Government of Newfoundland News

The annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims will be recognized by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a public event at Confederation Building.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will be joined by family members of victims, as well as a survivor of a collision, and representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, who will speak in honour of those who have been killed or seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions.

The event will be held in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building, on Friday, November 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Family members are invited to bring framed photos of their loved ones to be displayed at the event.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, congratulate President Todd Russell (acclaimed) and all councillors (acclaimed and elected) following the announcement of election results for the NunatuKavut Community Council.

Nominated candidates who were elected by acclamation to serve on the governing council include:

• Dexter Flynn, councillor for Area 1: Straits.
• Jessie Tobin (incumbent), councillor for Area 5: Western Labrador.

The general election for contested positions on the governing council was held on November 7, with the following elected to join the governing council:

• Roy Mangrove (incumbent), councillor for Area 2: Battle Harbour
• Cyril Campbell (incumbent) and Boyce Turnbull (incumbent), councillors for Area 3: Bolsters Rock to Spear Point
• Lorna Knee, councillor for Area 4: Sandwich Bay / Island of Ponds
• James Holwell (incumbent) and Hughlett Williams (incumbent), councillors for Area 5: Central/Northern Labrador
• Jeanette Russell, councillor for Area 7: All of Canada outside NunatuKavut; and
• Zoey Russell, youth councillor

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador congratulates President Russell and all councillors and thanks all candidates for offering their candidacy in the general election.

Quotes
“Todd Russell has provided strong and effective leadership to his people for a long time, and they have placed their trust in him for another term. I value our relationship and commit to continuing to work with President Russell and his council on matters that are important to the members of NunatuKavut.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I look forward to meeting with President Russell and the members of the governing council to hear about their priorities and plans for the future. I commend all people who put their name forth to represent the interests of their community and advocate to improve their well-being.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Salvation Army’s Hope in the City Breakfast tomorrow (Thursday, November 14). The event will take place at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

This event marks the beginning of the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it will be following up on the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations contained in the recent performance audit respecting Administration of Crown Lands. The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture effectively manages the administration of Crown lands. The Public Accounts Committee shares concerns of the Auditor General regarding systematic issues, insufficient policies and procedures, as well as confusion about complaints management, enforcement and inspection processes.

The Public Accounts Committee met with the Auditor General recently to discuss the findings and recommendations contained in the report. The Committee will be contacting the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture in the near future to request a written action plan for implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations. The Committee advises that officials may be invited to appear at a future public hearing with respect to this matter.

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“The Public Accounts Committee is committed to ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the Legislature and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador in following up on this important matter and looks forward to the co-operation of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture as it conducts its follow-up.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair of Public Accounts Committee

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will be available to media to discuss initiatives to modernize and enhance the justice system today (Wednesday, November 13) at 1:00 p.m., outside of the House of Assembly.

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Perry Trimper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans and Military Relations, will attend an event tomorrow where media are invited to learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s plan to study the Labrador West Transmission System.

The event takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, November 13) at Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre, 300 Hudson Drive, Labrador City, starting at 1:30 p.m.

The study explores the feasibility of an expansion of the transmission system in Labrador West and the potential economic impact of future development and is partially funded through Canada’s Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. This was announced by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, last week at the Minerals Resources Review 2024.

Mr. Trimper will be joined by the Honourable Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, and Scott Crosbie, Hydro’s Vice President Operations, as well as members of the mining industry.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I rise in this honourable House to raise awareness about stuttering and how it affects the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Stuttering can make it difficult to communicate with others, which can seriously affect individuals’ mental health.

The Provincial Government recognizes that there are unique challenges for people who stutter and we are very supportive of the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association.

Each year, the Department of Health and Community Services provides funding to support “A Million Things I Need to Say” Walk, Run and Roll for Stuttering Awareness and Bursary Program Fundraiser.

The Bursary Program is open to preschool and school-age children, adolescents, adults and seniors who stutter and individuals challenged with communication disorders.

To learn more or to apply for a bursary, please visit NLstuttering.ca.

Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in recognizing the Stuttering Association for their commitment and dedication to the stuttering community.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Provincial Government is issuing a Request for Proposals to develop the former Trinity Loop Amusement Park site.

As part of the evaluation process, proposals will only be accepted for tourism-related establishments such as RV parks, resorts, campgrounds, cottage rentals or development of tourist attractions. Proposals will be accepted until a successful candidate is identified.

Information for proponents is available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website. For more information, call 709-637-2081 or email LMDProposals@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to speak to media today to discuss nursing recruitment.

