Government of Newfoundland News

The deadline to apply for 2025-26 Active NL funding has been extended.

Not-for-profit community-based groups and organizations, municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, local service districts and schools now have until April 30, 2025, to apply.

This fund supports community-based active living initiatives, infrastructure or equipment that will help directly increase physical activity, sport, and active recreation for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Budget 2024 provided an additional $400,000 to this program for the Year of Sport, bringing the total funding available to $2,990,000.

Those interested in applying for Active NL funding are encouraged to review the program guidelines to determine eligibility of applicants, infrastructure projects, equipment and initiatives.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Active NL Deadline Extended appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-019 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-019 Report Date: March 26, 2025 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access request to Memorial University for a copy of the letter of reprimand issued to the Chair of the Board of Regents. Memorial withheld the entire record citing several provisions of section 40 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). On review the Commissioner concluded that section 40 applied to some of the information in the record and recommended that Memorial continue to withhold part of the record and disclose the remainder.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2025-019 Released appeared first on News Releases.

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program to support established farmers and new entrants who are growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors.

The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025. Funding priority is given to projects that enhance food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth, or increase secondary processing of food products.

Eligible applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales in one of the last three years or qualify as a new entrant. To encourage and support new farmers in the industry, new entrants can qualify for up to $20,000 in funding under the Agriculture Infrastructure Program.

For more information, visit Agriculture Programs and Funding, call 709-637-2077 or email PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program continues to help farmers and producers invest in agriculture infrastructure, land development, and new technologies. Every project funded, be it large or small, supports diverse and environmentally sustainable farms, improves food self-sufficiency, and contributes to sustainable agricultural growth.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

-30-

Learn more
Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program

Follow us on X @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Follow us on Bluesky

Like FFA on Facebook

The post Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program Supporting Food Self-Sufficiency, Agricultural Growth and Secondary Processing appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is cautioning the public about passive investment immigration schemes that are currently being promoted by some entities within the province and elsewhere in Canada.

A passive investment immigration scheme is an agreement in which a foreign investor provides money for a business proposition in exchange for permanent residence to Canada, without the intention to reside in a jurisdiction or be directly involved in business operations. Passive investment immigration schemes may also include requests to hire specific international workers, in exchange for direct investment in a business or economic development project.

This practice is strictly prohibited in Newfoundland and Labrador and in most other Canadian jurisdictions. Business owners, Indigenous governments and organizations, and community organizations should be aware that international companies may approach them to participate in such schemes.

Newfoundland and Labrador administers two pathways to permanent residence for prospective newcomers, the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. The Provincial Nominee Program contains two international entrepreneurship streams, open only to individuals intending to reside in Newfoundland and Labrador and who can demonstrate they are actively involved in the operations of a business in the province.

Resources are available to protect against immigration and citizenship fraud and scams. The Provincial Government’s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism can also be contacted for any questions or concerns at immigration@gov.nl.ca.

Please stay vigilant and protect yourself and your organization from business dealings involving passive investment immigration schemes.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Caution Advised Against Passive Investment Immigration Proposals appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-018 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-018 Report Date: March 25, 2025 Public Body: Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board Summary: The Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board failed to respond to multiple access requests made by the Complainant within the required timeframes under the Act, prompting complaints to this Office that NPRSB did not uphold its duty to assist. The OIPC found NPRSB to be in clear violation of its legal obligations and recommended that it respond to the requests, comply with statutory duties, apply for extensions when needed, undergo access and privacy training, and improve communication with this Office.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2025-018 Released appeared first on News Releases.

Beginning Monday, March 31, bridge rehabilitation work will get underway on Route 60 at the Topsail River Bridge (west of the former Woodstock Public House heading toward Topsail Beach).

Motorists travelling on this section of the highway are asked to slow their vehicles to 30 kilometres per hour and please respect the traffic control measures in place.

The bridge rehabilitation work is anticipated to take four to six weeks to complete.

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

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Bridge Rehabilitation Work Begins on Route 60 appeared first on News Releases.

A lock-in for Budget 2025 will be held for media representatives on Wednesday, April 9, in the Conference Centre, West Block, Confederation Building.

