Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will attend the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) from July 3-5 in Calgary, Alberta.

EMMC is an annual gathering of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for energy and mining portfolios. Ministers will discuss shared priorities for collaborative action to advance energy and mining development across the country.

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The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) will meet in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Ministers will explore carbon management and discuss climate change adaptation and resilience.

CCME is made up of environment ministers from each of the provinces and territories and the Government of Canada. The current president of CCME, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, will host the meeting, which will be held at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square.

At the close of the meeting on Wednesday, July 10, at 4:00 p.m. (NDT), CCME will issue a communiqué and hold a news conference in the Fort William Ballroom A and B. The Avalon Room will be available as a working room for journalists after 3:00 p.m. NDT.

Members of the media, including journalists from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, may join the news conference in person or via videoconference. To register for the news conference, please visit https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69663190306. Please confirm your participation by noon NDT, Wednesday, July 10.

The final communiqué will be posted on the CCME website (ccme.ca) as soon as it is available on July 10.

Further details on CCME are available at www.ccme.ca.(Également offert en français)

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The following is being distributed at the request of The Rooms Corporation:

A sculpture carved by Labrador-based (Nunatsiavut) artist Billy Gauthier has been purchased by The Rooms through a major donation by philanthropist Elinor Gill Ratcliffe.

The Earth Our Mother, was carved from a huge fin whale skull in August 2023 over seven days during the Bonavista Biennale. It is the largest work the artist has created to date. Animal life, landscapes, and faces emerge, telling a multi-part story that holds considerable meaning. The work reflects Gauthier’s relationship to his ancestors, the land, his Inuk heritage, and carries with it the artist’s appeal for responsible stewardship of the planet for future generations.

The donation will ensure that this important artwork remains in the province and in the public domain as Gauthier intended. This generous donation will also support Gauthier’s ongoing artistic practice, as well as programming for schools that The Rooms plans to develop in order to share the message of environmental stewardship carried by the piece. The donation solidifies Billy Gauthier as one of the most significant artists of this province. The remainder of the donation supports the extensive conservation that was required to bring the sculpture into the gallery.

Many resources and much ingenuity went into ensuring the artwork would be displayed publicly, including the safe transportation of this enormous but delicate artwork. The sculpture required isolation for conservation before being placed on exhibition in the gallery. When examining the artwork at The Rooms last October, our conservator discovered insects living deep within the sculpture – before reaching Gauthier, the whalebone had rested outdoors for over 40 years. A unique and innovative conservation approach was developed to ensure the artwork could be moved indoors permanently. The Rooms is grateful to Colbourne Industrial Services for assisting with this endeavour which took several months.

The sculpture was placed on display in The Rooms Level 4 Gallery to mark National Indigenous People’s Day and is now available for public viewing.

Quote
“The people I’d like to reach the most through this truthful tale are the ones with the patience, persistence, and unconditional drive to right our wrongs on our only true home: The Earth. I love science, culture, poetry, nature, visual arts, and truth. This is my attempt to merge them all.”
Billy Gauthier
Labrador-based (Nunatsiavut) artist

“I am an admirer and avid follower of Billy’s work. I was fortunate to be able to view The Earth, Our Mother while Billy was carving her in Bonavista. I knew immediately that this significant work carried an extremely important message, and, like Billy, I wanted to ensure this message would be shared with the people of this province.”
Elinor Gill Ratcliffe,
Philanthropist

“We are so grateful to Billy for creating this magnificent work, and to Elinor for her incredibly generous donation. We recognize the vital message that comes with this beautiful sculpture and we will work to share it with both residents and visitors to this province.”
Anne Chafe,
CEO, The Rooms Corporation

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 5 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (Reg. 2314)

The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2022-2026). The Project is proposed in Forest Management District 5, approximately one kilometre west of the town of Benton in Central Newfoundland. The amendment would create a new harvest block that covers approximately 49 hectares and would provide access to 4800 cubic metres of harvestable timber.  The Forest Management District’s harvest level would be balanced by reducing harvesting elsewhere in the district. No further primary access road construction is anticipated to facilitate this harvesting.

The undertaking was registered on June 26, 2024; the deadline for public comment is August 2, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by August 10, 2024.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Steady Brook Residential Property                              (Reg. 2308)
Proponent: Susan Kim Dawson                                                           

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the 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-2308/.

