Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is participating in the Provincial Fire Service Medal Ceremony for St. John’s Regional Fire Department tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18).

The event takes place at Central Fire Station, 5 Fort Townsend, St. John’s, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Attendees are advised that parking is limited on-site.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Krista Quinlan, Clerk of the Executive Council, joined members of the public service to celebrate the exceptional contributions of the 2024 recipients of the Public Service Award of Excellence. This year, 18 people are being recognized for their incredible effort to support residents, communities and citizens facing a global humanitarian crisis.

Of the public service employees being celebrated, there are seven individuals and one team. They include:

• Thomasine Barry, Executive Council
• Sarah Burgess, Digital Government and Service Newfoundland and Labrador
• Karen Clarke, Children, Seniors and Social Development
• Gerry Kilfoil, Industry, Energy and Technology
• Roberto Malta, Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
• Cindy Parsons, Treasury Board Secretariat
• Jacqueline Warford, Justice and Public Safety
• Roddickton Silviculture Team, Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture: Roger Budden, Bert Carroll, Keith Colbourne, Dean Curlew, Keywood Fillier, Dennis Hancock, Thomas Hancock, Glenn Ollerhead, Craig Pilgrim, Morgan Pilgrim, Morris Wilcox

Quotes
“Congratulations to the individuals and team who are receiving the Public Service Award of Excellence today. The work of those being recognized is important and is helping push the province along the path of continued achievement. It is an honour to come to work each day surrounded by the dedicated members of our exceptional public service.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Public Service Award of Excellence is the pinnacle of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s recognition of employee service. I congratulate and thank this year’s award recipients for their meaningful contributions. This award program celebrates exceptional work and highlights excellence and outstanding job performance at both individual and team levels. In addition, thank you to those who took the time to nominate their peers and support the award program.”
Krista Quinlan
Clerk of the Executive Council

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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:

Terra Nova J-1 Quarry                                                       (Reg. 2313)
Proponent: J-1 Contracting Ltd.

The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a 10.8-hectare quarry off Route 301 within the Town of Terra Nova. Development would consist of land clearing and grubbing, followed by the extraction and processing of sand and gravel via crushing and screening. The purpose of the quarry is to supply materials for asphalt production in the Clarenville area. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on June 13, 2024; the deadline for public comment is July 19, 2024; and the Minister’s decision is due by July 28, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:

Kami Iron Ore Mine                                                          (Reg. 2301)
Proponent: Champion Iron Mines Ltd.

The Minister has advised the proponent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required for this Project. Additional information is needed to inform the Minister of the following, including, but not limited to:

• • Estimate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
  • Air emissions dispersion modeling;
  • Waste and water management plans for the entire Project;
  • Updated groundwater report, including modeling;
  • Potential effects of the proposed railway route and access road in the Wahnahnish Lake protected public water supply area (PPWSA);
  • Verification of proposed power supply, location of transmission lines, substations and associated infrastructure and effects on ratepayers;
  • Alternate power supply;
  • Design of tailings management facility and water management dams;
  • Additional information on plants, animals and permafrost;
  • Potential effects on food security, traditional land use, health and community services, and other social determinants of health; and
  • Potential effects on Pike Lake and the Duley Lake Provincial Park.

An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the Minister and to draft guidelines for the proponent in preparing the EIS. The EAC includes representatives from the following provincial and federal government agencies:

• Department of Environment and Climate Change
  • Environmental Assessment – Chair
  • Climate Change Branch
  • Pollution Prevention Division
  • Water Resources Management Division
•  Executive Council
  • Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
  • Office of Women and Gender Equality
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
• Department of Health and Community Services
• Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
• Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
  • Mines Branch
  • Energy Branch
• Department of Labrador Affairs
• Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
• Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Transport Canada

The public will be invited to provide comment on the draft guidelines. For further information on this Project, please contact Paul Carter at (709) 729-0188 or email pcarter@gov.nl.ca.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Kings Point Storage and Repair Garage                            (Reg. 2303)
Proponent: Victor Burt

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2303/.

Fox Pond ATV Trail Extension                                          (Reg. 2302)
Proponent: Cameron Hall

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2302/.

