Government of Newfoundland News

Artists and arts organizations make meaningful contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrancy, and the well-being of our communities. In continued celebration of the Year of the Arts and as part of Budget 2024, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is proudly announcing a Creative Projects Fund.

The fund is open 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. This includes professional arts organizations with a focus on performing arts; film, media, and digital arts; visual arts; literary arts; and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary arts.

The Creative Projects Fund presents a unique opportunity for professional arts organizations to pursue a single, large-scale and/or wide-reaching project of cultural significance.

Projects must meet two or more of the following criteria:

• Be presentation or market-ready in 2024.
• Be delivered in multiple regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Be a new initiative or significant new extension of an existing project.
• Have secured a minimum of 30 per cent of the total project cost (excluding any operational expenses) from non-provincial government sources at the time of application.

The Creative Projects Fund will be delivered by Celebrate NL. Submissions can be made beginning on Monday, March 25, and are due no later than May 15, 2024. Submissions will be considered as they are received.

More information can be found on Celebrate NL’s website.

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“The Creative Projects Fund is an exciting way to tip our hats to the arts and cultural sector in this province. With this fund, we are enabling professional arts organizations to pursue their ‘big ideas’ for the Year of the Arts. I am certain we are going to see some incredible results. I encourage all interested organizations to get their submissions in ahead of the May 15 deadline.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Year of the Arts 2024

Celebrate NL

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that the second statutory review of the Personal Health Information Act is complete.

The Department of Health and Community Services engaged INQ Consulting to assist with a statutory review of the Act to assess whether there should be changes to modernize the Act. A statutory review committee was established with representatives from INQ Consulting and officials from the Department of Health and Community Services.

The report outlines recommendations in the following areas:

• Privacy protections
• Access to health data and interoperability
• Data and innovation
• Monitoring and oversight
• Consent
• Literacy and Social license

The committee’s report is available at www.phiareviewnl.ca. The recommendations outlined in the report are currently being reviewed by the department.

The statutory committee consulted a broad range of stakeholders to ensure various perspectives were duly considered. Stakeholders included members of the public, Indigenous groups, patient councils, government departments and agencies in the province, associations, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The committee gathered information and opinions in a systematic manner that allowed stakeholders and individuals to bring forth the issues that mattered to them through the collection of written submissions, as well as survey responses.

Proclaimed in 2011, the Personal Health Information Act is required to undergo a review once every five years. The Act establishes rules that custodians of personal health information must follow when collecting, using, and/or disclosing individuals’ personal health information.

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“A review of the Personal Health Information Act helps us modernize the legislation and ensure that it continues to serve its purpose efficiently. This review and the valuable input provided by stakeholders will now help us determine next steps for the Act.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Public Consultations Beginning on Modernization of Personal Health Information Act

Statutory Review of Personal Health Information Act to Begin

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Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on the CN Viaduct portion of Pitts Memorial Drive, beginning today (Friday, March 22) and will remain in place for the duration of the upcoming construction season.

The reduction is necessary to facilitate repair work on the bridge.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control.

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-012 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: A-2024-012 Report Date: March 20, 2024 Public Body: Executive Council Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to Executive Council for records relating to the submission to government and the subsequent public release of the Auditor General’s report about Memorial University. Executive Council located records and provided some of them to the Complainant, withholding some information under section 7(2) (conflict with other Acts) and section 30 (legal advice). The Commissioner found that Executive Council had met its duty to assist the applicant as required by section 13 of the Act, had conducted a reasonable search for records, and had properly applied the claimed exceptions to access. Accordingly, the Commissioner recommended that Executive Council maintain its position and continue to withhold the redacted information.

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

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The Provincial Government is highlighting its commitments and progress on fisheries issues that have been raised over the past week by harvesters in the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW).

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, wrote to Greg Pretty, President of the FFAW, on March 14, 2024, to request clarification of the position of the union regarding outside buyers. In a letter of March 15, 2024, the FFAW replied to indicate its support for allowing outside buyers on all species, requesting that processing capacity be raised by lifting the caps on processing licenses and issuing new processing licenses, and a comprehensive review of structural issues associated with the fishery.

The Minister responded to the FFAW on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, and the response letter can be found here.