Watson’s Pond Quarry                                                     (Reg. 2309)
Proponent: Marine Contractors Inc.                                                    

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the 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-2309/.

Crown Zone 2 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (Reg. 2310)

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the 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-2310/.

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 Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-030 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-2024-030 Report Date: June 27, 2024 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Memorial University for records relating to the resumes and cover letters for several employment competitions with the University. The University provided the Complainant with responsive records but withheld the personal information contained in the records, including educational and employment history, citing section 40(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The University also disclosed a form used for evaluating candidates but withheld the actual evaluations pursuant to section 32(a) of the Act. The Complainant asserted that the qualifications of candidates and their evaluations should be disclosed. This Office determined that the University properly applied both sections 40(1) and 32(a), noting the Act’s explicit classification of employment and educational history as personal information, the sensitivity of this information, and the need to provide confidentiality in the hiring process.

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

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and Craig Foley, Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, are issuing a joint statement today in reaction to Marine Atlantic Inc.’s announcement that the Argentia service will be delayed until July 10.

“It is completely unacceptable for one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s vital transportation links to be inoperable during the peak tourism season. We know that businesses are suffering significant losses due to cancellations from the rerouting of passengers from Argentia to Port aux Basques, not to mention the considerable inconvenience that it has created for both visitors and residents of the province. We are deeply concerned about the damage this has done to our reputation as a tourism destination.

Industry and government have worked collaboratively to address access issues over the last few years. Access to, from and around this province continues to be the top priority for the tourism industry and situations such as this impact tourism’s growth and development. The compressed schedule on the Port aux Basques service has allowed for Argentia traffic to be accommodated as temporary relief to the situation. This approach, however, is not sustainable and the added pressure on Marine Atlantic Inc.’s fleet and human resources may strain and negatively impact the Port aux Basques service, as well.

We have requested an urgent meeting with The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, to bring forward the concerns of the tourism industry and to gain an understanding of what the Federal Government plans to do about this incredibly challenging situation. Furthermore, we have requested a meeting with the Ala’suinu’s owner, Stena North Sea Limited, as well as Marine Atlantic, to ensure that more permanent solutions are found and clear, definitive communications can be shared with visitors and tourism businesses alike. At this point, we need clarity, not announcements on further delays.”

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The Provincial Government is encouraging the public in Western and Central Labrador to take precautions to protect their health due to smoke from wildfires that may cause a reduction in air quality.

The following groups are considered at higher risk of experiencing health effects from smoke:

• People who are pregnant.
• Young children.
• Older adults aged 65 and over.
• People who have underlying medical conditions.
• People who physically exert themselves outside for work or sports.

Minor symptoms can include headaches, a mild cough, sore and watery eyes, and nose and throat irritation. More serious, but less common, symptoms can include severe cough, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and wheezing.

The best way to protect against the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure to smoke and seek cleaner air by:

• Keeping windows and doors closed and stay cool.
• Sealing windows and doors properly with weather stripping, if necessary.
• Finding clean cool air.
• Limiting outdoor and strenuous activity.
• Turning off or using recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system.
• Using a portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner to filter the air in one area of your home.
• Visiting public spaces such as community centres, libraries, and stores which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air.
• Drinking water to reduce inflammation caused by exposure to smoke.
• Caring for those who are vulnerable to wildfire smoke.

Residents are encouraged to contact 811 or to see a health-care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the smoke. Residents experiencing a medical emergency should contact 911. If you are unable to reach 911 in an emergency after trying to call from both your cell phone and landline, the public is advised to present at the nearest emergency department.

If you have a chronic health condition and you use rescue medications, make sure that you have enough medication at home and carry it with you when there is wildfire smoke in the area.

The Provincial Government recognizes that this may be a difficult time for people in our communities and encourages them to avail of mental health resources, if necessary. For a full listing of available resources, please visit: https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca/adult/mental-health-services-during-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/. Counsellors are also onsite to support evacuated residents in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Residents in the province can check air quality in their region by consulting the Air Quality Health Index on the Government of Canada website.

For the latest information on the status of wildfires in Labrador, please visit: NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

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Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are advised that there will be a military flypast, gun salutes and rifle volleys during the July 1 commemoration of the province’s National War Memorial centennial.

These ceremonial elements will be loud and may be distressing to people and animals.

The details are as follows:

Flypast
A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules from 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, will conduct a flypast over the National War Memorial at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 1. The aircraft will fly at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route.

