Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will deliver a keynote address at the Future of Lab West Summit at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024.

In addition to Premier Furey’s participation in the three day event, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation; and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, are speaking at the event.

Hosted by the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce, the Future of Lab West Summit will take place from February 26-28 at the Wabush Hotel, 9 Grenfell Drive, Wabush. The summit features presentations and roundtables with participation from industry, community and government to initiate discussion on issues and developments in the region.

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Funding applications for the 2024 Community Garden Support Program are available to help eligible municipalities, schools and community groups establish and enhance new and existing community gardens. There is no deadline to apply, but applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of the $2.28 million Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, the Provincial Government is investing over $132,000 into non-repayable grants to help increase food self-sufficiency, access to fresh foods, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and awareness and appreciation of the importance of local food production and the agriculture sector.

Since 2019, the Community Garden Support Program has supported more than 680 projects, with thousands of people working together to establish and grow community gardens throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2024 application and program guide are available on the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website. For more information on the program call 709-637-2474 or email CGSP@gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“It is so rewarding to see the continued success of the Community Garden Support Program and the many people, from primary school students to senior citizens, working together to grow their own crops and contributing to food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage municipalities, schools, service groups and not-for-profit organizations to keep the momentum going and apply for a Community Garden Support Program grant for the upcoming season.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Les demandes au titre du Programme de soutien des jardins communautaires sont ouvertes

Learn more
2024-25 Community Garden Support Program Guide

2024-25 Community Garden Support Program Application

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Please be advised that MCP services on MyGovNL will undergo planned maintenance on Saturday, February 24, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in parts of Labrador).

Users who try to access MCP services through MyGovNL will receive a notification alerting them to the scheduled maintenance.

The department thanks the public for their patience and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

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The Provincial Government is providing $175,000 in funding to the Ruah Counselling Centre in St. John’s to provide grief and suicide loss support.

Ruah is a non-profit community counselling agency that provides counselling to individuals, couples and families, and educational and supportive groups to people 16 years of age and older.

Ruah receives thousands of requests for service each year from people seeking assistance through counselling, psychoeducational groups, workshops and community support.

Board members and staff are registered clinicians who provide evidence-based care to people seeking support for a variety of mental health and substance use needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, suicide loss, stress and anger.

Workshops for schools and community agencies on topics, such as anxiety and conflict resolution, are also provided. The organization regularly accepts referrals from government departments and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Eastern Urban Zone through the Psychiatric Assessment Unit at Waterford Hospital and the Doorways program.

Services provided by Ruah align with the department’s commitment to transform the provincial mental health and addictions system, reduce incidents of suicide and prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms through actions detailed in the final Towards Recovery Evaluation Report; the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan, Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador; and Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“The Ruah Counselling Centre provides a valuable service to numerous people each year who are seeking help with mental health and substance use needs. We’re delighted to help support the centre financially so they can provide grief and suicide loss support groups provincially.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As a non-profit, community counselling agency, Ruah strives to provide accessible, timely, and professional mental health and wellness services to those who need them. We are so pleased to collaborate with other agencies and, especially, to work with the Department of Health and Community Services to strategically deliver essential services in the areas of grief and suicide loss. This funding will help us to continue to be responsive to the needs of the individuals, families and communities we serve in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Amelia O’Dea, MSW, RSW
Executive Director, Ruah Counselling Centre

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Canadians know that climate change is costly – not just for the environment, but for their pocketbooks. They also know that we must prioritize affordability while fighting the worst possible impacts of climate change to ensure a strong economy and clean air for our communities.

Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; provided an update on federal-provincial investments for energy efficiency initiatives for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have already collaborated on several initiatives designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills. Building on that momentum, today the federal and provincial governments announced a $24-million agreement through the Low Carbon Economy Fund to boost the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil to Electric Incentive Program. The funding announced today will help cover the average cost of a heat pump and enable the provincial Government to transition 3,000 homes to cleaner, more affordable heating options in the coming year.

The agreement supports the recently announced strengthened Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA). This program allows eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to receive up to $22,000 in support for switching to a heat pump, electric furnace, or electric boiler. The $22,000 funding includes up to $15,000 from the Government of Canada’s OHPA program and another up to $7,000 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and other federal funds.