Glovertown Breakwater                                                     (Reg. 2300)
Proponent: Norman Keats

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2300/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

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

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 Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise that the CN Viaduct on Pitts Memorial Drive will be temporarily closed between the Kilbride exit and the downtown entrance from June 21 to July 21. The closure is necessary for safety purposes to carry out extensive concrete repair work required on both the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Closing both lanes for a one-month period will allow work to advance without interruption, avoid safety risks to the public, reduce the period of temporary bridge closures, as well as the implementation of load restrictions for trucks.

During the closure, alternate routes for trucks and/or tractor trailers on the eastbound portion to enter the downtown area include:

• New Gower Street, Duckworth Street, and Cavendish Square

For westbound traffic, alternate routes include:

• Kings Bridge Road to Torbay Road to the Outer Ring Road
• MacDonald Drive at Torbay Road to access Columbus Drive

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

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Yesterday there were four new fire starts in the Labrador west region. Two of these fires are in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, one fire located 12 kilometres southwest from the community and eight kilometres from Churchill Falls airport, and a second about 20 kilometres west of Churchill Falls near the Trans Labrador Highway.  Smoke from the fire is anticipated to be visible throughout the day and may impact air quality and travel west of the community.

These fires resulted in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary closing the highway between Wabush and Churchill Falls yesterday due to significant smoke and active fire conditions. However, as of 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening the highway was reopened to light traffic with motorists reminded to proceed with caution and drive according to the conditions.

Two waterbombers and one helicopter were deployed and actioned the Churchill Falls fires Thursday evening. Three waterbombers and two helicopters will be deployed to those fires today. Overall, four waterbombers and four helicopters will be supporting suppression activities throughout Labrador.

Provincial forestry officials have also initiated resource deployments throughout the province to action the fires. This includes two helicopters, 10 firefighters and one Incident Management Team from the Island which will be mobilized to Labrador throughout the day.

There is no immediate risk to the community of Churchill Falls at this time. However, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor local media and news reports as conditions could change with short notice.

Forestry officials have been in contact with provincial Fire and Emergency Services and will evaluate the situation to determine next steps.

Residents of Labrador are encouraged to be vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities as there are currently seven forest fires burning in Labrador and the Fire Weather Index forecast for today is very high and extreme for parts of Labrador.

The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the new online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

All residents of the province should exercise caution when planning outdoor fires. The public is reminded a permit to burn must be obtained from a provincial forest management district office to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. A permit is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations.

Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Fire hazard maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and are updated daily.

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The site of the former Grace Hospital will become the site of the new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre.

The new centre will provide urgent care and primary care, including a family care team, for residents in the downtown St. John’s area. It will also provide outreach services to the Downtown Health Care Collaborative.

In addition, services will be provided for people with mental health and addictions challenges who do not require hospitalization, but need additional support before transitioning home, including people:

• With a mental health illness who require longer-term treatment than the service to be provided at the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre.
• With a mental illness, developmental disability, or acquired brain injury.
• In mental health distress who do not need to be in hospital but need a safe place where they can resolve their current issues.

Existing services, such as the Assertive Community Team (ACT) and Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team, outpatient psychiatry clinics, day treatment program, Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery (PIER) Program; and services currently offered at the Recovery Centre in Pleasantville for people who are experiencing withdrawal from alcohol and substances will also be relocated to the new building.

Significant planning has taken place by the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee, which has determined the site and services to be provided at the new facility. Planning is continuing over the coming months to confirm procurement and construction timelines.

Budget 2024 includes more than $14 million to expand options for people seeking help for mental health and addictions, and $30 million to hire additional health care providers for new and existing family care teams, including a new family care team in downtown St. John’s. Contracts valued at more than $2 million were also awarded earlier this year for two new urgent care centres for the metro region.

