Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will make a funding announcement at the Pouch Cove Fire Hall tomorrow (Friday, November 22).

The announcement will take place at the Pouch Cove Municipal Building, 660 Main Road, Pouch Cove, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Minister Davis will be joined by Derek Sullivan, Fire Chief for the Pouch Cove Volunteer Fire Department.

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that it is adding to its affordability measures by matching the Government of Canada’s recently announced GST/HST tax break on essentials which will provide an estimated $48 million in provincial tax relief.

The GST/HST tax break will start on December 14, 2024, and will be in place until February 15, 2025. This will apply 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 below 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 implementation details from the Government of Canada, including all qualifying goods, are available here.

Quotes
“Today, we are announcing that we will match the Government of Canada’s GST/HST tax break on essentials from December 14, 2024, until February 15, 2025. This is yet another step we are taking to support Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with affordability measures.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Over the past couple of years, we have introduced well over $700 million in affordability measures to help residents of the province. Our decision to remove the provincial portion of HST on essential items will provide additional support for residents and businesses. This measure will be implemented by an amendment to the Federal Excise Tax Act.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Government of Canada: More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians and the Working Canadians Rebate

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 BACKGROUNDER  

Provincial Government Affordability Measures

• Removing the provincial portion of HST on essential items.
• Lowering the gas tax, reducing the cost of registering passenger vehicles, and providing free driver medicals for seniors 75 and over.
• Home heating supplement and elimination of the retail sales tax on home insurance.
• Increases to the income supplement, the seniors’ benefit and child benefit.
• Lowering child care costs to $10 a day.
• Reducing the corporate income tax payable for 6,200 small businesses.
• Increasing the exemption threshold for Health and Post-Secondary Education Tax for 1,250 businesses.
• Introducing tax credits for manufacturing and processing, film and video, and green technology.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced that an agreement has been extended between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited.

The extended agreement, which became effective on October 1 for a period of six months, includes Hydro purchasing excess green energy from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper’s Deer Lake Power assets. In turn, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper will continue its efforts to identify new revenue sources from viable wood-based projects in order to unlock Newfoundland and Labrador’s high forest potential while further stabilizing the mill’s sustainability and future.

The agreement between Hydro and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper for energy generated from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper’s existing power generation facilities will provide flexibility for Hydro to draw upon when needed, particularly during winter months. There is no impact on the ratepayer as a result of the agreement.

The Provincial Government remains optimistic about the forestry industry and continues to have ongoing discussions with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.

Quotes
“Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited continues to play a key role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s integrated forest sector. Extending this agreement is another step towards securing the future of our forest industry and ensuring the sustainability of this vital industry.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook

“Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited is working on identifying new revenue sources from viable wood-based projects. We support their efforts as they have been a valuable contributor to the forestry industry and our communities for many years.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“The extension of this agreement will ensure excess energy reserves for Hydro during winter months. At the same time, CBPP will have additional time to explore opportunities for long term sustainability for employees of the mill and the forestry industry.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook, will be available to media tomorrow (Friday, November 22) to discuss health care improvements.

Minister Byrne will be joined by Dr. Jeffery Flemming, Clinical Lead, Nuclear and Molecular Medicine, NL Health Services.

The availability will take place at Western Memorial Regional Hospital beginning at 12:00 p.m. Media are asked to meet in the main entrance of the hospital and will be escorted to the availability.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will make a funding announcement tomorrow (Friday, November 22) beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The announcement will be held at the Man in the Mountain Lookout near Trans-Canda Highway Exit 7 in Corner Brook.

Minister Byrne will be joined by members of the West Coast Cycling Association and representatives from the Trans Canada Trail.

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

Speaker, we are witnessing the growing impacts of climate change. Flooding, storm surges, and forest fires are increasing in frequency and intensity here at home and around the world. It is essential that all governments, industries, businesses, and residents work to reduce their emissions and adapt to our changing environment.

I am pleased to say that the province has implemented all 45 recommendations in the 2019-2024 Climate Change Action Plan, with the development of two climate change action plans underway for the 2025-2030 timeline.

Our Climate Change Mitigation Plan will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet our reduction targets while setting out a framework to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan will focus on actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This plan will be the first stand-alone climate change adaptation plan for the province.

There are signs that we are moving in the right direction. Newfoundland and Labrador’s climate change initiatives have resulted in the lowest greenhouse gas emissions levels since 1996; 8.6 million tonnes in 2022. This is a significant drop under the 10.1 million tonne average of the past 10 years.

We all share a responsibility to tackle the impacts of climate change and protect our environment. While the work ahead is challenging, I am heartened to see the progress we are making towards transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

Thank you.

