Government of Newfoundland News

The Council of Atlantic Premiers recently wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to share the priorities of Atlantic Canadians and request the federal government’s intended actions regarding these priorities.

The letter focuses on the ongoing housing crisis, lack of details on federal infrastructure and labour market funding, as well as the proposed international student cap and national pharmacare program.

Premiers urged the Prime Minister to consider the issues raised and encouraged the federal government to collaborate by sharing information to maximize the positive impact of federal initiatives on the lives of Atlantic Canadians.

To view the Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau: CAP release – Letter to PM re Priorities of Atlantic Canadians – March 27, 2024

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report P-2024-001 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/commissioner.

Report: P-2024-001 Report Date: March 27, 2024 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant filed a privacy complaint under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 alleging that the Department of Environment and Climate Change had breached their privacy by disclosing their personal information without their consent when the Department copied a third party on an email to the Complainant. The Complainant submitted that this was contrary to the Act. The Commissioner found that the Department had breached the Complainant’s privacy, commented on the assessment of risk arising from the breach and remedial measures taken by the Department, and made recommendations for improvement.

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

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, advises that the 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC) has delivered its final report, which is available on the House of Assembly website. Heather M. Jacobs, KC, who was appointed to conduct the review, delivered the report to the Speaker and the Management Commission on Tuesday, March 26.

The 2024 MCRC was appointed by resolution of the House on November 2, 2023 in accordance with subsection 16(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act), which requires that a review of the salaries, allowances, severance and pensions paid to Members of the House of Assembly take place once during each general assembly. The resolution required the Committee to deliver its report to the Speaker on or before April 1, 2024. The House of Assembly Management Commission is now required to consider the recommendations in accordance with the process prescribed in subsections 16(5) and 16(6) of the Act.

The Management Commission will review the report and its recommendations in greater detail. A further update respecting scheduling of public meetings on the matter will be provided.

Quote
“On behalf of all Members of the House of Assembly, I wish to extend sincere appreciation to Ms. Jacobs and the entire MCRC team for their work and diligence in conducting this review. As Speaker, further to my responsibilities under the Act, I ensured that the report was placed before the Management Commission as soon as possible, having received the report on Tuesday, March 26. The Commission, which includes representation of all caucuses, will proceed to consider the report’s 32 recommendations in accordance with the process outlined in subsections 16(5) and 16(6) of the Act, which will be conducted at public meetings.”
Honourable Derek Bennett, MHA
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
How We Value Democracy – 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee

Website – Members’ Compensation Review Committee 2024

Members’ Compensation Review Committee Appointed by Resolution of House of Assembly

Media contact
Mark Jerrett
Policy and Communications Analyst
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

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To support current farmers and new entrants to the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors, applications are now open for the 2024-25 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program.

The deadline to apply is April 26, 2024. Proposed projects must enhance food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth and secondary processing, and generate employment.

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.

Through Budget 2024, the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program will provide $2.15 million to support land development and agriculture infrastructure as part of a nearly $20 million investment in the agriculture sector.

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“The variety of initiatives funded under our annual Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program is a testament to farmers’ commitment to ensuring their farm enterprises are diverse and environmentally sustainable. By working with farmers and producers to invest in agriculture infrastructure and land development, we are improving food self-sufficiency, adopting new technologies, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program

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As announced this morning at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is sharing more information about Budget 2024’s $2 million Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund.

This program is designed for: (a) not-for-profit arts organizations with the primary purpose of creating, developing and/or presenting artistic works; and (b) non-professional community arts organizations. Funding is available in two categories: facility equipment upgrades and community arts programming.

The facility equipment upgrades stream of funding will help organizations address technical requirements. The community arts programming stream of funding is designed to assist in the creation of programs such as workshops, presentations, productions, new creations, artist fees and travel costs.

Applications will be accepted beginning on April 1. The deadline to apply for funding is June 1, 2024.

Quote
“Beyond the rightful celebration of artists, the Year of the Arts is also about supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts organizations and ensuring they have what they need for success this year. It is our hope that this Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund will enable projects that have a lasting impact on the organizations and our communities.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Minister Crocker Announces 2024 Year of the Arts Initiatives

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This morning, during an event at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced additional funding for Year of the Arts initiatives in 2024.

As part of Budget 2024, the Provincial Government is committing $2 million to establish a new Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund. This fund will provide support for improvements to existing arts infrastructure. Funding will also be available to support community arts groups to develop and enhance community arts programming.

It is also making up to $3 million available for expressions of interest for a new Creative Projects Fund. This funding will be administered through Celebrate NL and will be available to not-for-profit and for-profit professional arts organizations that have the creation and/or presentation of works of art as their primary activity.

