Government of Newfoundland News

In November 2023, the Provincial Government launched a new Poverty Reduction Plan to improve the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The plan included a commitment to develop programming to help Income Support and other non-Employment Insurance (EI) eligible individuals secure meaningful and stable employment.

Today, applications are being accepted for the new Working Opportunities Program. Funded through a $3.5 million provincial investment in Budget 2024, the Working Opportunities Program will enable individuals who are not eligible for the federally funded Skills Development Program to avail of similar financial supports for training.

Working Opportunities enables non-EI eligible individuals with barriers to workforce participation and post-secondary education to retrain and upskill, creating more stable employment and improving their well-being. This program will also help address shortages in the workforce.

The program will support people eligible to attend post-secondary schooling that will lead to employment, including funding for a living allowance, child care and costs of training. Participants will attend full-time post-secondary programs that are a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of three years in duration at a public or private training institution in Newfoundland and Labrador

To find out more about the Working Opportunities Program, please go to www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/working-opportunities/ or visit one of our 19 Employment Centres throughout Newfoundland and Labrador www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/department/contact-emp/

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“Some individuals who want to participate in employment training have been unable to access training because they have not been recently eligible for EI and therefore are not eligible for the federal Skills Development program. People in this situation may be long-term unemployed and receiving Income Support or may be underemployed with barriers to post-secondary training and are without financial support. The new Working Opportunities Program addresses this gap by providing funding for education and training programs.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Working Opportunities will help to remove educational barriers for vulnerable individuals who could not avail of other training programs to obtain the skills and education to secure meaningful long-term-employment. This innovative program will assist those eager to train for the many jobs that are currently in high demand, such as those in the health and child care sectors.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on the fire in the Churchill Falls area today (Wednesday, June 26) at 2:00 p.m. (NT) in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

Premier Furey will be joined by Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Jamie Chippett, Deputy Minister of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, and Blair Adams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The availability will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page and YouTube.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is pleased to congratulate the Inclusion Canada NL 2024 Inclusive Education Award recipient, Avoca Collegiate in Badger.

The award is presented each year to a K-12 school in the province that has shown exceptional spirit in creating a school that is welcoming and inclusive for students with an intellectual disability.

Avoca Collegiate was selected as the recipient of the Inclusive Education Award based on its work to design and implement programs and activities that are inclusive of all students. The school administration and staff approach work with a universal design for learning lens to create an environment where every student can reach their full potential. All academic programs, extracurricular activities and school events are created to promote participation of all students.

With a school population of about 50 students, Avoca Collegiate has been able to offer a leadership program and two basketball teams that are open to all students. The school is also affiliated with the Jays Care organization of the Toronto Blue Jays. Through Jays Care, Avoca Collegiate was able to operate two baseball programs to help build a sense of community and belonging for children and youth who often opt out of sport programming due to barriers. This year, 22 of the 47 students at Avoca Collegiate participated in the Jays Care baseball program.

Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit organization that works with and on behalf of the more than 15,000 people with intellectual disabilities in our province.

The Provincial Government supports a welcoming school culture where all members of the school community feel they belong, realize their potential, and contribute to the life of the school.

More information on the Inclusive Education Awards and a list of past recipients may be found here.

Quotes
“Inclusion is about creating spaces for people to feel acceptance and belonging as they learn and grow. Well done, Avoca Collegiate, for fostering an inclusive environment for the students at your school. Congratulations on receiving this award and keep up the good work that is no doubt having tremendous positive impact in your school community.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Inclusion Canada NL is honoured to name Avoca Collegiate as the recipient for the 2024 Inclusive Education Award for their incredible efforts to embrace the individuality of each student. Avoca Collegiate embraces diversity at every opportunity and promotes equitable participation for its community. This is the embodiment of inclusive education, and we are pleased to recognize Avoca Collegiate for their great work.”
Connie Pike
President, Inclusion Canada NL

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Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador

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Last Thursday (June 20), the Standing Committee on Public Accounts held a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in several reports of the Auditor General. The matters under consideration included:

• Adult Custody and Community Corrections, with officials appearing from the Department of Justice and Public Safety;
• Food Premises Inspection & Licensing Program, with officials appearing from the Departments of Digital Government and Service NL, and Health and Community Services;
• Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, with officials appearing from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology; and
• Office of the High Sheriff, with officials appearing from the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Office of the High Sheriff.

