Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced a call for applications for Accessible Communities Grants that will help communities support the overall well-being of residents.

These grants are available to Municipalities, Inuit Community Governments and Local Service Districts to assist in funding initiatives and small-scale infrastructure projects with a specific focus on building active, healthy, accessible communities.

Further information and applications on Accessible Communities Grants can be found here. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Accessible and age-friendly communities are key to the promotion of well-being and are in line with recommendations in Health Accord NL.

Quotes
“These Accessible Communities Grants will provide all residents with more accessible and inclusive communities and are an example of how a well-being approach in programs and policies can be incorporated to help create a healthy and sustainable province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Our government supports inclusive, accessible and age-friendly communities which contribute greatly to healthy living and quality of life across the life span. The Accessible Communities Grant program is one way we can ensure communities throughout the province can access the tools they need to make that happen.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Accessible Communities Grants

Health Accord for Newfoundland & Labrador

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL, today announced appointments and reappointments to the WorkplaceNL Board of Directors, for three-year terms, as of December 20, 2023.

John Peddle and Greg Viscount have been reappointed to the Board as chairperson and employer representative, respectively.

New board appointments include James Farrell and David Hammond as worker representatives, along with Patsy Coish-Snow and Wayne Pardy as employer representatives.

Mr. Viscount’s reappointment is based on a recommendation by the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council Inc. Mr. Farrell’s appointment is based on a recommendation by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. All other appointments followed the merit-based appointments process.

Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.

WorkplaceNL serves approximately 215,000 workers and 17,500 employers across Newfoundland and Labrador, and administers employer-funded, no-fault workplace injury insurance as directed under the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022.

Quote
“I am pleased to announce the reappointments of Mr. Peddle and Mr. Viscount, along with the new appointments of Mr. Farrell, Ms. Coish-Snow, Mr. Hammond and Mr. Pardy to the WorkplaceNL Board of Directors. They each bring extensive industry experience and expertise to the Board, and I am confident in their ability to effectively carry out their responsibilities in supporting the well-being of our workforce in the province.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL

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WorkplaceNL

Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act 2022

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Patsy Coish-Snow
Patsy Coish-Snow has a career spanning over 40 years, including 18 years in senior executive management roles in the provincial healthcare system where she played key leadership roles in the reorganization and integration of health care organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. She has successfully facilitated and led many policy, program and system-wide initiatives at regional and provincial levels, resulting in system transformation while ensuring a commitment to safe and quality health care. Ms. Coish-Snow retired from the public sector in 2013 and currently works part-time in contract management. She has been active in board governance roles at local, provincial, and national levels including Director, Canadian College of Health Leaders; Board of Regents, Memorial University; Vice-chair of the Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information; as well as Director, Board of Directors for Workplace NL. Ms. Coish-Snow is also an honorary lifetime member with the Canadian College of Health Care Leaders.

Ms. Coish-Snow holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Memorial University, a Master of Health Administration from Dalhousie University and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

James Farrell
James Farrell is a lawyer and labour relations professional currently working for FFAW-Unifor’s Industrial Division where he advises on all areas of labour law including discipline and discharge, collective bargaining, pensions and benefits, workplace investigations and disability management. Mr. Farrell started his career in 2008 with the Government of the Northwest Territories as a labour relations advisor and has since served as legal counsel to the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association and the City of Calgary, among other organizations. He has appeared at provincial and appellate levels of court and has experience in grievance arbitration along with a variety of federal and provincial regulatory proceedings. He is a Regional Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers and regularly presents at national conferences on labour law and employment relations. Mr. Farrell is also a community volunteer and plays trumpet in the Gower Community Band.

Mr. Farrell holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Memorial University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary.

David Hammond
David Hammond brings 16 years of experience representing employers and unions as a human resources and labour relations professional. Mr. Hammond began his career in the public sector in 2017 as a human resources consultant with Eastern Health. In 2017, he accepted employment with the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he has held several roles including Labour Relations Officer, Director of Corporate Services and, most recently, interim Executive Director. Concurrently, Mr. Hammond has enjoyed a successful career as a reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces spanning over 25 years. A logistics officer by trade, he is currently the Acting Commanding Officer of both First and Second Battalion at The Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Mr. Hammond holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Employee Relations from Memorial University, along with the Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation.

