Government of Newfoundland News

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to welcome Ciara O’Connor, Dr. Judit Lovas and Jeremiah Stafford to our province. They are among the newest immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador and come to us through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program launched in March of this year.

Transportation and Works

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to invite the public to join us for the 31st annual Christmas Lights Across Canada ceremony happening this evening on Confederation Hill.

Finance

The Provincial Government is today releasing its multi-phased approach to pre-budget consultations, beginning in December 2017 and continuing until February 2018. The public will have multiple opportunities to share their feedback on the budget process in advance of Budget 2018.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Katie Spurrell, a Grade 5 student at Riverside Elementary in Clarenville, is the provincial winner of the 2017 National Forest Week Poster Contest. She received her award this morning from Derrick Bragg, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Land Resources. As the provincial winner, Ms. Spurrell’s poster will be permanently displayed at Forestry and Wildlife Headquarters. She receives a framed copy of the poster and also wins an Apple iPad and a Smokey the Bear Fun Pack.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment is marking the days leading up to the holiday season by providing seasonal fire safety tips during the 12 Days of Fire Safety. Every weekday until Christmas Eve, the department will describe steps that we can all take to protect our families and our homes from emergency situations.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2017-027 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

Executive Council

The 31st annual Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration will take place tomorrow (Thursday, December 7), beginning at 6:00 p.m. in St. John’s in the lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Derrick Bragg, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Land Resources, will announce the winner and finalists of a provincial poster contest tomorrow (Thursday, December 7) at 9:30 a.m. at Riverside Elementary School in Clarenville.

Justice and Public Safety

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission will present the annual Human Rights Award at a ceremony being held tomorrow (Thursday, December 7). The event begins at 3:15 p.m. with the award being presented at 3:30 p.m. at Government House in St. John's.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the innovative movement known as Hacking Health.

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize two teams from this province who have won the opportunity to play hockey on Parliament Hill.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On December 6, 1989, a gunman shot and killed 14 young women at Ecole Polytechnique. This tragic incident remains one of the worst incidents of mass murder in Canadian history. To honour and remember those who lost their lives that day, flags are being flown at half-mast at Confederation Building until sunset this evening.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

The Provincial Government is launching consultations to modernize the Municipalities Act, 1999, the City of St. John’s Act, the City of Mount Pearl Act and the City of Corner Brook Act. The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, made the announcement today and was joined by Brian Peckford, President of the Professional Municipal Administrators; Tony Keats, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador; and Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s.

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded its 2017 Scholarships to tenants currently pursuing post-secondary studies. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2017-026 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, is congratulating four people from this province who are among 150 Difference Makers named by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The Difference Makers campaign is a national movement to nominate and celebrate 150 Canadians making a difference and inspiring hope in the areas of mental health and addictions.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, will make an announcement regarding municipal legislation tomorrow (Wednesday, December 6). Minister Joyce will be joined for the announcement by Tony Keats, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador; Brian Peckford, President of the Professional Municipal Administrators; and Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, will open a symposium on the impacts of population aging and immigration on the province’s labour market, economy, and service delivery tomorrow (Wednesday, December 6) at 9:00 a.m. at Memorial University’s R. Gushue Hall in St. John’s.

Transportation and Works

MrMr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the significant strides our government has made toward enhancing the quality and capacity of our snow clearing services for the 2018 winter season.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to acknowledge Labrador being chosen by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a Best of the World destination.