The Public Accounts Committee wishes to express its appreciation to all witnesses who appeared last week for their cooperation and testimony. The Committee’s follow-up work on these important matters will continue in the coming months, particularly respecting those recommendations that remain outstanding. Officials from concerned entities may be invited to appear before the Committee again at a future public hearing.

Archived audio of the public hearing is available on the House of Assembly website, and Hansard of the proceedings will also be available once prepared.

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“All members of the Public Accounts Committee are united in our responsibility to ensure accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Working in partnership with the Auditor General, we will actively continue our follow-up on these matters, taking measures to ensure improvements in the delivery of programs and services for the people of this province.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair of Public Accounts Committee

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Public Accounts Committee – Work and Proceedings

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to inform residents that the home heating supplement program is open for applications until January 15, 2025. As announced in Budget 2024, maintaining the home heating supplement for furnace or stove oil is one of the measures the Provincial Government is undertaking to help residents with affordability.

Residents can apply online at Home Heating Supplement Program. To ensure the most efficient processing time, please make sure your application is complete. This includes:

• Providing a copy of your invoice(s), which includes the delivery address, for the purchase of at least 250 litres of furnace or stove oil.
• Signing your application.
• Double-checking that the social insurance number provided is correct.

Printed materials to display in common areas can be downloaded here. Also, if a resident has an older parent or family friend who may be eligible for the program, please encourage them to apply.

There were approximately 22,500 applications to the home heating supplement program received for the 2023 program. Those residents are welcome to apply again if they meet the eligibility criteria. The supplement, which ranges between $200 and $500, is available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2023 was $150,000 or less and have directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their principal residence.

For more information, please email OilSupplement@gov.nl.ca or phone 709-729-4645 (toll-free 1-844-729-4645).

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced a call for applications for the 2024-25 Community Enhancement Employment Program.

This program provides funding to eligible project sponsors such as:

• Municipalities
• Inuit Community Governments
• Local Service Districts
• Community and economic development organizations
• Other non-profit organizations.

Community Enhancement Employment Program projects must directly contribute to tourism development, economic development, community/municipal infrastructure, or community services. In addition, projects are expected to provide skills development opportunities for workers and ongoing benefits to the region.

Individuals can be employed on a project for up to 470 hours to become eligible for federal Employment Insurance benefits. In 2023-24, the program provided funding for 152 projects, supporting more than 700 workers.

Applications for the Community Enhancement Employment Program are available here. Applicants can also email employmentsupport@gov.nl.ca or call toll free 1-866-508-5500.

The application deadline is Friday, July 26, 2024.

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“I encourage all eligible communities and organizations to avail of the Community Enhancement Employment Program, which supports individuals to gain local employment through important community development initiatives.”
Honourable Dr. John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Community Enhancement Employment Program

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Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced that the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 course now offered as an elective in the high school curriculum in the public education system will become a graduation requirement for students who begin high school in September 2027.

In recent years, the Provincial Government has reflected on many critical moments in the province’s history and created new ways to tell important stories of the past. Recent initiatives like Year of the Arts 2024, Confederation 75, and the repatriation of an unknown First World War soldier all serve to promote pride of place and to strengthen Newfoundlanders and Labradorians’ understanding of our place in the country and in the world.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course examines the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the province and encourages students to think deeply about the province with an arts and social sciences lens. Incorporating the course into high school graduation requirements ensures that students have a thorough understanding of the province’s past as they contribute to shaping its bright and prosperous future.