Wayne Pardy
Wayne Pardy is an international-award-winning safety professional with over 35 years of experience conducting safety and quality management training, system development, auditing, software implementation and consulting for businesses, governments and labour throughout Canada, United States and Europe. Mr. Pardy is the author/co-author of four books on safety and quality and is currently working with co-author Terri Andrews on his fifth book on safety and quality auditing. He has been active in board governance, including being a past member of the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association, past Chair of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Occupational Health and Safety for Newfoundland and Labrador, and a former advisory board member for the Safety Engineering Technology Program at College of the North Atlantic. Throughout his career, he has guest lectured on safety for the School of Continuing Studies and Professional Development of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. He has also been a frequent keynote speaker and session leader at many conferences and professional development seminars in Canada and the United States. Mr. Pardy is a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for CSA Z100 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems) and CSA Z1010 (Management of Work in Extreme Conditions.) He is also a member of the committee advising the Standards Council of Canada on the development of the ISO standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, ISO 45001.

Mr. Pardy is a graduate of Memorial University and holds professional designations including Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC) from the National Safety Council in Chicago; a Certified Safety Management Practitioner (CSMP); a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP); and an Accredited Quality Auditor.

John Peddle
John Peddle is the president of AMP Associates Ltd., providing consulting services to employers, law firms and individuals in the fields of labour relations, human resources, organizational management, compensation and benefits. Between 1995 and 2008, Mr. Peddle was the Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Boards Association where he provided advice and guidance to chief executive officers and board chairs of the province’s health care organizations on operational and governance issues. During this period, the Transparency and Accountability Legislation was enacted and Mr. Peddle provided trustee education to board members of the healthcare boards. Throughout the course of his career, he has held several board governance roles, including two terms as Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council, as well as several terms as Chair of their Labour Relations and Workers’ Compensation committees. He has been a Director of the Victorian Order of Nurses Canada for over 10 years, currently chairing their pension committee, overseeing the management and investment of the pension fund for the employees of the organization. Mr. Peddle was first appointed to the WorkplaceNL Board in 2010 as a Director and in 2017 as Chairperson.

Mr. Peddle holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University, and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Greg Viscount
Greg Viscount has a career spanning 45 years in business, working in the wholesale and retail food sector and seafood processing. Most recently, he has been working as the General Manager for Ocean Choice International. Mr. Viscount has held the role of Employer Representative on the WorkplaceNL Board of Directors since 2014, as nominated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council (NLEC). In recent years, he has also served as Chair of the NLEC, Chair of the Association of Seafood Producers and as a member of the Board of Directors for One Ocean, an inter-industry liaison organization for fishing and petroleum industries.

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Heritage NL has awarded a provincial heritage designation to the historic Cable Superintendent’s House in Heart’s Content.

The house was constructed between 1881 and 1882 by J. and J.T. Southcott as housing for the Superintendent of the Anglo-American Telegraph Company. It is one of the last remaining Anglo-American Telegraph Housing structures in Heart’s Content designed by J.T. Southcott, recognized for its Second Empire style with a mansard roof and dormer windows.

The Cable Superintendent’s House is located on Parish Hall Hill, in the Heart’s Content designated Heritage District, next door to the Cable Staff House Registered Heritage Structures. It is an important component of the transatlantic cable history of Heart’s Content, including the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site, which is currently on the Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

Established in 1984, Heritage NL is a Crown agency of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation with a mandate to help preserve the rich heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Heritage structure designation is given to buildings which are deemed to be excellent examples of the province’s rich built heritage and worthy of commemoration and protection.

Quotes
“Recognizing heritage structures and protecting them is an important element of preserving our stories for generations to come and the story of the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Sites is close to my heart as it is located in my district of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde. Its historical relevance continues to prove itself on the world stage as the location advances through the process for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“This property is an important part of the communications history of Newfoundland and Labrador as seen through our built heritage. The Cable Superintendent’s House was built for Newfoundland’s role in transatlantic communications, keeping North America better connected to Europe. We are pleased to work with the owners of properties such as this, to continue to preserve the built heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Lisa Daly
Heritage NL

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Cable Superintendent’s House Registered Heritage Structure 

Heart’s Content One Step Closer to UNESCO World Heritage Status

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The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture will accept applications for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program from February 1 until March 15, 2024.