The agenda for the lock-in is as follows (all times are approximate):

8:30 a.m.      Lock-in area opens
9:00 a.m.      Lock-in begins
9:45 a.m.      Briefing with Finance officials
10:45 a.m.    News conference with Minister Siobhan Coady
1:45 p.m.      Media representatives move to Confederation Building lobby
2:00 p.m.      Embargo lifts when Minister Coady rises to deliver the budget speech

Media are invited to conduct interviews or live coverage of budget proceedings from the Confederation Building lobby. Set up can begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9.

To register, please email Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Budget 2025 Media Lock-in appeared first on News Releases.

Registration for the spring 2025 Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop will open on April 2. To give first-time participants an opportunity to register for this extremely popular program, priority will be given to new applicants who apply to register between April 2-4. This year’s event will be held at Burry Heights on Salmonier Line on May 23-25.

BOW is an opportunity for women to learn skills that enhance and encourage participation in outdoor activities. Qualified volunteer instructors and staff from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture conduct a variety of courses with an aim to ensure all participants enjoy a safe, positive, fun and educational experience. Short courses include firearm and archery basics, outdoor cooking, fishing basics, preserving wild foods, orienteering, hiking and backpacking, chainsaw safety, and wildlife photography. Courses are subject to interest and available space.

BOW is designed for individuals 18 years and older and strongly promotes an accessible, inclusive and respectful environment for all participants. A $295-registration fee covers all meals, accommodations and courses.

For more information or to request a registration package, email Salmonier Nature Park at: salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“Becoming an Outdoors Woman has been ongoing in Newfoundland and Labrador for nearly three decades and receives great reviews from participants year after year. Courses introduce participants to a wide variety of outdoor skills and focus on Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural, historical and cultural resources. Thank you to our department staff, the volunteer instructors, and Friends of Salmonier Nature Park for organizing and supporting this worthwhile initiative, and to all of the participants who gain new skills and a greater appreciation of our outdoor resources.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture

“Participating in the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program isn’t just about learning new skills – it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new challenges, connecting with nature, and empowering you to build confidence and resilience.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Office of Women and Gender Equality

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Follow us on Bluesky

Like FFA on Facebook

 

The post First-time Participants Encouraged to Register Early for Becoming an Outdoors Woman Workshop appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced an investment of $605,567 in trophi.ai to build on its existing Artificial Intelligence-based coaching software for eSports players.

The company is building an AI-driven platform that provides tailored, interactive coaching in real time to gamers and traditional athletes. Funding will support a research and development project to implement new functions to the platform such as a real-time voice-based coaching system in eRacing. To achieve these goals, the team at trophi.ai will be tackling complex technical challenges including the rapid translation of data into spoken words, and training AI to recognize players’ mistakes.

trophi.ai is developing funding streams by providing subscriptions to its eSports coaching services. Although it is currently focused on video games and simulation, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way skills are developed and sharpened across any field. Since its incorporation, the company has grown from a team of two to 16 with further plans for four new technical positions to be hired specific to this project.

This project is supported through the Business Growth Program. The program provides non-repayable contributions for projects or initiatives to help businesses start, innovate, scale and improve sales locally, nationally or internationally. The Provincial Government’s investment leverages a further $956,092 from trophi.ai, and $325,000 from other sources. The total value of the project is $1,886,659.

Quotes
“The vision and objective of trophi.ai is to be a leader in artificial intelligence technology. Getting a head start in the technological capabilities for this sector will be a distinct competitive advantage for our province. By leveraging current experts and best practices to build an industry leading AI capability, this will help train local engineers and staff in artificial intelligence, thus preparing the province for AI and technology in other categories.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“With this support, we’re pushing the boundaries of AI-driven coaching, shaping the future of skill development in gaming and beyond. The momentum we’re building today will define how AI transforms learning across industries, and we’re proud to be leading that charge from right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Mike Winter
CEO, trophi.ai

-30-

Learn more
Business Growth Program

trophi.ai

Follow us on X @IET_GovNL

Follow us on Bluesky

Like Industry, Energy and Technology NL on Facebook

The post Minister Parsons Announces Support for trophi.ai appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, is pleased to announce a new publicly available research tool which enables access to the historical statutes of Newfoundland and Labrador. This resource fills a gap for historical research and provides incredible long-term value for users, as this legislation was not previously indexed electronically.