More details on the Provincial Government’s recent health care actions are available by visiting healthcareaction.ca. Details on recruitment of health care professionals are available by visiting workinhealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“The Health Accord NL recommendations are guiding us as we improve access to health care in all regions of the province. The new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre will be a welcome addition for the community and complement our other family care teams, urgent care centres, and new Mental Health and Addictions Centre.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Following the successful demolition and abatement of the former Grace Hospital Nurses’ residence, we look forward to future use of the site. The new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will provide a much-needed service for residents in the community.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“NL Health Services is pleased with the Provincial Government’s announcement to create dedicated space to support our patients and clients who require these health care services. This facility will significantly enhance access to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society and we aim to create an environment which fosters hope for all individuals who enter. We also envision that the facility will represent that hope and mental wellbeing are possible even in the presence of severe, long-term mental illness, developmental disability, brain injury or addiction.”
Ron Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern-Urban Zone
NL Health Services

“The Gathering Place welcomes the Provincial Government’s initiative to develop a downtown health and wellness centre. This announcement brings hope and promise that the much-needed healthcare services will become more accessible to the guests served by The Gathering Place as well as others in the community. We look forward to collaborating with NLHS and the Department in providing the currently needed services for the underserved population.”
Paul Davis
Executive Director, The Gathering Place

“Choices for Youth is thrilled to see this investment in low-barrier mental health and primary care services. This centre will provide accessible healthcare services for at-risk families, contributing to better outcomes and reductions in emergency health interventions. We are pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador making this important commitment to early intervention and prevention with critical services that will improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.” Geoff Davis
Board Chair and Interim Executive Director, Choices for Youth

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Ayeesha Mekawy, a Level II student at Roncalli Central High, is the latest provincial recipient of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is valued at $50,000 over two years for pre-university study at Pearson College, a United World College in Victoria, British Columbia. The Provincial Government contributes $34,000 to the scholarship, with the remainder provided through corporate and community sponsors.

As a United World College student, Ayeesha Mekawy will learn how she can inspire change through courageous action, selfless leadership, and careful listening. She will take part in experiences and community activities so that she is prepared to build with confidence and lead with compassion throughout her post-secondary studies and future career path.

Pearson College is Canada’s only United World College, a movement encompassing 18 global schools dedicated to uniting cultures and countries around the world through education. The college is a two-year, pre-university school for students from over 150 countries who live, study and learn together pursuing the International Baccalaureate and an outdoor-oriented experiential education.

Quotes
“I extend congratulations and best wishes to Ayeesha Mekawy on behalf of the Provincial Government, as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2024 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship winner. This scholarship has a rich history and offers a unique educational opportunity that will provide valuable support and knowledge in helping achieve long-term educational goals. Good luck to Ayeesha for a successful and enjoyable experience at Lester B. Pearson College.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Provincial Scholarship WinnersFollow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect, and to promote the dignity and respect of older adults.

Ageist attitudes and beliefs are often linked to elder abuse and social isolation, which is why the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate launched a social media campaign for the month of June to address ageism. By combating negative stereotypes about aging, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate is highlighting the positive contributions, vast array of interests and many possibilities that come with aging.

Elder abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological, and may also take the form of neglect or self-neglect. Seniors may experience abuse from family, friends, neighbors, caregivers or professionals. Therefore, it is important to spot the signs of elder abuse and report it by calling 1-855-376-4957 or contacting your local police department/detachment.

Potential signs of abuse include:

• Agitation or fear of being alone with a specific person.
• Isolation from family and friends or social gatherings.
• Unexplained fractures, bruises, burns, scars, accidents or injuries.
• Appearing dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over or undermedicated, or otherwise not receiving required medical care.
• Insufficient money despite apparent adequate income.
• Sudden withdrawal of money, or changes in banking information.
• Unexplained or forced changes to legal documents including property titles, will, powers of attorney or advance health care directives.

Quote
“Addressing ageism is an important piece of combatting elder abuse. Ensuring that seniors are connected within their communities, with access to social supports and services, is also crucial in protecting against elder abuse. As a province and as a society, we must continue to work towards age and dementia-friendly communities that support all seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. We must remember that under the Adult Protection Act, we all have a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Arlene Mullins
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

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A Resource Enforcement Division investigation into moose hunting and discharging a firearm within the community of Mooring Cove on the Burin Peninsula on October 9, 2023, has resulted in a fine and hunting prohibition for one individual.

