Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Angela Crockwell, Executive Director of Thrive, to announce funding for nine community organizations provided through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

The funding will be used to carry out important violence prevention work in the areas of outreach, education, and awareness.

The event takes place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at the Thrive office, 807 Water Street, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2024-25 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative. This program aligns with Provincial Government’s continued commitment to create a more inclusive and age-friendly Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Seniors Social Inclusion Initiative provides 50-plus clubs and other eligible organizations funding of:

• Up to $2,000 to organize and promote activities and programs that support healthy aging, mental wellness, social inclusion, and overall well-being; or
• Up to $3,000 for intergenerational projects and activities focusing on fostering respect and understanding across generations; as well as increasing interaction and sharing of experiences, knowledge and skills.

The St. Alban’s Seniors 50-plus Club was one of 148 organizations approved for funding through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative in 2023-24. The 50-plus club used this funding for their Aging Together Intergenerational Program which included activities to foster positive and meaningful interactions between youth and seniors such as games, cooking classes, tea and walks.

Further details on all of the recipients can be found in the backgrounder below.

For more information on the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website at Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative – Children, Seniors and Social Development ; email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 1, 2024.

Quotes
“Meaningful social engagement and positive intergenerational connections are vital to building age-friendly communities and promoting healthy aging and overall well-being of seniors and older adults. Our government remains committed to supporting initiatives that engage older persons and seniors in social activities in their communities and I encourage eligible organizations to apply and help build a more inclusive and age-friendly Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Having young people join our seniors in their activities has been wonderful. They played bingo, cards, and shared stories about local history and how things were done years ago. Being able to bring several generations together is not only good for our seniors but benefits the whole community.”
Edith Organ
Club President, St. Alban’s Seniors 50-plus Club

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Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative

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BACKGROUNDER

2023-2024 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative Approved Projects