Flypasts by Royal Canadian Armed Forces aircraft are carefully planned and closely controlled for public safety and are dependent upon weather and flying conditions.

Gun Salute
Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:19 a.m., Combat Engineer Regiment will conduct a 19 round gun salute with blanks at a rate of once per minute to mark the time that the Canadian Armed Forces contingent marches to the National War Memorial. The shots will be fired from Queen’s Battery. Access to the Queen’s Battery area will be strictly controlled during this time.

Rifle Volleys
The guard for the interment of the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier will fire a 7 rifle, 3 round volley of blanks during the committal of remains at approximately 10:55 a.m. on July 1.

As well, HCMS Goose Bay will arrive at Pier 17 at approximately 2:30 p.m. on June 30. On the morning of July 1, HMCS Goose Bay will come alongside Harvey’s Berth next to King’s Beach for the ceremony. During the ceremony members of HMCS Goose Bay will be on the deck of the vessel for the ceremony.

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In just a few short days, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will come together to commemorate the centennial of the National War Memorial and to pay our respects to our unknown First World War soldier.

On July 1, 2024, the Memorial Day ceremony and burial of the unknown will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m.

For those who would like to attend the commemoration in downtown St. John’s, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be providing a shuttle bus service from Confederation Building to the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Building. Parking is available in the Confederation Building parking lots and shuttles will take place at the following times:

• 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. (from Confederation Building to the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Building)
• 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (return from the Sir Humphrey Gilbert Building to Confederation Building)

The public are welcome to watch the ceremony from Harbourside Park, Water Street, or Duckworth Street. However, there will be restricted access around the National War Memorial to facilitate ceremonial elements such as the Canadian Armed Forces parade. There will be several large screens in place on both Duckworth and Water Streets showing the event.

In addition to attending the events in-person downtown, there are alternate viewing locations for the commemorative ceremony. These locations are:

• The theatre at the Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue
• The Fort William Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square

The ceremony will also be broadcast both locally and nationally for those who would like to watch from home.

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The Provincial Government has reinstated a recruitment and retention incentive for retired registered nurses and nurse practitioners seeking to return to work or who are already employed by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Retired registered nurses and nurse practitioners who meet license eligibility requirements are eligible for reimbursement of license-related fees up to $500 with a return in service commitment of 390 hours per year. The incentive is available until March 31, 2025.

In 2022, close to 230 retired nurses availed of the incentive to return to the workforce.

The incentive was introduced following a Nursing Think Tank in 2022 to address concerns and challenges facing the nursing profession. Findings from the think tank continue to inform the province’s recruitment and retention efforts for the nursing profession.

Signing bonuses are also available for selected nursing positions that target difficult-to-fill positions and address geographic considerations, as well as incentives for nurses to work in long-term care and family care teams. More than 520 nurses have been hired by NL Health Services since April 2023.

More information on recruitment and retention incentives for health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca.

Budget 2024 includes $10 million to continue recruitment and retention of health care professionals.

Quotes
“We made a commitment to help address the workplace challenges faced by our nursing community. Our incentives and signing bonuses are helping to alleviate the pressures in our province’s health care system, as we continue to improve health care delivery in the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We are pleased to see this investment in those who are working within our publicly funded, publicly delivered health care system.”
Yvette Coffey
President, Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Announces Program to Help Attract New Nurses to the Profession

Efforts Continue to Attract Health Care Workers Through Expansion of Come Home Incentive

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, is extending congratulations to several employees who recently received special recognition for their work.

The Motor Registration Division’s Newfoundland and Labrador Insurance Validation Program was recently recognized by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) with the 2024 Regional Award for Innovative Use of Technology. The award is presented to jurisdictions who have implemented technology tools that directly enhance access to services or the service experience.

The Insurance Validation Program, launched in December 2022, is a partnership between the Provincial Government and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. With technical support from the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the program applies a secure, effective and convenient digital solution to notify the Motor Registration Division when a vehicle’s insurance policy is no longer valid. Funding was provided by Transport Canada through the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program (ERSTPP).

Earlier this month, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) presented Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles Krista Cull with the 2024 Jennie Howie Government Member Award. The award honours a member who has made a significant contribution to CCMTA and whose primary role in their day-to-day work is directly associated with the coordination, administration, regulation and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety.