The program aims to help farmers and producers increase the environmental resiliency of farms by adopting beneficial land use and management practices. Initiatives include maintaining and providing healthy soil and water resources, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program provides support for:

• Activities that decrease the amount of marginal and fragile lands used for cropping;
• Activities that maintain healthy, strong soils while naturally mitigating the impacts of climate change on farms;
• Agri-environmental beneficial management practices that seek to increase and enhance multiple ecological goods and services; and
• Awareness and knowledge transfer, extension services, program development and product development services related to eligible RALP activities and outreach.

Applications and a program guide are available on the department’s website.

Funding for the program is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (2023-28), $3.5-billion agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s farmers and producers can apply for funding from the more than $42 million in cost-shared Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding, including more than $4.6 million for Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program initiatives.

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Nominations for the 2024 East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) were released earlier today and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating nominees from this province.

In total, 52 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians received nominations across 28 different categories, marking another fantastic year of recognition for artists from this province.

The ECMAs are a five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcasing and recognizing the best of East Coast artists and music. This year, the awards and associated events will take place in Charlottetown, P.E.I., from May 1-5, 2024.

Quotes
“Music is an innate part of our culture and heritage as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It is no surprise that our musicians continue to have such a presence at the East Coast Music Awards and seeing 52 nominations this year is just incredible. Congratulations to all nominees and we look forward to cheering you on in Charlottetown in May!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are so proud of the representation from our province. With nominations in 28 different categories, we are pleased with the increase in diversity of genre and the showcasing of newcomer musicians.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
CEO, MusicNL

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East Coast Music Awards

MusicNL

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With anticipated cold weather conditions, the Provincial Government is advising individuals experiencing homelessness to contact Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s emergency shelter line at 1-833-724-2444 for assistance with temporary accommodations.

Safe Haven Shelter at 10 St. Clare Avenue in St. John’s serves as a warming centre in times of inclement weather. The emergency shelter line will identify other options for those calling from outside the St. John’s metro region.

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Work to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector continues with over $7 million in approved funding to support more than 110 projects in Newfoundland and Labrador since the launch of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in April 2023.

Investments include more than $928,000 to support the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture in delivering a wide range of projects, including a new farm-focused mental health and safety initiative.

The Sustainable CAP investment of $72,500 for the Farmer Mental Health, Wellness and Safety program will help farmers, farm workers and their families deal with challenges they encounter in the province’s agriculture sector.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture represents farmers and farming groups and leads a suite of professional development and educational initiatives funded by the Sustainable CAP, including:

• Agriculture in the Classroom – Newfoundland and Labrador: $330,000
• 2023 Agriculture Expos: $255,312
• NL Young Farmers: $229,034
• 2024 Agriculture Industry Symposium: $22,000
• 2023 Open Farm Day: $11,295
• Support for Women in Agriculture Conference: $8,572

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5 billion agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s farmers and producers have access to more than $42 million in cost-shared Sustainable CAP funding.

For more information on the Sustainable CAP in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the program guide and cost-shared applications, visit the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Sustainable CAP website. To learn more about federally funded Sustainable CAP programs, visit the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website.

Quotes
“We know that the environmental and economic challenges our farmers and their families face can have a real impact on their mental health. This investment will help improve the well-being of those working in the agriculture sector across Newfoundland and Labrador and ensure folks have the support they need, when they need it.”
Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“As farmers face challenges in the sector such as natural perils and climate change, their safety and well-being is our most important priority. Thank you to the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture for leading this charge and providing meaningful opportunities for education, public awareness and professional development in all aspects of our province’s agriculture sector.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Our farmers’ wellbeing is a high priority for the NLFA. With Sustainable CAP funding, we have been making progress on several projects, and we are proud now to be moving forward on this new initiative to address our farmers’ mental health, wellness and safety concerns. Together we are working towards a better future for our farmers and the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Wayne Simmons
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture

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Learn more
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Government of Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will bring opening remarks during the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture annual Agriculture Industry Symposium taking place this week in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Minister Byrne will bring greetings this evening (Tuesday, January 23) at the Mount Peyton Resort and Conference Centre, 214 Lincoln Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The theme for the 2024 symposium is Risk Management in Agriculture. The symposium will provide a forum to deliver updates on existing projects and highlight additional opportunities for growth and sustainability.

