Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will announce an initiative to improve mental health services for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians tomorrow (Thursday, June 13).

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Patricia Lingley-Pottie, President and CEO of Strongest Families Institute.

The event will take place at Lifewise NL, 70 The Boulevard, St. John’s, at 9:00 a.m.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings to an event celebrating École St. Matthew’s School’s Gold Certification through the EcoSchools Canada Program tomorrow, Thursday, June 13.

The event will take place at the École St. Matthew’s School, 119 Cowan Avenue, St. John’s, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

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Changes are being made to the schedule of updates to the Respiratory Activity Dashboard, which reports on the activity of circulating respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza.

The dashboard will now be updated every two weeks starting Friday, June 14. The reporting schedule will further shift to monthly updates in the coming months.

Weekly reporting is anticipated to resume with the start of the 2024-25 influenza season in the fall of 2024.

Similar to the public reporting on COVID-19, the frequency of updates may vary depending on the higher/lower levels of activity of respiratory viruses. Since February 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador has recorded a decrease in the level of overall respiratory activity.

Public Health will continue to collect and monitor disease trends.

Please note that the dashboard may be temporarily unavailable while being updated.

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a performance audit report on the Oil and Gas Corporation (OilCo) to the House of Assembly. Today’s report contains findings and recommendations regarding OilCo’s employee compensation and benefits, operating expenses, as well as adherence to conflict of interest policies and legislation.

The Office of the Auditor General issued two performance audits on Nalcor Energy in 2022 – the first focused on discretionary expenses, conflict of interest, and embedded contractors; the second focused on employee compensation. However, because OilCo was not a separate entity at the time of the Nalcor audits, a separate audit was necessary to assess the new organization against the same audit areas.

The audit of OilCo concluded that OilCo did not manage employee compensation in accordance with government direction.  The audit found that they did not ensure the best possible use of public money. The report also identified several areas of concern around operating expense and oversight processes, as well as issues where OilCo’s conflict of interest processes could have been strengthened.

The full report as well as an audit overview can be found by visiting. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“As a public sector corporation, it is incumbent on OilCo to pursue prudent practices regarding public money and that it follow government direction. OilCo’s refusal to align its employee compensation and benefits policies and practices with government whenever possible, has meant the corporation has incurred unnecessary and excess expenses.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will bring greetings at the 2024 Travel Media Association of Canada Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, June 12).

The event will take place in the Emera Conference Room at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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The Department of Health and Community Services is encouraging people 16 years of age and older to register for access to their personal health record through MyGovNL.

The personal health record is an online service that allows residents to view their health information, enabling Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be more involved and knowledgeable about their health. It provides access to laboratory results, dispensed medications, radiology reports, and allergies.

Residents must register for Personal Health Record on MyGovNL to access their health information. For enhanced security, registrants will receive a personal identification number via regular mail within two weeks to complete the registration process. This activation code is required for the first time you log in to your personal health record.

You will need to have a government-issued photo identification card and your MCP connected through MyGovNL as well as an email address.

To register for the personal health record:

• Log in to MyGovNL.
• Click Personal Health Information.
• Submit the registration form.
• Enter the personal identification number when you receive it in the mail.

Currently, there are over 23,000 people with access to their Personal Health Record through MyGovNL.

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In light of the detrimental impact of the $625 million cut to Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs) on workers and employers, Atlantic Workforce Ministers met on June 6 and are demanding the Federal Government reverse this cut.

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 programs 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 impact on citizens. Provinces and Territories were not notified of this cut prior to the release of the Budget on April 16, 2024.

Coming mostly from the Employment Insurance (EI) account that Canadian workers and employers pay into, this decision means a $62.3 million annual reduction in funding for skills training and employment initiatives in Atlantic Canada. The federal government has yet to clarify where the funding taken from LMTAs is being spent.

Atlantic Ministers highlighted the negative impact the cut to this funding will have on the 120,000 individuals and 8,500 employers and organizations that have benefitted annually from these programs throughout Atlantic Canada. Not restoring this funding will inevitably limit the region’s capacity to be responsive to current and emerging labour market opportunities and challenges. Ministers are committed to working together to ensure Atlantic Canadians have the programs and services they need to prosper now and into the future.

Ministers also raised concern with the Federal Government’s misleading assertion that there are other funding sources to replace the cuts to LMTAs, such as claiming the introduction of capital gains revenues will allow provinces and territories to replace the $625 million in LMTA cuts. This statement is disingenuous, as the capital gains money will not be fully accessible until a year or longer. In the meantime, the future of essential LMTA programs and services that Canadians rely on remain in peril, with no resolution in sight.