In response to these requests, the Provincial Government has taken the following positions with the FFAW and harvesters:

• Outside buyers: The Provincial Government initiated an application process for outside buyers on March 19, 2024, starting with the soon-to-be-opened snow crab fishery.
• Processing capacity: The Provincial Government will increase processing capacity in the snow crab industry prior to the start of the 2024 snow crab fishing season. The extent of the increase and mechanism to achieve the increase will be informed by the final Total Allowable Catch (TAC), once announced by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
• Review of the Fishery: Government committed to a review that will touch on all elements of the fishery and will include the FFAW in the planning of the review.

The Provincial Government continues to work hard with all those who support the sustainable management of our fishing sector. There are 17,000 seafood workers and 400 communities that rely on the fishery for their livelihood.

Quote
“Our Government has made significant commitments in response to requests from fish harvesters and their union. Some of these requests have been longstanding, and our Government has moved on each one of them. We will continue to engage with the FFAW, the Association of Seafood Producers, and all stakeholders as we move forward with a comprehensive review of the fishery.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Minister’s Letter to FFAW (March 19)

Expression of Interest for Outside Buyers in the Crab Industry

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Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, released Budget 2024 – Transforming: Our Health. Our Economy. Our Province.

In Budget 2024, the Provincial Government is focused on transforming the province’s finances, while delivering:

• No new taxes, tax increases or fee increases.
• Continued focus on affordability during a time of higher interest rates:
  • Continuing the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel;
  • Continuing the 50 per cent reduction in the cost of registering passenger vehicles, trucks and taxis;
  • Maintaining the home heating supplement for furnace and stove oil; and,
  • Continuing the elimination of the retail sales tax on home insurance.
• Reducing the small business tax rate, as well as taking meaningful action to cut red tape and speed processes to support business and drive economic activity.
• Record investments in health care, the well-being of seniors, poverty reduction, and housing.
• Record investments in infrastructure for health, education, and housing.

Fiscal overview

• Projected deficit of $152 million for 2024-25, which represents 1.5 per cent of revenues.
• Balanced budgets are projected for each year in the multi-year forecast, extending to 2028-29.
• Projected revenues for 2024-25 are $10.3 billion – an increase of 7.8 per cent and the highest in the province’s history.
• Projected expenses for 2024-25 are $10.4 billion – an increase of 4.6 per cent.
• Of the $10.4 billion in expenses, $510 million is 100 per cent federally funded.
• Net debt is expected to be $17.8 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
• The projected borrowing requirement for 2024-25 is $2.8 billion.
• Current oil price projections are $US82 per barrel, while the Canada-United States exchange rate is forecast at 74.7 cents.
• Oil revenues in 2024-25 are expected to represent 15 per cent of overall revenues compared to 33 per cent in 2011-12.

Economic outlook

• Forecasts of economic indicators show Newfoundland and Labrador as having one of the highest rates of economic growth for 2024 among provinces.
• Opportunities in the green energy, low carbon oil, mining and aquaculture industries are expected to boost economic activity over the forecast period.
• Real GDP: forecast to increase by 5.1 per cent in 2024, primarily due to a rebound in oil and nickel production.
• Total employment: forecast to increase by 0.9 per cent in 2024.
• Unemployment rate: expected to remain on par with the record low in 2023 at 10.0 per cent in 2024.
• Household income: expected to increase by 4.9 per cent in 2024.
• Retail sales: forecast to increase by 2.8 per cent in 2024.
• Population: projected to rise by 0.8 per cent in 2024, continuing the strong growth seen in 2023.
• Capital investment: expected to increase by 3.0 per cent to $9.6 billion in 2024.
• Inflation: forecast to be 2.6 per cent in 2024.

Transforming the province’s finances

• Focusing on balanced budgets – the provincial deficit has decreased from $1.5 billion in 2020-21 to $152 million estimated in 2024-25.
• Contributing $72.4 million to the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund, bringing the total contributions to $358.8 million.
• Creating sinking funds when new bonds are issued, so that money is put aside to be used only for repaying the principal of the bonds at maturity.
• Working to lower the cost of borrowing through opportunities such as the European borrowing program so the province has the option to issue bonds beyond the Canadian market.
• Strengthening liquidity, so that we have the cash reserves available to meet obligations.
• Fixing the financing of the inherited Muskrat Falls Project through a $5.2 billion rate mitigation agreement with the Government of Canada.