Also this month, Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles Lisa King received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional dedication and contribution to safety in Canada. Lisa has served as a voice for road safety issues and training for several years, as a Board Member of the Canada Safety Council.

In addition to these external awards, Sarah Burgess, Manager of Strategic Business Practices, was recognized by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a 2024 Public Service Award of Excellence. Ms. Burgess was nominated for her enthusiastic and innovative approach to problem solving, and for consistently going above and beyond to understand the needs of citizens.

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“We are fortunate to have such amazing, brilliant and dedicated members of our public service solving problems and improving services for citizens in Newfoundland and Labrador. I extend a sincere thank you for the hard work and dedication of all employees who demonstrate their commitment to public service every day and I extend my congratulations to those who have received special recognition in recent months. Everyone benefits from your innovation and commitment to improving safety on our roads. Thank you for all that you do.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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The public is reminded to exercise care and caution when using personal fireworks during Canada Day celebrations this weekend.

Provincial forest fire regulations do not restrict the use of personal fireworks; however, individuals are encouraged to check with municipal authorities to ensure the use of personal fireworks do not violate local regulations that may be in effect.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Fire Commissioner is advising municipalities to implement and enforce any applicable municipal bylaws or directives relating to open fires and the discharge of fireworks. Residents in violation of provincial Forest Fire Regulations may be subject to fines and penalties, including costs associated with fighting a forest fire as well as imprisonment.

If you are using fireworks, please note:

• Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area. If applicable, only use in an approved location designated by a community, city or fire department.
• Monitor wind strength and direction to ensure fireworks do not impact buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions or dry brush/grass.
• Respect your neighbours and their properties. Be aware of the impact fireworks can have on family pets. It is a good idea to advise neighbours with pets that you intend to use fireworks.
• Ensure all spectators are at least 20 metres away from the fireworks at all times;
• Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when lighting fireworks.
• Always bury aerial fireworks to half their length either in the ground or in a large bucket filled with soil or sand.
• Always have water ready to soak fireworks after they have fired.
• Wait 30 minutes before attempting to pick up misfired fireworks and never attempt to re-light them. After retrieving them, soak them in water along with used fireworks.
• Dispose of soaked fireworks in an outdoor, fire-resistant garbage can, away from buildings and flammable materials.

In accordance with provincial Fire Protection Services Regulations a person shall not discharge or display family fireworks unless that person is over 18 years of age, discharges fireworks in accordance with instructions printed on each item or package, and exercises care and caution in the discharge of those fireworks.

A reminder that the outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land has been lifted for the Island of Newfoundland but remains in effect for Labrador until further notice. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act. For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Forest Management District Office.

Residents are urged to do everything they can to prevent forest fires. Anyone planning a fire should check Public Reminders for Forest Season and current Fire Hazard Ratings for their area for information.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires is available from the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

The Forest Fire Season for the island portion of the province started on May 1 and will remain in effect until September 30, while in Labrador the forest fire season started on May 15, and will remain in effect until September 30.

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The outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land has been lifted for the Island of Newfoundland but remains in effect for Labrador until further notice. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act.

The setting of fires on forest land or within 300 meters of forest land is prohibited in all areas of Labrador.

In areas that are not on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land, fires are only permitted if set in a wood burning unit that:

• Is made entirely of non-combustible materials.
• completely contains the fire.
• Is screened to prevent the escape of sparks or other burning materials.
• Rests on legs or supports and placed on mineral soil or non-combustible material having a surface area of not less than 1.5 square metres.
• Is located not less than 3.5 meters from the nearest woods, brush or other flammable materials.

The fire ban does not apply to a fire set using a gas, kerosene, alcohol, propane or charcoal burning unit, provided it is not used within 3.5 metres of any woods, brush or other flammable material.

All coals from a charcoal-burning unit must be totally extinguished before being discarded and must not be discarded in any manner that may start a fire.

Significant firefighting resources have recently been dedicated to wildfire suppression impacting the community of Churchill Falls. The outdoor fire ban will continue to help reduce the wildfire risk in Labrador and support the efforts of wildfire suppression teams actioning active fires.

On the Island of Newfoundland, a Permit to Burn is required to burn brush and other materials during Forest Fire Season. Permits are available by contacting a local Forestry and Wildlife District Office.

Residents are urged to do everything they can to prevent forest fires. Off-road vehicle operators should use a proper screening or baffling device to prevent sparks from escaping and carry a fire extinguisher with a minimum of 225 grams of ABC-class dry chemical when travelling in grassy or wooded areas.

