Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government is monitoring forecast information on an approaching weather system that has the potential to bring very significant rainfall amounts to southwest and western Newfoundland. This includes the potential for more than 200 millimetres of rain from Cape Ray to François in the coming days (December 19-21).

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Environment Canada forecast for the most up-to-date information.

The anticipated rainfall is expected to be heavy at times and could produce localized flooding. As a result, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to Level 1 – Enhanced Monitoring. Municipalities and local service districts should review their emergency management plans and ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris. No action is required from emergency management partners at this time, however, all are advised to monitor updates and forecast information.

Residents are asked to take steps to ensure their own personal safety. Homeowners should secure loose items around their properties, ensure sump pumps are in working order, and consider moving important documents to higher ground.

Motorists are reminded to always drive according to the conditions and to check NL 511 via the mobile app, at nl511.ca or call 511 for driving condition reports in your area. Be advised to never cross floodwaters in a vehicle or on foot, as the water may be deeper than it looks.

Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

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As part of the Provincial Government’s overall plan to help improve connectivity throughout the province, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced that the department is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to identify potential connectivity solutions along roadways with significant mobility service gaps.

The department is seeking professional services from qualified consultants with specialized telecommunications/communications technology expertise to identify potential mobile LTE or better solutions along major roadways with significant service gaps in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This RFP follows a call for proposals to cellular providers in December 2023 and an expression of interest from communities who wish to be considered for improved cellular service within communities, which closed in September 2023.

While telecommunications, including broadband and mobile connectivity services, falls within the constitutional jurisdiction of the federal government, the Provincial Government is committed to identifying innovative and best-fit solutions for connectivity improvements along major roadways.

This work will help inform the Provincial Government of future opportunities and identify approaches to improving mobile connectivity on major driving routes.

Quote
“Our government remains committed to working to identify and find creative ways to improve cellular service throughout the province. Improved connectivity will have a positive effect on business and economic development, public safety, health, education and the delivery of public services to all residents.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Cellular Service Improvement Initiative

Provincial Government Seeks Proposals from Cellular Providers to Expand Cellular Service

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BACKGROUNDER

Request for Proposals for Professional Services – Technical Consulting for Connectivity Solutions along Major Roadways

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is seeking professional services to identify potential mobile LTE or better standard connectivity solutions along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The consultant must have demonstrated experience internationally, within Canada, and/or within Newfoundland and Labrador for similar projects in the areas of telecommunications, communications technology, technical analysis, market and financial analysis, planning and assessment for industrial clients and/or on behalf of a provincial or national government agency. The proponent must be in good standing with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The successful proponent is to:

1. Gather and analyze information about existing infrastructure and coverage along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps.
2. Identify best-fit solutions and related technical and financial requirements.
3. Prepare a synopsis report of observations and recommendations, including estimated costs, probable outcomes, and limitations of proposed solutions.

Submission procedures are to be followed by all proponents. Proponents should carefully read and follow the procedures required by this Request for Proposals, as any deviation from these requirements may be cause for rejection of the submission. The person authorized to sign on behalf of the Proponent and to bind the Proponent to statements made in response to this Request for Proposals must sign the proposal.

Proposals are to outline the technical and financial requirements to improve cellular coverage along major roadways with significant mobility service gaps, as per the ISED National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map and CRTC Roads without LTE Map.

Proposals are to be submitted via email to:

Kirk Youden
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Telephone: 709-729-7274
Email: kirkyouden@gov.nl.ca

Proposals must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. NST, January 26, 2024. The Department will provide written confirmation that the proposal is received. The project completion date is May 3, 2024.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-052 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-2023-052 Report Date: December 14, 2023 Public Body: City of St. John’s Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the City of St. John’s for records about communications between the City and Parks Canada about the Outer Battery Road and North Head Trail. The City provided records, withholding some information pursuant to sections 28 (local public body confidences), 29 (advice and recommendations), 35 (disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body), and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). On review the Commissioner found that the exceptions were properly applied and recommended that the City continue to withhold the information.

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

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $890,000 in funding for Quadrangle NL, provided through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

Based in St. John’s, Quadrangle NL is a community of individuals working together to improve the health and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people throughout the province.