More details on Budget 2024 investments and economic projections are available online at gov.nl.ca/Budget2024.

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“As a government, we are transforming the province’s finances as we work towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable province. We are continuing to help residents and businesses with affordability measures and making record investments in health care, seniors, housing, poverty reduction, and infrastructure. At the same time, we are focusing on balanced budgets and setting aside money to pay for our debt.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-011 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: A-2024-011 Report Date: March 19, 2024 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for the contents of an RNC investigation file. The RNC provided the records, with some information redacted claiming section 30 (legal advice), section 31 (disclosure harmful to law enforcement) and section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant filed a complaint with our Office. The Commissioner found that the RNC had conducted a reasonable search, had reasonably refused to allow the Complainant to view part of the record in person, and had properly withheld some of the information under sections 30 and 31. However, the Commissioner disagreed that section 31 or section 40 applied to other redacted passages, and declined to consider the applicability of other exceptions that were claimed by the RNC late in the investigation process. The Commissioner recommended that the RNC continue to withhold some of the redacted information, but disclose the remainder to the Complainant.

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

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The Provincial Government is advising that the delivery of Budget 2024 has been delayed due to an unsafe environment in which fish harvesters are preventing public service employees from entering the Confederation Building Complex.  Presently, the conditions are unsafe for employees and visitors to the complex, and there is a threat of violence.

The Provincial Budget is significant to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and includes spending on such key matters as health care, education, seniors, and improvements to infrastructure, as well as industry and businesses.  It will be delayed until further notice.

While the Budget is being delayed, the functions of government operations will continue with employees serving communities and people throughout the province.

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is highlighting progress on fisheries issues raised by the FFAW and harvesters in the past week.

Minister Loveless wrote to the FFAW on March 14, 2024, to request clarification of the position of the union regarding outside buyers. In a letter of March 15, 2024, the FFAW replied to indicate their support for allowing outside buyers on all species, requesting that processing capacity be raised by lifting the caps on processing licences and issuing new processing licences, and a comprehensive review of structural issues associated with the fishery.

The Minister responded to the FFAW today, and the response letter can be found here.

In response to these requests, the Provincial Government has taken the following positions with the FFAW and harvesters:

Outside buyers: The Provincial Government initiated an application process for outside buyers today, starting with the soon-to-be-opened snow crab fishery.

Processing capacity: The Provincial Government will increase processing capacity in the snow crab industry prior to the start of the 2024 snow crab fishing season. The extent of the increase and mechanism to achieve the increase will be informed by the final Total Allowable Catch (TAC), once announced by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Review of the Fishery: Minister Loveless committed to a review that will touch on all elements of the fishery and will include the FFAW in the planning of the review.

The Provincial Government continues to work hard with all those who support the sustainable management of our fishing sector. There are 17,000 seafood workers and 400 communities that rely on the fishery for their livelihood.

Quote
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has made significant commitments in response to requests from fish harvesters and their Union. Some of these requests have been longstanding, and our Government has moved on each of them. We will continue to engage with the FFAW, ASP and all stakeholders as we move forward with a comprehensive review of the fishery.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Minister’s Letter to FFAW

Expression of Interest for Outside Buyers in the Crab Industry

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Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex for Budget Day, tomorrow (March 20, 2024).

Parking is available in the lot between the visitor’s entrance and basement of the East Block for media attending the Budget Speech. The parking lot in front of East Block will be closed tomorrow.

In addition, the parking lot at the rear of East Block, near the House of Assembly entrance, will be available to permit holders for Zones A, B, C, invited guests and persons with disabilities only.

Parking restrictions will be in place all day beginning at 6:00 a.m. Signs will be in place as a reminder.

Parking for visitors to Confederation Building Complex for purposes other than the Budget is available in the remaining parking lots. Visitors must use the Visitor Entrance near the link on the north side of the complex.

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Beginning Wednesday, March 20, 2024, low-income families with children in the province will see an increase in the benefits they receive from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligible parents will see increased amounts included with their March 20, 2024 Canada Child Benefit, including a retroactive amount for January-March 2024.