Minister Hogan will be joined by Debbie Molloy, Vice President – Human Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

The media availability will take place in the Confederation Building, East Block lobby beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Blaketown ATV Trail                                                                    (Reg. 2334)

Proponent: Shamus Kealey

The Proponent is proposing to construct a two-kilometre ATV trail to access a remote cottage lot located at Crooked Pond, near the town of Blaketown. Trail development would include vegetation clearing and the construction of two bridges. Work would involve the use of ATVs, chainsaws, and hand tools. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/

The undertaking was registered on November 8, 2024; the deadline for public comment is December 13, 2024; and the Minister’s decision is due by December 23, 2024.

FINAL JOINT IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES APPROVED:

Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project                                      (Reg. 2272)
Proponent: Torngat Metals Ltd.

The Minister has approved Joint Guidelines for the preparation of the impact statement for the Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Impact Agency of Canada (IAAC) have collaborated in the preparation of the Joint Impact Statement Guidelines which identify the information that the Proponent will be required to address in the Impact Statement.  The Joint Impact Statement Guidelines document is available on the Department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2272 and on the IAAC Registry at: https://www.iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/85969.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Main Brook Sawmill Production                                                   (Reg. 2325)
Proponent: Countryside Lumber Products Inc.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2325/.

Learn more

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

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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 Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday (November 11). The ceremony is being held at the National War Memorial in St. John’s starting at 10:55 a.m.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a Request for Proposals for the construction of a new school for Kenmount Terrace. The school will include pre-kindergarten to Grade 7 in English and French streams.

This new facility will be a three-story building, approximately 11,465 square metres, and will be accessible from Ladysmith Drive. It will include 44 classrooms for a projected enrolment of approximately 860 students and program spaces appropriate for the K-7 grade levels. The school will also include three pre-kindergarten homerooms for 60 children.

Once constructed, it is anticipated that the school will be the largest in the province with this grade configuration.

Budget 2024 allocated more than $52 million for school infrastructure, as well as $146 million allocated over the next three years for new schools in Cartwright, Kenmount Terrace, Portugal Cove-St. Philips, and Pilley’s Island, and planning for a new high school in Paradise.

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

Quotes
“The issuing of the Request for Proposals for the construction of the new school is an important step in advancing this project for the Kenmount Terrace community. It will result in safe and modern infrastructure to support the needs of the growing population in the area. Our government recognizes that investing in school infrastructure enhances learning environments and outcomes for students.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Our government is committed to modernizing the educational experience of students and teachers. That includes ensuring there are appropriate, modern schools for teaching and learning. I am pleased that the Request for Proposals is underway to build a new school for Kenmount Terrace and surrounding neighbourhoods.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“I’m very happy to see the request for proposals issued. Thank you to all the staff that made this happen. With this new school and the announcement of the new tertiary hospital being built nearby, I’m pleased that our government is adding key services and infrastructure for residents in this new area.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
MHA for Mount Scio

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In 1931, the Government of Canada proclaimed that Remembrance Day would be observed on November 11. Every year since then, on this day, we remember; we attend memorial services, wear poppies close to our hearts and bow our heads in silence.

Why do we need to remember? Because we must honour all veterans from all wars and conflicts. By remembering, we pay tribute to the women and men who committed to the effort to create a better country and a better world.

Why do we need to remember? Because as time passes between conflicts and veterans pass away, the distance grows, and memories may dim. Many people only conceive of war as a complex, someplace-over-there notion presented to them on an electronic screen – and an argument could be made that they are fortunate, indeed.

Why must we remember? Because remembering means we recognize the sacrifices and know how high a price was paid for peace.

Why do we need to remember? Because those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

We dare not ever forget.

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“Lest we forget – such a short phrase, but three very powerful words. On Remembrance Day, we take the opportunity to recognize all of the men and women who showed incredible courage in the face of great danger. By recognizing their courage and remembering how much we needed them – and continue to need them – we show respect. The sacrifices were – and are – very real and a debt we can never repay. In remembering, we honour them.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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A ‘What We Heard’ Report containing feedback received from the consultation process to inform the regulations for the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act was released today by the Provincial Government. The consultations took place from March 11 to May 7, 2023.

It is important to note this Act is not simply about same pay for same work. The legislation seeks to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and will contribute to addressing the under-valuation of traditional female occupations, narrowing the gender wage gap, and advancing equity and well-being among all people.