Applicant Project Description 55 Plus Association Meals and socials for Seniors’ Month and Christmas Active Living 55+ Club Social and learning activities Alexander Murray Hiking Trail High tea event All Hallows Parish Social activities All Saints Parish Tea Room Weekly meals and Christmas dinner Anglican Parish of Burin Intergenerational crafts Anglican Parish of Port de Grave Meals and entertainment Anglican Parish of St. John the Evangelist AV Equipment Association communautaire francophone de Saint-Jean Francophone seniors club Baccalieu Trail 50+ Club Club outing Barachois Horizons Senior Citizens Club Weekly dances and healthy snacks Bauline Community Committee Inc. Age Café – monthly intergenerational events Bay de Grave 50+ Group Inc. Intergenerational activities Bay Roberts 50+ Club Club outing Beaches 50+ Club Inc. Social activities and outings Beachside Recreation Committee Intergenerational activities Bellburns 50+ Club Weekly lunch events Benoits Cove Indian Band Inc. Tablets and pickleball equipment for intergenerational use BGC Norris Arm Inc. Intergenerational activities Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland Between Generations Mentoring Program Branch Seniors Committee Intergenerational activities Buckmaster’s Circle Community Centre “Circle of Generations” intergenerational program Burgeo First Nation Board games for intergenerational use Burin Peninsula Brighter Futures Tea Time & Nursery Rhymes intergenerational program Burin Senior Citizens 50 + Inc. Social activities Burnt Islands Recreation Social activities By ‘da Bay Trails Inc. Intergenerational Kitchen with local school City of Corner Brook Kids at Heart Event City of St. John’s Recreation Division Intergenerational activities Clear Water Cove 50+ Club Inc. Intergenerational activities Communities Against Violence Intergenerational sewing Community Association of Virginia Park Linking Generations Program Community Mental Health Initiative Inc. Pen Pals for Seniors’ intergenerational program. Community Wheels (Twillingate) Transportation to community events Connecting Generations NL Intergenerational activities Crossroads Family Resource Centre Intergenerational activities Dildo Days Committee Stories from the Cove Seniors’ Lunch Earhart’s 50+ Cub Lunch and learns and intergenerational activities Exploits Community Centre Outings for seniors Exploits Valley 50+ Club Social/intergenerational activities Fédération des francophone de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador Intergenerational folk music Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador Intergenerational Christmas Cards Flat Bay Band Inc. Intergenerational Murder Mystery Dinner Flatrock Fifty Plus Fun Club Club outing Fogo Island Roaring 50+ Club Inc. Walking/hiking poles and intergenerational walks Fortune Bay North Shore 50+ Club Inc. Social activities Fraser Road United Church Intergenerational activities French Rooms Cultural Centre Intergenerational activities Frenchman’s Cove 50+ Club Christmas celebration Friendly Fifty Plus Club Inc. Club outing Funtastics 55+ Club Inc. Club outing Gambo 50+ Club Intergenerational meal for youth with disabilities and audio equipment Gander Gymnastics Club Incorporated (o/a Aerials Active Wellness
Centre) Matinee performances for seniors Gaskiers – Point La Haye Recreation Committee Seniors social and intergenerational activities Gateway Seniors 50+ Inc. Arts & Music entertainment and fellowship program Gillams Historical Society Inc. Intergenerational activities Golden Sunset 50+ Club Intergenerational activities Good Samaritans 50+ Club Social activities Gospel Folk Seniors Choir Intergenerational activities Grand Falls – Windsor branch of Parkinson’s NL Outing and Christmas dinner Green Bay Association for Community Living Intergenerational activities Green Youth Centre Inc. Intergenerational baking and cooking program Hampden Prime Timers 50+ Club Darts equipment Hawke’s Bay 50+ Club Inc. Social activities and community outreach Howley Firettes Inc. Intergenerational activities and games equipment Jackson’s Arm Heritage Society Inc. Intergenerational activities Joe Batts Arm Recreation Inc. Community herb gardens for intergenerational use Kilbride 50 Plus Card Club Social activities Kindred Spirits Knit ‘N Yarn Intergenerational knitting/crocheting Labrador Straits Senior Housing Inc. Outing for residents Lawn Golden Age 50+ Club Intergenerational skill sharing LB Cultural & Historical Society Inc. Cultural/historical intergenerational activities Leading Tickles Outgoers Club outings and community lunch Long Island Heritage Centre Corp – Long Island Quilters Quilting materials, machine maintenance and outing Loyal Orange Lodge #153 Tilton Chosen Few Intergenerational activities Mary’s Harbour Town Council Card tables and weekly card games Marysvale Conception Bay 50+ Seniors Group Club outings and Christmas dinner Material Girls Quilting Group Weekly meetings and quilting materials for charity quilts Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation Inc. Intergenerational workshops Mokami Status of Women Council – Social activities Multicultural Women’s Organization of NL Intergenerational activities New Horizons Random Fifty Plus Club Learning events New Wes Valley 50+ Club Inc. Club outings Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network – NAWN “On land Elders and Youth; Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Retreat” Noggin Cove New Development Committee Social activities North Harbour Lions Club Intergenerational skill sharing North Harbour Volunteer Community Committee Intergenerational activities Page One Art workshops Paradise Adventure 50+ Club Learning event and outing Parish of Bay Roberts Coley’s Point Intergenerational knitting/crafts Parish of the Resurrection Seniors’ café – social, intergenerational and learning activities Pasadena Heritage Society-NL Inc. Intergenerational skill sharing PCSP Rainbow 50 Plus Club Inc. Club outing Placentia Star of the Sea Association Inc. Christmas celebration Placentia West 50+ Club Intergenerational crafts/convention registration Port au Port West Leisure Club Meal and entertainment Port Rexton 50+ Club Club outings Pouch Cove (Town of) Pouch Cove Days seniors’ luncheon and entertainment Pouch Cove Lions Club Corp Seniors’ turkey dinner Queen Alexandria Ladies Council #4 Intergenerational activities Reidville 50+ Club Social/Intergeneration activities and convention registration Rose Blanche Recreation Committee Social activities Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 17 – St. Anthony Meal, entertainment, and transportation Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 Intergenerational activities Salmonier 50+ Club Books for library and social activities Sandwich Bay 50 Plus Club Healthy meals and snacks School of Human Kinetics & Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland Aquatic exercise program for seniors Seal Cove (Town of), Fortune Bay Pickleball equipment and social activities Seal Cove Recreation Committee Intergenerational activities Senior Citizens Echo Club Inc. Social activities Seniors with a Purpose (SWAP) 50+ Club Seniors social and intergenerational activities Society of United Fisherman St. Albans Lodge No.53 Inc. Seniors’ dinner South Brook 50+ Club Inc. Intergenerational activities and games equipment SSVP Carbonear Food Bank Memory Café for persons with dementia and their caregivers St. Alban’s Seniors 50+ Club – Proposal Aging Together Intergenerational program St. Augustine’s Anglican Church Dementia-friendly social activities St. George’s Indian Band Council Inc. Elder’s Feast St. John the Baptist Anglican Church Intergenerational skill sharing St. John’s Retired Citizens Association Exercise classes and learning events St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Intergenerational lunch event St. Vincent’s Lions Club Games equipment and snacks Stephenville Senior Citizens Club Social activities Stoneville Local Service District Intergenerational skill sharing The Anglican Parish of Grand Bank Social activities The Quilting Crowd Quilting materials The Singing Legionnaires Travel costs for choir Three Rivers Mi’kmaq Band Inc. Intergenerational skill sharing Torbay 50+ Friendship Club Club outing Tourism Bell Island Intergenerational activities Town Council of Dover Seniors’ dinner, entertainment and transportation Town Council of L’Anse Au Loup Intergenerational community events Town of Carmanville Intergenerational activities Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity Intergenerational Christmas event Town of Change Islands Pottery workshops Town of Comfort Cove-Newstead Intergenerational activities Town of Gambo Intergenerational activities and seniors’ luncheon Town of Gillams Social activities Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Seniors’ wellness fair Town of Harbour Main-Chapel’s Cove-Lakeview Christmas luncheon Town of Pouch Cove Intergenerational skill sharing Town of Riverhead Intergenerational activities Town of Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adams Cove Social activities and transportation Trepassey Public Library Intergenerational activities Trinity United Church Physical activity events for seniors Victoria Community Development Corporation Ltd. Intergenerational activities Wednesday Sew and Sews Physical activity and quilt making Wesley Fellowship Ministry – Health Lifestyles Fitness Class Fitness equipment and workshops Westport Recreation Committee Christmas celebrations