As announced on November 8, 2023, the Provincial Government has increased the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit by 300 per cent as part of a heightened focus on reducing child poverty under the province’s new Poverty Reduction Plan. This increase will benefit approximately 14,000 children up to age 18.

Also on March 20, eligible low-income families with children from age one up to age five will receive their first additional $150 per month from the Provincial Government through the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement. Previously this benefit ended when children turned one. This amount is also included with the Canada Child Benefit Payment and will include a retroactive amount for January and February. For more information on the supplement and to determine if you are eligible, visit www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/income-support/nutritionsupplement/.

A benefits calculator is available at www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/income-support/child/.

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As part of Budget 2024 and in support of prioritizing the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $13 million investment for a new sport and well-being dome in St. John’s.

The facility will prioritize exercise rehabilitation for acute care patients with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, orthopaedic conditions, stroke and cancer. The program will be administered by NL Health Services and will operate out of the dome five days per week. This will enhance capacity for exercise rehabilitation in this province, aligning with the recommendations of Health Accord NL.

The new dome will also enable an expansion of training and competition facilities for provincial level athletes and teams.

In addition, the general public will be able to avail of the facility’s walking track for their own health and well-being goals. The track will provide barrier free access to anyone looking for a safe walking or running space year-round, but especially during the province’s winter months.

The building will be constructed in the metro St. John’s area; however, a location has yet to be finalized. In addition to the exercise rehabilitation program, turf and walking track, preliminary plans for the facility include office space, locker rooms, bathrooms and shower facilities.

This new facility aligns with the Provincial Government’s goal of being one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031 and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quotes
“Our plan for this dome is to, firstly, provide a designated space for the exercise rehabilitation of acute care patients. Secondly, this facility will provide an indoor turf space for provincial level athlete training and competition. The need for a space like this in our province is great and it will provide benefits for all, including safe, practical opportunities for enjoying year-round walking, running and other forms of physical activity in a high-quality, indoor, multi-use facility.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This new dome is a welcome addition to the NL Sports Centre and its suite of offerings for provincial team athletes. Sports that utilize grass, such as rugby, football and ultimate frisbee, will now have a provincially owned and operated turf space in which to train year-round. Of further benefit is the innovative approach to the incorporation of exercise rehabilitation to the space. It’s a win-win for our community and residents and will bring with it significant well-being benefits.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Space for exercise rehabilitation of high-risk patients is much needed in the region. Furthermore, a dome was envisaged as phase three of the NL Sports Centre in 2007 as critical to the provision of sports facilities for turf-based sports. The dome meets both these needs.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
Deputy Minister, Health Transformation

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre is extremely pleased to be a part of this announcement.  This new, high-quality facility will assist greatly in helping us meet our mandate in addressing the sport development and competition needs for many of our provincial sports organizations. Our current facility is simply not able to meet the ever increasing requirements of our provincial sports organizations. Expanding our ability to meet this increase in demand is fantastic for athlete development in our province.”
Tom Godden
Chair, NL Sports Centre

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Today, the Provincial Government invited fish buyers and fish processors to submit an Expression of Interest application for a temporary Fish Buyers Licence to export live snow crab out of the province for the 2024 snow crab fishery.

The purpose of the Expression of Interest is to evaluate allowing outside buyers, by providing Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab harvesters with more opportunities to sell their catch for the 2024 snow crab fishery. The Expression of Interest includes a fish buyer’s licence application so that timely issuance of licences can proceed, should there be an interest.

Expressions of Interest, including the application for a fish buyer’s licence, must be submitted electronically to derricklockyer@gov.nl.ca. Program details, eligibility requirements and information on the application process are available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website here.

The Provincial Government will continue to work with all stakeholders to advance our fishing industry and derive the maximum benefit from the public’s fishing resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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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 20).

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-010 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: A-2024-010 Report Date: March 15, 2024 Public Body: Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs for records about the establishment of a beach reserve. The Department provided responsive records, but withheld some information pursuant to sections 29 (policy advice), 30 (legal advice), 31 (disclosure harmful to law enforcement), and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant made a complaint to this Office to review the decision by the Department to withhold this information. The Commissioner found that the exceptions to access had been properly applied and the Department could continue to withhold this information.