Gerard Bonnell of Marystown pled guilty in Provincial Court in Grand Bank on January 10, 2024, to charges of discharging a firearm within 1,000 metres of a playground and not exercising reasonable care for the safety of others.

Mr. Bonnell was fined $1,000 and is prohibited from moose and caribou hunting for five years. The high-powered rifle used in the offence was forfeited to the Crown. An adult male moose was also seized.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity. Information from the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations. Report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to speak to the media tomorrow (Friday, June 14) regarding new health care infrastructure on the site of the former Grace Hospital.

Minister Osborne will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister, Health Transformation; Paul Davis, Executive Director, The Gathering Place; and Geoff Davis, Board Chair and Interim Executive Director, Choices for Youth.

The availability will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the former Grace Hospital Site on Lemarchant Road, St. John’s. Media attending are asked to enter at the Pleasant Avenue entrance.

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As Chair of the Council of the Federation, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston will host the 2024 Summer Meeting of Canada’s Premiers from July 15 to 17, at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.

Media Accreditation
Media representatives who wish to cover the 2024 Summer Meeting of Canada’s Premiers must register online by July 9, 2024. Individuals will be screened to ensure they are official media representatives.

Media Accommodation
Media representatives are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. A limited number of rooms is available at the Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, 5120 Salter Street, Halifax NS, B3L 0A1.

Standard room rate: $279/night

Reservation deadline for group rate: Wednesday, June 19

To make a reservation, please click here or call 902-428-1900 and quote group code “Media Room Block.”

Media Centre
A media centre will be set up in the Commonwealth Ballroom A, located on the Convention Level of the Westin Nova Scotian on Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17. A unimic will be available in this location. The room will be equipped with wireless internet access and power outlets.

Preliminary Media Program (All times and events are to be confirmed)
All times are Atlantic Time (AT).

Monday, July 15

9:00 a.m.        Media registration and media centre open
Commonwealth Ballroom A, Convention Level, Westin Nova Scotian

6:00 p.m.        Media centre closes

6:45 p.m         Media Photo Opportunity
Queen’s Marque Courtyard

Tuesday, July 16

7:00 a.m.        Media registration and media centre open
Commonwealth Ballroom A, Convention Level, Westin Nova Scotian

9:45 a.m.        Media Photo Opportunity

5:00 p.m.        Media Availability with Premier Houston

6:00 p.m.        Media centre closes

Wednesday, July 17

7:00 a.m.        Media registration and media centre open
Commonwealth Ballroom A, Convention Level, Westin Nova Scotian

1:30 p.m.        Closing News Conference

6:00 p.m.        Media centre closes

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will recognize this year’s recipients of the Public Service Award of Excellence at a ceremony tomorrow (Friday, June 14). Premier Furey will be joined by Krista Quinlan, Clerk of the Executive Council.

The ceremony will take place at the John C. Perlin Arts and Culture Centre, St. John’s, at 3:00 p.m.

Media who wish to attend are required to RSVP by contacting Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14.

The event will be livestreamed on YouTube.

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Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced further commitments for child care services through a partnership on early childhood education with the Republic of Korea.

Through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Education, the South Korean Ministry of Education and the College of the North Atlantic, eligible Korean students are able to participate in an early childhood education work placement program in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is managed by the department and College of the North Atlantic.

The first group of 14 students have arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador and have started their work placements in child care centres in the St. John’s area. The Department of Education is coordinating with work placement sites to ensure continued programming and supports for students during their time in the province.

The Memorandum of Understanding is the result of working relationships established during a visit in fall 2023 by Minister Howell and representatives from the early learning sector to support mutually beneficial educational opportunities. Delegates from the Republic of Korea recently visited Newfoundland and Labrador to tour early learning and child care centres and to learn more about the province.

