legal Services in 2022 upon the succession of NL Health Services from the previous regional health authorities. Commissioner Hatfield has expertise in regulatory compliance in privacy, security, data governance and information management within the health care sector and broad base experience in corporate governance, contracts and procurement.

Prior to working in the health care sector, the Commissioner was a partner in private practice at a St. John’s law firm where she specialized in privacy, access to information, and litigation, including representing the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner at both the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Court of Appeal. Commissioner Hatfield obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University in 1997 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick in 2001. She has been a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador since 2002, is past president and director of the Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Bowring Park Foundation.

The post Information and Privacy Commissioner Appointed appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Mr. François Legault, Premier of Québec, will make a significant announcement tomorrow (Thursday, December 12).

Media are invited to a technical briefing at 11:30 at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s. Participants can choose an English or French session.

Please note, similar to a provincial budget, once a participant has entered the briefing they will not be permitted to leave or use wireless devices (including phones and smartwatches) prior to the announcement. Lunch will be provided.

The announcement will take place at 2:00 p.m. and will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Premiers will be joined by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ms. Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy for the Province of Québec, and Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

To register to attend, please RSVP to jillianhood@gov.nl.ca.

Only registered participants will be granted access. Photo identification will be required.

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The post Media Advisory: Premiers to Make Historic Partnership Announcement appeared first on News Releases.