Anyone planning a fire should check Public Reminders for Forest Season and current Fire Hazard Ratings for their area for information.

When the Fire Hazard rating is HIGH, VERY HIGH, or EXTREME for a region, all Permits to Burn for that region are suspended. When the rating is VERY HIGH, or EXTREME for a region, open or outdoor fires are NOT PERMITTED.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires is available from the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

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Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government considered a number of issues at their annual meeting in St. John’s. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance priorities related to local governments and share best practices.

“I was pleased to welcome Ministers responsible for Local Government to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr. John Haggie, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and 2023-24 Chair of the Provincial-Territorial Table of Ministers for Local Government. “This year’s annual meeting provided ample opportunity to work together to learn more about shared priorities and the actions we are taking to advance those priorities.”

Provincial and Territorial Ministers invited the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada, for a brief discussion about the continued need for increased meaningful engagement by the Federal Government with provinces and territories during the development of new programs. They conveyed that infrastructure is a priority for all jurisdictions and reiterated the need for predictable and flexible federal infrastructure funding that complements and aligns with provincial and territorial investments and priorities, including economic growth, affordable housing, climate resiliency, as well as community safety and well-being.

Ministers also discussed land use planning, financial and fiscal tools to support growth and talked about new innovative legal provisions introduced by some provincial governments. Ministers also discussed lessons learned with respect to bilateral infrastructure agreements.

“As provincial and territorial ministers, we remain committed to strengthening our municipalities, and working with the Federal Government to ensure required resources are available to address challenges municipalities are facing,” said Minister Haggie.

The Table of Ministers Responsible for Local Government approved the priorities for the year ahead on infrastructure funding, addressing sustainable growth, as well as governance and capacity building. Working groups will develop work plans that identify strategic outcomes and report back to the table.

The Ministers agreed on the importance of constructive, cooperative provincial, territorial and local government relationships and the need to share information and ideas on key issues relating to local governments and communities across Canada.

The next annual meeting of Ministers Responsible for Local Government will be held in New Brunswick in 2025.

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Les ministres provinciaux et territoriaux responsables des administrations locales se sont réuni à St. John’s, à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, pour discuter des priorités communes des municipalités au Canada

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Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are reminded that the lying in state for Newfoundland and Labrador’s unknown soldier begins tomorrow (Friday, June 28).

Members of the public are invited to pay their respects in the main lobby of Confederation Building, East Block from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30.

The hours for the lying-in-state are as follows:

June 28, 2024
1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

June 29, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

June 30, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Visitation can be accessed via the main entrance to the East Block Lobby. People with mobility issues can enter Confederation Building via the accessible north-east entrance (House of Assembly public gallery entrance). See attached map.

For enhanced safety, please be advised that security screening with wands will be conducted at the building entrance. Additionally, visitors are reminded that backpacks will not be permitted in the lying-in-state space and security may request to search bags upon entry.

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-029 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-2024-029 Report Date: June 26, 2024 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Memorial University for records relating to the drafts of the Auditor General’s performance audit of the University that was released in October 2023. The University withheld all responsive records related to this request on the grounds that they were “audit working papers.” Pursuant to section 30(2) of the Auditor General Act, 2021, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 does not apply to the disclosure of audit working papers. The Complaint claimed that the definition of audit working papers was too broad and that the exception could not be applicable to records created after the final draft of the audit report was delivered to the Provincial Government but not yet tabled in the House of Assembly. This Office agreed with the University’s classification of the records as audit working papers, noting that the withheld records dealt explicitly with matters relating to the preparation and execution of the audit. With respect to the date upon which an audit is deemed completed, this Office determined that all of the responsive records were subject to section 30(2) of the Auditor General Act, 2021.

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

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has filed its statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (General Division) challenging the constitutionality of the Government of Canada’s equalization program. The statement of claim was filed on Friday, June 21.

The statement of claim outlines how the Government of Canada’s equalization program does not achieve its constitutional purpose. The program unreasonably and unfairly penalizes Newfoundland and Labrador by failing to transfer sufficient funds which are needed to ensure that residents benefit from levels of public services that are reasonably comparable to those in other provinces.