Funding was also announced for a number of special Year of the Arts projects planned by the City of St. John’s, Music NL, the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Business and Arts NL, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society, among others. A full list of the investments announced can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Our province’s culture is rooted in the arts and these investments are an acknowledgement of the arts’ impact on our province and communities, a celebration of their impact during the Year of the Arts. With the funding announced today, we’re supporting professional and non-professional arts activities, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our support.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Year of the Arts

Celebrate NL

Premier Furey Announces 2024 as ‘Year of the Arts’

Provincial Government Commits $2.7 Million for Artists Through Year of the Arts Grants

Minister Crocker Announces Year of the Arts Support for the Music Community

Premier’s Medal will Honour Excellence in Arts, Heritage, Recreation and Sport

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BACKGROUNDER

Organization Project Investment Year of the Arts Creative Projects Fund Celebrate NL Creative Projects Fund: Expressions of Interest for Profit/Not-For-Profit Professional Arts Organizations $3,000,000 Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund One-time program designed to enhance arts infrastructure and support community arts initiatives that increase engagement and participation of cultural activity in Year of the Arts $2,000,000 Music NL Music NL for programming and initiatives during Year of the Arts, including Harbour Voices choral festival $1,000,000 The Rooms Art Bank and programming funds $400,000 City of St. John’s Programs and activities: Mural, Walk on Water, Rock on Water, Public Art Pole Boxes, Public Art Welcome Signage $194,000 Craft Council NL Made in Canada: Sustainable Fibre Arts Conference September 2024, in Gros Morne National Park. $100,000 Enhanced Provincial Theatre Arts Festival The festival at the Grenfell campus in Corner Brook in conjunction with the Theatrical Arts Education Association of Canada in May 2024 $130,000 Business and Arts NL Innovation Through Creativity Conference $100,000 Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival Free daytime programming at the Folk Festival $50,000 Fashion Week St. John’s Fashion Week (August 2024) $50,000 First Light Artist in Residence Program $44,000 Kiwanis Music Festival Celebrating the Festival in 2024 as part of Year of the Arts $4,500

 

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2024 at the Lewisporte and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (Wednesday, March 27).

The event will take place at the Lewisporte Yacht Club, 152A Main St, Lewisporte, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly and MHA for Lewisporte – Twillingate.

Budget 2024 is focused on transforming our health, our economy and our province. More information is available here.

The Lewisporte and Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic success and well-being of the businesses and communities they serve.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will make an announcement related to funding for a number of Year of the Arts initiatives tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27).

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council Gallery, 155 Water Street, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will participate in a fireside chat, hosted by Energy NL, with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy NL.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) in St. John’s. Members of the media are asked to contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will bring greetings to the 2024 Water and Wastewater Workshop and Awards Ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27).

The event will take place at Quality Hotel & Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Hwy, Gander, beginning at 2:30 p.m.

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To assist a local energy startup in its continued efforts to grow and expand, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced support for Growler Energy Inc. for market expansion and skills development training.

Growler Energy is a locally owned and operated renewable energy development company dedicated to advancing community and industrial renewable energy projects. The company employs 12 people.

The Provincial Government is providing $100,000 through the Business Development Support Program to help the company identify new market opportunities to ensure sustainable growth and diversification, foster brand recognition and attract potential partners and customers. The Provincial Government’s contribution leverages an additional $187,500 from the company, for a total project contribution of $287,500.

The company currently operates in two key development regions: the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut and the Newfoundland and Labrador region. Growler’s project partners include Landsvirkjun Power, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation and Pattern Energy. The company is expected to begin electricity production in 2024 in its first renewable energy development project at Sanikiluaq, Nunavut.

Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to develop and grow their operations by improving operational productivity, focusing on trade opportunities and developing their markets.

Quotes
“Growler Energy has been operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for nearly seven years. The company has built a competent team of professionals that are capable of realizing its vision and capitalizing on the company’s goals. The renewable and clean energy sector is rising rapidly in the province, and we are proud to support Growler Energy as it develops and exports its expertise in this field.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Through partnerships with communities, Indigenous groups and industry, Growler Energy is part of the green energy transition and is working towards a future that is 100 per cent renewable and sustainable for all. Thank you to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their generous funding support to a locally owned and operated renewable energy developer. This support from our Government helps us to grow and hire local people in the renewable energy sector, which positions us to pursue renewable energy development opportunities in our own province and beyond.”
Ashley Pike
Growler Energy

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Business Development Support Program

Growler Energy

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A building will be constructed within the new development between the Trans-Canada Highway and Humber River in Deer Lake and become the Deer Lake Regional Health Centre and home to the family care team servicing the Humber Valley-White Bay area. The advancement of family care teams is an important element in the Provincial Government’s plan to reimagine health care and help meet the health care needs of residents closer to home.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced the site location today in Deer Lake. He was joined for the announcement by Teara Freake, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Western Zone, NL Health Services, and His Worship Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake.