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Newfoundland and Labrador is joining the global community to mark World Fisheries Day 2024 today and celebrate the vital role the fisheries play in supporting our coastal communities.

World Fisheries Day, held annually on November 21, is an opportunity to celebrate the important contribution that fisheries make around the world. This special day helps foster discussions on local fisheries, important aquatic habitats, and highlights the role that fisheries play in our province.

Among the activities for World Fisheries Day, the department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture welcomed students to reflect on the importance of our fisheries by participating in a creative writing contest.

Students were asked to contribute to Charley’s Adventures, a spin-off series of the provincial book Charley, a Day in the Bay. Young minds were encouraged to be creative and learn more about our marine environment by writing a fictional short story based in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. Kindergarten to Grade 6 students throughout the province participated in this contest. Winners are listed in the backgrounder below.

In 2023, the province’s fishing sector was valued at $1.4 billion and provided incomes for more than 16,000 residents of the province. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing sector continues to feed the world’s increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood by exporting to over 40 countries annually.

Quote
“Today we celebrate the rich history and the modern-day impact our fisheries have on our culture, economy, and society here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I congratulate all the students who embraced the opportunity to learn about our marine environment and encourage all residents to take a moment today to acknowledge the important contributions that our fisheries workers make every day to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of this vital sector.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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BACKGROUNDER

2024 World Fisheries Day Creative Writing Contest Winners
Primary Category (K-3)

Winner:
Charley’s Bad Day – R. Vincent, Class Submission, Gill Memorial Academy, Musgrave Harbour

Honourable Mentions:
Charley’s Adventures in the Big Land – P. Cobb and N. Blanchard, Class Submission, Amos Comenius Memorial School, Hopedale, Nunatsiavut

Charley’s Adventures, Lost at Sea…- L. Vatcher, Student Submission, Twillingate Island Elementary, Twillingate

Elementary Category (4-6)
Winner:

Charley, and the Chewtastic Adventure – J. Caines, Class Submission, Eastside Elementary, Corner Brook,

Honourable Mentions:
Charley, Trouble in St. Mary’s- L. Tobin, Student Submission, Holy Family Elementary, Paradise

Charley Finds a Shark – N. Dango, Student Submission, St. Georges Elementary, Conception Bay South

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A St. John’s-based company that has developed an aeroponic appliance for growing herbs and vegetables indoors is receiving support from the Provincial Government to grow its business. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $146,531 for Aera Agriculture to support the development of its smart farming device known as Victory.

Aera’s goal is to revolutionize food production through automated aeroponic farming appliances. Victory is a fridge-sized appliance that uses innovative aeroponic technology allowing users to grow and maintain a consistent level of produce in a commercial setting. It can grow a wide variety of plants, from leafy greens to root vegetables, and it has software that includes a proprietary crop management system, remote access capabilities, and comprehensive dashboard analytics.

Aera’s first commercial product will be strategically aimed at restaurants, with a particular focus on mid-to-upscale independently owned restaurants encountering significant obstacles in sourcing affordable, high-quality fresh produce. Currently, Aera has secured commitments from five customers, comprising local restaurants within the St. John’s area to participate in trials of pre-production iterations of Aera’s smart farming appliances.

Leveraging the financial support provided by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Aera will invest a further $163,118 for this project. In addition, the company is receiving advisory services and up to $57,168 in research and development funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to support growth trials using its smart farming appliance.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology offers programs to support research and development projects for both commercial and non-commercial applicants. These programs reduce the technical and financial risk of research and development projects where research and development is required to realize the commercial potential of innovative products, processes or services.

Quotes
“By bolstering local food production networks and supply chains while also mitigating negative environmental impacts of long-distance transportation, the technology being developed by Aera has the potential to make strong contributions to food security and quality in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The Provincial Government supports a variety of innovative technologies such as vertical growing systems, new greenhouse designs and materials, and lighting and watering systems to help farmers expand growth in the hydroponics sector. We’re pleased to see support for another innovative initiative that improves hydroponic crop production practices and feasibility.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Commercial kitchens have long struggled with the availability, quality and cost of acquiring fresh produce. The Victory farm places food production inside restaurants, giving them full control over their food supply for less cost. Our novel technology grows more yield and variety than anything on the market, and this funding allows us to validate Victory in a restaurant setting as an easy-to-use appliance that provides access to fresh, secure, and sustainable produce all year long.”
Shawn Fisher
CEO and Founder, Aera Agriculture

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety today announced the appointment of Michael King as Provincial Court judge for Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Mr. King was the previous director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT-NL).