Funding for the organization will be spread out over the next four years, and will be used to enhance violence prevention efforts, including education and awareness initiatives. Funding will also be used to increase capacity and provincial outreach and service delivery, in partnership with community stakeholders, such as women’s centres, violence prevention organizations, Friendship Centres, and newcomer organizations, to address gender-based violence.

The Federal Department of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is providing nearly $13.6 million over the next four years to support violence prevention initiatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The funds will be distributed through the Provincial Office of Women and Gender Equality to various groups and organizations.

Quotes
“This investment will empower Quadrangle NL to lead vital violence prevention initiatives within the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and reflects government’s dedication to fostering a safer, more inclusive society where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“For over a decade, Quadrangle NL has been in discussion and collaboration with government and community partners to secure sustainable funding for our work with and for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This historical moment of being awarded multi-year funding will enable the community to address gender-based violence with a 2SLGBTQQIA+ lens. This is a massive step forward for reliable and stable resources for and by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Charles Murphy
Executive Director, Quadrangle NL

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Women and Gender Equality Canada

Office of Women and Gender Equality

The National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

Quadrangle NL

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will be joined by Ailsa Craig, Chair of the Board for Quadrangle NL, to announce funding for the organization provided through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

The event takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, in the basement hall space at St. James United Church, 330 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s.

Quadrangle NL is a community of individuals working together to improve the health and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The post Media Advisory: Quadrangle NL to Receive Funding from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Quadrangle NL to Receive Funding from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise the motoring public that the portion of Marine Drive that has been subject to gradual erosion is safe for all traffic, including snowclearing equipment.

Engineers with the department recently assessed the section of road and appropriate signage and concrete traffic barriers are in place.

Bi-weekly inspections – as well as inspections following extreme weather events – are scheduled for the duration of the winter months to ensure conditions do not change.

The section of road was part of the Provincial Roads Plan for 2023 and design work is underway, with construction on that section of road starting in 2024.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth for Canada, today announced a historic bilateral agreement whereby the federal government is investing nearly $13.6 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence in this province.

This comprehensive plan reflects a shared commitment to preventing and addressing gender-based violence while empowering communities through community-led solutions. The plan is focused on three priority areas: increasing prevention efforts, reaching underserved and at-risk populations, and stabilizing the gender-based violence prevention sector.

The funding will support the work the Provincial Government is doing in addressing and preventing gender-based violence, while building capacity for violence prevention through knowledge tools, educational resources and other prevention initiatives. It will create and enhance programs and supports for survivors of gender-based violence in communities throughout the province, including individuals who may be underserved or who are most at-risk of experiencing gender-based violence, such as Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and women living in rural and remote communities.

Launched in November 2022 by Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is a 10-year plan that sets a framework to have a Canada free of gender-based violence – a Canada that supports victims, survivors and their families from coast to coast to coast. The National Action Plan is informed by over 1,000 recommendations from Indigenous partners, survivors, frontline organizations and experts.

This announcement is among a series of bilateral agreements that have been signed between the federal government and provinces and territories and is in addition to the funding provided to the Provincial Government earlier this year to support crisis hotlines.

Quotes
“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to a future where everyone can live free from gender-based violence. By partnering with the provincial government, we are making sure that these supports are strong, culturally relevant and respond to the needs of communities across the province. Thank you to all front-line workers in Newfoundland and Labrador that work hard to keep women and children safe.”
Lisa Hepfner
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to working in partnership with Indigenous governments and organizations, people with lived experience, community agencies and stakeholders, to ensure supports are in place for people who have been impacted by gender-based violence. Provincially tailored prevention priorities, grounded in the five pillars of the National Action Plan, will create extensive opportunities for collaboration.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality in Newfoundland and Labrador 

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Women and Gender Equality Canada

Office of Women and Gender Equality

News release: National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence a significant step towards gender equality

The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

Agreements on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

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The post $13.6 Million In Federal Funding Announced to Help End Gender-Based Violence in Newfoundland and Labrador first appeared on News Releases.

The post $13.6 Million In Federal Funding Announced to Help End Gender-Based Violence in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will be joined by Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Canada, to participate in a funding announcement for the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

The event takes place on Friday, December 15, at 9:30 a.m. at the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre, 7 Conception Bay Highway, Conception Bay South.

This announcement is among a series of bilateral agreements signed between the federal government, the provinces and territories.