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

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Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, recognized March 18 – 22 as Education Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme this year is Planting Positivity. Minister Howell was joined by Trent Langdon, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA), in signing a proclamation to declare the week.

Education Week is a time to celebrate the educational experience of students, teachers, and staff, and appreciate combined efforts and dedication to support positive learning and teaching spaces for all members of the K-12 education system.

The Provincial Government is committed to creating and fostering a positive and modern learning environment. Recent actions to support these efforts include the elimination of the 1.6 km rule to access school bus services; a commitment to new school infrastructure in Kenmount Terrace, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Cartwright, and Paradise; the elimination of public exams and development of a new assessment and evaluation framework for high school students; dedicated recruitment and retention initiatives stemming from the recently held Teachers Think Tank and the ratification of the new collective agreement.

The integration of the former school district into the Provincial Government is now complete and more than 8,000 employees have been welcomed into the public service. This strengthened focus on education will support government’s work to provide high quality educational programs and services for all students in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“I encourage everyone to take time during Education Week and celebrate the progress and achievements of students, teachers, and staff. We will continue to work to ensure that all students are able to reap the rewards of the positive learning environments that have been sown in classrooms and educational spaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Le gouvernement provincial reconnaît la Semaine de l’éducation à Terre‑Neuve‑et‑Labrador

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The House of Assembly advises that there will be limited space available for media in a designated area on the Chamber floor for the purposes of photography/videography during Budget Speech 2024. Media wishing to access the Chamber floor are asked to pre-register no later than 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (March 20). Media pre-registered for access to the Chamber floor must be in position by 1:50 p.m. on Budget day (or immediately following release from the Budget lock-in for those attending).

Pre-registration is not required for media accessing the press gallery.

A live feed of the Budget Speech will be available on the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook and YouTube).

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Principal Clerk of Committees/Director of Communications
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

 

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a pre-budget announcement related to well-being and sport this afternoon (Tuesday, March 19).

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the PowerPlex (Benvon’s Room), 90 Crosbie Road, St. John’s.

Premier Furey will be joined at the announcement by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation; Dr. Patrick Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation; and, Rod Snow, Executive Director of the NL Sports Centre.

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More than $250 million has been announced for highway construction projects for 2024-25, as part of the Provincial Government’s Multi-Year Provincial Roads Plan. This investment is part of the $1.4 billion in improvements to provincial roads and highways announced last year.

The Roads Plan outlines a list of highway construction projects planned for the 2024-25 highway construction season and a partial list of projects planned for 2025-26, which will be updated in early 2025. In addition to major highways and regional trunk roads, the plan also includes many provincially-owned local roads. More details on these projects can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be available to speak to media about the Roads Plan today (Tuesday, March 19) at the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building beginning at 11:30 a.m. He will be joined by Jim Organ, Executive Director, Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In February, residents were encouraged to provide information on roads to be considered for the plan such as region, route name or number, the nearest municipality or landmark, and the type of road issue being experienced. More than 400 suggestions were received. This information was then aligned with the technical input already received from the department’s engineers to help finalize this year’s plan.

Other significant factors in determining the list of highway construction projects selected for the plan include the impacts of climate change; commercial, industry and tourism impacts; daily traffic volumes; road condition ratings; and populations serviced.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has already begun issuing tenders for road construction work to begin this construction season. Tenders have been issued for various projects including:

• Replacement of two bridges at Windmill Bight (Route 330);
• Rehabilitation of Change Island Bridge (Route 335-14);
• Evaluation of Bay D’Espoir Bridge (Route 361);
• Rehabilitation of Portland Creek, Bound Brook, West River, Castor River, Bowing Brook Bridges (Route 430);
• Rehabilitation of Southwest Brook (Route 414), East Brook Bridge (Route 413), Black Brook Bridge (Route 410), Pacquet Bridge (Route 417), and Shoe Cove North Bridge (Route 414); and,
• Rehabilitation of Lloyds River, Dry Pond Brook, Burnt Pond Brook Bridges (Route 480) and Crabbs River Bridge (Route 1).

The department will continue issuing tenders throughout the next few months in preparation for the upcoming construction season.