Quotes
“I am excited about this partnership with the Republic of Korea and I am pleased to welcome the first cohort of students to our province. This agreement is another tool that helps address our need for early childhood educators so that we can provide access to affordable child care and early learning spaces for families. We know parents and guardians are eager to have more spaces available as quickly as possible. The work placement program demonstrates our commitment to working with other international jurisdictions to find solutions to help families here at home.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“I extend a warm welcome to the first group of early childhood education students from the Republic of Korea. Together, it is my hope that while working to address labour demand challenges in the care of children, we are able to share and learn from each other’s cultures, continue to enrich our communities and build on this growing relationship, while once again showing Newfoundland and Labrador as a welcoming place to live, work and raise a family.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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Learn more
Ministerial Statement: Minister Howell Welcomes Korean Delegates to Discuss Education Opportunities

Early Learning Gateway

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The Provincial Government is supporting Memorial University in its purchase of a state-of-the-art piece of equipment not widely available in Canada which will give researchers the ability to support innovative health research in the province. The equipment is essential to conduct cutting-edge studies and further explore the potential causes of chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. This infrastructure will not only pave the way to treat such diseases but also assist health researchers in identifying areas of pharmaceutical importance.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced an investment of $453,676 from the province’s Research and Innovation Fund towards the purchase of an Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry system. The Provincial Government’s investment helps to leverage a further $695,578 towards the purchase of this equipment.

The equipment will enhance Memorial University’s research capabilities for future generations through the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Metabolomics Laboratory at the Core Sciences Facility. Through the project, researchers plan to train upwards of 45 professionals over the next five years, including laboratory technicians, postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students, thereby increasing the number of skilled personnel in the field.

The creation of the metabolomics laboratory is being spearheaded by Dr. Shyamchand Mayengbam, Dr. Kapil Tahlan, and Dr. Guangju Zhai, who specialize in biochemistry, biology and biomedical sciences. They have also worked extensively and contributed towards metabolomics-based studies in the area of nutritional biochemistry, microbial metabolism, and clinical settings. Their objective is to study small molecules of biological origin which are of critical importance to human health, microbiology, agriculture, and aquaculture, with hopes of laying the foundation for the development of new dietary interventions and the discovery of novel microbial metabolites and antibiotics.

Quotes
“Our support for this new laboratory will help our scientists conduct groundbreaking research while also training our next generation of scientists, technicians and researchers. This will bring world leading infrastructure to Memorial University and will progress research programs specific to obesity linked diseases, chronic diseases, and osteoarthritis.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Our Provincial Government is modernizing a health care system that was designed in the 1960s. We are creating modern environments and settings for today’s heath care professional. An investment in a Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry system is an investment that helps ensure our province’s health care professionals have modern technology, which will help improve the care they provide to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This funding will facilitate the establishment of a laboratory for identifying and quantifying small molecule compounds of biological origin, as well as understanding their roles in chronic disease development. Additionally, it will enable the investigation of microbial metabolites to uncover novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications.”
Dr. Shyamchand Mayengbam
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Research and Innovation Fund

Memorial University Core Sciences Facility

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The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills is cautioning the public concerning the circulation of fraudulent documents that claim to be issued by the department’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

These fraudulent documents may include:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) nomination certificates.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) endorsement certificates.
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) endorsement certificates.
• Letters of support for work permits from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism or the provincial Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.

Please stay vigilant and protect yourself from immigration fraud.

How to identify genuine documents and protect yourself from fraudulent activity.

• The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism always emails NLPNP nomination and AIP endorsement certificates as password-protected PDFs.
• As an applicant to a provincial immigration program, create your own profile under the Immigration Accelerator using your personal email and password. Login details should not be shared with others, including immigration consultants, recruiters and other third parties.
• If a third party has created an Immigration Accelerator account in your name, obtain your log-in details from them and ensure that you verify all documents.
• If you would like to change/update your email address used for your Immigration Accelerator account, please contact pnp@gov.nl.ca  or immigration@gov.nl.ca.
• All Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism programs are free. The office does not request any payments, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada fees such as the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. All office certificates and letters are issued free of cost.
• The office offers free navigation services for individuals considering applying to the NLPNP or AIP. To access support, please contact immigration@gov.nl.ca  to be connect to a Navigator.

Using a third-party representative will not expedite your application, draw special attention to it, or guarantee its approval.