Designed by the Legislative Library, the new index contains full text of consolidations and annual volumes of statutes from 1833 to 1970 and provides for searches by title keyword or date. Digital copies of statutes were sourced from the Digital Archives Initiative, courtesy of the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries.

Additionally, the Legislative Library has upgraded and enhanced features of existing electronic indexes to increase ease of use and accessibility, including the Library’s catalogue, commissions and inquiries, and tabled documents. Users may still access these indexes via the main menu or, in the case of tabled documents, via the tabled documents section on the House of Assembly website.

Users requiring assistance or wishing to avail of orientation with the new and upgraded indexes are encouraged to contact the Legislative Library.

Quote
“I am pleased today to announce the official launch of the new historical statutes index, as well as the upgraded features on existing indexes. I wish to extend appreciation to the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries, for their gracious permission to use digital copies of historical statutes in the new statutes index. The development of this research tool facilitates increased public access to these important resources. I particularly want to acknowledge and commend employees of the Legislative Library for their expertise and commitment to these initiatives.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

-30-

Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Legislative Library

Memorial University Digital Archives Initiative (DAI)

-30-

Media contact
Mark Jerrett
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

The post House of Assembly Launches New Historical Statutes Index and Enhanced Features on Existing Resources appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at Memorial University’s School of Social Work Pledge of Professionalism Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, March 26).

The ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Health Sciences Centre Main Auditorium, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Bring Greetings at Social Work Pledge of Professionalism Ceremony appeared first on News Releases.

Budget 2025 will be delivered in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, April 9. It is focused on the financial and economic health of the province, especially in light of potential tariffs, while building a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient and sustainable province.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will deliver the Budget 2025 speech at 2:00 p.m. (1:30 p.m. in most of Labrador). The speech will be available online at the House of Assembly website.

-30-

 

The post Public Advisory: Budget 2025 to be Delivered April 9 appeared first on News Releases.

A ceremony commemorating the culture and historical significance of the Innu Nation was held today at the Confederation Building in St. John’s.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, unveiled artwork with Grand Chief Simon Pokue of the Innu Nation and other special guests, including:

• Deputy Grand Chief Chris Rich, Innu Nation
• Jodie Ashini, Cultural Guardian, Innu Nation

An original piece of art was unveiled which illustrates the spirit of the Innu people. Innu Nation selected the artist, the late Patrick Nuke (1966-2023), whose art conveys the tranquility and oneness with the land within the culture of the Innu.

The art will be installed and on display for the public to see in the lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block, at a later date.

Today’s ceremony is part of a larger initiative that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been collaborating on with Indigenous Governments and Organizations throughout the province.

As part of this collaboration, a process was developed for the selection of artists and procurement of six culturally significant pieces of artwork to be displayed in the Confederation Building. This includes a bronze statue of a Beothuk family by artist Morgan McDonald.  The statue is situated at the base of the steps leading to the front entrance of Confederation Building.

Quotes
“Today, we gather to celebrate the unveiling of this extraordinary Innu artwork as a powerful testament to the resilience, culture, and spirit of the Innu Nation. Art is more than just expression, it is a bridge between generations, carrying forward stories, traditions, and deep connections to the land. This piece not only honours the past but also inspires a future of understanding, respect and Reconciliation.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are grateful to Patrick Nuke who shared his gift with the world, reminding us of the strength and beauty of Innu heritage both past and present. On the journey towards truth and Reconciliation, may we continue to listen, learn, and uplift their voices, ensuring that Innu culture is respected, cherished, and honoured.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs.