To date, 2,065 Newfoundland and Labrador households have applied to the OHPA and the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil to Electric Incentive Program to make the switch from an oil tank to a new electric heat source. This builds on the success of the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Grant which has led to the installation of 4,481 heat pumps in homes across Newfoundland and Labrador.

As Canada continues its efforts to build a low-carbon future, it will continue to provide Canadians with the tools and support needed to heat their homes cleaner and more affordably. This includes supporting projects across Newfoundland and Labrador such as:

• Enabling the switch from oil heating to electric heat pumps.
• Energy-efficiency improvements in low-income homes, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
• Power grid projects that ensure electricity is reliable, clean and affordable in every home.

Quotes
“We are pleased to continue to work with the Government of Canada to reduce reliance on fuel oil and enhance energy affordability for homeowners. Our provincial Oil to Electric Incentive Program, supported by the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund and Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, will help in the transition to a lower carbon economy, and reduce overall living costs. We are pleased to see the uptake and encourage more residents to avail of this program.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“People should be able to make the switch to electric and save on their energy bills. But the start up costs have been getting in the way for many households. So we’re stepping in, and helping cover the costs for even more of those who need it.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Labour and Seniors, Government of Canada

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are ready to make the switch from expensive and polluting oil heat, to cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient electric heating systems. An electric heat pump will reduce monthly heating bills, while lowering emissions. It is a win-win for your wallet, and the environment.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Government of Canada

“Installing a heat pump in your home is simultaneously a good way to save on your monthly energy bills and reduce the pollution causing climate change. Our government is coming to the table with substantial funds to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians make the transition off oil, in close partnership with the Provincial Government.”
Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Canada

“The federal government knows that Canadians want a cheaper and cleaner way to heat their homes. That’s why we are making historic investments in Newfoundland and Labrador, and across the country, to ensure that families can move from home heating oil to a heat pump. Thousands of families across the country are eligible to make this switch, which could save them thousands of dollars on their bills every year.”
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Canada

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Learn more
Oil to Electric Incentive Program

Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program

2030 Emissions Reduction Plan—Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy

Budget 2022—A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable

Making Home Heating More Affordable for Atlantic Canada and Other Regions

Budget 2023: A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future

2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy

Canada Greener Homes Initiative

Making Home Heating More Affordable for Canadians While Fighting Climate Change

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $550,000 for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.

The funding is provided under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a four-year bilateral agreement the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed with Women and Gender Equality Canada, resulting in $13.6 million in new funding to invest in violence prevention initiatives throughout the province.

In collaboration with community groups, organizations and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has identified violence prevention priorities for Newfoundland and Labrador and is moving forward with implementation that is tailored to the needs of the province.

By engaging with the Calls for Justice regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities, and heightening public awareness about the imperative for reconciliation, the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council is just one example of the province’s commitment to rectifying past wrongs and advancing a more equitable and inclusive future for all residents.

The formation of the Reconciliation Council was a recommendation of the Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador report.

The goal of the Reconciliation Council is to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, which impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Quotes
“This is not just an allocation of money, it is a profound commitment by the Provincial Government to foster an environment where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people living in this province can thrive, feel valued and be respected. By working in partnership with Indigenous women, their governments, and organizations, we will make positive strides together to prevent violence in our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“The approval of funding for the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council reinforces the priority that the Provincial Government has placed on ending gender-based violence. This is another important step towards the collaborative work that is required to advance violence prevention.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Receiving funding from our National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is not just a financial investment; it is an investment in the future of our Indigenous women that will enable us to work on the 196 recommendations put forth to the Provincial Government in the ‘Hear Our Voices’ report. Achieving true reconciliation requires collaboration and partnership. Receiving this funding is a step in the right direction toward healing and making the lives of our Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people safer.”
Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

“Funding for the Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is an investment in the safety, dignity and rights of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. It is also a commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live free from harm and discrimination.”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

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Learn more
Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence

Hear Our Voices Report

Office of Women and Gender Equality

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:

Freshwater Kennedy Farm Abattoir                                            (Reg. 2254)
Proponent: Kennedy Farm Inc.

