Government of Newfoundland News

Approximately 550 pieces of winter maintenance equipment and 67 highway depots are involved in winter operations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, helping ensure the safety of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians traveling provincial highways during the winter season.

Winter equipment operators take appropriate measures to improve the safety of highways. The crews have staggered start times, beginning at 4:30 a.m., and continue to operate until 10:00 p.m. as conditions require.

The Provincial Government wishes to remind the travelling public that as of December 1, overnight winter road operations occur on the 12 most traveled routes in the province as conditions warrant. These routes are listed in the backgrounder below. In the case of emergencies on the other provincial highways, staff are available to clear routes and escort emergency personnel after hours.

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Drivers are reminded to slow down and drive to conditions. There are various tools available to support safe winter driving, and the motoring public is encouraged to make it a habit to use these tools before they drive on highways. These include:

• Reports on highway driving conditions and cameras on ca;
• Provincial plow tracker; and
• Weather warnings via Environment Canada 

Budget 2023 allocated an additional $4 million this year, as well as $25 million per year for the next five years, to renew the winter fleet in the province. A multi-year tender is also in place, and 44 new snow plows have been ordered. This winter, eight new heavy-duty single axle trucks with plows and salters were purchased and added to the fleet to service a number of rural routes, and 14 new loaders are also being procured for this winter.

Quote
“We remain dedicated to helping ensure the safety of our traveling public throughout the winter season, and I commend the many equipment operators who serve the residents of our province each day of the season. When it comes to winter road maintenance, it is important to remember that these vehicles have to start and stop somewhere – they cannot be everywhere at once. It is important that we all use the tools available to us to be aware of driving conditions, slow down and allow for extra traveling time.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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BACKGROUNDER

24-Hour Snow Clearing Operations

Avalon Region 24/7 Route 1 (TCH) – Logy Bay Road to Foxtrap (Includes the Outer Ring Road) Route 2 (Pitts Memorial Drive/CBS Bypass) – New Gower Street to Seal Cove Route 3A (Team Gushue Highway) – TCH to Topsail Road

  24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Foxtrap to Whitbourne Route 75 (Veterans Memorial Highway) – TCH to Carbonear

  Eastern Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Whitbourne to Clarenville

  Central Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Gander to Grand Falls Windsor Route 350 (Botwood Highway) – TCH to Botwood

  Western Region 24/5 (Sunday-Thursday) Route 1 (TCH) – Deer Lake to Stephenville (Exit 3 – Route 460, White’s Road) Route 430 (Great Northern Peninsula Highway) – Deer Lake to Rocky Harbour (through Gros Morne National Park – Parks Canada Jurisdiction) Route 450/450A (Lewin Parkway/Ring Road) Route 460 (Port au Port Highway) – TCH to the Stephenville Cold Brook Depot

 

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The Provincial Government is inviting input from stakeholders and the public on improvements to adult literacy and high school equivalency programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Beginning today until December 11, 2023, feedback can be provided as part of a virtual consultation process at engageNL.ca. This will include an online questionnaire and the option of providing a written submission. Further engagement will be held with adult literacy program participants through coordination with program providers.

All input is welcome, especially from those who may need extra supports to obtain high school equivalency, as well as their friends, family, and supporters.

Feedback from the consultation process will inform the development of a robust response to adult literacy issues, particularly foundational literacy and high school equivalency programs.

Quote
“Adult literacy is an important component to supporting the social and economic well-being of people throughout the province. I encourage everyone to visit engageNL to participate in the consultation process to ensure that adult literacy and high school equivalency programs meet the needs of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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EngageNL – Enhancing Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join Leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations for the Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable tomorrow (Tuesday, November 21).

Premier Furey, along with the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Labrador Affairs, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune, and participating Indigenous Leaders will hold a media availability at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The availability will take place via audio conference call. To participate, please RSVP to Allan Bock (allanbock@gov.nl.ca).

Also joining the roundtable for a virtual presentation is Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister, Health Transformation.

The sessions are hosted by Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi, a First Nation reserve located at Conne River, and will take place at the community centre.