Minister Davis has also announced the appointment Stephen Ring as interim director of SIRT-NL. A competition process for the permanent director position for SIRT-NL will begin in the coming weeks.

Both appointments are effective immediately.

Biographies of both appointees can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Congratulations to Judge Michael King to his appointment to the Bench in Happy Valley Goose-Bay. I thank him for his important work and dedication to his previous role as the director of SIRT-NL. I also congratulate Stephen Ring on his appointment as interim Director of SIRT-NL. Both Mr. King and Mr. Ring demonstrate high levels of professionalism, legal insight and determination, and their appointments will be of great benefit to the province.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of Newly Appointed Provincial Court Judge and Interim Director of SIRT-NL
Michael King
In September 2019, Michael King was appointed for a five-year term as the first civilian Director of SIRT-NL. He was reappointed to that position for an additional term of five years effective September 30, 2024. Mr. King graduated from University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Laws in 2003. Following his articles of law with the Crown Attorney’s Office, he was admitted to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 2004. Prior to his appointment as Director, SIRT-NL, Mr. King worked as legal counsel in private practice, with experience in both civil and criminal matters and appearances in all levels of court in Newfoundland and Labrador. He completed his undergraduate degree in 2000, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (English) from Memorial University.

Mr. King is currently Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Civilian Oversight in Law Enforcement, having served as a Board member for that organization since 2022. He also previously served as Bar Admission Course Instructor for the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and as Chair of the Criminal Section for the Canadian Bar Association, NL Branch.

Stephen Ring
Stephen Ring has been a solicitor with the Department of Justice and Public Safety since 2001. He has spent over half of his career giving legal advice to corrections and community services.

Other roles within the Department of Justice and Safety included Director of the Access to Information and Protection Office and Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission. Most recently, Mr. Ring held the position of Director of the Civil Division and was responsible for giving legal advice to the Department of Finance and Treasury Board Secretariat.

Mr. Ring has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta.

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Residents are invited to attend an open house to discuss proposed protected areas for Halls Gullies and Ripple Pond on the Avalon Peninsula. These public engagement initiatives are being facilitated by the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC).

In-person open houses for residents and stakeholders will take place at the following locations:

• Whitbourne Elementary School, Whitbourne, Sunday, November 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Fergus and Fred Linehan Heritage Centre, Colinet, Monday, November 25, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m.

There is also an online questionnaire available for those who would like to provide their feedback. The deadline for the online questionnaire is December 20, 2024.

Information about the two proposed protected areas is available on Home For Nature: Public Engagements on Proposed Protected Areas | EngageNL.

For more details on these and other protected sites, visit the Environment and Climate Change website.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will participate in the release of the St. John’s’ Community Plan to End Homelessness 2024-2028 tomorrow (Thursday, November 21).

The event will take place at the St. John’s Community Market, 245 Freshwater Road, at 10:00 a.m.

The Community Plan is a project of End Homelessness St. John’s, made possible through the participation of numerous individuals and organizations. End Homelessness St. John’s works collaboratively with community and public system stakeholders towards preventing and ending homelessness in St. John’s.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

Speaker, I rise in this honourable House to talk about two important events that brought Indigenous communities together as we honoured the Beothuk with statue unveilings in Botwood and St. John’s.

On September 30, bronze statues were unveiled in Botwood to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of a young Beothuk woman, Demasduit, her husband Nonosabasut, and their newborn child.

It is a tragic story, but confronting uncomfortable truths from our past is necessary on the path to reconciliation.

In St. John’s on October 11, another bronze statue was unveiled on the steps of Confederation Building based on a sketching produced by Brittany Wiseman of Conne River. Created by Morgan MacDonald, this statue is dedicated to the Beothuk and is a significant project to honour their history and culture.

In addition, a mural created by Grand Falls-Windsor artist Craig Goudie was unveiled in the east block lobby. This beautiful canvas depicts a young Beothuk family and will be an important piece of our Indigenous artistic presentations.

Other pieces of artwork have been commissioned and we are working with Indigenous partners to plan for future unveilings. We thank them for collaborating with us to identify Indigenous artists and to deliver such powerful and meaningful commemorative displays.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet with provincial tourism leaders for the biannual Tourism Leadership Summit.

At the meeting, I was able to provide an update on the 2024 tourism season.

I was proud to share that this was a pivotal year for tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador and we have officially reached recovery in terms of surpassing the pre-pandemic visitation numbers.

In 2024, notably, air services have increased significantly with a 21 per cent capacity boost compared to 2023. Inbound non-stop air capacity numbers have consistently surpassed 2019 levels for several months.