The Department of Education will review the course curriculum to ensure Indigenous history is reflected accurately for educators as they teach students. As part of the course review process, the department will begin consultation with Indigenous Governments and Organizations through meaningful discussion and conversation on the proper inclusion of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous heritage. The last update to the curriculum for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 was in 2010.

Quotes
“Our heritage and culture are vibrant and complex and should be reflected appropriately in the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course offered to high school students. This course is important for all students to understand our province’s history. I look forward to progress updates on how we are making this course curriculum more robust to gain a better of understanding of our province and the diverse peoples who have lived here for centuries.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“I am pleased to see the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 course become mandatory for high school students. It is crucial that our younger generations continue to learn about our culture and history as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“The final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on governments to ensure historical and contemporary contributions are part of changes in the curricula to accurately capture the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. With essential input from Indigenous Governments and Organizations and guidance from the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, revising the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course is an important step towards advancing Reconciliation.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Department of Education – Curriculum

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will host the annual meeting of Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government taking place in St. John’s, June 26-27.

The meeting is being held at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

Topics for discussion focus on municipal priorities including municipal infrastructure, sustainable growth, and municipal land use planning.

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Atlantic Premiers met virtually today to discuss shared priorities and progress on collaborative work in areas of importance to Atlantic Canadians. This includes initiatives to improve affordability, housing, and health care, along with opportunities to address labour shortages and strengthen the region’s economy.

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Dr. Andrew Furey was joined by Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island, and Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick.

Premiers reiterated their commitment to support Atlantic Canadians, and indeed all Canadians, as wildfire season intensifies, including those affected by the ongoing fires near Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, who remain under evacuation order. Premiers also discussed forest management best practices as well as the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence, located in central Newfoundland and Labrador, for training in fire preparedness and response. These efforts seek to improve the region’s resilience and readiness for present and future challenges by strengthening communities’ ability to manage forests sustainably and respond effectively to wildfires.  Premiers discussed pilots underway to improve cell service during emergency situations.  They urge the federal government to expand this initiative to all Atlantic Canada.

Affordability and Housing
Atlantic provinces are all making unprecedented investments to address the pressing issue of affordability, including the availability and rising costs of housing and shelter. Premiers shared their experiences and best practices in launching a variety of initiatives, including low-interest loans for the development of affordable rental properties, assistance for first-time homeowners, and in-law suites. Premiers recognize that access to housing remains a challenge and is crucial to growing vibrant communities.

Premiers underlined their commitment to continue their work together and with key partners to expand housing supply and access to affordable housing options as rapidly and responsibly as possible. This includes continuing to work with the federal government to ensure that housing investments are maximized for Atlantic Canadians and done in a manner that is sustainable for the future.

Health Care Collaboration
Through the Atlantic Health Accord, the Atlantic Provinces work together to improve patient-centered healthcare access, system efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Premiers have joined forces to help build a stable and sustainable healthcare workforce in Atlantic Canada. Committed to sharing resources and expertise, Atlantic Premiers, through the Atlantic Working Group on International Recruitment, are collaborating to help alleviate healthcare worker shortages and improve healthcare access in underserved areas.

Labour Market and Productivity
All provinces and territories are feeling the impacts of labour shortages, which are slowing economic growth, productivity, and innovation. In Atlantic Canada, these shortages are especially acute in the health care, construction, and service sectors. Federal Budget 2024 brought an unexpected reduction of $625 million in workforce development programs that help people find and maintain jobs in sectors facing critical labour shortages such as construction, early learning childcare, and healthcare. These Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs) support persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, women and newcomers, helping them to get the training and supports necessary to secure meaningful work, while also assisting employers to meet their labour demands.

With this cut, LMTA funding will revert to pre-2017 levels at a time when inflationary costs continue to have profound impacts on citizens. Provinces and territories were not notified of this cut prior to the release of the Budget on April 16, 2024. Premiers noted the negative impact the funding cut will have on the 120,000 individuals and 8,500 employers and organizations that have benefitted annually from these programs throughout Atlantic Canada. Premiers urged the federal government to immediately reverse these cuts to Labour Market Transfer Agreements.

Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Competitiveness
Atlantic Premiers discussed the critical infrastructure needed to power economic development in the region, including infrastructure that supports resilient and reliable supply chains, transportation and communications networks, energy distribution, and community development. Premiers noted the federal government has yet to announce an adequate successor to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is now closed. Without dedicated support for the full range of infrastructure needs and the program flexibility to address the region’s unique requirements, Atlantic Canada’s economic growth and community development will be hampered.

Investing in well-functioning trade corridors improves the flow of people and goods in Atlantic Canada and helps Atlantic Canadians compete in key global markets, trade more efficiently with international partners, and keeps the region’s supply chains competitive and resilient. As a business and leisure destination, Atlantic Canada needs a strong and reliable domestic and international air service network to support economic growth, tourism and competitiveness. Atlantic Premiers are working together to identify gaps and ways to improve air linkages within the region.

The Chignecto Isthmus, which joins New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, contains the only road, rail, and telecommunications connection between the two provinces, and between Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada. Approximately $35 billion in goods and services moves through the isthmus every year. Collaboration with and support from the federal government is vital to protect this critical economic trade link, which faces increasing threats from more frequent and severe weather events.

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Au coeur des progrès : les premiers ministres de l’Atlantique se concentrent sur l’accessibilité, le logement, les soins de santé et l’économie

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on the fire in the Churchill Falls area today (Tuesday, June 25) at 2:30 p.m. (NT) in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

Premier Furey will be joined by Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Jamie Chippett, Deputy Minister of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, and Blair Adams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The availability will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page and YouTube.

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The House of Assembly advises that Lin Paddock, Member-elect for the District of Baie Verte – Green Bay, will be sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook, X and YouTube).

Media will be permitted access to the press gallery and, for the purposes of photography/videography, to a designated space on the Chamber floor. Media wishing to access the Chamber floor are asked to pre-register no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25. Media attending the ceremony must be in position no later than 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is making it easier for people who have been injured in an automobile accident to get on the path to recovery, without having to pay for health care services out of pocket.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL will be available to the media to discuss new diagnostic and treatment protocols under the Automobile Insurance Act today (Tuesday, June 25) at 10:15 a.m. in the West Block lobby of Confederation Building.

New diagnostic and treatment protocols under the Automobile Insurance Act will allow accident victims to get quicker and more affordable treatment, specific to the most common types of injuries resulting from an automobile accident: sprains, strains and whiplash associated disorders.

The protocols require automobile insurance companies to adopt processes that allow accident victims to seek treatment immediately, from a practitioner of their choice, without advance approval from the insurance company.

Health care practitioners who choose to provide services under the new protocols will bill the insurance company directly for their services. This will eliminate the need for the accident victim to pay up front and wait for reimbursement from the insurance company.

Accident victims will also no longer be required to exhaust their private health insurance coverage before claiming coverage under their automobile insurance policy.

The new diagnostic and treatment protocols will come into effect on December 2, 2024, to allow time for insurance companies and health care practitioners to have processes in place.

The implementation of diagnostic and treatment protocols marks the completion of recommended changes to the Automobile Insurance Act and the Insurance Companies Act following the Public Utilities Board’s Review of Automobile Insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2019. Other changes resulting from the review can be found here.

The Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulations are available in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

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“The new protocols mean that individuals injured in an auto accident can get faster treatment and may have a faster recovery. Win, win.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
Independent Review of Automobile Insurance System Complete

Provincial Government Releases Results of Public Consultations on Automobile Insurance

Changes to Automobile Insurance Legislation Provide Better Value for Consumers

Automobile Insurance Legislation Changes Effective in the New Year

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The following statement is being issued on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

“I was saddened to hear of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne’s accident and that she is no longer able to join us as we mark the commemorative events associated with the Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I wish her a quick and healthy recovery.”