While over 800 community groups, employer organizations, business owners, labour groups, equity seeking and women’s organizations, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, as well as the public were invited to take part in the consultation process, there was low participation. A total of 439 individuals completed the online questionnaire via engageNL, as members of the public, rather than as employees or employers in the public or private sectors. Sixty-four individuals participated in the in-person and virtual sessions, 37 of whom were employers. Statistics Canada reports that there are over 15,000 businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Common themes from the consultation feedback include human resources capacity, data infrastructure and collection requirements, and privacy considerations. A need for guidance and training on how to tackle pay equity was also identified, particularly across different job types and roles, hours of work and compensation structures. The requirements to operationalize pay equity and pay transparency will require substantial planning and collaboration across government departments, offices, and agencies, as well as from employers and business owners within the public and private sectors.

The Provincial Government’s initial approach was to coincide the release of the ‘What We Heard’ Report with the release of the regulations. This work is taking longer to complete due to its complexity, so the information is being released now, so the public can be better informed on the discussions that must take place with employers and employees throughout the province to implement pay equity and pay transparency. Work going forward will include consideration of such things as the annual reporting design and the employers’ capacity to report accurately and consistently, data factors like required infrastructure, and collection standards, privacy implications, and ongoing compliance activities.

Quotes
“This government strongly believes that pay equity and pay transparency are achievable, but they must be done the right way, not a rushed way. I want to thank all those who participated in the consultation process for their enthusiasm, and for exercising their right to engage with government and advocate for the needs of women, gender-diverse people and those who have faced marginalization in our province.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“As President of Treasury Board, I can confirm that the Provincial Government complies with pay equity standards and assesses jobs in a gender-neutral manner. Today, women account for over 50 per cent of the core public service and they are in roles such as executives, directors, managers, and judges. Fairness and equality are defining values for our government – indeed for our society as a whole. We will continue to champion the advancement of women and gender diverse people.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board

“The ‘What We Heard’ Report shows that there is a need for more targeted consultation with employers and labour groups to inform the regulations. We are committed to this legislation and are working to ensure we take the time to get it right.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister Responsible for Labour

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‘What We Heard’ Report – Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act Consultations

Office of Women and Gender Equality

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will address delegates during the appreciation banquet of the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference, Trade Show and Annual General Meeting 2024 tomorrow (Saturday, November 9).

The banquet will take place at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to help advance the Atlantic Wildfire Centre to the next stage of development.  

The RFP is seeking an advisor to engage with relevant stakeholders to assess the centre’s infrastructure and space requirements, as well as operational and functional considerations. This is a key step in advancing the project toward the design and construction phase.   

In October 2024, the Provincial Government announced it would establish an Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Central Newfoundland, with operational infrastructure in Labrador, to strengthen and enhance efforts to protect Atlantic Canada’s communities and forests and provide leadership and expertise in wildfire fighting and prevention.  

The Atlantic Wildfire Centre provincial headquarters and operations/training centre for wildfire management and training will be located in Gander, as well as a hangar to house the Air Services Division of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. An operations office and aerial suppression infrastructure will be located at Wabush airport. 

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl. The closing date for proposals is November 22, 2024. 

Quotes  

“The issuing of the Request for Proposals for an advisor is an important step in advancing this important initiative for our province. As I have said many times, we have a great team in place doing incredible work in our Air Services Division and in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. This centre will provide them with the equipment, training and support needed for their continued service.”  

Honourable Fred Hutton  

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure  

Minister of Rural Economic Development  

“The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will support Canadians by delivering effective wildfire management and emergency responses to protect the region’s forests, communities, and people. With strategic investment in wildland fire management, science and training, as well as vital equipment to increase the province’s air services complement, the establishment of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre is quickly advancing.” 

Honourable Gerry Byrne  

Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture  

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, recognize Indigenous Veteran’s Day today (November 8) and honour the commitments made by those who served to protect our province and country.

Indigenous peoples have demonstrated incredible courage and a commitment to military service in Newfoundland and Labrador, and abroad. It is imperative that we recognize our responsibility to honour their sacrifices.

This past July, Minister Reid joined the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and 10 Indigenous youth in France and Belgium as part of the Trail of the Caribou Pilgrimage to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Confederation. The youth represented the five Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the province – Nunatsiavut Government, Innu Nation, NunatuKavut Community Council, Miawpukek First Nation and Qalipu First Nation.

We encourage people to remember and reflect on the bravery of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to protect our families, homes and way of life.