Atlantic Ministers remain resolute with all Provincial and Territorial Ministers that worker training is a national priority under Provincial-Territorial jurisdiction and continue to advocate fiercely for workers and employers.

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Learn more
June 12, 2023, Council of Atlantic Premiers Communiqué.

July 11, 2023, Council of the Federation Communiqué.

March 27, 2024, letter from Council of Atlantic Premiers to Prime Minister.

April 18, 2024, letter from the Chair, Council of the Federation, to Prime Minister.

April 23, 2024, Provincial and Territorial Labour Ministers Call on Federal Government to Reinstate the $625 million in Labour Market Transfer Cuts in Budget 2024.

May 14, 2024, Provincial and Territorial Labour Market Ministers Continue to Call on Federal Government to Immediately Reinstate $625 Million Cut for Workforce Training. 

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Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, will deliver a performance audit report on the Oil and Gas Corporation (OilCo) to the House of Assembly tomorrow (Wednesday, June 12).

A technical briefing for media will take place on Wednesday, June 12, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Office of the Auditor General’s boardroom, 7 Pippy Place, St. John’s.

Media representatives planning to participate are asked to RSVP to Chrysta Collins (chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca).

The Auditor General will be available to the media beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in Terra Bruce’s Summer Series announcement today (Tuesday, June 11).

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Theatre Hill Cafe, 390 Duckworth St., St. John’s.

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The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will complete its jurisdictional expansion in western Newfoundland effective Monday, June 30, 2024 at 12:01 a.m.

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

Effective June 30, the municipalities of Cox’s Cove, Gilliams, Humber Arm South, Hughes Brook, Irishtown-Summerside, Lark Harbour, Little Rapids, McIvers, Meadows, Pasadena, Steady Brook and York Harbour will become new areas served by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. This is the second and final phase of expansion for the RNC in western Newfoundland, with the first phase taking place on February 1, 2024 for the communities of Massey Drive and Mount Moriah.

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

All residents with ongoing files reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police prior to June 30, 2024, will remain with the RCMP until concluded, unless otherwise notified. Residents should continue engaging with the appropriate police agency that is handling their file.

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

Quotes
“I commend the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as officials within the Department of Justice and Public Safety, for working together to ensure a smooth transition in police services for the people of western Newfoundland. No matter where you are in the province, residents are reminded that in case of emergency to always call 9-1-1.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“This is a significant moment in our history and an exciting time for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary! The expansion reflects the dedication of the officers who have been assigned and are currently assigned to the Corner Brook region. We have developed a policing standard that the communities we serve can rely on and expect. We will continue to work every day to build on existing relationships with residents and increase public safety for all those we serve.”
Chief Patrick R. Roche
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

“This expansion is an excellent example of how cooperation between levels of government can result in the best outcomes for our communities. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary policing model will bring patrol and community-based policing services to our town 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ensure that, as Pasadena continues to grow, we remain a safe, secure and ideal place to live and raise a family. I thank Minister Hogan, Chief Roche and our MHA Scott Reid for their personal attention and involvement to bring this to fruition.”
Darren Gardner
Mayor, Town of Pasadena

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Learn more
Provincial Government Expanding Jurisdiction of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in Western Newfoundland

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Jurisdiction Expands to Massey Drive and Mount Moriah Effective February 1

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The Provincial Government has announced the grade configuration for the new school in Kenmount Terrace. The school will include kindergarten to Grade 7 in English and French streams and will have capacity for pre-kindergarten programming.

Once constructed, it is anticipated that the school will be the largest in the province with this grade configuration, with space for more than 850 students in the modern school. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will launch an RFP process this fall for the design and build of the school.

Further decisions on current school infrastructure in the catchment area will be made once work concludes related to teacher allocation and class composition needs. This work is ongoing and was a focus of the Teachers Think Tank held in February.

A “What We Heard” document featuring highlights from the public consultation process on the Kenmount Terrace/Prince of Wales Collegiate School System is available on the engageNL website.

The Provincial Government is taking action to modernize the education system, including building new infrastructure to meet the needs of students, teachers and communities. Budget 2024 provides over $52 million for school infrastructure, as well as $146 million allocated over the next three years for new schools in Cartwright, Kenmount Terrace, Portugal Cove-St. Philips, and Pilley’s Island, and planning for a new high school in Paradise.