Overall, the tourism and hospitality industry is making significant strides toward achieving the goals outlined in Vision 2026. To date, enhancements in air access capacity, the launch of a comprehensive tourism research plan, and a revised marketing strategy in collaboration with industry partners have been implemented.

Additionally, sustainable tourism practices are being promoted, targeted training for hospitality staff is underway, and local business partnerships are being strengthened to enhance visitor experiences, all while engaging with stakeholders to refine strategies for future success.

As we go forward, we remain optimistic about our growth and potential and, together with our stakeholders, will continue to showcase the unique beauty and culture of our province.

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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Announces its 2024 Scholarship Winners

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, is today announcing the recipients of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing’s 2024 Scholarships for tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies.

Every year, NL Housing awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school graduates and to mature students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. To qualify, recipients or their legal guardians must be living in an NL Housing rental unit or in one subsidized by NL Housing.

This year there are 15 recipients, including six youth scholarship recipients and nine adult scholarship winners. Recipients are studying in various post-secondary disciplines, including commerce and nursing. Notably, three siblings from one home in Labrador City are pursuing an education in either of engineering, electrical studies, and the visual arts.

NLHC Youth Scholarship recipients include:

• Rovic Cinco of Labrador City is a graduate of Menihek High School attending College of the North Atlantic.
• Ethan Gillard of Twillingate is a graduate of J.M. Olds Collegiate and is attending College of the North Atlantic.
• Yasmin Alsherif of St. John’s is a graduate of Holy Heart of Mary High School and is attending Memorial University.
• Abaigeal Marsh of Bishop’s Falls is a graduate of Botwood Collegiate and is now attending Memorial University.
• Krista Snow of Mount Pearl is a graduate of O’Donel High School and is attending Memorial University.

Here are the NLHC Adult Scholarship winners:

• Ron Cinco of Labrador City is attending Memorial University.
• Ethan Clarke of Whitbourne is attending the Canadian Training Institute.
• Dakota Butler of St. John’s is attending Memorial University.
• Ashley Delaney of St. John’s is attending College of the North Atlantic.
• Mason Saunders of Labrador City is attending Algonquin College in Ontario.
• Ruth Cinco of Labrador City is attending College of the North Atlantic.
• Brandi Haynes of St. John’s is attending College of the North Atlantic.

Three recipients requested not to have their name shared publicly. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.

Quote
“Post-secondary education is a noble pursuit, and one that sets individuals on a path for a secure and prosperous future. I am pleased to congratulate the 15 recipients of these scholarships, and I wish them all success in their studies.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Newfoundland and Labrador’s Office of the Seniors’ Advocate (OSA) has released its annual Status Report on Recommendations 2023-2024.

The Seniors’ Advocate Act provides the legislative authority for the Seniors’ Advocate to make recommendations to government, government agencies, service providers and community groups to improve legislation, policies, programs, and services impacting seniors. The first recommendations were issued in 2019 and since that time, 57 per cent of the OSA recommendations have been implemented, 30 per cent have been partially implemented and 13 per cent have no measurable advancement.

The greatest advancement of the OSA recommendations are from the 2019 report Long May Your Big Jib Draw with 72 per cent implemented, 24 per cent partially implemented and 4 per cent not implemented. This represents an improvement in all categories over last year from 64 per cent, 28 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.

There has been less progress on the What Golden Years? report recommendations, which were issued to address the financial challenges seniors are facing. It is acknowledged that this report was released in November of 2023 and the covering period of the status report ended on March 31, 2024.

Quote
“I am pleased that the majority of the recommendations made by the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate continue to move towards implementation. It is imperative that government advance on the OSA recommendations outlined in the What Golden Years? report, which are all related to improving the finances of seniors in this province. Seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador have the lowest income of seniors in Canada, and they are struggling.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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Status Report on Recommendations 2023-2024

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The Provincial Government is reminding residents that the national emergency alerting system, Alert Ready, is scheduled to issue an emergency test message through television, radio and compatible wireless devices today, Wednesday, November 20, at 10:45 a.m. (NDT) and 10:15 a.m. (ADT) in most of Labrador.

Be advised some residents will not receive the test alert on their wireless device due to device compatibility, LTE network connection, cell tower coverage, device software and/or settings. Check your phone’s compatibility here.

As Canada’s emergency alerting system, Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts through television, radio and compatible wireless devices. In 2023, the Alert Ready system distributed over 1,000 emergency alerts across Canada.

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The Provincial Government is closely monitoring the current labour situation at Canada Post and its impact on residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you receive benefit payments via cheque from the Provincial Government, please contact the applicable government department or agency to find out how you can continue to receive these payments without disruption.