Quotes
“On this day, we are mindful of the unique contributions made by Indigenous service members in times of war and peace. It is a time of remembrance for the many years of military service by brave Indigenous veterans throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We pay tribute today to the sacrifices made by Indigenous Veterans and we honour their bravery and resilience. Their contributions to military service have protected our freedoms and provided peace and security for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $380,000 in funding for Sparrow BioAcoustics Inc. to support the completion of its final proof of concept for its digital stethoscope phone app.

The company’s app, called Stethophone, turns any smartphone into a medical-grade cardiac scanner, thereby enabling fast, convenient and effective early detection of common cardiac diseases. The app is approved for use by both doctors and the public in Canada and the U.S., which represents an industry first for smartphone stethoscope products, and is currently available for use in Apple smartphones.

Sparrow BioAcoustics has used tens of thousands of cardiac audio recordings to develop machine learning and AI models with the goal of providing diagnostic levels of accuracy acceptable to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This project will support the development of more advanced AI that can be incorporated into the Stethophone app to enhance its functionality and provide sufficient medical accuracy to have the app cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device. This proposal also incorporates a clinical study in the U.S. on up to 120 subjects.

Two new full-time positions will be created because of this project. Provided the FDA approves Class II medical device status, Sparrow BioAcoustics will work towards full commercialization of the software as an over-the-counter app on the Apple App Store and Android Marketplace. The Provincial Government’s investment helps to leverage a $349,000 investment from Sparrow BioAcoustics and a $500,000 investment from ACOA for total project funding of $1,229,000.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology offers programs to support research and development projects for both commercial and non-commercial applicants. These programs help de-risk projects with commercial potential, and support the development of highly qualified people, research, innovative programming, and infrastructure that have the potential to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development capacity.

Quotes
“Sparrow BioAcoustics is another in a growing series of health tech success stories, and further shows that important and impactful health innovations are being launched from here in our province with increasing frequency. Our department is pleased to support work that will put an advanced and much-needed cardiac diagnostic tool in the palm of the hand of anyone with a smartphone.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Sparrow BioAcoustics is doing amazing work in the fight against heart disease right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. With tech like their Stethophone, they are making it easier for folks to access quality heart care in their own homes.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Investing in research and development projects in health care can be instrumental in helping people live a healthy, active lifestyle which aligns with the Health Accord’s recommendations.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Having the provincial government support new and innovative businesses is a hallmark of this administration. I offer my congratulations and best wishes to this local company for their success to date here in the province and as it extends it business across the country.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
MHA for District of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi

“Early detection leads to faster and better care. Our mission is to help millions of people by making cardiac screening accessible to everyone, everywhere, whenever they need it. It’s a problem worth solving and support here will make a huge impact.”
Mark Attila Opauszky
CEO, Sparrow BioAcoustics

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development:

Speaker, the last phase of the Team Gushue Highway was identified as a key provincial infrastructure priority, involving the completion of a north-south arterial highway route in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. It is a project that will provide significant benefits for years to come. That is why I was delighted to join our Premier in September to announce the awarding of a contract for $30 million to Bursey Excavating and Development for its completion.

Once completed, this highway will provide an alternate and more efficient route for residents on the southern Avalon to access key provincial services and infrastructure, including the province’s largest health care and post-secondary facilities. This project will alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety and enhance access to and from the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the surrounding urban and rural communities.

Speaker, this highway represents more than just asphalt and concrete. It symbolizes our government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the southern Avalon and improving connectivity. First envisioned in the 1970s, its impact will be felt throughout the broader community, strengthening our economic foundation and providing benefits for residents.

I am also delighted to inform this honourable House that construction on the multi-year project began a few weeks ago, with an anticipated completion date of fall 2026.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development:

Speaker, the last phase of the Team Gushue Highway was identified as a key provincial infrastructure priority, involving the completion of a north-south arterial highway route in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. It is a project that will provide significant benefits for years to come. That is why I was delighted to join our Premier in September to announce the awarding of a contract for $30 million to Bursey Excavating and Development for its completion.

Once completed, this highway will provide an alternate and more efficient route for residents on the southern Avalon to access key provincial services and infrastructure, including the province’s largest health care and post-secondary facilities. This project will alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety and enhance access to and from the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the surrounding urban and rural communities.

Speaker, this highway represents more than just asphalt and concrete. It symbolizes our government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the southern Avalon and improving connectivity. First envisioned in the 1970s, its impact will be felt throughout the broader community, strengthening our economic foundation and providing benefits for residents.

I am also delighted to inform this Honorable House that construction on the multi-year project began a few weeks ago, with an anticipated completion date of fall 2026.

Thank you, Speaker.

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