Quotes
“I thank the community members who shared feedback on their wants and needs for a new school in Kenmount Terrace. Once complete, this school will provide a modern educational environment for current and future generations. I look forward to breaking ground on this important project for Kenmount Terrace and surrounding neighbourhoods.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Modern school infrastructure is critical to foster the education of and enhance future opportunities for students. The planning for construction of the new Kenmount Terrace school remains on-track and without interruption. I look forward to the opening of the new school in September 2026.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I’m very happy to see the school progressing, I have heard from many families who are anxiously waiting for their children to attend the new school in Kenmount Terrace. I continue to work with my colleagues in the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure we have the best possible outcomes for our children.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL and MHA for Mount Scio

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Learn more
What We Heard – Kenmount Terrace School/Prince of Wales Collegiate School System Public Consultation

Public Engagement Process Begins for Kenmount Terrace School

Provincial Government to Build a New High School for Paradise 

Teachers Think Tank Results in New Initiatives to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Teachers in the Province

Site Announced for New School in Kenmount Terrace

Location Unveiled for Site of New School in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

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The Provincial Government is making an investment of $5 million to improve the visibility of moose along provincially operated highways. The initiatives, which stem from collaboration with the Save our People Action Committee (SOPAC), will help prevent moose-vehicle accidents, and ultimately improve highway safety.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation, made the announcement today at the Memorial University Botanical Garden, where he was joined by Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North, and members of SOPAC.

Of the $5 million, $4 million is allocated for brush clearing and $1 million for moose fencing on provincially operated highways. The $4 million allocated for brush clearing represents a $2 million increase from last year.

A tender for moose fencing will be issued today and will include approximately two kilometres westbound of Route 90 and approximately four kilometres eastbound of Route 90. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

Additionally, the Provincial Government continues to invest in initiatives aimed at helping minimize moose-vehicle collisions in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes 17 kilometres of moose fencing on the west coast near Stephenville, as well as the $30,000 annually for SOPAC’s Moose Sightings Hotline and public awareness campaigns.

Building on previous moose fencing pilots in the province, the Provincial Government continues to explore moose fencing as a possible measure to help improve safety on provincial highways along additional hot-spot locations in the province. A vegetation suppression program is also being explored which will help slow growth in areas where brush clearing has occurred.

Quotes

“The safety of our travelling public on our highways is a top priority for our government, including mitigating moose-vehicle collisions. I am delighted to make this announcement to continue to enhance highway safety and reduce moose-vehicle incidents, as well as continue to build upon our own relationship with SOPAC. We are continuing to invest in additional brush clearing efforts, vegetation suppression and other sections of highway for moose fencing.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Moose accidents have changed so many lives, not to mention the associated financial burden these accidents have cost the province’s healthcare system. Today’s announcement highlights the government’s commitment to improve highway safety related to moose sightings in the province.”
Lucy Stoyles
MHA Mount Pearl North

“We are delighted to join with our government partners today and continue our work to help reduce moose-vehicle accidents. We know that our collective efforts can make a difference, even if it’s one accident that we help prevent. We look forward to our continued collaboration on this important topic that affects all residents of the province.”
Art Puddister
Treasurer, SOPAC

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The Companies and Deeds Online (CADO) portal on the Digital Government and Service NL website will be unavailable from 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 to 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 17. The outage is necessary to complete planned system maintenance.

The Commercial Registrations Division office at 59 Elizabeth Avenue in St. John’s will be open during the outage to accept new documents for registration and to provide search access to paper-based historical records; however, digital searches will not be available.

The Companies and Deeds Online portal gives the public online access to some of the services provided by the Commercial Registrations Division, including:

• The ability to search for companies, condominiums, co-operatives, deeds, mechanics liens, and lobbyists information.
• The filing of Articles of Incorporation for local companies.
• The filing of corporate annual returns, changes to directors for local companies, changes to mailing addresses and changes to registered office addresses.
• The reserving of corporate names and the ability to search previously reserved names.
• The ability to order/print Certificates of Good Standing.

Digital Government and Service NL thanks the public for their patience during the outage and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this service interruption.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will mark the official opening of the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital today (Monday, June 10) beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook; Scott Reid, MHA for St. George’s – Humber; Teara Freake, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Western Zone, NL Health Services; Robert Andrews KC, Chair of NL Health Services Board of Trustees; and Lloyd Walters, Vice Chair of NL Health Services Board of Trustees.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, is participating in a provincial road safety announcement on Monday, June 10.