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Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, issued the enclosed statement on the availability of a book of condolences for the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister without Portfolio and Member of the House of Assembly for Fogo Island-Cape Freels:

“On behalf of all members of our Government, staff, and the family and friends of Minister Derrick Bragg I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of kind words, condolences, and wonderful memories of our dear friend Derrick. His tragic passing yesterday has left us all with heavy hearts.

A book of condolences for Derrick will be available to the public in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building in St. John’s starting tomorrow (Wednesday, January 24, 2024), for a period of thirty days.

Those wishing to sign the book can access East Block from the front entrance facing Prince Philip Drive. Anyone with accessibility issues can enter the building through the public service entrance at the rear of east block.

In addition, flags are flying at half-mast at all Provincial Government Buildings and Federal Government Buildings across Newfoundland and Labrador until sunset on the day of Derrick’s funeral.”

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Advance Polls closed in the district of Conception Bay East-Bell Island at 8:00 p.m. yesterday evening (January 22). In total, 1,734 votes were cast at the nine advance polls in the communities of Paradise, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Wabana.

The Advance Poll ballots will be counted on by-election night and will be released along with the regular poll results after the polls close.

Regular polls will be open on Monday, January 29 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. For more information or to find out where to vote on by-election day, visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca/elections/byelection/index.html or call toll-free 1-877-729-7987.

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

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The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24 at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting will be available live on the House of Assembly broadcast channel, website and on Facebook.

Briefing materials for the meeting will be available on the website at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The agenda for the meeting follows.

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

House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

 

Date:              January 24, 2024
Time:             9:30 a.m.
Location:      HOA Committee Room/Videoconference

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes:

• November 1, 2023
• November 8, 2023
• November 30, 2023
• January 10, 2024

2. Reports:

• Speaker’s Report – Rulings on Allowance Use
• Financial Reports – 30 September 2023

3. Transfer of Funds – Office of the Commissioner for Legislative Standards

 

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On January 12, 2024, the Council of Atlantic Premiers wrote to the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport for the Government of Canada, regarding proposed changes to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations and the impact they may have on air connectivity in Atlantic Canada.

While Atlantic Premiers recognize the importance of respecting passenger rights, Premiers are concerned the proposed regulatory changes could mean even further increased costs for Atlantic residents as well as airlines becoming hesitant to continue, resume or provide service to the region, ultimately limiting air accessibility.

Premiers requested that the process for adopting these new regulations be reconsidered to allow for further consultation.

To view the Letter to Minister Rodriguez: CAP Correspondence to Hon Pablo Rodriguez -regarding proposed changes to Air Passenger Protection Regulations EN

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Les premiers ministres de l’Atlantique s’inquiètent des répercussions des modifications proposées au Règlement sur la protection des passagers aériens

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The following statement was issued today from the Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly:

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of all Members and employees of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, on the recent passing of the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Member for the District of Fogo Island-Cape Freels.

At this time, we pay tribute to his memory and honour the service he gave to our province throughout his tenure as Member. First elected on November 30, 2015 to serve in the 48th General Assembly, Minister Bragg was re-elected to serve in the 49th (elected May 16, 2019) and 50th (elected February 13, 2021) General Assemblies. Throughout this time, he served as parliamentary secretary and Minister in a number of portfolios. He also served on various Committees of the House and was Chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee in the 49th General Assembly.

To his wife, Beverly; his daughter, Allison; all his colleagues, family and friends; and constituents of the district of Fogo Island-Cape Freels, may you find strength in the memories of impactful service he gave to his community, district and province, both as a municipal administrator and elected official. All Members of the House of Assembly join you in mourning, and our collective thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

For all Members of this House, Minister Bragg was not just a colleague, but a friend to all. His cheerful smile will be missed and his legacy of devoted public service will forever be etched in the history of our Legislature.

Honourable Derrick Bragg, Member for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, Official MHA Photo, 50th General Assembly

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

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Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, issued the enclosed statement on the tragic passing of the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister without Portfolio and Member of the House of Assembly for Fogo Island-Cape Freels:

“It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge and honour the passing of the Honourable Derrick Bragg. On behalf of the people of the District of Fogo Island-Cape Freels, the entire House of Assembly, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the people of this province, everyone who was lucky enough to work with, be a friend of, or simply know Derrick, including my family, I send my deepest condolences. To his family and all those feeling the weight of this loss, may the memories of a life well-lived comfort and console you in these hard moments.