 

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will highlight recent funding and do a tour at the Port of Argentia tomorrow (Friday, March 1).

The event takes place at the Port of Argentia, Marine Terminal, Waterfront Drive, Argentia, at 11:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, and Scott Penney, CEO for the Port of Argentia.

Media representatives are requested to confirm their attendance by 5:00 p.m. today (February 29) by emailing Meghan McCabe at meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca.

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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) advises that it will be actively following up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Report on the Province’s 2023 Financial Statement Audits. The Committee met this week with the Auditor General for a preliminary discussion on the report and its findings, and shares her concerns that there were 91 outstanding issues across the government reporting entity, up from 30 in 2022. It is particularly concerning for PAC that the number of outstanding issues increased in 2023, especially considering that some of the issues identified were reported on previously.

The Public Accounts Committee will initiate follow-up activities in the coming months, working in partnership with the Auditor General to ensure there are plans in place to take timely action on correcting these deficiencies. Officials from concerned entities may be invited to appear before the Committee to discuss these matters at a public hearing.

The Public Accounts Committee remains committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability on behalf of the Legislature, and improving the delivery of public programs and services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Principal Clerk of Committees
Clerk of Public Accounts Committee
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced changes to his Cabinet.

Effective immediately, Fred Hutton will be the Minister of Housing.

The Honourable Paul Pike will remain the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

Minister Hutton’s biography is included in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“My friendship with Fred dates back many years and it brings me great pleasure to welcome him to my team of Cabinet ministers. Addressing the social determinants of health is a priority for our government and improving access to housing and advancing work with our community partners is integral to that work.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Biography

Fred Hutton
For more than 30 years, Fred Hutton shared the stories of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as a journalist and broadcaster. In 2020, Hutton left journalism and accepted a position as a Senior Advisor in the Premier’s Office.

Fred and his wife Bonnie reside in Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s, where they raised their children Matthew, Claire, Jenna and Ben. Fred was elected MHA for the district of Conception Bay East-Bell Island in a by-election in January 2024.