The new building will include offices and clinical space to support team-based care for health care professionals such as family physicians, registered nurses, and others.

The Department of Health and Community Services and NL Health Services anticipate a contract being awarded this spring and the new facility opening in 2025.

Budget 2024 includes a $4.1 billion investment in health care – the largest in the history of our province – including $30 million to hire additional health care providers for existing teams and to create new teams in the Baie Verte and Springdale region, Lewisporte, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, and downtown St. John’s.

Information on Requests for Proposals and tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Currently, more than 52,0000 people are connected to family care teams. More information on family care teams is available by visiting www.healthcareaction.ca.

Members of the public who do not currently have a primary care provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner, are reminded to visit the Patient Connect NL website or call 1-833-913-4679 to register to become a Family Care Team patient.

Quotes
“This expanded health centre will mean health care professionals, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and all members of the area’s family care team will be able to work in a collaborative environment in a modern building. We are looking forward to seeing this building open next year and establishing more family care teams in the province in the near future.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber-Gros Morne

“This new health centre and the family care team in Deer Lake is a part of our plan to transform health care services in our province. The new building will make it easier and convenient for people in the area to get the health care they need. It is also another opportunity to work in a modern building in a collaborative environment that is welcomed by health care professionals, which will also help with our recruitment.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is pleased with the announcement today from the Provincial Government to establish a new health centre for the Humber Valley region to enhance access to primary health care services and other community-based services. Having this new space for health care professionals to work together closely will strengthen collaboration for the benefit of patients in the area. The new family care team for the Humber Valley/White Bay area will meet the needs of clients and their families, reducing wait times for appointments, and support chronic disease prevention and management.”
Teara Freake
Vice-President and COO Western Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will be available to the media today in response to concerns about school violence raised by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association.

The media availability will take place in the lobby of West Block, Confederation Building at 2:30 p.m.

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Special Ballot voting is now available in the district of Fogo Island-Cape Freels.

Electors can request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit by visiting the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.elections.gov.nl.ca or they may vote in person at any of our office locations:

• District Returning Office located at Aspen Cove Fire Hall, 34 Aspen Main, in Aspen Cove; and
• Elections Newfoundland and Labrador’s head office at 24 Stavanger Drive in St. John’s.

Both offices are open for Special Ballot voting during the following hours:

• • Monday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There are three additional offices where residents can vote in person by Special Ballot:

• Fogo Island (1 Northshore Road, Fogo)
• Gander Bay North (Fire Hall, 247 Main Street, Gander Bay)
• Centreville-Wareham-Trinity (13 Pickett Ave, Centreville)

These offices are open during the following hours:

• • Monday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday – 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The deadline to request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit, or to vote in person by Special Ballot is Monday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Fogo Island-Cape Freels Returning Office at 709-690-1563, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, today announced an investment of $634,000 to the Centre for Research and Innovation for skills development in the tech sector.

The three-year investment will support the development and implementation of micro-credential and certified programming to help meet shortages in the province’s tech workforce by upskilling participants in a timely manner. In total, eight micro-credentials and four certificates will be developed in the first year, and then implemented in the second and third years.

Funding is provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

The Centre for Research and Innovation is a partnership between Grenfell Campus, Memorial University; College of the North Atlantic; and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. The Centre supports applied research and teaching with a focus on bio, green, circular economies and entrepreneurship across all sectors of the western regional economy.

Quotes
“This investment puts innovations into action. With the fast pace of change and our evolving demand for skilled labour, targeted and responsive skills recognition is playing an increasingly important role. When implemented, this new accredited and certified programming will enhance the skillset of current and future technology workers and widen the range of professional work available in the province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador has emerged as a significant economic driver for our province and we expect that growth to expand. The Provincial Government continues to collaborate with sector partners with the collective goal of growing the industry and stimulating new private sector investment and employment in the province.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“Grenfell Campus prides itself on being an integral part of the regional economy. Through the Centre for Research and Innovation, we advance this part of our mandate, providing a unique technology and innovation hub.  We’re delighted to bring together the expertise of our researchers and CRI resources and partners to advance initiatives that support sustainable growth. With this financial support, new programs will be developed that prepare our population to meet the vast potential of our tech economy.”
Dr. Ian Sutherland
Vice-President, Grenfell Campus

“When we announced this centre four years ago we saw it as an opportunity to ensure our future workforce would be ready to meet industry demands and that it would be a hub of learning, skills development and retraining. Today’s funding announcement, and the micro-credentialing and certificate training that will result, reinforces that original vision and adds a new, critical dimension that will help our Centre for Research and Innovation achieve its mandate. We applaud the province for its foresight in this area.”
Elizabeth Kidd
President and CEO, College of the North Atlantic

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The deadline to register tourist accommodations with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2024.