The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence reflects a shared commitment to preventing and addressing gender-based violence, while empowering communities through community-led solutions.

Members of the media attending this event in-person or virtually must register by 8:30 a.m. NST on December 15, 2023, by emailing: FEGC.Media.WAGE@fegc-wage.gc.ca.

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To support business growth and client development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $548,484 in funding for trophi.ai through the Business Growth Program.

As part of this research and development funding, trophi.ai is hiring nine new technical positions, in addition to four positions that have already been filled. Funding from the department will cover about 35 per cent of total salary costs.

Trophi.ai is developing coaching software for eSports players. The company’s software uses artificial intelligence to analyze players and provide feedback, recommendations, and enhance performance.

The company has also recently secured approximately USD$2.4 million in seed investment, as well as advisory services and up to $200,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) supporting a research and development project to expand the functionality of the company’s coaching analytics system.

Although trophi.ai’s research is focused on eSports including Rocket League, Assetto Corsa Competizione and F1-2023, the technology has potential real world applications. Its AI and analytics system will be expanded to include video capture-based reviews and compatibility with new simulators. The company hopes to use AI and leading technologies to make elite training accessible and affordable to every child, hobbyist and athlete.

Quotes
“The global eSports industry has already proven to be worth billions of dollars annually, and we want to make sure companies here in Newfoundland and Labrador are a part of it. This funding will help trophi.ai conduct the research and development it needs to make advances in AI, and will help create more tech jobs here in the province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are deeply appreciative of the province’s support with this funding announcement. This support will enable us to continue to develop critical leading-edge AI solutions and ensure our province plays a leading role in the rapidly growing and transformational AI sector. The Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology has been critical to our success, and we’re excited to continue to push the boundaries of technology.”
Mike Winter
CEO, trophi.ai

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GovNL Research and Development

trophi.ai

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today acknowledged a request from the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to audit of matters related to personal care homes and long-term care in the province.

The Auditor General has agreed to the request from the Committee, which is a result of concerns expressed regarding the status of outstanding recommendations from previous audits, some of which are nearly a decade old.

In April, the Auditor General delivered a monitoring report on outstanding performance audit recommendations to the House of Assembly. The report covered audit reports issued from 2014 to 2020 and provided a status update on those recommendations. Ongoing monitoring will be included in the Auditor General’s upcoming Annual Report.

In addition to this audit and the continuous monitoring of prior year performance audit recommendations, the Office of the Auditor General is also undertaking performance audits of OilCo Newfoundland and Labrador, crown lands, the Medical Care Program, the operations of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, housing supply management, expenditures of members of the House of Assembly, as well as Memorial University’s facilities management.

Quote
“I am pleased with the constructive discussions I had with the Public Accounts Committee and thank them for their time. Recommendations are a critical part of audit reports and it is important for the departments and entities to fully implement or otherwise resolve our recommendations. As a result of recommendations not being fully implemented, risks remain, or further risks may be created. Given there are numerous outstanding recommendations, resolving them is an important process and I thank the Committee for their support in looking into matters related to personal care homes and long-term care.”

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Learn more
Auditor General Delivers Report on Outstanding Performance Audit Recommendations

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

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts has issued a request, pursuant to section 22 of the Auditor General Act, 2021, for an audit of matters related to personal care and long-term facilities in the province.

In April 2023, the Auditor General released a monitoring report on outstanding performance audit recommendations issued from 2014 to 2020. Sharing similar concerns that some recommendations issued in reports during that timeframe remain not fully implemented or otherwise resolved, the Public Accounts Committee began further follow-up and questioning of various entities. The Committee acknowledges that while work has been done to implement some of the Auditor General’s recommendations, it is particularly concerned about remaining outstanding recommendations related to personal care homes and potential similar issues with long-term care, given the ongoing issues experienced in these areas and the associated life-safety concerns.

Quotes
“All members of the Public Accounts Committee share similar concerns on matters related to personal care homes and long-term care. Considering the time that has elapsed since the audits from which the outstanding recommendations originate, the Committee felt that another review of these areas is warranted at this time.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair, Public Accounts Committee

“The Committee appreciates the attention of the Auditor General to these matters as we continue our important work to improve delivery of programs and services that affect the lives of people across this province. All Committee members stand united in the view that the delivery and quality of care to vulnerable individuals of our population is of the utmost importance.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA
Vice-Chair, Public Accounts Committee

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Public Accounts Committee

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

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The Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) will host a Teachers Think Tank in early 2024 to inform further initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of teachers in the province.