Relief being sought from the court involves declaring elements of the equalization program as unconstitutional, including:

• The absence of including the costs of providing public services when calculating equalization payments.
• The fiscal capacity cap.
• The inequitable distribution of excess equalization program funding.
• The gross domestic product growth ceiling.

The statement of claim can be viewed here.

Equalization is a federal program enshrined in section 36(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982, under which Canada transfers funds to provinces to address fiscal disparities. It is intended to ensure provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.

Quotes
“This statement of claim presents our arguments regarding unconstitutional aspects of the equalization program and what can be done to remedy this unfair situation that penalizes Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to the upcoming court process and the opportunity to improve a program that does not accord with basic principles enshrined in the Canadian Constitution.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“This challenge is all about ensuring that equalization achieves what is intended in the Constitution – to ensure fairness among all provinces within Canada relating to the cost of delivering public services. From our perspective, the Government of Canada’s equalization program is insufficient in that it does not consider the cost of delivering services in a province such as ours with a geographically dispersed population; nor does it consider the inequity caused by including 100 per cent of our natural resource revenue in the formula. We want the equalization program to treat provinces equitably.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to Launch Challenge of Federal Equalization Program

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Equalization Correspondence

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will deliver remarks at the Arnold’s Cove Area Chamber of Commerce Lobster Dinner tomorrow (Thursday, June 27).

The event takes place at the Sunnyside Wellness Center, 40 Goulding Avenue, Sunnyside, at 6:00 p.m.

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Effective Sunday, June 30, at 12:01 a.m. the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be the new police of jurisdiction for the municipalities of Cox’s Cove, Gilliams, Humber Arm South, Hughes Brook, Irishtown-Summerside, Lark Harbour, Little Rapids, McIvers, Meadows, Pasadena, Steady Brook and York Harbour.

All residents with ongoing files reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police prior to June 30 will remain with the agency until concluded, unless otherwise notified. Residents should continue to engage with the appropriate police agency that is handling their file.

There is no change to 9-1-1 services. As always, dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will continue to maintain a presence in western Newfoundland, with the continuation of the Corner Brook detachment for specialized and federal policing services, as well as the RNC/RCMP Joint Forces Operation West.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for its years of dedication and commitment to the residents of western Newfoundland. Together with communities, both police agencies, and the Government of Canada, the Provincial Government is working to deliver services in the most effective and efficient way possible to ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel safe and secure.

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The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with NL Health Services, is expanding the coverage for drivers’ medical examinations for eligible seniors to include exams performed through the Newfoundland and Labrador Virtual Care Program.

Residents aged 75 years or older who do not have a primary care provider and are registered on Patient Connect NL can now request a drivers’ medical examination appointment, which will be provided via the Teladoc virtual care service.

Teladoc providers will complete the drivers’ medical examination report and will also coordinate in-person completion of a guided physical and eye examination.

The cost of the drivers’ medical examination, for eligible patients, is covered as an insured service.

Residents must be registered on Patient Connect NL to request a drivers’ medical examination appointment. To register for Patient Connect, visit https://patientconnect.nlchi.nl.ca or call at 1-833-913-4679. NL Health Services will continue to work to assign those who register to a family care team or primary health care provider when one becomes available in their area.

This expansion builds on the province’s virtual care contract with Teladoc awarded in November 2023 and is part of government’s commitment to increase access to primary care through virtual care services.

The Provincial Government’s Drivers Medical Examination Reimbursement Program, announced in 2023, covers the costs of required drivers’ medical examinations and helps ensure seniors can maintain the ability to drive without added expense.

This program is in addition to Budget 2024 investments in the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, which will support seniors to continue to live at home. The plan includes funding for seniors to repair and modify their home and for low-income seniors living at home to cover the cost of services, such as snow clearing and grocery delivery. The department anticipates providing more details on the plan this summer.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to improving the well-being of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of our commitment, we are proud to leverage virtual technology to ensure seniors have access to the drivers’ medical examinations that allow them to remain independent in their homes and communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is pleased to expand virtual care to include drivers’ medical examinations for seniors. This option is in addition to other existing virtual services and pathways that we currently offer in each of our zones. Providing this service ensures that seniors can access primary health care that is specific for them, allowing them to remain as independent as possible and removing potential barriers to important services.”
Steve Greene
Vice President responsible for Digital Health and Chief Information Officer
NL Health Services

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Learn more
Provincial Government Covering the Cost of Drivers Medicals for Seniors

Virtual Care NL

Patient Connect

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