The Premier-Indigenous Leaders’ Roundtable provides an opportunity for discussion on matters of mutual interest.

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today announced the creation of the Policing Transformation Working Group that will help shape the future of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Policing Transformation Working Group is mandated to evaluate the current provincial policing model, conduct public engagement, and provide ongoing advice to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible. It will consider best practices in other jurisdictions and the community safety needs of all people and groups who reside here, including urban, rural, Labrador, racialized and Indigenous communities.

Led by an executive with broad senior-level government experience, this multi-year initiative features a team of individuals with extensive operational and strategic expertise in police services. For more information on the objectives of the Working Group and member biographies, please refer to the terms of reference in the backgrounder.

Delivering policing services that maintain public safety and meet societal expectations is becoming increasingly complex. Examples of emerging provincial policing trends and topics informing the scope and timing of this initiative include:

• Evolving profile of crime;
• Oversight and accountability;
• Technological advancements;
• Delivery of services to rural and remote communities; and
• Recruitment, training and retention.

On a national scale, reports published in the last five years, such as the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission report and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report, have both called for government to rethink the delivery of policing services. Efforts to modernize the policing system works to ensure it protects the people of the province, and also supports health and well-being.

While provincial police services operate independently from the Provincial Government, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety maintains responsibility and authority for the administration of justice within the province. This includes the administration and provision of policing services under the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, 1992, and the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) for the RCMP, which expires in 2032. Budget 2023 contains over $154 million for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“In light of the evolving dialogue about policing here and throughout the country, now is the time to evaluate and inform the province’s current policing model. Our government is taking action to transform the future of policing so we are well-positioned to continue enhancing and ensuring public safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The highest priority for the RCMP and our dedicated and skilled employees who work throughout this province is to ensure public safety for the people and communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. We welcome and fully support a policing review and look forward to being actively engaged throughout the process as we work toward our shared goal of a sustainable and modernized policing model.”
Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

“This is welcomed news. This review will help shape the future of policing in the province and ultimately lead to improved services for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to participating in the process and am eager to see what the Policing Transformation Working Group will recommend.”
Chief Patrick Roche
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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RCMP Chief Superintendent Pat Cahill, Hon. Minister John Hogan, KC, RNC Chief Pat Roche

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BACKGROUNDER

Policing Transformation Working Group Terms of Reference and Member Biographies

Overview
The Policing Transformation Working Group (“The Working Group”) will conduct a review of the provision of policing services in the province. The overall objective of the review is to evaluate Newfoundland and Labrador’s current policing model, meaningfully engage with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about policing services and community safety, and to advise on policing models to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible.

Specifically, the Working Group will:

• Work closely with the 10-person policing and crime prevention team within the Department of Justice and Public Safety to analyze the current state of policing in the Province;
• Consult with the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Policing to consider opportunities for improvements to the current policing service delivery model; and
• Recommend short and long term steps to transition from the current police service delivery model to any proposed alternatives.

The Working Group will consider best practices in other jurisdictions and the community safety needs of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, including urban, rural, Labrador, and racialized and Indigenous communities.

Background
The Minister of Justice and Public Safety is responsible for the administration of justice in the province, including the administration of policing services. Policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador are provided by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The RNC provides frontline policing services to 18 per cent of the geography of the Province and 44 per cent of the province’s population, and has detachments located in the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook, Labrador City and Churchill Falls. The RCMP provides frontline to 82 per cent of the geography of the province and 56 per cent of the province’s population in 42 detachments. RCMP provincial policing services are provided under the authority of two agreements – the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) and the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program. The current PPSA came into effect in 2012 and expires in 2032.

Policing and crime prevention are growing areas of concern for the public and significant changes have been proposed for policing in this province and across the country. Areas of concern include crime rates, police oversight, the growing cost of policing, training, recruitment and retention, the role of technology, legislative and other accountability frameworks, and service delivery models. The Federal Government is also currently reviewing RCMP contract policing services in advance of the upcoming 2032 expiration of the PPSA.