Derrick answered the call to public service and joined government in 2015. He proudly and passionately served the people of his district and the province, filling his roles beyond reproach or compare. A loyal son and brother. A devoted father and doting grandfather. A loving and committed husband. And a friend to all that knew him. He was many things to many people, but perhaps above all, Derrick was always an ardent and patriotic son of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As a premier, a colleague, and as a friend, I will miss him dearly. His counsel, his humour, and his unwavering belief that the brightest days are still ahead for Newfoundland and Labrador. Our province is a sadder place today without Derrick Bragg at her stead. God grant thee safe and easy passage, Minister Bragg, and God guard thee Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is attending the Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup (AME) Conference in Vancouver, B.C., from January 22-25, 2024.

This year, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and Mining Industry NL will promote the province’s mineral resource potential, alongside junior exploration companies and prospectors to help them feature Newfoundland and Labrador properties and projects to a wide range of potential partners and investors.

The companies attending include Red Paramount Iron Ltd., Canterra Minerals Corporation and New Found Gold Corp., along with three Newfoundland and Labrador prospectors. Department officials and industry partners will also participate in other investment attraction events, which are hosted in Vancouver during the conference.

The Department will also highlight the newly launched Critical Minerals Plan that will help unlock the full potential and maximize the value of Newfoundland and Labrador’s critical mineral resources. It will support the province as an inclusive, environmentally and socially responsible, innovative and collaborative jurisdiction that is globally competitive throughout all stages of critical mineral development from geoscience to manufacturing.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral industry continues to be a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. The estimated activity in 2023 resulted in over $4.35 billion in mineral shipments, $243 million in exploration expenditures, and employment of approximately 8,500 person years.

AME Roundup Conference is the second largest international exploration and mining conference in Canada, with 6,000 to 7,000 attendees expected from around the world. Department officials and its industry partners have been attending AME Roundup for more than 25 years.

Quote
“AME Roundup is one of the key mining sector conferences in Canada, and our team will be there to promote Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining potential. Our department’s attendance reaffirms our commitment to enhancing global promotion in order to grow investment, exploration and development in our minerals sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Provincial Government Releases Critical Mineral Plan

AME Roundup

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The Provincial Government is now welcoming applications from eligible non-profit and private sector employers for the 2024 Summer Employment Program for Students.

Combining the previous high school and post-secondary student summer employment programs, the new program allows for increased flexibility, giving employers more time to prepare and submit applications, and ensuring prompt notification for employers to hire students.

The Summer Employment Program for Students will see students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador secure meaningful employment to help prepare them to enter the workforce and assist businesses to operate more affordably. Employers are encouraged to provide rich and rewarding work experiences for students during this formative stage of their work life.

For more information on the 2024 Summer Employment Program for Students, and how to submit an application, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/summer-employment-program-for-students/.

Applications close Thursday, February 22, 2024.

For more information, please contact 1-800-563-6600 or EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca.

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Data Privacy Day, celebrated each year on January 28, began as a day to commemorate the 1981 signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. Since that time, Data Privacy Day has now expanded to a week of initiatives creating awareness about the importance of privacy and the protection of personal information.

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) joins other information and privacy commissioners and privacy advocates across the country and around the world in celebrating Data Privacy Week from January 22-28, 2024.

Privacy has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada as a right of all Canadians under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In this Province, privacy is protected by law through the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and the Personal Health Information Act.

In celebration of this week, we would like to highlight two joint resolutions our Office recently signed with our Canadian privacy commissioner counterparts, dealing with important privacy issues:

• Our Office joined in the call of Putting best interests of young people at the forefront of privacy and access to personal information. Young people live in a world where their digital life is a daily reality. Youth have a right to privacy across all sectors and there should be clear limits on when and how their personal information may be collected, used or shared.
• Our Office also called for Protecting Employee Privacy in the Modern Workplace. Employee monitoring has undergone substantial expansion in its use, technological capabilities and application in recent years and the adoption of digital surveillance technologies can have disproportionate impacts on employees’ privacy.

Tune in to hear Commissioner Michael Harvey discuss Data Privacy Week privacy topics including privacy rights of children and youth and employee privacy on VOCM’s News Talk (Monday, January 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.) and CBC’s The Signal (Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.).

Check our social media throughout Data Privacy Week for information about privacy and the protection of personal information and follow the hashtag #DPW2024.