To protect yourself from fraudulent representatives, please visit the following resources:

Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud

Important information on using immigration or citizenship consultants – Canada.ca

Learn about representatives – Canada.ca

How to choose an immigration or citizenship representative – Canada.ca

Find out if your representative is authorized – Canada.ca

Add, change or cancel a representative – Canada.ca

File a complaint against a representative – Canada.ca

For any questions or concerns, contact the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism at pnp@gov.nl.ca or immigration@gov.nl.ca.

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Forestry officials are encouraging residents in the Labrador West region to be vigilant as recent prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures have resulted in an elevated wildfire risk. The Fire Weather Index (FWI) forecast is HIGH for parts of Labrador today.

The public are reminded burning permits are invalid when the FWI is HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME and open or outdoor fires are not permitted when the FWI is VERY HIGH or EXTREME. To report a wildfire, call 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

There are currently two active wildfires in the Labrador West region. One fire is burning in the Menihek Dam area, 160 kilometres north of Labrador City at a location near the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Menihek Hydroelectric Generation Station, and is estimated to be about 950 hectares in size. This fire is currently impacting railroad travel that runs through Labrador West and into Schefferville, Quebec. Waterbombers and helicopters are continuing to action this fire today.

The second wildfire is burning in a remote area near Milner Lake West and is estimated to be 5,900 hectares in size. This fire does not pose a threat to people or property and forestry officials continue to monitor.

The public are encouraged to view real-time active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the new online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

There are currently three waterbombers based in Labrador, two at Happy Valley-Goose Bay and one in Wabush, and one waterbomber located in Deer Lake. Waterbombers are regularly repositioned in response to the forecasted wildfire risk.

All residents of the province should exercise caution when planning outdoor fires. The public is reminded a permit to burn must be obtained from a provincial forest management district office to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. A permit is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations.

Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Fire hazard maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and are updated daily.

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced memorial wreath grants are now available for communities to commemorate repatriation of the unknown First World War soldier on Memorial Day, July 1, 2024.

These grants are available to municipalities, Inuit Community Governments, and local service districts throughout the province to assist in purchasing a memorial wreath to be laid during local Memorial Day ceremonies.

Further information on memorial wreath grants can be found online. The deadline to access grant funding is July 12, 2024.

The repatriation of the unknown soldier’s remains is a historical day for Newfoundland and Labrador as it recognizes the collective contribution and sacrifice of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served, fought, and died in all branches of the military and respective support services. The unknown soldier may have hailed from any of the many communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador whose residents fought bravely and lost their lives in conflict.

Memorial Day, July 1, 2024, will mark the 100th anniversary of the unveiling and dedication of the National War Memorial. On that day, the remains of our unknown First World War soldier so recently repatriated from Northern France, will be entombed on the plateau of the National War Memorial in St. John’s, to represent all those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who lost their lives in conflict, especially those with no known graves.

More information on the Newfoundland National War Memorial and the commemorative events can be found here.

Quotes
“This year’s Memorial Day presents the opportunity for communities in our province to commemorate the return of our unknown soldier. He represents all those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from every part of our province who lost their lives in conflict, but especially those with no known graves. I encourage communities to reach out to my department to avail of funding to help purchase a memorial wreath for their commemorative events.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“I am pleased to see the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs provide this funding. This project will assist communities in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National War Memorial in St. John’s and the repatriation of our unknown soldier.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial (1924-2024) – Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation (gov.nl.ca)

Premier Furey to Lead Provincial Delegation to Bring Home the Remains of an Unknown First World War Soldier – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

2024 Marks the Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial; Commemoration to Include the Repatriation of an Unknown Newfoundland First World War Soldier

Progress Continues on the National War Memorial Refurbishment

Follow us on X @MPA_GovNL

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

“As Premier, and next of kin to the unknown soldier, I am honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, to Newfoundland and Labrador, as we mark the commemorative events associated with the Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

As the Colonel in Chief of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Her Royal Highness’s presence will be especially symbolic as we gather to pay tribute to an unknown First World War soldier from this province who will be entombed on the plateau of the Newfoundland National War Memorial. Soldiers from our province fought so bravely in the storied battlefields of the First World War that their Regiment earned the honour of “Royal” in its name.