In April 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador proclaimed the new Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations with an aim to strengthen operating rules for short-term accommodations in the province.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation now has 2,200 registrations, showing excellent cooperation among tourism operators. This deadline extension will provide additional time to process these registrations and update the various partner platforms.

Registration is a one-time, cost-free process. It provides the provincial government with a fulsome look at short-term accommodations across the province.

The Tourist Accommodations Act requires all tourist accommodations to comply with applicable municipal and provincial regulations, including the requirement for fire inspections and taxation.

Further details on the Tourist Accommodations Act, including the regulations can be found online.

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“The response to our new registration process has been tremendous. I am really pleased with the response thus far and feel confident that the new Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations are serving their purpose. This new, robust registry of tourist accommodations will inevitably improve the tourism experiences we offer and strengthen the industry as a whole.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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New Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations Proclaimed

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2024 at the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade luncheon today (Tuesday, March 26).

The event will take place at Greenwood Inn and Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook, and Scott Reid, MHA for St. George’s-Humber.

Budget 2024 is focused on transforming our health, our economy and our province. More information is available here.

The Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade serves entrepreneurs and the business community of Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, and Humber Valley.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber – Gros Morne, will make an announcement related to health care tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26) in Deer Lake.

The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex.

Premier Furey will be joined by Teara Freake, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Western Zone, NL Health Services, and Deer Lake Mayor Mike Goosney.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will announce funding to support skills development, Tuesday, March 26, at the Centre for Research and Innovation, 1 Mill Road in Corner Brook. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m.

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Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced a bilateral agreement to invest almost $256 million to improve health care access and services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the Working Together Agreement, the Government of Canada will provide nearly $256 million to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s three-year action plan to deliver improvements to its health care system. The plan will:

• Expand access to family health services

• • Increase access to primary care by continuing to add new family care teams, creating urgent care centres to service the Northeast Avalon, and adding new positions to implement the Child and Youth Community Health Services Model.

• Increase health workers and health services to reduce backlogs

• • Institute models of care that address surgical backlogs and increase access to health services, including by expanding orthopedic surgeries in Carbonear.
  • Support models of care that enable health care providers, including pharmacists, to expand their scope of practice by prescribing more medications.
  • Pilot a new physician assistants program and continue to increase midwifery positions across the province.
  • Increase the number of targeted incentive programs for difficult to fill positions and increase programs designed to increase retention of health care workers, including programs to support career development.
  • Add new undergraduate medical education seats and new Family Medical Residency positions for international medical graduates at Memorial University.

• Increase mental health and substance use services

• • Increase the number of people with access to mental health teams.
  • Improve access to services for rural and Indigenous communities and offer community-based services, substance use support, and innovative online mental health services.

• Modernize health data systems to ensure more patients can access care

• • Increase the number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who can access their own health record electronically.
  • Expand virtual care for rural and remote communities.
  • Implement a province-wide emergency response dispatch centre.

Progress on these initiatives and broader commitments will be measured against targets which Newfoundland and Labrador will publicly report on annually.

Through this new agreement, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will work with the Government of Canada to improve how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to; streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals; facilitate the mobility of key health professionals within Canada; and fulfill shared responsibilities to uphold the Canada Health Act to protect Canadians’ access to health care based on need, not the ability, to pay.

Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador also commit to meaningfully engaging and working together with Indigenous partners to support improved access to quality and culturally appropriate health care services. Newfoundland and Labrador’s action plan is informed by continued engagement with its Indigenous partners and supported by trilateral discussions involving the Federal Government. All levels of government will approach health decisions in their respective jurisdictions through a lens that promotes respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Government will continue working together to improve health services for all patients across the province, including responding to the needs of rural, remote, Indigenous and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.

Quotes
“We are proud to be transforming health care in Newfoundland and Labrador based on the recommendations of Health Accord NL. We are grateful for agreements with the Federal Government, such as this Working Together Agreement, that allow us to build on what we have already accomplished and to continue to create more family care teams, recruit more health care professionals, and increase health care services to more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our best-in-class recruitment efforts are working. Family care teams and virtual care are ensuring more people get the care they need when the need it. We are increasing supports and access to mental health and addictions services to those most in need. By working together with our Federal partners and our stakeholders, we will continue to lead in modernizing and transforming health care, for the betterment of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This agreement marks a significant advancement for our health care system, promising improved care for residents and improving the overall resilience of our health care infrastructure. Tailored to Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique requirements, this agreement ensures enhanced health care services for all residents.”
Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health

“Under the Working Together agreement, we’re partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador to improve mental health and substance use services for residents, including Indigenous communities, focusing on culturally informed care to improve access to quality and timely mental health and substance use supports. Together, we must ensure that all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
Honourable Ya’ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

“From the tip of the Torngats to St. John’s Harbour, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians young and old need quality health care. This plan will make sure folks have access to the care that meets their needs, in communities large and small.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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