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be in Madrid, Spain, June 24-28, for meetings on green hydrogen, the circular economy, smart mapping and to attend Connecting Green Hydrogen Europe 2024, the largest green hydrogen conference in Europe, focusing on innovation and the global hydrogen economy.

Minister Davis will also tour the Centro Nacional de Hidrigeno CNH2 (National Centre for Hydrogen).

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Due to scheduling constraints, the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting has been moved to a virtual format. The press conference has been cancelled. Following the conclusion of the meeting, a communique will be released.

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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.

APPEAL OF MINISTER’S DECISION:

Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2)
Proponent: World Energy GH2 Limited Partnership           (Reg. 2202)

The minister has received a number of appeals of the decision on April 9, 2024, to release the Project from further environmental assessment. Under the Environmental Protection Act, an aggrieved person has up to 60 days to submit an appeal of a minister’s decision and the minister has up to 30 days from the receipt of an appeal to respond.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Botwood Airport Road Quarry   (Reg. 2304)
Proponent: 10947 NFLD 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-2304/.

Red Cross Lake River Crossing (Reg. 2305)
Proponent: Vulcan Minerals 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-2305/.

Appleton Mineral Exploration Trenching       (Reg. 2307)
Proponent: New Found Gold Corp.

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-2307/.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:

Point Rousse Quarry       (Reg. 2286)
Proponent: Shoreline Aggregates Inc.

On June 11, 2024, the minister advised the Proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan for the Point Rousse Quarry was found to be acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2286/.

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

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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 Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today announced the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has entered a two-year partnership with United Kingdom professional football club Barrow AFC of the English Football League. This partnership will see the province promoted internationally as a welcoming place for immigration, through the newly launched website HomeAwaits.ca.

An innovative collaboration through the world’s most popular sport, this partnership builds on Newfoundland and Labrador’s expanding presence in the United Kingdom, which has long been a premier source for newcomer recruitment, and throughout the world.

The province’s name and brand will be proudly worn as the prominent front logo on both Barrow AFC’s home and away jerseys, viewed by thousands of fans in stadiums as the team tours, and by millions globally on traditional television broadcasts, multi-platform streaming services and video games. The newly designed brand features a maple leaf and the new website to showcase everything that makes Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada the ideal spot to call home.

The cost of the two-year partnership is $171,000. In addition to jersey branding, this includes both digital and physical advertising within the United Kingdom. As part of being featured on Barrow AFC’s jersey, Newfoundland and Labrador will be showcased in the EA Sports’ FC 25 video game franchise, the top selling video game in 15 countries.

In addition, to help kick off the partnership, on Saturday, June 22, Barrow AFC Captain Niall Canavan, goalkeeper Paul Farman and strength and conditioning coach Chace Homer will be in the St. John’s area assisting in developmental training camps with local youth soccer organizations and the Association for New Canadians. These camps will mark the beginning what is hoped will become a continuing sport exchange between the club and province.

Barrow AFC will play 46 regular season games, plus cup games, across England each contracted season, wearing Newfoundland and Labrador’s branding and immigration website on their jersey.

For more information on Barrow AFC, the town of Barrow-in-Furness, and the extensive global multimedia reach to millions of football/soccer viewers this partnership offers Newfoundland and Labrador, and how this expands Newfoundland and Labrador newcomer recruitment in the U.K. and throughout the world, please see the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“This exciting new partnership between professional football club Barrow AFC and Newfoundland and Labrador allows the province to take part in the world’s game and be showcased worldwide. As Barrow AFC players wear Newfoundland and Labrador with pride on their jerseys, soon we will all be cheering along with pride of our own as the team takes the field. The truly global audience that professional English football has achieved will allow Newfoundland and Labrador to be promoted and featured to millions of viewers as a welcoming place to live and work on an incredible level.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“It is great to see this initiative coming out of the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. I am sure that sports fans throughout our province will enjoy seeing Newfoundland and Labrador on the Barrow AFC jersey.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“I was fortunate enough to visit this beautiful province recently and meet our new partners. There is a natural empathy between our two hard-working blue-collar communities who also enjoy life to the full. We felt so welcome wherever we went, everyone was so friendly and hospitable. What a great place to live. This partnership provides an exciting international platform for both parties, and I know we’ll enjoy working together.”
Tony Shearer
Co-Owner, Barrow AFC