The event will take place in the Memorial University Botanical Garden conference room, 306 Mount Scio Road, St. John’s at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North, and representatives from the Save Our People Action Committee (SOPAC) at the announcement.

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Today, the Provincial Government launched a Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit that will achieve a basic income for Persons with Disabilities.  The new initiative, enabled by a $26 million investment, further highlights the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving the well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.  Minister Pike was joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister, Health Transformation, as well as Duane Morgan, CNIB Vice President, Atlantic Canada, and Dennis Gill, father of an adult son living with disabilities, Past President of Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador and the Chair of the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit will come into effect in July 2025, and will include:

• Up to $400 per month to persons with disabilities; and,
• The $1,200 in the Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP), which will begin in January 2025, for those that qualify.

Eligibility for the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit is based on income level for persons aged 18-64 and is in addition to other provincial financial supports that persons with disabilities may receive.

This benefit will also be in addition to other supports the Provincial Government provides to persons living with low income. On top of those two forms of support, the new benefit also builds on federal benefits the same way as other provincial benefits, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, Child Benefit, and Seniors’ Benefit.

The RDSP is a long-term savings plan for persons with disabilities and their families which aims to help provide financial security for their futures.

Quotes
“We will continue to take action and make investments that will contribute to building a province that is inclusive, accessible and equitable. With this new benefit that will achieve basic income for persons with disabilities, our goal is to directly target the challenges impacting persons with disabilities and their families that are compounded when they are experiencing low income.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government recognizes that the higher cost of living has impacted everyone, particularly those most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. This new program is a positive step toward addressing some of the inequities experienced by persons with disabilities.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“As someone living with blindness in Canada and working to support others in our community, I have firsthand knowledge of the significant financial strain on individuals with disabilities, both inside, and outside the home. There are the obvious costs for people in the blind community—assistive computer software and video magnifiers. Then there’s the less obvious expenses—like transportation. The announcement of the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit is an important step in better meeting these needs and supporting all living with disabilities in the province.”
Duane Morgan
CNIB, Vice President of Atlantic Canada

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June 8 is World Oceans Day, a special day commemorated annually around the world to celebrate our oceans, the many benefits they provide, and those who earn a livelihood in ocean-related industries and organizations.

The Newfoundland and Labrador World Oceans Day Planning Committee has scheduled several fun-filled, educational, ocean-themed events highlighting this year’s theme, Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.

The committee will host a World Ocean Day Celebration at Marine Institute, 155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will participate in the celebration.

This all-ages event is free for the whole family and includes games, arts and crafts, touch tanks, science demonstrations and music. Other opportunities to participate in virtual events and activities are highlighted at World Oceans Day – Newfoundland and Labrador.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students throughout the province submitted 721 entries to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s 2024 World Oceans Day Art Contest. Category winners are listed in the backgrounder below.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are members of the NL World Ocean Day Committee, along with representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Canadian Parks Wilderness Society – NL Chapter, and the Marine Institute of Memorial University.

Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s identity and prosperity are deeply intertwined with the ocean. World Oceans Day is a great opportunity to consider actions we can take to protect this vital resource for future generations. Congratulations to the World Oceans Day NL committee members for their dedicated efforts to raise awareness and encourage action to sustain our oceans and coastal environments, particularly among our province’s youth.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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World Oceans Day – Newfoundland and Labrador

World Oceans Day

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BACKGROUNDER

2024 World Oceans Day Art Contest Winners

Kindergarten
Winner: A. Whittle, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: J. Hart, St. Joseph’s Elementary, Harbour Breton

Grade 1
Winner: H. Renouf, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: V. Spurrell, École des Grands-Vents, St. John’s

Grade 2
Winner: T. Young, Jakeman All Grade, Trout River
Honourable Mention: A. Hearn, Fogo Island Central Academy, Fogo Island

Grade 3
Winner: A. Olmstead, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: E. Simms, Bayside Academy, Port Hope Simpson

Grade 4
Winner: B. Peach, Southwest Arm Academy, Little Heart’s Ease
Honourable Mention: K. Payne, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook

Grade 5
Winner: E. Beaulieu, Gros Morne Academy, Rocky Harbour
Honourable Mention: J. Dunne, Elwood Elementary, Deer Lake