Income Support
Individuals in receipt of Income Support payments via cheque can call 1-877-729-7888 for assistance.

Teachers’ Pension
For teachers’ pension enquiries, please phone 709-729-7054 or 709-729-7144, or email pensionerpayroll@gov.nl.ca.

Employment Services
For enquires about employment services, please phone 1-800-563-6600 or email EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.

Post-Secondary
Post-secondary students accessing the Student Aid Program should expect minimal impact due to the Canada Post labour dispute. Students should continue to utilize existing electronic channels for submitting any required documentation. Students can continue to send documents to studentaidmailbox@gov.nl.ca.

For any enquiries, post-secondary students can call 709-729-5849 or toll-free 1-888-657-0800, email studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca or visit the Student Aid Office in Coughlan College, 216 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s Campus, Memorial University.

Supplier form
Additionally, we are encouraging any vendors still receiving payments via cheques to transition to direct deposit, if possible. Supplier Form – Treasury Board Secretariat

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The Provincial Government is advising residents that the national emergency alerting system, Alert Ready, is scheduled to issue an emergency test message through television, radio and compatible wireless devices tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20, at 10:45 a.m. (NST) and 10:15 a.m. (AST) in most of Labrador.

Some residents will not receive the test alert on their wireless device due to device compatibility, LTE network connection, cell tower coverage, device software and/or settings. Check your phone’s compatibility here.

As Canada’s emergency alerting system, Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts through television, radio and compatible wireless devices. A partnership of federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers, the system ensures residents receive emergency alerts immediately, to take action and to stay safe.

In 2023, the Alert Ready system distributed over 1,000 public emergency alert messages to Canadians.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

Speaker, everyone deserves the opportunity to obtain employment.

That is the purpose of our Supported Employment Program, which is essential in promoting inclusivity and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to find meaningful work.

This past year, we invested $10 million in the program, providing resources and services that helped more than 650 individuals participate in meaningful employment.

Individuals like Brock Pittman, who is currently watching from the public gallery. Brock is a second-year student studying political science at Memorial University and today is my mentee through Avalon Employment and MentorAbility NL. He was looking for a mentor in politics.

Initiatives like this open doors and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to thrive as valued members of our workforce.

We fund the Supported Employment Program because it is a compassionate approach, but also because it empowers people and makes our economy more productive.

Speaker, I urge my fellow MHAs to support this program, and to consider mentoring individuals within our communities, someone like Brock Pittman. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced support for a St. John’s financial tech company which is bringing machine learning innovation to its accounting intelligence and workflow automation software. Keen Payroll and Staffing will receive $284,000 from the Provincial Government for improvements to its MyKeen Financial Platform.

Keen Payroll and Staffing Inc. (Keen) was founded with a vision of streamlining the accounting processes for businesses, making the process more efficient, accurate and accessible. Keen aims to serve the evolving needs of small and medium-sized businesses with a comprehensive suite of offerings including accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, financial management, and tax compliance.

Unlike traditional accounting software solutions that primarily focuses on historical data analysis, the MyKeen Financial Platform will leverage advance machine learning algorithms to provide business intelligence, decision-making and automations rooted in predictive financial insights and foresight. The company will use machine learning to review data patterns and predict trends by including a broader set of historical, current and external data sources. The software allows users to forecast future financial conditions with greater accuracy and enables proactive decision-making and strategic planning.

The MyKeen platform also features an AI-driven interactive assistant which can understand complex requests, provide financial advice, and draft communications on behalf of accountants. It can also recommend actions based on the analysis of financial data. This level of interaction and support from an AI assistant is unparalleled in current accounting software offerings, setting MyKeen apart as a leader in innovative user engagement.

Through the proof-of-concept, Keen intends to demonstrate the technical feasibility of these innovations, assess their integration with existing software, and evaluate their impact on user experience and client service quality. This project will validate the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence within the platform to enhance financial predictions and client communication, with the goal of delivering a competitive product for the accounting industry.

This provincial investment helps leverage a $395,000 investment from the applicant.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador has shown itself to be a leader in financial technology. Our support for this project will contribute to job creation and skill development in high-tech fields, enhancing local employment and technical expertise. We are pleased to support Keen as it works to improve its product.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We’re thrilled to receive support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The MyKeen Financial Platform empowers accounting firms to leverage AI, providing SME clients with predictive insights and intelligent automation to make data-driven decisions confidently. This investment from the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology accelerates our product development. We are incredibly excited to help transform accounting with our financial technology and contribute to the growth of our local ecosystem.”
James Lanning
CEO, Keen

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