“This is an exciting day for soccer in the province, and we look forward to further opportunities to work with Barrow AFC to enhance the soccer experience in the province.”
Charlie Reid
Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association

“We are delighted to support this important partnership, which offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador through the game of soccer. By increasing our presence on the international stage through the universal language of sport, we hope that it will encourage more newcomers to choose our province as a place to call home.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

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BACKGROUNDER

Barrow AFC Football Club – A Proud History

• Founded in 1901, Barrow AFC is entering its fifth consecutive season in the EFL’s League Two.
• Barrow AFC has played out of the historic Holker Street (now SO Legal Stadium) since 1910.
• Barrow AFC’s newly signed manager is Stephen Clemence, who made nearly 250 appearances in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspurs and Birmingham City as a player.
• Barrow AFC averages over four million monthly views on X (formerly Twitter) platform.

NL Home and Away – Global Reach
Football (soccer) is the world’s game and a gateway to showcase Newfoundland and Labrador worldwide as a welcoming alternative for those who are looking for a new place to permanently settle and call home.

Through a sport watched around the world, more people will take notice of our beautiful landscape, welcoming people, and deep love of sport and consider it a place to call home.

This partnership will allow the Newfoundland and Labrador brand to be showcased in media throughout the United Kingdom (where hundreds of thousands of temporary residents are looking for a welcoming place to bring their skills and families to settle permanently) on international soccer broadcasts, and in the EA Sports FC video game franchise, providing the potential for millions of international eyes on this province.

Through United Kingdom and international broadcasts, United Kingdom-based physical advertisement and the EA Sports FC franchise game, this partnership with Barrow AFC allows for millions of potential eyes on the Newfoundland and Labrador brand.

The World is Watching – Viewership

• The English Football League (EFL) has signed new broadcast rights deals for the 2024-25 season that will see select regular season and all playoff and cup games broadcasted across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America through media companies Pitch and Relevent Sports Group and streamed on ESPN and DAZN in North America.
• DAZN currently reaches 20 million annual global subscribers while ESPN’s soccer-focused YouTube channel has over four million subscribers.
• Domestically, in the United Kingdom, the EFL has signed a 5-year, £935 million deal that will increase the number of EFL games on Sky Sports to 1,000 per year, a record number of games for any club football agreement.
• In 2024, the opening week of EFL coverage on Sky Sports averaged over 630,000 views per game.
• All of Barrow AFC’s 2024-25 regular season and cup matches can be streamed worldwide via the EFL’s iFollow app subscription streaming services, which currently reaches over 2.5 million unique account views.
• Since its launch, the EA Sports soccer franchise video game series has sold over 325 million copies worldwide, highlighted by 26.4 million copies of 2018’s installment alone, making it the most commercially successful sports video game series of all time.
• The video game, FC 24 (formally Fifa 23), is newly available on mobile and accumulated over 11 million mobile downloads in its first week, selling 6.8 million console copies in the same timeframe.
• EA Sports’ soccer franchise is the most popular video game series in 15 different countries. At any given second, up to 100,000 individuals are playing online via game consoles, with players wearing team jerseys and accompanying promotional content such as Barrow AFC’s Newfoundland and Labrador logo.

Expanding Newfoundland and Labrador Newcomer Recruitment in U.K.

• The Barrow AFC partnership builds on Newfoundland and Labrador’s continuing presence in the United Kingdom, which has long been a premier source of newcomer recruitment efforts.
• Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism Staff attend newcomer recruitment fairs throughout the United Kingdom, including the City of Manchester, which is just a little more than an hour’s drive from Barrow, where the Barrow AFC team do most of their training.
• Immigration officials will be in the United Kingdom during the football season carrying out newcomer attraction activities. Employers interested in getting involved should contact attraction@gov.nl.ca.