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

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

Quotes
“Once again, we have developed a balanced approach for this year’s Roads Plan to address the many road infrastructure needs in the province, supported by our government’s unprecedented multi-year funding commitment of $1.4 billion over five years. In collaboration with the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, we look forward to improving the province’s road infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador facilitated by our early tendering process. I also want to thank residents who provided information on roads in their area for consideration in this year’s plan.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to see that the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is continuing with commitments to present the construction Industry, as well as the general public, with early indications of government’s provincial infrastructure plans. Multi-year budgeting commitments and early tenders are extremely important. It enables contractors and the many support and service companies to be better prepared for the upcoming road construction season(s). All stakeholders can plan their work more efficiently, make more informed investment decisions as well as ensuring staffing and training are aligned with work requirements. The industry looks forward to working with government in the upcoming construction season.”
Jim Organ
Executive Director, Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDED

Route Route Name Description 2024-25 2025-26 1 Trans Canada Highway Construct new Galway Interchange       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Culvert replacements/rehabilitations between Whitbourne and St. John’s       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Mill and Fill Sections between Whitbourne and St. John’s       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Street light and median repairs Outer Ring Road near Carrick Drive       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehabilitate Foxtrap Overpass       ·       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Traffic study Paradise/Outer Ring Road Interchange       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Replace Rushy Pond Bridge        · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehabilitate Leech Brook Bridge       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Paving sections Gander to Glenwood       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Paving sections near Grand Falls       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehabilitate Badger Brook Bridge       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehabilitate Big Junction Brook Bridge       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Mill and fill sections between Whitbourne and Arnold’s Cove       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Replace Port aux Basques Ferry Terminal Overpass       ·       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehab TCH from Pinch Gut to Route 480        ·       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Paving sections between Doyles Intersection to Mollichignick Brook Bridge       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Rehabilitate Crabb’s River Bridge       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Replacement Deer Lake Tailrace Bridge       ·       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Bin Wall Replacement Massey Drive on Ramp       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Improvements to White’s Road Interchange       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Traffic Study Deer Lake       · 1 Trans Canada Highway Construct passing lanes PAB       ·       · 2A CBS Bypass – Peacekeepers Way Mill and fill sections       · 2B Pitts Memorial Rehabilitation CNR Viaduct       · 2B Pitts Memorial Road upgrade including storm sewer repairs, replace median barrier and install new street lighting       · 2B Pitts Memorial Rehabilitate Blackhead Road Overpass       · 2B Pitts Memorial Mill and fill sections       · 2B Pitts Memorial Road upgrade including storm sewer, curb and gutter, guide rail and paving       ·       · 4-1-19 Bonnell Drive (Little Rapids) Paving section       · 10 Southern Shore Highway Paving sections between St. Shott’s and Trepassey       ·       · 10 Southern Shore Highway Rehabilitate Tors Cove Bridge       · 10-36 Harbour Road Rehabilitate Dean’s Road Bridge       · 11 Petty Harbour / Maddox Cove Road Replace culvert Petty Harbour       · 13 Witless Bay Line Paving sections Witless Bay Line       ·       · 20 Torbay Road Rehabilitate Northwest Pond Brook Bridge       · 20 Torbay Road Repair guide rail Pouch Cove and Bauline retaining walls       · 20 Torbay Road Rehabilitate Pouch