 

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A swearing-in ceremony for Cabinet will take place today (Thursday, February 29) at 8:30 a.m., in the Cochrane Room at Government House.

8:00 a.m.         Cochrane Room available for set up by media representatives; enter through west side entrance of Government House.
8:15 a.m.         Media representatives in place
8:30 a.m.         Swearing-in ceremony
8:45 a.m.         Media availability in the Cochrane Room (approximate)

Media planning to attend are asked to pre-register via email jillianhood@gov.nl.ca.

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Today, the Auditor General released her annual report, confirming that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador received an unqualified (clean) audit opinion on the 2022-23 Public Accounts which are the audited financial statements of the province for the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2023.

In her report, the Auditor General provides a comprehensive review of areas for improvement within the Provincial Government and its entities. These recommendations are welcomed and will now be reviewed in their entirety, with the aim of making changes that are necessary for the province’s financial health.

As recommended by the Auditor General, the Provincial Government continues to focus on reducing net debt and borrowings. As a result, net debt to GDP has improved from nearly 50 per cent in 2020-21 to approximately 41 per cent in 2022-23. Further, net debt per capita decreased from $32,093 in 2021-22 to $31,059 in 2022-23.

Also noted by the Auditor General, key risks that have potential to significantly impact the provincial economy and fiscal position include rate mitigation, market conditions, and demographic factors such as the need to provide services to smaller communities and the widely dispersed population.

The Provincial Government is overcoming these risks by delivering on its plan for financial improvement focused on balancing budgets, transforming and modernizing government, while managing and lowering our cost of debt. This has included fixing the financing of the Muskrat Falls Project through a $5.2 billion rate mitigation agreement with the Federal Government, as well as strengthening the Auditor General’s role, so she can provide further recommendations on strengthening the province’s financial management practices.

Economic indicators are showing healthy signs for Newfoundland and Labrador:

• According to the 2023 inventory of major projects, about $18.3 billion in major capital spending, on projects valued over $25 million, was planned or underway in the province.
• For 2023, employment in the province was 236,700, an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to 2022. This marks the highest employment level in the province since 2015.
• The unemployment rate averaged 10.0 per cent in 2023, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points compared to 2022. This marks the lowest annual unemployment rate in the province since consistent records began in 1976.
• Population growth continued for the tenth straight quarter. On an annual basis, the province’s population increased by 7,022 persons, or 1.3 per cent, from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023, the largest annual increase since 1972.

Quote
“We thank the Auditor General and her team for their work. In keeping with her recommendations, we are delivering on our plan for financial improvement, with a focus on paying down our debt. At the same time, we are encouraged by Newfoundland and Labrador’s strengthened economy, high employment, and population growth, as we work towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable province.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
All Reports – Office of the Auditor General

Provincial Government Releases 2022-23 Public Accounts

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered her report on the province’s 2023 Financial Statement Audits to the House of Assembly, in accordance with the requirements of the Auditor General Act, 2021.

The report provides observations on the audit of the Consolidated Summary Financial Statements, and outlines opportunities for improvement across the public sector that were identified and communicated to government and its entities in 2023. The full report can be found by visiting the link below.

Quote
“The way government manages its financial and operational responsibilities is critical, and my role is to examine how well government continues to manage that significant responsibility. I encourage government to take the necessary steps to remedy the issues I have outlined in the 2023 financial statement audits – especially given there were 91 outstanding issues across the government reporting entity, up from 30 in 2022 and some of which I have reported on previously – and ensure the best resolutions are found in a timely manner.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
www.ag.gov.nl.ca/reports/all-reports

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

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This release is being issued on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada today announced a new agreement to modernize and upgrade more than 850 Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) homes province-wide. This funding will complement the ongoing work of the Provincial Government to undertake repairs and renovations to its inventory of public housing.

The Affordable Housing Fund (formerly known as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund) includes $8.7 million in federal funding over three years to support renovations or repairs that include energy efficiency and accessibility improvements to existing NLHC homes.

Renovations through this fund will result in a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of at least 25 per cent from the homes covered by the fund and will result in an additional 170 homes receiving accessibility upgrades.

This funding complements the existing NLHC repairs budget of more than $20 million over that same time period.