On February 8, 2023, the Minister advised the Proponent that the Waste Management Plan for the Freshwater Kennedy Farm Abattoir was found to be acceptable. The Plan was required by a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2254/.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Burgeo Rifle Range Site Remediation                                         (Reg. 2283)
Proponent: Department of National Defense

The project is released from environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a Water Resource Management Plan be submitted for review and approval prior to project commencement and the Plan must include the following:
• Sediment and siltation control approaches;
• Installation of settling ponds and other engineered methods such as settling tanks to meet the acceptable TSS guideline of 30mg/L;
• Alternate approaches to the treatment of surface water and discharge location;
• Location of on-site water treatment facility;
• Water sampling and water quality monitoring plan; and
• Decommissioning and/or potential future use plan for remaining monitoring wells.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • The Short-eared Owl is listed as Threatened under the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act (NLESA). This species is a ground nester and therefore vulnerable to ground disturbances. If ground disturbance will occur between May 1 and August 15, a targeted survey for the Short-eared Owl is required before the project commences and must be conducted by a qualified independent third party. If a nesting owl is suspected or detected, an 800-metre no-disturbance buffer will be required until August 15 or all young have fledged. Appropriate survey protocol should be obtained from the Wildlife Division by emailing WildLifeReferrals@gov.nl.ca.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by e-mailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licenses, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if required.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

 

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to media today (Thursday, February 22) to discuss the recruitment of nurses.

The availability will take place at the Confederation Building, West Block, Department of Health and Community Services lobby, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services Vice-President of Human Resources Debbie Molloy.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Seniors; and Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, will announce details of a federal investment to support household energy-saving climate action in Newfoundland and Labrador, tomorrow (Friday, February 23).

The event takes place at Paul Reynolds Community Centre, 35 Carrick Drive, St. John’s, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Media representatives are requested to confirm their attendance by 9:00 a.m. on February 23, by emailing Marium Oishee at mariumoishee@gov.nl.ca

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The Provincial Government is marking an improvement in American Marten (Island of Newfoundland Population) numbers by downlisting its status from Threatened to Vulnerable under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

Newfoundland Marten is one of only 14 mammal species native to the Island of Newfoundland. The population is geographically isolated, and genetically and ecologically distinct.

First considered endangered in 1996, it was one of the first species formally designated under the provincial Endangered Species Act in 2002. Recovery programs in place since the 1990s have supported population growth, resulting in downlisting from Endangered to Threatened in 2007.

With a current population estimate of 2,500 to 2,800 mature animals, Newfoundland Marten numbers have steadily improved thanks to the efforts of the Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team, the trapping sector, small game harvesters, Indigenous Groups and Organizations, stewardship organizations, the forestry industry, the provincial and federal governments, and the public. The department will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a management strategy for marten in the future.

The plant Dense Draba has been designated Vulnerable under the Act. Dense Draba, a small plant that grows on cliffs and rock outcrops, is found nowhere in the world other than Newfoundland and Labrador, and Québec. With fewer than 3,000 of these plants known to exist, this species is newly designated Vulnerable under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

All species recognized under endangered species legislation are vital to maintaining the health of Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural, agricultural, rural and urban ecosystems. Management plans and actions, supported by monitoring and research activities, will be developed for both species identifying conservation measures to ensure they do not become further at risk.

Quotes
“The listings noted today are an encouraging sign that the provincial Endangered Species Act and recovery efforts are working as they should. With the strength of the Act behind it, work is underway to ensure the conservation of the very rare Dense Draba. The improved status of Newfoundland Marten reflects years of cooperation and hard work from the Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team, trappers and hunters, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, industry, environmental organizations and other interested parties. I thank them all for their dedication to conserving biodiversity and taking action to help ensure no species becomes extinct in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Successful recovery of a species at risk requires a great deal of effort and collaboration. The improvement in provincial risk designation for the Newfoundland Marten population to Vulnerable is an acknowledgement of commitment and stewardship by a great many individuals and organizations, including conservation biologists, provincial wildlife and forestry managers, resources users, forest industry, academia, environmental and conservation organizations, and the federal and provincial governments. This new risk designation for Newfoundland Marten should be celebrated by all these individuals and organizations, as well as the people of the province.”
Dr. Brian Hearn
Chair, Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team

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Learn more
Wildlife Division Report: Habitat Availability and Population Size for American Marten (Martes americana atrata) on the Island of Newfoundland

Endangered Species Act

Species at Risk

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

Species Status Advisory Committee

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a highway naming announcement today (Thursday, February 22).

The event will take place in East Block Lobby, Confederation Building, at 2:00 p.m.

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Some Provincial Government offices in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be closed tomorrow (Thursday, February 22) due to a water shutdown.