Minister Howell will be available to media to provide more details about the Teachers Think Tank today (Thursday, December 14) outside the House of Assembly, Confederation Building, at 10:15 a.m. Minister Howell will be joined by President Trent Langdon of the NLTA.

Teachers are facing recruitment and retention challenges that need to be addressed in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Teachers Think Tank will provide a dedicated forum to hear directly from teachers and determine opportunities to address those challenges head on.

The Teachers Think Tank will include educators, as well as the Provincial Government, the NLTA and academia. The goal of the Think Tank is to have solutions-focused discussions that will help strategize innovative short- medium- and long-term measures to build on the recently ratified collective agreement and ultimately improve the retention and recruitment of teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of teachers and the role they play in helping to shape the future generation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It is vital that we work collaboratively with stakeholders like the NLTA to appropriately address challenges related to recruitment and retention of teachers.

Quotes
“Teachers play a key role in contributing to the social and economic fabric of our province. I look forward to the opportunity to bring together educators and stakeholders from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to outline challenges and, more importantly, identify solutions. Our government understands the value of teachers, and we’ll continue to work towards supporting the recruitment and retention of those professionals.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Our Association has been shining a light on the hidden reality in our schools for some time. Attention needs to be paid and action taken to address the retention and recruitment challenges facing the K-12 public education system. We are pleased with the creation of this Think Tank, including a commitment to give teachers throughout the province a voice in identifying issues that need to be addressed and the types of solutions that would help to improve the situation in our schools. The working conditions for teachers are the learning conditions for students.”
Trent Langdon
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association 

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Learn more
Provincial Government Highlights Ratified Collective Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association

Provincial Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association Reach Tentative Collective Agreement

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

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is highlighting significant progress on repairs and renovations to the 143 provincially-owned vacant units identified in a request for quotations in October 2023. As of December 8, 2023:

• Work is complete on 62 of the 143 units identified in the request for quotations;
• Repairs or renovations are underway on another 56 projects; and
• Work is complete on units in the western region, with estimated completion of all units identified in the other regions expected by the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year.

A full breakdown of progress on these units to date can be found in the backgrounder below.

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. In 2023-24, 298 units have been repaired and offered to tenants.

Work on these additional 143 units was supported by an investment of $3 million from the Provincial Government, increasing the NLHC’s overall repair and renovation budget to $6 million for 2023-24.

Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments to meet the changing demands for housing. These include:

• The Five-Point Plan to improve the availability of housing that is affordable, with actions valued at $65 million that are expected to add upwards of 500 new housing options to the market;
• A provincial investment of over $80 million in the Affordable Rental Housing Program, which will support 91 private and community sector projects that will result in the construction of more than 900 new affordable rental homes; and
• Continued implementation of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has expanded access to affordable housing in the private rental market to nearly 500 new households.

Quote
“With over 80 per cent of these additional renovations either complete or underway, we have shown our government’s commitment to moving forward rapidly on actions that will increase the availability of affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to work with our partners in the community and with other levels of government on shared solutions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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Photos showing pre- and post-renovation of one vacated NLHC unit repaired this year in St. John’s.

Learn more
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units

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

Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program

Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable

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BACKGROUNDER

Progress on Repairs and Renovations to 143 Provincially Owned Vacant Units as of December 8, 2023

Region Vacancies at Start Completed In-Progress Not Assigned Estimated Completion Eastern 85 34 44 7 January 31, 2024 Central 15 10 5 0 January 31, 2024 Western 12 12 0 0 Complete Labrador 31 6 7 18 February 28, 2024 TOTAL 143 62 56 25

 

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Effective immediately, the Rocky Brook Road Bridge located approximately 13 kilometres north of the Town of Badger is closed to all traffic until further notice. Damage to the bridge has made it unsafe for use. Signage has been posted and barricades will be erected to prohibit public access.

Access to the Paul’s Lake Cottage Development Area is still available through the Aspen Brook Resource Road at the 28.5 kilometre mark.

For additional information, contact the Crown Lands inquiry line at: 1-833-891-3249.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced provincial funding support for Scanmudring Canada Inc. to aid in the establishment of a Digital Remote Operation Support Centre in St. John’s.