In October 2023, the Provincial Government increased the NLHC’s renovations budget by $3 million, allowing for repairs and renovations to an additional 143 homes. As of February 23, work is complete on 123 of these homes and underway on another 19 homes.

NLHC continues to advance initiatives to increase access to stable, safe and affordable housing as part of the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to improving the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This includes:

• The five-point plan, which will help stimulate rental housing development, support first-time homebuyers and homeowners with additional space to create basement or secondary suites in their homes.
• The Affordable Rental Housing Program, which features an $80-million investment that will support private and community sector projects to build over 900 new affordable rental homes.
• The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has supported over 500 families find homes in the private rental market since 2021.

To learn more about the five-point plan and other NLHC programs, visit nlhc.nl.ca.

Quotes
“As we work to increase access to affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also important that we continue to repair and modernize our existing homes. In partnership with the Federal Government, this agreement will make NLHC’s housing portfolio more sustainable over the long-term, ensuring our homes are available to more families.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“NLHC housing brings a safe, affordable place to call home within reach for so many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We’re helping them fix up existing homes to give people in our communities a roof over their head. They’re strengthening our local housing stock. That’s work we’re proud to invest in.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Labour and Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount-Pearl on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

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Learn more
Significant Progress Made in Repairs and Renovations of Provincially Owned Vacant Units

Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable

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BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.2 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.

CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, are recognizing Pink Shirt Day activities in schools and communities throughout the province.

Each year, Pink Shirt Day recognizes and reinforces the importance of reducing bullying and embracing kindness, while respecting and celebrating diversity in all corners of Newfoundland and Labrador. Schools, workplaces and communities are encouraged to take action to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive of all people.

The Department of Education is committed to building an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring, inclusive and healthy learning environments for all students and staff in the K-12 public education system.

In January, the Provincial Government announced it is providing $12,500 for the Safe, Caring and Inclusive School Special Initiatives Grants, shared among 26 public schools this year. The grants support specific initiatives in schools that are student focused. Schools are recognized for their efforts in achieving safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments, promoting positive school climates, and sustaining safe and inclusive communities that celebrates equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Quotes
“It is important we continue to embrace kindness, celebrate diversity, and welcome everyone with open hearts in our schools. Bullying can never be tolerated anywhere including schools or workplaces. Let us keep working towards celebrating our diverse communities and each other. The meaning behind Pink Shirt Day – kindness, respect and inclusion – reminds us to treat everyone equally as our province continues to be a welcome place for all cultures and identities.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“All students and teachers deserve to have safe and caring spaces to thrive while learning and teaching. We continue to make progress to ensure schools and workplaces are welcoming for every person from all cultures and identities in our province. I urge everyone to wear pink and show kindness today and every day. A small act of kindness to someone can go a long way in demonstrating that you value and respect them.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Le premier ministre Furey et la ministre Howell soulignent la Journée du chandail rose à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

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Minister Howell Announces Recipients of Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants

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Air access continues to be a strategic priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and today the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is applauding two new routes announced by Porter Airlines, with service from Deer Lake to Halifax, and St. John’s to Ottawa.

Both routes will fly daily, with service to Halifax from Deer Lake beginning on June 4 and service from St. John’s to Ottawa beginning on June 6. Deer Lake is a new destination on Porter’s flight map while the Ottawa route is returning to the province for the first time in five years.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with airports, airlines and other stakeholders, is making great strides on the issue of air access. Just last week, Deer Lake Regional Airport announced new flights to Toronto Pearson and Calgary. In 2023, the Provincial Government announced the reestablishment of a direct flight to Europe with WestJet’s St. John’s-London route, Flair Airlines’ entrance into the provincial market and Air Canada’s new agreement with PAL Airlines.

In 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador made up to $3.75 million available to provincial airports to use as needed to help foster route development.