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has scheduled repairs to the water transmission main which will impact the Valley area of town (Voisey Drive to Elizabeth Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The following government offices and services will be closed for the day and re-open on Friday, February 23:

• Justice and Public Safety, 222-224 Kelland Drive
• Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, 212 Hamilton River Road
• Elizabeth Goudie Building, 141 Hamilton River Road
• Bursey Building, 163 Hamilton River Road
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, 8 Royal Street. Tenants and clients can contact the local office at 709-896-1925 for service, including maintenance and/or emergency needs

The following educational institutions will be closed:

• Peacock Primary
• Queen of Peace Middle School
• Mealy Mountain Collegiate
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus of the College of the North Atlantic
• Labrador Campus of Memorial University

NL Health Services advises that patients with appointments at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay affected by the water shutdown will be contacted directly to reschedule. All other services will proceed normally.

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is advising that a boil water advisory will be in effect when repairs are completed and water services have been restored. Further information is available at https://townhvgb.com/notices/complete-water-shutdown-and-boil-water-advisory/.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will attend the meeting of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.

The meeting will take place at Le Westin Montréal, at 270 Rue Saint-Antoine O, Montréal, Quebec, on Thursday and Friday (February 22-23).

The ministers will discuss such issues as enhancing transportation safety, security and the resiliency and decarbonization of the transportation system, as well as addressing the widening transportation infrastructure gaps that exist in northern and rural regions.

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Enhancements to cardiac and stroke care are being expanded across the province to support better patient outcomes. The enhancements and expansion are part of the Provincial Government’s transformation of cardiovascular and stroke care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today as part of the latest Health Care Action update. Minister Osborne was joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, Cassie Chisholm, Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services, and Dr. Sean Connors, Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, NL Health Services.

The successful enhancements include:

• The introduction of a surgical procedure, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), where blood clots causing stroke are removed from clinically eligible patients. This enhancement has led to improved stroke outcomes and an approximate 50 per cent reduction in patients’ length of hospital stays.
• Increased use of clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics for strokes, which has increased from 10 per cent in 2018 to almost 20 per cent, the national standard, in 2023.
• The expanded use of virtual heart failure management, where patients interact with a cardiology team specializing in heart failure to become stabilized on their medications through virtual appointments within nine weeks, rather than the six-to-12-month timeframe of traditional in-person appointments.

The reduction in hospital stays has also increased access to other patients by making acute care beds available sooner than expected.

These enhancements are in addition to the same day fly-in/fly-out cardiac catheterization flights, which have led to 118 patients flying to St. John’s to receive care sooner than anticipated, and our partnership with March of Dimes on the After Stroke pilot program. After Stroke has already provided supports for over 153 stroke survivors, their family members, and caregivers in their transition from hospital to home.

Building on these successes, the Provincial Government and NL Health Services are taking further actions to increase access to cardiovascular and stroke treatments by:

• Expanding access to EVT across the province, starting with Central Zone in the coming months.
• Implementing satellite cardiology clinics, where a cardiologist will visit cardiac patients who do not have a cardiologist in their area.
• Continuing to promote public education about the use of thrombolytics.
• Ongoing planning for the new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute facility.

More details on the Provincial Government’s recent health care actions are available by visiting healthcareaction.ca.

Quotes
“It is vital that stroke patients get the care they need sooner rather than later. Expanding access to EVT and thrombolytics has led to better outcomes and healthier lives for patients. We look forward to expanding this to reach more people this year.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services’ new provincial Cardiovascular and Stroke program integrates the delivery of cardiac, vascular and stroke services across the province. This innovative approach enables our teams to work together to provide excellent care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. We take pride in the services we deliver and we will continue our work to innovate and expand cardiovascular and stroke services for the people of our province.”
Cassie Chisholm
VP Transformation, NL Health Services

“Cardiovascular disease and stroke are significant illnesses in our province. When faced with these problems, our people need to know they can count on receiving excellent care. I work in this area every day, and I am proud to say our teams are top notch – among the very best anywhere. We can be extremely confident in the quality of our cardiovascular and stroke services and we will continue to bring forward our expertise, our energy, and our innovative ideas to ensure the people of our province have the best outcomes.”
Dr. Sean Connors
Cardiologist, Provincial Cardiovascular and Stroke Program, NL Health Services

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-008 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-2024-008 Report Date: February 19, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made three requests under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the requests in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made complaints to this Office. The Commissioner found the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, apply for extensions when necessary, provide updates to applicants if deadlines are missed, provide periodic partial disclosure when appropriate, and provide a final response to the second request within 10 business of receipt of this Report.