The Digital Remote Operation Support Centre will be established in collaboration with the Marine Institute’s The Launch facility located in Holyrood, and Scanmudring Canada Inc. The Provincial Government will provide more than $605,000 through the Innovation and Business Development Fund in non-repayable funding to support the project. The company and its partners are matching the funding to bring the total project funding to over $1.2 million.

The purpose of the new centre is to increase access to global supply chains and subsea excavation opportunities for oil and gas and renewable energy projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is anticipated that the centre will create up to eight new positions in the province while supporting Scanmudring Canada’s operations in St. John’s. The new centre will service local and global offshore projects and will support the company’s intentions to develop and trial Digital Remote Operation Support Centre technology, while expanding local supply, export and diversification opportunities.

Formed in 1985, Scanmudring is a leader in the development, manufacture, and operation of advanced subsea heavy machinery. The company specializes in dredging, excavation and construction work for marine renewables, oil and gas, aquaculture and infrastructure projects. The company has built up experience of more than 160,000 hours on the seafloor, gathering feedback, data and operational expertise that facilitates the continual improvement of services. They have offices in Mandal and Stavanger, Norway, as well as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“This investment will see the creation of jobs and will help us to improve the competitiveness of the province’s offshore service offerings, while also helping us to maximize the value and benefits of our offshore for the province. Collaborating with Scanmudring Canada and the Marine Institute, our government is showing our commitment to supporting innovation and diversification in the energy sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Scanmudring is committed to sustained growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our continued partnership with the province is truly mutually beneficial, allowing us to develop technological advancements, cultivate local talent, and service local and global subsea projects. The Remote Operations Centre will remove a historic barrier to entry and fortify our competitiveness as a company and a province.”
Jason Price, P.Eng.
Scanmudring Canada Inc.

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Scanmudring Canada Inc.

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The Provincial Government is extending the deadline for online submissions on adult literacy and high school equivalency programs.

All members of the public are invited to share their input by visiting EngageNL.ca. The deadline for completing the online questionnaire is December 15, 2023.

In addition to the online questionnaire, government has been hosting targeted stakeholder consultation sessions to gather feedback. Online and in-person sessions have been occurring throughout the province.

Written submissions are also being accepted during that time frame and may be sent to either of the following:

Mail:
Department of Education
3rd Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL   A1B 4J6

Email: EduABE@gov.nl.ca

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The following is distributed at the request of the 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee:

 The 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC) is conducting public consultations. Established in accordance with section 16 of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, it will conduct an inquiry and provide recommendations respecting the salaries, allowances, severance and pensions paid to Members of the House of Assembly. The Committee was appointed by resolution of the House effective December 1, 2023 and must deliver its report to the Speaker on or before April 1, 2024.

The following options are available for persons and organizations wishing to provide input to the Committee:

1. Written submission:

Must be received on or before January 19, 2024 by:

Email:             mcrc2024@gov.nl.ca
Fax:                709-729-5895

Mail:
Members’ Compensation Review Committee
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Attention: Heather M. Jacobs, KC, MCRC 2024

2. Virtual session:

Persons or organizations interested in participating in a virtual session must pre-register on or before January 15, 2024 at:

Tel:      709-729-5870/1-833-711-0422
Fax:    709-729-5895
Email: mcrc2024@gov.nl.ca

These sessions will be scheduled during the week of January 29 to February 2, 2024. Further information regarding available dates and times will be provided following registration.

The Committee is interested in hearing perspectives and ideas regarding matters within its mandate and is encouraging individuals and organizations to participate. Information and feedback gathered from the consultations will be summarized in the final report, but will not include identifying information.

Further information on MCRC 2024, including its areas of inquiry and related references, is available at: www.assembly.nl.ca/mcrc/.

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Atlantic Premiers met virtually to discuss priorities for Atlantic Canadians, including health care and housing, and to reflect on regional successes this year while plotting a course for continued progress in 2024.

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island was joined by Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premiers discussed immigration as key to meeting the region’s growing labour demands and bolstering economic growth, noting that newcomers make important contributions to Atlantic Canada’s communities. Atlantic provinces are leading the way in efforts to address labour mobility, streamline foreign credential recognition, and address labour shortages, including through legislative changes, launching the Atlantic Physician Registry, and advancing collaborative work on international recruitment of health care professionals. While improving internal labour mobility can support economic growth, it will not increase the total labour supply. Collaboration with the federal government on targeted immigration programming combined with improved foreign credential recognition is needed to assist in relieving current labour shortages.