“The late Patrick Nuke was a member of the first generation of Innu who were raised in the community of Sheshatshiu during a time of great turmoil and change.  Patrick’s art portrays the life of Innu both then and now and reflects an unbreakable thread that tells the story of our peaceful existence with the land and animals in ‘Nutshimit’, the country. Patrick was honoured to have been selected to contribute to this important installation, his art will stand in memoriam to those who have passed and as a testament to the unwavering strength and resilience of Innu who continue to practice this way of life today.”
Grand Chief Simon Pokue
Innu Nation

 

The post Provincial Government Honours Innu Culture with Unveiling of Artwork Commissioned from Innu Nation Member appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-017 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-017 Report Date: March 24, 2025 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety seeking records regarding a proposed legislative amendment. Upon review of the responsive records, the Department determined that all records had to be withheld, either pursuant to sections 27(1) and 27(2) (cabinet records), or section 30(1) (legal advice). This Office reviewed the records subject to sections 27(1) and (2) and concurred with the Department’s determination that the records were cabinet records. This Office also reviewed the information provided by the Department to justify its use of section 30(1) and agreed with how that exception was applied to withhold the records.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2025-017 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-016 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-016 Report Date: March 24, 2025 Public Body: City of St. John’s Summary: The Complainant requested from the City of St. John’s access to records about a plan to expropriate a property. The City provided responsive records, withholding records from a Special Meeting in full under section 28 (local public body confidences) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 as well withholding other information under provisions of the City of St. John’s Act. The Complainant argued that the initial decision to expropriate the property was publicly discussed, therefore, the information to reverse that decision should also be publicly available. This Office determined that some information fell within the exception, however it was also determined that the City applied the redactions too broadly and recommends release of additional information.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2025-016 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invites high school students to an open house at all 19 Employment Centres on Wednesday, March 26, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

This month’s theme is Assisting Students and Preparing Youth for Employment.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the services available to support their career goals, including:

• Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Job searching and networking
• Volunteerism
• Summer job opportunities
• Youth entrepreneurship support

The event will feature a guided tour, interactive activities, a presentation on available services and complimentary food and drink.

High school students are encouraged to attend and learn how the Employment Centres can help them plan for their future. Youth are always welcome to visit their local Employment Centre anytime for guidance and resources.

To find an employment centre near you, call 1-800-563-6600 or view this listing.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Open House at Provincial Employment Centres for High School Students appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement is being issued by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

“A man who is among the greatest of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians has passed. Graham Flight was this province’s Minister of Forestry and Agriculture and served as Member of the House of Assembly for Windsor-Buchans and Windsor-Springdale for over 21 years.

Graham Flight was a giant in public life. His contribution to his community, and to the province, has never been bested. He guided Newfoundland and Labrador’s forestry sector through some of its most difficult and prosperous times.

As current Minister of that portfolio, I celebrate Graham’s life and legacy with fond memories and appreciative reflection. I will miss his friendship and his guidance.

To his adoring wife of 66 years, Shirley, his boys Jim, Lee and Shane, and to all of the family, Newfoundland and Labrador mourns this great man with you. We all feel his loss.”

-30-

The post Minister Byrne Offers Condolences on Passing of Former MHA and Minister Graham Flight appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and representatives of the Innu Nation will gather to unveil artwork in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building tomorrow, March 25.

The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will showcase the original work of late artist Patrick Nuke.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador worked closely with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to procure six pieces of Indigenous artwork, one for each of the five Indigenous Governments and Organizations and a sixth to honour the culture of the Beothuk.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Provincial Government to Honour Indigenous Culture with Unveiling of Innu Artwork appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is reminding employers the minimum wage will increase by 40 cents to $16.00 per hour, effective April 1, 2025.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Minimum Wage Increase, April 1 appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-015 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-015 Report Date: March 20, 2025 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant had previously made an access request to Memorial University for the employment contract of the Associate Vice-President, Harlow Campus (MUN (UK) Limited). Memorial refused the request. In Report A-2024-053 this Office recommended disclosure. Memorial then provided the record, but with almost all the information redacted, citing section 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant filed a new complaint with this Office objecting to the redactions. The Commissioner concluded, as this Office had already found in the previous Report, that MUN (UK) is a part of Memorial University, that it is therefore subject to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2025, that Memorial has custody and control of the record, that UK law does not apply to limit disclosure of the record in Newfoundland and Labrador, and that section 40(1) does not prohibit disclosure of most of the information in the record. The Commissioner therefore recommended that the record be disclosed, subject only to redaction of a small amount of personal information.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2025-015 Released appeared first on News Releases.