Quotes
“The combination of government investment and strong stakeholder relationships is paying off. This year alone we have seen the return of our direct connection to Europe, WestJet’s return to the west coast, and now Porter’s return of the St. Johns-Ottawa route, as well as Deer Lake-Halifax. I’d like to thank Porter Airlines for their commitment to this province and I look forward to seeing these new routes succeed.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“During Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s Annual Conference and Trade Show last week, we heard that access to and from the province continues to be a major priority for tourism development and growth. The demonstrated collaboration between governments, airports and airlines around air service development is proving its value by creating positive advancements. Today’s announcement from Porter is an important step toward increasing connectivity for Newfoundland and Labrador, both domestically and internationally.”
Craig Foley
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-009 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-2024-009 Report Date: February 26, 2024 Public Body: Town of Musgrave Harbour Summary: The Town of Musgrave Harbour received two access requests, one for audio recordings of Town meetings, and another for records related to rules of procedure. The Town responded to the first request by stating that the recordings could not be provided because of technical difficulties. It provided responsive records in response to the second request. The Complainant argued that the Town should be able to overcome the technical issues with the recordings and that the Town should be required to answer specific questions arising from the other records it provided. The Commissioner concluded that the Town had responded adequately to both requests, and that public bodies are not required by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to answer questions or provide interpretations. The Commissioner recommended that the Town provide the Complainant with an opportunity to listen to the recordings and provide copies if the technical issues were resolved.

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

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The Department of Health and Community Services is reminding the public of the availability of naloxone kits for individuals who use opioids and family members, friends and other persons in a position to assist a person at risk of overdose from opioids across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Free naloxone kits are publicly available to reverse the potentially fatal effects of an overdose involving opioids such as fentanyl. Residents are encouraged to call 811 or visit naloxone kit distribution sites for information on where to access free naloxone kits.

The department encourages the public to follow harm reduction guidelines, such as not using alone, reducing the quantity used at one time and always keeping a naloxone kit on hand. Using a free naloxone kit could save a life.

The Provincial Take Home Naloxone program has increased the number of distribution sites from 100 to over 130 distribution sites across the province with efforts underway to increase access to free naloxone kits by adding new sites, including municipal offices and food banks. Mail-out options are also available for people who wish to receive a kit.

Since the program was established in 2016, it has distributed over 17,400 naloxone kits, with ongoing efforts to increase the sites available for people to obtain a naloxone kit.

The department met with community organizations and persons with lived and living experience to discuss possible overdose prevention sites. The Provincial Government is committed to working with community agencies to consider this option locally.

More information on mental health and additions resources is available by visiting the department’s Mental Health and Addictions website.

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The House of Assembly advises that, in accordance with the 2024 parliamentary calendar, the House will reconvene on Monday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Proceedings throughout the spring sitting will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website. Proceedings will also be livestreamed on Facebook, X and YouTube.

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

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Today the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Derek Bennett, MHA Lewisporte-Twillingate, announced $600,000 to the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board (PILRB), which is responsible for public library services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Minister made the announcement at the Lewisporte Public Library and was joined by Myrtice Alpen, Chair of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board.

One-time funding of $500,000 has been allocated to supplement the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board’s core operating grant, for a total of over $12.8 million in Provincial Government funding for this fiscal year. This will support the board with costs for maintenance, operations and acquiring additional resources such as new hard copy and digital books.

An additional $100,000 will be provided to the board to support the expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries’ early years programming to include digital literacy tools. Using digital technologies responsively with children over the age of three helps prepare them for the future and is important in achieving early literacy goals.

There are currently 94 public libraries throughout the province that provide a variety of important literacy and community-based services to individuals, families and community groups. Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries works to ensure that library materials, free access to the Internet and programs are available to meet the needs of the province’s people.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing high-quality public library services for access to reading material, internet and related programs to children, youth and adults in the province. The Department of Education provides core operational funding to the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board each year to support public library services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Library services play an important role in communities throughout the province. This additional funding to the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board will further support their important work to increase literacy of people of all ages in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“The Lewisporte Public Library is one of many outstanding service providers that is helping to meet the needs of people in the province. I am pleased that libraries like this one will be supported to meet their operational needs through increased funding. I thank Minister Howell and Chairperson Myrtice Alpen for their continued collaboration.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
MHA Lewisporte-Twillingate