Grade 6
Winner: G. Parsons, Holy Family Elementary, Paradise
Honourable Mention: W. Qi, Mary Queen of Peace, St. John’s

Grade 7
Winner: S. Tucker, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: E. Peach, Southwest Arm Academy, Little Heart’s Ease

Grade 8
Winner: K. Hancock, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: L. Ryan, French Shore Academy, Port Saunders

Grade 9
Winner: K. Spingle, St. Paul’s Intermediate, Gander
Honourable Mention: S. Strugnell, St. Lewis Academy, St. Lewis

Grade 10
Winner: C. Sutton, Holy Heart of Mary, St. John’s
Honourable Mention: F. White, Jakeman All Grade, Trout River

Grade 11
Winner: K. Mazarao, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: C. Lauraice Paas, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook

Grade 12
Winner: A. Rogers, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corner Brook
Honourable Mention: S. Skinner, Jakeman All Grade, Trout River

2024 World Oceans Day Art Contest Class Winners

Primary: N. Drover, Perlwin Elementary, Winterton

Elementary: V. Stratton, Gill Memorial Academy, Musgrave Harbour

Junior High: D. Macbeth, Frank Roberts Junior High, Conception Bay South

High School: K. Jesso, Riverwood Academy, Wing’s Point

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To complement ongoing recruitment activities, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is introducing a new tuition relief program for nursing students at select campuses.  For students entering nursing in September 2024, the new program will help attract interest in nursing programs and support students through tuition assistance as early as entry.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to media today (June 7) to discuss the initiative at 11:30 a.m. Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. April Pike, Interim Dean, Memorial University Faculty of Nursing; Debbie Walsh, Vice President, Centre for Nursing Studies, NL Health Services; and Cheryl Dyke, Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences, College of North Atlantic. The availability will take place at the Confederation Building, West Block, Department of Health and Community Services lobby, To participate, media are asked to RSVP Tina Coffey (tcoffey@gov.nl.ca).

This initiative includes more than $2 million over a two-year period to students who are starting the first year of nursing programs. Students are eligible to receive up to $8,000 tuition relief during the first two years of their program. This funding will be provided to the post-secondary education institutions and will help to further reduce tuition costs for nursing students.

Tuition relief is available for:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at satellite nursing sites in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• Practical nursing students at the Centre for Nursing Studies; and
• Practical nursing students at College of North Atlantic.

More information about this program and the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for students and health care professionals looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador is available by visiting www.WorkInHealthNL.ca or emailing the Provincial Office of Health Professional Recruitment and Retention at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

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

Quotes
“The retention and recruitment of nurses, and all health care professionals, is a priority for our government.  Our approach has been focused on recruiting locally, nationally, and globally and through this new tuition incentive we are hopeful to attract new nurses to study, and eventual work, in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“On behalf of College of the North Atlantic, we extend our gratitude to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for implementing this tuition grant for practical nursing students. This initiative not only eases the financial burden on aspiring nurses but also empowers them to pursue their passion for healthcare while removing some of the financial barriers. This support is a vital investment in the future of our healthcare system, ensuring that we continue to cultivate skilled and dedicated nurses who will make a profound difference in our province.”
Dr. Barbara Elliott
Dean of Health Sciences, College of North Atlantic

“This is an excellent opportunity for more applicants across Newfoundland and Labrador to start their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay this fall.”
Dr. April Pike
Interim Dean, Memorial University Faculty of Nursing

“NL Health Services welcomes government’s investment in students, practical nursing education, and the nursing workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador. Providing targeted financial incentives will support students in completing the practical nursing program in one of the multiple sites across our province and will help support the delivery of quality health care in our province.”
Debbie Walsh
Vice President, Centre for Nursing Studies, NL Health Services.

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Work in Health NL

Budget 2024

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will participate in a tree planting initiative to celebrate Environment Week tomorrow (Friday, June 7).

The event will take place at the Vanier Elementary School, 75 Ennis Avenue, St. John’s, NL, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-026 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-026 Report Date: June 6, 2024 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant submitted two access requests to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for records related to various RNC policies and procedures. The RNC relied on section 17(2) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to neither confirm nor deny whether responsive records exist. This Office found that the RNC failed to meet the two-part test and therefore section 17(2)(a) was not applicable. It was recommended that the RNC identify any records responsive to the requests that may exist and redact them accordingly under section 31 (if applicable) and provide new responses to the Complainant within 20 business days of receipt of this Report.

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

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