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

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will host a Health Care Action Update tomorrow (Wednesday, February 21) to discuss enhancements to cardiac and stroke care.

The availability will take place beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Confederation Building media centre with a technical briefing for media at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation; Cassie Chisholm, VP – Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services; and Dr. Sean Connors, Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, NL Health Services.

The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-007 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-2024-007 Report Date: February 19, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, assign additional staff as early as possible, apply for extensions when necessary, provide updates to applicants if deadlines are missed, and provide periodic partial disclosure when appropriate.

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

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The Provincial Government is providing $26,825 to Sturge Properties Inc. to help the company develop and promote its new high-end tourism accommodation business. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced the funding today through the Business Development Support Program.

Straight Shore Suites in Wesleyville, will feature five executive suites available for short-term rental accommodation, with year-round availability. The suites will be close to Lumsden Beach, Greenspond and Barbour Living Heritage Village in Newtown, as well as a number of existing tourism operators providing guided tours and visitor services.

The company estimates renovations will be complete in spring 2024 and expects to begin its marketing and advertising as soon as possible to generate interest and bookings for the upcoming tourist season.

The Provincial Government’s contribution leverages an additional $26,825 from the company, for a total project cost of $53,650. This project will invest in marketing strategies required to create market knowledge and generate demand from resident and non-resident visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

Quotes
“Sturge Properties’ plans to provide accommodation in Wesleyville will contribute to the growth of year-round and seasonal tourism opportunities. This strategic investment will help get Straight Shore Suites off to a strong start, as well as providing a boost to the surrounding communities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Wesleyville and the surrounding area offers a wealth of opportunity for visitors to explore our province and learn about its rich history and culture. Accommodations like those planned by Sturge Properties Inc. are essential to the growth of our tourism industry and add to the options available for visitors who come to the area.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are very excited to be adding much needed vacation rental accommodations to New-Wes-Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the financial support provided by the Provincial Government (IET). We plan to use this funding to promote the Straight Shore Suites and the beautiful New-Wes-Valley area.”
Corey Sturge
Sturge Properties

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Business Development Support Program

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address delegates at the 2024 Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference and Trade Show luncheon tomorrow, Wednesday, February 21.

The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. Premier Furey and Minister Crocker will hand out two awards at the event: the Cultural Tourism Award and the Tourism Achievement Award.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced two appointments to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC.) The three-year terms were effective February 9, 2024.

The newly appointed members of WERAC are Darin Brooks and Heather Ward.

Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.

WERAC is a legislated, volunteer, independent advisory body appointed by the Provincial Government to provide advice on the establishment and management of the province’s wilderness and ecological reserves.

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“I’m pleased to appoint Mr. Brooks and Ms. Ward to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I am confident in their ability to support our government in continuing to prioritize the province’s natural areas, ecological reserves and protected areas through the work of the Council.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Environment and Climate Change

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Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Darin Brooks
Darin Brooks has more than 28 years’ experience in geospatial analysis through his work as a consultant, researcher and academic. Mr. Brooks is currently the lead instructor of the GIS Applications Specialist (post-diploma) program at College of the North Atlantic. He has delivered this program since 2009, specializing in geostatistical analysis, ecological modeling and cartography/geovisualization. Mr. Brooks continues to conduct extensive research in related areas, with his current research projects focusing on juvenile Atlantic salmon habitat modelling (Newfoundland and Labrador), impacts of climate change on rangeland forage and water resiliency (British Columbia), and mapping fossil fuel lock-in and contestation in Eastern Canada (Atlantic Canada).

Mr. Brooks holds two honours degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, a master’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia and is completing his PhD work at Memorial University (Grenfell Campus) in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences.

Heather Ward
Heather Ward is the director of the Reality Capture and Digitization Technology Access Centre at College of the North Atlantic and has 10 years’ of experience as an environmental consultant. Prior to her current role, Ms. Ward worked in the private sector as a senior GIS/remote sensing specialist. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with satellite, aerial and drone imagery (multi-spectral and hyperspectral), as well as Lidar, Sonar and Radar. Her areas of expertise include image processing, spatial data analysis and data visualization.

Ms. Ward holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, both in geography, from Memorial University.

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