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Minister Howell and her department and look forward to continuing to work together to provide excellent library services to our province. We are excited about the additional resources that we will be able to provide, not just in terms of physical and digital books, but with improved library spaces. We are grateful for the additional $100,000 to expand and modernize our Early Literacy program with digital material which will provide children with a wider range of experiences than we traditionally could provide.”
Andrew Hunt
Executive Director, Provincial Information and Library Resources Board

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Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries

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 BACKGROUNDER

Provincial Information and Library Resources Board
The Provincial Information and Library Resources Board (PILRB) is an independent board established by the Provincial Government through the Public Libraries Act. The Board is charged with the responsibility of:

• Establishing and operating public libraries throughout the province.
• A Provincial Reference and Resource Library.
• A centralized Technical Services division.
• Library services to communities without libraries through a Books-by-Mail Service.
• Centralized administrative services from its provincial headquarters.

The Provincial Board presently operates 94 public libraries throughout the province.

Early Years Programming
The Department of Education provided over $1.1 million in 2023 to Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries to support a three-year Early Literacy Outreach program from 2023-2026. Promotion of appropriate and safe use of digital tools engages children’s development, learning, and well-being.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, attended a meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety in Montreal February 22-23. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to ensure Canadians can benefit from safe, reliable, efficient and modern transportation infrastructure.

Ministers highlighted the impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure throughout the country, as well as the need to increase the resiliency of infrastructure when replacing or rebuilding. The Council agreed to continue to collaborate on addressing the transportation infrastructure gaps that exist in northern and rural regions, understanding the importance of strong transportation services and infrastructure in northern, remote and rural communities.

Ministers also explored ways to strengthen supply chains and trade corridors in an effort to make life more affordable for all Canadians and support Canada’s economy, as well as enhancing transportation safety and security.

The transportation sector in Canada is facing critical labour and skills shortages resulting in disruptions in the movement of goods and people across the country. Ministers highlighted the need for a strong transportation workforce in supporting resilient supply chains. Within their transportation mandates, ministers support continued collaboration on this issue as well as working with their respective counterparts in labour-market development and skills training.

An important topic of discussion at the meeting for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador is the changing environment in the air transportation sector, including the proposed changes to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations under the Canada Transportation Act, and their impact on connectivity. This matter was also recently addressed at the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting in January. Minister Abbott reiterated that these potential changes do not recognize the issues that are associated with flight availability and frequency in smaller market centres such as Atlantic Canada and could hinder efforts to add capacity.

Ministers also continued the dialogue with Indigenous Peoples. They agreed to ongoing engagement with their respective Indigenous partners to better understand the transportation challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and take responsive actions whenever possible and appropriate. Ministers also encouraged the federal minister to report back on progress achieved.

Quote
“Connecting our country and our communities is essential, and modern, reliable infrastructure is necessary for the movement of both goods and people from coast to coast. Meetings like this one are critical to our collective efforts to ensure safe and reliable transportation networks, as well as finding ways to work together to tackle challenges that are facing the transportation sector in every province and territory. I was particularly pleased with the collaborative commitment to address transportation concerns facing our northern, remote and rural communities such as those in northern Labrador.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Members of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety

 

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce that the tentative collective agreement with the Association of Allied Health Professionals (AAHP) has been ratified. The Association represents over 750 vital health care professionals working in all areas of the health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Provincial Government and AAHP have successfully negotiated an agreement that is fair and respectful to all health care professionals who deliver important services to the people of this province every day.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;
• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Wage recognition to ensure occupation competitiveness;
• Improvements in compensation to retain permanent full-time employees;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith-based holiday; and,
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.

In the last 18 months, the Provincial Government has negotiated 29 collective agreements with public sector unions, representing more than 35,000 public sector workers.

Quotes
“The ratification of this collective agreement is another example of the dedicated commitment the province’s negotiating team and our public service unions bring to the bargaining table. With this vote of acceptance by the members of AAHP, government has negotiated the vast majority of our collective agreements with over 35,000 public service employees.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“We are delighted that the Association of Allied Health Professionals have ratified the collective agreement, which includes compensation and benefits that are competitive. The work of AAHP members is essential all across the care continuum in all health care settings. We look forward to working with AAHP going forward as we continue to reimagine our health care system.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Provincial Government and Association of Allied Health Professionals Reach Tentative Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association Sign Collective Agreement

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Reaches Tentative Collective Agreement with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association

Provincial Government and Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government Highlights Ratified Collective Agreements with CUPE

Provincial Government and NAPE Sign Collective Agreements

Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement

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The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will bring greetings at the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games Opening Ceremonies today (Saturday, February 24).