The delivery of policing services has a direct impact on the communities within Newfoundland and Labrador. In light of the evolving dialogue about policing throughout Canada, the Working Group will seek opportunities to enhance policing services delivery and ensure the safety of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mandate
The mandate of the Working Group is to provide advice and recommendations reflecting the diverse communities of Newfoundland and Labrador as it relates to the delivery of policing services in the province. The Working Group will also lead and oversee the implementation of any approved recommendations put forward.

Scope
The Working Group is responsible for working with the 10-person policing and crime prevention team within the Department of Justice and Public Safety to review the provision of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Working Group will propose options that address the policing and community safety requirements of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Working Group will consider the following:

• Findings and recommendations from analogous policing reviews within the province, across the country, and in other comparable jurisdictions;
• Alternative service delivery models and their effectiveness;
• Cost and financial data;
• Contractual impacts of any advice proposed;
• Public Safety Canada’s review of contract-policing services provided by the RCMP;
• Relationship between police and the diverse communities of the province;
• Role of police in addressing gender-based and intimate partner violence;
• Role of police in community safety and well-being;
• Emergency calls for service response responsibilities and resourcing;
• Diversity and inclusion within policing services;
• Police oversight and accountability mechanisms;
• Legislative requirements and policing standards to support any recommendations;
• Training and education of law enforcement officers;
• Effective recruitment and retention models;
• Police crime rates, clearance rates, calls-for-service data and response times;
• Infrastructure such as detachments and training facilities;
• Administrative and managerial requirements to support the recommended model(s);
• Equipment and fleet requirements;
• Police resource and workload data;
• Data collection and evidence-based decision making;
• Records management and other IT systems;
• Technology advancements and opportunities; and
• Demographics within Newfoundland and Labrador.

Working Group Tasks
The Working Group will prepare a project plan to outline the review tasks and timelines. The Working Group will develop a project plan, verify scope, goals and objectives, develop methodology and identify internal and external stakeholders.

The Working Group tasks will include the following:

• Completion of  a comprehensive jurisdictional scan of related reviews across Canada and other comparable jurisdictions, inclusive of a categorized database of findings or recommendations potentially relevant to improving policing and community safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The collection of information, opinions, and perspectives on policing in Newfoundland and Labrador from numerous stakeholders including the public, subject matter experts, existing policing services, other governmental departments, community groups, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations. These perspectives will be gathered through public engagement and regular meetings with the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Policing. The Working Group will also work collaboratively with the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s 10-person policing and crime prevention team to complete their work.
• The provision of regular updates to the Minister and/or Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety detailing key findings and advice. Advice and recommendations will occur on an ad-hoc basis and will result in short and long term actions required to transition from Newfoundland and Labrador’s current policing service delivery model to any proposed alternatives. Any advice will include estimated costs, implementation plans and timelines.

Working Group Membership
The Working Group will be comprised of the following individuals:

• Executive Lead: Andrea McKenna
• Project Manager: Kim Harding
• Working Group Member: Pete McKay
• Working Group Member: Andrew Warren

The Working Group will report to the Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety, or designate.

Support
Support throughout the review will be provided by the policing and crime prevention team in the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Working Group Member Biographies

Andrea McKenna – Executive Lead
With nearly two decades of senior level public administration experience, Andrea McKenna is the Executive Lead of the Policing Transformation Working Group.

She has held a wide array of executive positions in a variety of departments with both the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Ireland.

Ms. McKenna holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University, as well as a Master of Business Studies from the University College Dublin.

Kim Harding – Project Manager
For over 30 years, Kim Harding has held numerous progressively responsible leadership positions with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).

Ms. Harding brings extensive knowledge and understanding about policing methodologies, work procedures and administration within the policing environment. She has represented the RNC on a variety of national committees and working groups, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Canadian Center of Justice Statistics.

Ms. Harding is a graduate of Memorial University Business Administration.