For further information about the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and your privacy rights, please visit our website at www.oipc.nl.ca.

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Learn more
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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

The post Data Privacy Week 2024 first appeared on News Releases.

The post Data Privacy Week 2024 appeared first on News Releases.

Elections Newfoundland and Labrador wishes to advise electors that Advance Polls will be open for the By-Election in the District of Conception Bay East-Bell Island tomorrow (Monday, January 22).

Voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Avalon Karate Club (Formerly Holy Family Church)
  69 St. Thomas Line
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch#10  (Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s)
  5 Legion Road
• St. Michael’s Parish Hall (Bell Island)
  St. Pat’s Lane

For more information, contact the Conception Bay East-Bell Island Returning Office at 709-781-6430, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

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

 

The post Advance Poll Voting is Tomorrow (January 22) Conception Bay East-Bell Island By-Election first appeared on News Releases.

The post Advance Poll Voting is Tomorrow (January 22) Conception Bay East-Bell Island By-Election appeared first on News Releases.

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.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Pinchgut Lake to George’s Lake Distribution Line Upgrade        (Reg. 2285)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to rebuild a 11-kilometre section of the feeder distribution line that runs between Pinchgut Lake and George’s Lake in Western Newfoundland. The distribution line supplies power to developments in the area of Gallants, George’s Lake, Pinchgut Lake and a portion of Corner Brook, including the Western Memorial Hospital. Upgrading this section of the distribution line is necessary to lower risk of failure and improve safety and service reliability. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env- assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on January 18, 2024; the deadline for public comment is February 23, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by March 3, 2024.

Point Rousse Quarry                                                                                (Reg. 2286)
Proponent: Shoreline Aggregates Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a 73.5-hectare quarry on the Point Rousse Peninsula, approximately 4 kilometres east of the town of Baie Verte. Development would consist of land clearing, drilling, blasting and extraction of bedrock material for processing at the existing on-site crushing and screening facility. The purpose of the quarry is to supply materials to the Proponent’s aggregate production operations for shipment to international markets via the Point Rousse marine terminal. A description of the project can be found on the department’s website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on January 18, 2024; the deadline for public comment is February 23, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by March 3, 2024.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Daniel’s Harbour Agriculture Development                                       (Reg. 2278)
Proponent: Spruce Grove Enterprises Ltd.

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 Proponent is required to submit a detailed Waste Management Plan describing the volumes and management practices for all waste generated by or related to the abattoir for approval by the to Pollution Prevention Division (PPD) prior to project commencement.
• The Proponent is required to submit a Water Resources Management Plan to the Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) for approval prior to commencing any work related to the abattoir expansion,
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture directs that vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g., Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing 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, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if requested.

Cooper Cove Marine Terminal Expansion                                          (Reg. 2279)
Proponent: Port of Argentia

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 Proponent is required to submit a Waste Management Plan specific to the project for review and approval by the Pollution Prevention Division (PPD)  prior to project commencement.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires that a presence/absence survey for Short-eared owls be completed by a qualified, independent third party prior to the start of construction, preferably between late June and late July of the construction year.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing 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, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if requested.

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 X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be forwarded 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.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

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

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is highlighting continued progress on repairs and renovations to the 143 provincially owned vacant units identified in a request for quotations in October 2023.

As of January 12, 2024:

• Work is complete on 81 of the 143 units identified in the request for quotations;
• Repairs or renovations are underway on another 48 projects; and
• Work is complete on all units in the Western Region.

In the Eastern Region, of the 85 vacancies in October, work is complete on 52, work is in progress on 29 units and four have not been assigned.

In the Central Region, 11 of the 15 vacancies are now completed and four are in progress.

In the Western Region, all 12 vacancies have been completed.

Of the 31 vacancies in Labrador, six are completed, 15 are in progress and 10 not yet assigned.

These 143 units are in addition to the standard repair and renovation process undertaken each year by the housing corporation, which is an ongoing part of its management of the province’s affordable housing units. When any NLHC unit or home becomes vacant, it requires repairs before new tenants can move in. So far in 2023-24, 349 units have been repaired and offered to tenants.

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The post Public Advisory: Update on Progress of Repairs and Renovations to Provincially Owned Vacant Units first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Update on Progress of Repairs and Renovations to Provincially Owned Vacant Units appeared first on News Releases.