Cove Bridge       · 30-12 Old Marine Drive Realignment Marine Drive       · 40 Portugal Cove Road Rehabilitate Western Gully Bridge       · 40-15 Bauline Line Extension Paving sections       ·       · 70 Baccalieu Trail Replace Double Brook Bridge       · 70 Baccalieu Trail Replace Ochre Pit Brook Bridge       · 70 Baccalieu Trail Replace seawall Spaniard’s Bay       · 70 Baccalieu Trail Paving sections Roaches Line       · 70 Baccalieu Trail Paving sections Old Perlican to Bay de Verde       ·       · 70-16 Bishop’s Cove Road Upgrade and repave sections       ·       · 70-20 Bryant’s Cove Road Paving sections       ·       · 70-21 Harbour Grace Access Road Paving (Jamie’s Way) Harbour Grace       · 70-56 Red Head Cove Road Paving sections       · 72 Bareneed Road Replace retaining walls Port de Grave       · 80 Trinity South Highway Replace Whiteway Bridge       · 80 Trinity South Highway Paving section Old Perlican       · 90 Salmonier Line Replace North Arm River Bridge       · 90 Salmonier Line Paving sections New Bridge to Riverhead       ·       · 93 Mount Carmel Road Replace Rattling Brook Bridge       · 93 Mount Carmel Road Replace Store Gully Bridge       · 94 Admiral’s Beach Road Replace culvert       · 100A Argentia Access Road – Collector Paving section Dunville       · 100B Cape Shore Highway Paving sections Branch to Point Verde       ·       · 102 Ship Harbour Road Paving section Ship Harbour       · 201 Main Road Bellevue Replace Chapel Arm Bridge No. 3       · 201-10 Bear Hill Road Replace Chapel Arm Bridge No. 2       · 204 Southwest Arm Road Butter Cove Replace retaining walls Southport       · 210 Burin Peninsula Highway Culvert replacements       · 210 Burin Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Red Harbour River West Bridge       · 210 Burin Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Grand Bank Brook Bridge       · 210-19 Main Road Baine Harbour Replace retaining wall Baine Harbour       · 211 English Harbour Access Road Rehabilitate Terrenceville Brook Bridge       · 211-10 Terrenceville Road Rehabilitate Southeast Brook Bridge       · 212 Harbour Mille Road Paving sections near Jacques Fontaine       ·       · 215 Petite Forte Road Replace Boat Harbour Bridge       · 220 Grand Bank to St. Lawrence Replace box culvert near Point May       · 220 Grand Bank to St. Lawrence Paving sections near Little St. Lawrence       ·       · 220 Grand Bank to St. Lawrence Replace culvert Little St. Lawrence       · 220A Mcgettigan Boulevard Replace Marystown Harbour (Canning) Bridge       ·       · 220A Mcgettigan Boulevard Rehabilitate Marystown Underpass       ·       · 221 Main Street Burin Road Paving sections near Burin       · 222 Winterland Road Paving sections       · 230 Bonavista Peninsula Highway Replace Little Catalina Brook Bridge       · 230 Bonavista Peninsula Highway Paving sections near Bonavista       · 230 Bonavista Peninsula Highway Replace culvert Morley’s Siding       · 230A Memorial Drive Replace George’s Brook Bridge       · 231 Random Island Road Paving sections near Random Heights       · 231-16 Hickman’s Harbour Road Replace retaining wall Hickman’s Harbour       · 235 Southern Bay to Cape Bonavista Paving section near Stock Cove       · 235 Southern Bay to Cape Bonavista Paving sections near Birchy Cove       · 235-20 Keel’s Road Replace culvert Duntara       · 301 Terra Nova Road Paving section       · 320 Bonavista North Highway Paving sections near Hare Bay       · 320-36 NewWesValley Road Paving sections       ·       · 330 Gander Bay Highway Replace Windmill Brook Bridge North       ·       · 330 Gander Bay Highway Replace Windmill Brook Bridge South       ·       · 330 Gander Bay Highway Paving sections       · 330-14 Ladle Cove Road Paving sections       ·       · 330-28 Cape Freel’s Road Paving sections       · 330-32 Newtown Road Replace culvert       · 335-14 Change Islands Road Rehabilitate Change Island Bridge       · 340 Road to the Isles Paving sections Lewisporte to Loon Bay       ·       · 340 Road to the Isles Paving sections near Lobster Harbour       · 341 Laurenceton Road Paving sections Lewisporte       · 346 Too Good Arm Road Paving sections       · 352 Fortune Harbour Road Replace culvert       · 352 Fortune Harbour Road Paving sections       · 360 Bay D’Espoir Highway Replace Conne River Bridge        ·       · 360 Bay D’Espoir Highway Rehabilitate Bernard’s Brook bridge       · 360 Bay D’Espoir Highway Paving sections       · 361 St. Albans Road Rehabilitate Bay D-Espoir Causeway Bridge       · 361 St. Albans Road Paving section St. Alban’s       · 361 St. Albans Road Rehabilitate Southeast Brook Bridge       · 363 Coomb’s Cove Road Rehabilitate Timber Bridge in Coomb’s Cove       · 364 Seal Cove Road Paving sections       · 380 Pilley’s Island Road Pave section near Triton       · 392 Beachside Road Replace culvert       · 401 Howley Road Paving sections       · 404 Robinson’s Road Paving sections       ·       · 405 Highland’s Road Paving sections       ·       · 408 Cape Ray Road Paving sections       · 410 Baie Verte Road Paving sections near Flatwater Pond Park       ·       · 410 Baie Verte Road Rehabilitate Black Brook Bridge       · 413-10 Smith’s Harbour Road Rehabilitate East Brook Bridge       · 414 La Scie Highway Paving sections       ·       · 414-17 Pond Road Rehabilitate Shoe Cove North Bridge       · 417 Pacquet Road Rehabilitate Pacquet Bridge       · 420 Pollards Point to Jacksons arm Paving sections       ·       · 422 Cormack Paving sections       · 430A Northern Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate West River Bridge       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Paving sections Bonne Bay to Wiltondale       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Bowing Brook Bridge       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Castor River Bridge       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Paving section St. Anthony       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Bound Brook Bridge       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Paving sections near 3 Mile Rock       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Replace culvert near Hawke’s Bay       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Rehabilitate Portland Creek Bridge       · 430B Northern Peninsula Highway Remove White Hills Road Bridge       · 430-15-2 West Link Paving section       · 430-21-1 Cow Head Local Road Paving sections       · 430-28 Port au Choix Road Paving sections       · 430-36 Reef’s Harbour Road Paving sections       · 431 Trout River Road Paving and slope stabilization       · 432 Main Brook Highway Paving sections       · 433-10 Bide Arm Road Paving sections       · 440 North Shore Highway Replace Hughes Brook Bridge       · 440 North Shore Highway Slope repairs       · 450-1 Lewin Parkway Rehabilitate Humber Road Overpasses       · 460 Port au Port Highway Replace Romaine’s River Bridge        · 461 St. Georges Highway Paving section Barachois Brook       · 462 Mattis Point Road Slope stabilization Fox Island River       · 480 Burgeo Highway Rehabilitate Burnt Pond Bridge       · 480 Burgeo Highway Rehabilitate Dry Pond Brook Bridge       · 480 Burgeo Highway Rehabilitate Lloyd’s River Bridge       · 480 Burgeo Highway Paving sections       · 500 Trans Labrador Highway Subgrade repairs near Mountain Brook       · 500 Trans Labrador Highway Paving sections Labrador City       · 500 Trans Labrador Highway Replace culverts at Ossokmanuan Reservoir Causeway       · 500 Trans Labrador Highway Subgrade repairs near Blueberry Hill       · 500 Trans Labrador Highway Replace Demille River Culverts       · 503 Wabush Access Road Paving sections       · 510 Southern Labrador Highway Rehabilitate Pinware Bridge       · 520 North West River Road Replace Goose River Bridge  · 520 North West River Road Paving sections near Gosling Lake       ·       · 520 North West River Road Paving section Hamilton River Road       · Paving sections Bell Island       · Paving sections Portugal Cove – St. Phillips       · Paving sections Jerseyside, Freshwater and Southeast       · Granular resurfacing various routes –Labrador South Coast       · Paving sections Bay St. George South Area       · Paving sections Codroy Valley Area       · Remove bridge Marie’s Road       · Various bridge inspections       ·       · Engineering consulting services       ·       ·

The post Projects Announced for the 2024-25 Multi-Year Roads Plan appeared first on News Releases.

Today, Mr. Travis Wooley, Chief Electoral Officer (Acting) of Newfoundland and Labrador, issued an election writ to the Returning Officer for the District of Fogo Island-Cape Freels. The by-election will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024.

The following key dates apply to this election:

• Election Day – Monday, April 15. Polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
• Advance Poll – Monday, April 8. Polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
• Deadline for Candidate Nominations – Monday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m.

All times listed above are half an hour earlier in most of Labrador.

Electors are encouraged to visit the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador website (www.elections.gov.nl.ca) for information pertaining to voting qualifications, Election Day voting locations, Advance Poll locations, Special Ballot voting, and more.

Inquiries can also be made by calling Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or local at 709-729-0712.

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

The post Election Writ Issued for Fogo Island-Cape Freels By-Election appeared first on News Releases.