Premiers were disappointed by the reduction in Atlantic Immigration Program levels and lack of increase to Provincial Nominee Program levels in the federal government’s 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan.  Atlantic provinces are best positioned to determine immigration needs based on local labour market demands and domestic capacity, and must have the ability to meaningfully collaborate with the federal government on immigration levels planning given the significant impact changes to these levels can have on the region. Premiers also recognize the need to balance welcoming newcomers with the ability to meet demand for services and amenities, such as housing, health care, and education.

On November 21, the federal government released their Fall Economic Statement, which had a significant focus on housing. Engagement with the Atlantic provinces will be required as federal programs are developed to align provincial and federal actions to address the housing crisis. To ensure that federal funding and programming can deliver the maximum benefit to Atlantic Canadians, program and funding parameters must recognize the opportunities and challenges in the Atlantic region. Atlantic provinces are working with the federal government to explore new approaches to increase the housing supply, especially those that take full advantage of regional innovations in construction.

Premiers noted their concern that no details on the next iteration of federal infrastructure funding were included in the Fall Economic Statement. Adequate and predictable funding is essential to multi-year provincial infrastructure planning. Atlantic Premiers call on the federal government to share details on future infrastructure funding and to maintain a base plus per capita allocation approach to recognize the unique needs of small and rural jurisdictions. They also reiterated the Council of the Federation request for a First Ministers Meeting on strategic infrastructure and competitiveness.

Premiers are committed to improving the delivery of health care services for Atlantic Canadians and are working together under the Atlantic Health Accord to address regional health care challenges. Premiers agreed to continue their collaborative efforts in 2024, including working together to ensure that Atlantic Canadians can access critical specialized services.

Interprovincial ferry services in Atlantic Canada are a key enabler of provincial and national economies, and play a vital role in contributing to the health, social and economic well-being of Atlantic Canadians by supporting domestic and international trade, tourism, and family connections. Premiers discussed the integral role of the federal government in ensuring the dependability of ferry service in the region, and the importance of a meaningful partnership with the federal government for these critical transportation links. Premiers urged the federal government to work closely with Atlantic Canada to ensure necessary federal plans are in place, so these crossings are affordable, reliable, and available into the future.

Premiers extended their appreciation to Premier King, the outgoing Chair, for his leadership and collaborative approach throughout 2023. In 2023, the Council of Atlantic Premiers successfully lobbied for the federal government to recognize the unique heating challenges faced in the region, leading to home heating oil being exempt from the federal carbon tax for three years, and enhanced supports for Atlantic Canadians who are transitioning to heat pumps. They also launched the Atlantic Physician Registry to improve physician mobility within the region, with 226 physicians joining the Registry since May.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that Premier Furey will assume the CAP Chair in January 2024.

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Les premiers ministres discutent des priorités atlantiques pour 2024 et reviennent sur les réussites de 2023

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The Provincial Government and the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security today announced that together they are providing $1.8 million to implement an innovative program to improve food access for vulnerable families in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced the initiative at the Brighter Futures Family Resource Centre located in East Point Elementary in St. John’s. Minister Howell was joined by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Sarah Stern, Executive Director of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, and Serena Pomeroy of the Placentia and Area Family Resource Centre.

The Provincial Government will contribute $300,000 per year over the next three years to the initiative, which will be matched by the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security. The funding will directly support selected Family Resource Centres throughout the province to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes among families they work with.

Eligible families will be provided with support to access nutritious food such as grocery store gift cards, store credit where gift card capacity does not exist, or gift cards to non-profit food programs. The program begins in January 2024 and will be delivered by 16 Family Resource Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador. Expansion to further sites will be considered following an evaluation of the program.

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security works in collaboration with charitable organizations, the private sector, and governments on initiatives that offer structural solutions to improve food security. Newfoundland and Labrador has been identified by the Centre as a strategic partner given government’s commitment to strengthening the social determinants of health, including reducing poverty and food insecurity.