The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Steele Community Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

Since their inception in 1976, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has supported the Newfoundland and Labrador Games program, which celebrates participation in sport and the pursuit of sport excellence in communities throughout the province.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will announce funding for provincial public libraries on Monday, February 26. Minister Howell will be joined by Derek Bennett, MHA for Lewisporte-Twillingate.

The announcement takes place at Lewisporte Public Library, 152 Main Street, Lewisporte, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

A virtual media availability will follow via Zoom at 2:00 p.m. To participate, please RSVP to Lynn Robinson (lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the required information.

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Today the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, attended a virtual Teachers Think Tank hosted by the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA). The Provincial Government, in collaboration with the NLTA, will implement a number of initiatives to help address some of the immediate issues identified during the Teachers Think Tank to improve the recruitment and retention of teachers in the province.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education and Trent Langdon, President of the NLTA, will be available to the media today (Friday, February 23) at 4:00 p.m. to discuss these measures. The availability will take place outside the House of Assembly, Confederation Building.

Initiatives that will be implemented immediately following the Teachers Think Tank include:

• Formation of a committee to address recruitment and retention, led by the Deputy Minister of Education and President of the NLTA, which was a commitment made in the new collective agreement;
• Provincial Government to provide a $450,000 grant to the NLTA to help expand mental health supports and initiatives for teachers;

• Provision of an additional 125 hours per day to the total allocation of student assistant hours in English public schools for the remainder of this school year to support student needs; and,
• Assignment of an additional two floating teacher positions within rural schools of the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial to ensure coverage during teacher absences.

Furthermore, beginning in the 2024-25 school year, one professional learning day per school year will be added to focus on mental health issues affecting teachers. This will continue for the next three school years. In addition, Education Accord NL will focus on delivering a 10-year Education Accord with short, medium, and long-term goals for an education system that better meets the needs of students and learners in Newfoundland and Labrador.

These initiatives build upon commitments made in the recently signed NLTA collective agreement which fairly and responsibly reflects the value placed on educators in the province.

More than 2,200 teachers and administrators in the province completed an online questionnaire related to recruitment and retention which informed the topics discussed at the Teachers Think Tank. An overview of the results of the questionnaire is linked below.

The Provincial Government will continue to work on other initiatives with the NLTA and other stakeholders to address challenges related to recruitment and retention of teachers.

Quotes
“Supporting our educators is critical to creating a prosperous future for Newfoundland and Labrador, and I thank all teachers and staff for the work they do. The Teachers Think Tank demonstrated how these types of discussions can yield honest conversations and innovative solutions. I believe the initiatives we announced today are a starting point for positive change moving forward. The work continues to address recruitment and retention of teachers to our public education system and we will work together with the NLTA to find further solutions.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Teachers Think Tank was a truly valuable experience, and I appreciate the frank conversations and feedback from all educators today on what is needed to improve the teaching environment. We hear the challenges that teachers are experiencing in the classroom and in the system daily. The Think Tank and the initiatives announced today have laid a solid foundation to further our work and collaboration to address recruitment and retention.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“The Teachers Think Tank offered a unique opportunity for teachers in the field, the front-line workers in our education system, to tell their story directly to the decision makers in this province. We are grateful for the participation of all our members in this event. Our Association has been shining a light on the issues impacting recruitment and retention of teachers in this province for some time. We are optimistic that the measures announced today are the start of a meaningful action plan to improve the working conditions of teachers. Afterall, the working conditions of teachers are the learning conditions of students.”
Trent Langdon
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association

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Learn more
Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association Sign Collective Agreement

Teachers Think Tank to be Held in New Year to Inform Recruitment and Retention Initiatives

What We Heard – Recruitment and Retention Online Questionnaire

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The post Teachers Think Tank Results in New Initiatives to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Teachers in the Province; Media Availability at 4:00 p.m. appeared first on News Releases.