Barrow-in-Furness – Connected to Newfoundland and Labrador

• Located in the county of Cumbria, England, Barrow-in-Furness is a port town that claims home to a world-class shipyard.
• Barrow-in-Furness’ shipyard has built a large number of Canada’s naval fleet dating back one hundred plus years, including the HMHS Newfoundland, a hospital ship in the Second World War, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s cargo ship, the Geraldine May.
• Barrow-in-Furness is home to one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world.
• Residents are known in U.K. for their keen sense of humour.

The post Provincial Government Partners with United Kingdom Football Club, Barrow AFC, to Promote Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives Annual General Meeting, Conference and Tradeshow to celebrate 75 years cooperation.

The event will take place tomorrow (Saturday, June 22) at 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, St. John’s.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives represents the co-operatives and credit unions of Newfoundland and Labrador with a mission to promote the co-operative business model while supporting the growth and development of the overall sector.

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The Provincial Government is reminding residents that an outdoor fire ban prohibiting the setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land, is in place for all of Newfoundland and Labrador until further notice. The ban was authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act.

Dry weather conditions in Labrador and on the island have heightened the wildfire risk throughout the province and significant firefighting resources are currently dedicated to suppression efforts on fires impacting the community of Churchill Falls. Implementing the outdoor fire ban will help reduce the wildfire risk and support the efforts of wildfire suppression teams actioning active fires.

For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Forest Management District Office.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Provincial fire hazard index maps are updated daily and can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

For additional information about the 2024 forest fire season, including important wildfire prevention information visit the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website or the FireSmart Canada website.

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

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, recognize and congratulate three educators in this province who have been honoured with national awards.

Jennifer O’Neill-Riggs is a science teacher at MacDonald Drive Junior High in St. John’s and is a 2024 recipient of a Certificate of Excellence in Teaching for their work helping students explore the natural world and fall in love with science. A student science fair project that Jennifer supported went on to earn awards at provincial and national levels and was published in the Canadian Science Fair Journal, and they blend STEM lessons with mindfulness, time management and stress management.

Thomas Ayre teaches Grade 4 at St. Michael’s Elementary School in Stephenville Crossing and has been recognized with a Certificate of Achievement in Teaching for their commitment to innovation, communication and a person-centered approach to helping students grow academically and socially. Thomas has used stop-motion videography and 3D printing to help students work in groups, tell stories and create new projects.

Bernadine Kent, an early childhood educator at Astros Learning Centre in Bay Roberts, received a Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education for her approach to forming strong partnerships with families and support them across multiple domains. Bernadine believes that love and respect play major roles in child development and has created programming that fosters independence, recognizes each child’s individuality, and builds their self-esteem and problem-solving skills.

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence honour teachers across Canada for their remarkable achievements in education and for their commitment to preparing students for a digital and innovation-based economy. These awards recognize exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers in all disciplines since 1994, with over 1,600 teachers honoured to date.

The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education were established in 2022 to recognize outstanding early childhood educators for their leadership, exemplary early childhood education practices, and their commitment to help build the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.

A complete list of award recipients and bios can be found here.

Quotes
“I congratulate the recipients on receiving this honour and applaud their creativity and commitment to education for children and students of all ages. Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to lead with compassion and integrity. I am confident that the educators of today are shaping a promising future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their dedication and commitment to education and early learning. Educators play a key role in helping learners of all ages to learn, grow and succeed. I congratulate this year’s award winners on being recognized for their creativity and commitment to education and early learning. Well done and thank you for your dedication to the students and learners of our province.”
Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Le premier ministre Furey et la ministre Howell félicitent les personnes lauréates du Prix du Premier ministre pour l’excellence dans l’enseignement et pour l’excellence en éducation de la petite enfance

Learn more
Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM

Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education

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The post Premier Furey and Minister Howell Congratulate Recipients of Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Early Childhood Education appeared first on News Releases.