Together, we will remember the strength of those Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served, fought, and died in all branches of the military and respective support services, especially those who have no known grave.

This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit to Newfoundland and Labrador since 2016, a visit that comes at a momentous time in our province, as we mark the 75th anniversary of Confederation with Canada.

I look forward to extending a warm Newfoundland and Labrador welcome to Her Royal Highness and share with her our province’s rich culture and resilient people, as we come together to mark this historic moment.”

For more information on the commemorative events associated with the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, please visit here.

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The Provincial Government is investing $500,000 in the Strongest Families Institute to expand its stepped-care programming to provide more free, mental health services to families.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement on the expansion today. Minister Osborne was joined by Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, President and CEO of Strongest Families Institute, and Brad Glynn, Executive Director of Lifewise NL.

Strongest Families Institute is widely recognized for its high-quality, accessible and award-winning programs that improve the mental health and well-being of people of all ages from highly skilled coaches and innovative technology. Its programming has served thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians since 2015, with children and youth programs having a 90 per cent success rate and adult programs having an 88 per cent success rate in resolving their presenting concerns.

Since 2018, the Provincial Government has invested more than $3.8 million in the institute. The expanded programming will complement Stronger Families Institute’s existing Parents Empowering Kids program.

The funding will be used to expand the institute’s Chase Worries Away Program, which educates parents and children, ages six to 11, about anxiety and relaxation skills and the Defeat Anxiety Program, which helps youth ages 12 to 17 learn skills to overcome, control and gradually face their anxiety.

Children and parents may be referred to the programs by the mental health and addictions system, health providers and teachers.  Parents can also self-refer for an assessment. To learn more about access to these services, visit StrongestFamilies.com, call 1-866-470-7111 or visit nl.bridgehtegapp.ca online.

The funding helps build upon the work of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador to improve the quality and availability of mental health services in the province.

Quotes
“Our government is happy to make the expanded Strongest Families Institute programming available to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. These programs provide another way for children and their families to receive needed supports and care, while reducing referrals and wait times in the traditional system.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“We are so grateful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Public Health Agency of Canada for their commitment to improved mental health and wellbeing. The Stepped Care model means we can equip more families with valuable skills to promote, prevent and improve mental health and well-being in the broader population. Most people report that Strongest Families skills have been life changing. With these new enhancements we can bring these life-changing skills to children, youth and families when they need us. We are proud to partner with the government to bring these and our adult mental health (ICAN) program to residents at no cost. We welcome people to make Strongest Families skills part of their mental fitness routine.”
Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie,
President and CEO, Strongest Families Institute

“The continued partnership with Strongest Families and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides needed resources for young people and their families who may be experiencing a mental health issue or diagnosis with a mental illness. We’ve heard from many peers that use Lifewise’s services that the programs offered by Strongest Families are helpful to them, their children and their wider networks in promoting positive mental health and solutions for when someone is struggling. Connecting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to resources that are accessible, free and effective is critical in supporting individuals with lived and living experience in our province, and today’s announcement is another step in the right direction.”
Brad Glynn
Executive Director, Lifewise NL

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Learn more
Provincial Government Providing Funding to Support Mental Health Services

Strongest Families Institute

Lifewise NL 

Towards Recovery

Follow us on X @GovNL  and @HCS_GovNL

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is in Vancouver today for meetings with British Columbia Premier David Eby for discussions on energy, housing, and mental health and addictions.

Today, media are invited to join Premiers Furey and Eby for a tour of Bob and Michael’s Place, an affordable housing project in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

A media availability will be held following the tour.

The event takes place today, Thursday, June 13, at Bob and Michael’s Place, 58 West Hastings, Vancouver, B.C. The tour begins at 2:30 p.m. NT and the media availability at 3:15 p.m. NT.

Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/J1Xi_F9GiNk?feature=share.

Media dial-in information:
From anywhere in B.C. and Canada, toll free: 1-888-892-3255
Participant pass code: 095200

Media are requested to dial in 20 minutes prior to the announcement and have the participant pass code ready. Failure to do this may mean a delay for you or others joining the call. Media planning to join the tour must arrive on site by 9:45 a.m. PDT

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