In November 2023, the Provincial Government announced a new Poverty Reduction Plan that focuses on improving the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As part of that plan, along with the initiative announced today, the province is working to improve food security by prioritizing income-based initiatives, including support for families with children, by:

• Expanding the Prenatal-Infant Nutritional Supplement up to age five and renaming it the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement to better reflect its expanded scope;
• Increasing the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit by 300 per cent; and,
• Providing additional funding to ensure school food programs are available in all Pre-Kindergarten and K-9 schools.

Quotes

“Addressing food insecurity collectively in our province will help families to access nutritious food. This program will support children to be better prepared to learn when they attend early learning programs or school. I thank the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security for partnering with us on this important issue as we support the well-being of children and families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Our government recognizes the key role the social determinants of health, such as food security, play in overall health outcomes and the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Partnering with community stakeholders in initiatives like these, align with recommendations from Health Accord NL, and will help us achieve our goal of being one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031.”
Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Newfoundland and Labrador has shown vision and leadership by advancing a comprehensive approach to improving both health and food security. We look forward to growing our partnership and delivering on a shared goal of structurally reducing food insecurity.”
Michael McCain
Honorary Chair, Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security

“People who are food insecure are more likely to face negative health outcomes. It’s crucial that we develop new strategies to enhance food accessibility among those at risk. By delivering this program through Family Resource Centres, we can reach more people by meeting them where they are. We hope that learning and outcomes from this initiative will provide a framework that can be scaled provincially and even nationally.”
Sarah Stern
Executive Director, Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security

“Family Resource Centres are connected to hundreds of families throughout the province who often struggle to put nutritious food on the table. This program will help parents and children to improve their food security and will empower them to decide and purchase which food is most appropriate for their families.”
Serena Pomeroy
Placentia and Area Family Resource Centre

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Seventy-five years ago today, a delegation appointed by the Commission of Government signed the Terms of Union making what was then known as Newfoundland the 10th province of Canada.

This morning, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced plans to commemorate 2024 as the 75th anniversary of Confederation.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have a variety of opportunities to recognize and celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

The Confederation 75 Celebration Grant Program will support community activities and celebrations, and heritage or Indigenous cultural projects that commemorate the anniversary. Details about the program will be released in early 2024.

The Provincial Government will also create a 75th Anniversary of Confederation Medal to recognize Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have made significant contributions to their communities and the province over the past 75 years. The medals will be awarded to residents in each electoral district throughout the province, recognizing people who largely go unnoticed while contributing their time and energy to making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live.

In addition, a special Confederation 75 Scholarship will be created. The scholarship will be awarded to 75 Grade 12 students, to support post-secondary education and the fulfillment of their career goals.

Passenger vehicles, light trucks, pick-up trucks, trailers and antique autos that are registered for the first time in the province in 2024, between January 1 and December 31, 2024, will receive a licence plate bearing the Confederation 75 logo. These licence plates will be issued by authorized dealerships, as well as through Motor Registration and Government Service Centre locations throughout the province.

Anyone who would like to have a Confederation 75 licence plate on their current vehicle can purchase one for $30 or $13 for individuals 65 years of age or older. Current plates that are peeling due to manufacturer defect can be exchanged for a Confederation 75 plate, free-of-charge.

On December 11, 1948, Canada and Newfoundland entered into a Memorandum of Agreement, commonly known as the Terms of Union, establishing the terms under which Newfoundland would join Canada as its 10th province.

Quotes
“Our entry into Canada on March 31, 1949, was the latest chapter of our unique political evolution from colony to Dominion to province of Canada. While we are the youngest province, we have been a strong and equal member of Confederation, with contributions ranging from our vibrant and unique culture to our ample and rich natural resources, and our emerging tech sector. Newfoundland and Labrador is an integral part of the Canadian Confederation. We are better because of it and Canada is better because we are a part of it. As we reflect on the past 75 years, let’s look forward with optimism as we envision the next 75 and beyond.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The 75th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity for us to reflect on the remarkable journey that resulted in our union with Canada. The Confederation 75 Celebration Grant Program will support communities throughout the province who wish to celebrate our fascinating history and the vibrant culture that makes up a unique part of our national identity.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“I am pleased that our government is marking this important moment in our province’s history by awarding a scholarship to 75 students in the province. The Confederation 75 Scholarship will support the post-secondary goals of recipient students as they continue their educational journey and contribute to our province’s future.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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