Peter McKay – Working Group Member
Peter McKay is a 31-year member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, serving general duty and administrative posts in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Throughout his policing career, Mr. McKay held a variety of key roles and responsibilities, including as Chief Reviewer for Criminal Operations, Non-Commissioned Officer for the Operations Strategy Branch, Senior Criminal Operations Reviewer, and Detachment Commander. Most recently, he served on Workplace Review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary by Harriet Lewis.

A recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the RCMP long service medal, Mr. McKay retired from active duty in 2019.

Andrew Warren – Working Group Member
Andrew Warren brings extensive experience in rural and urban policing environments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Appointed to the rank of Inspector in 2020, Mr. Warren is familiar with the existing complaint oversight mechanisms and understands the importance of accountability in policing. Throughout his policing tenure, he has served in numerous leadership roles such as Public Order Unit Commander, Honour Guard Commander, and Drug Recognition Evaluator Instructor.

Mr. Warren has a Bachelor of Arts and a Police Studies certificate from Memorial University.

The post Minister Hogan Launches Policing Transformation Initiative first appeared on News Releases.

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Lucy Stoyles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will join partners Quinlan Brothers Ltd. and Grieg Seafood Newfoundland to celebrate the commencement of processing Grieg salmon at the Quinlan Brothers seafood processing facility tomorrow (Tuesday, November 21).

The event will take place at Quinlan Brothers Processing Plant, 6 Wharf Road, Route 70, Bay de Verde beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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As part of the Provincial Government’s continued efforts to re-imagine health care delivery in Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NL Health Services) will launch a new virtual care solution this fall that will increase access to health care for rural areas and residents who do not have a primary care provider.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today as part of the latest Health Care Action update. Minister Osborne was joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Stephen Greene, Vice President – Digital Health and Chief Information Officer, NL Health Services.

The virtual care service will include:

• Virtual primary care for residents who do not have a primary care provider and have registered on patient connect. This access will be through a virtual physician available Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
• A virtual emergency room that will ensure virtual physician coverage 24 hours per day, seven days per week to emergency departments in select rural health care facilities that do not have local physician coverage; and
• Other needed physician coverage such as urgent care centres.

A contract valued at $11 million annually has been awarded to Teladoc to provide virtual technology, as well as physician coverage for two years. The new virtual care service is another pathway to improving access to care. The Provincial Government is also improving access through 19 previously-announced Family Care Teams, and through a successful recruitment strategy that has recruited more than 72 doctors since April.

The service will begin with the launch of the Virtual Emergency Room at the Dr. Y. K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre in New-Wes-Valley this week, and will expand to other communities in the following months.

Residents who are registered through Patient Connect or other provincial wait lists and have a valid MCP will receive a letter in the mail informing them of how they can access the virtual care service. This will be rolled out in the upcoming months, with the first eligible residents receiving a letter in the upcoming weeks.

Residents who do not have a primary care provider and who have not registered for Patient Connect can do so at https://patientconnect.nlchi.nl.ca or via phone at 1-833-913-4679. NL Health Services will continue to work to assign those who register to a Family Care Team or primary health care provider when one becomes available in their area.

More information on the virtual care service can be found at virtualcarenl.ca.

More details on the Provincial Government’s recent health care actions are available by visiting healthcareaction.ca. Details on recruitment of health care professionals are available by visiting workinhealthNL.ca.

Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the Provincial Government and other public bodies are available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“This service is a proven way to provide health care services in communities where it is difficult to recruit health care positions. This contract means more people will have greater access to emergency care in rural emergency departments, and people without  a primary care provider will have increased access to primary health care. We continue our recruitment for all health care professionals and look forward to building on our recruitment successes.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The expansion of virtual care services represents NL Health Services’ commitment to increasing access and reshaping the health-care system as envisioned by Health Accord NL. Through the use of new technology, we are pleased to be able to offer virtual primary care and virtual emergency care services which will add new capacity for our health system, so that individuals can get care when and where they need it most.”
Stephen Greene
Vice President – Digital Health and Chief Information Officer, NL Health Services

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Learn more

Virtual Care NL

Health Care Action

Patient Connect

New Family Care Team in Clarenville Now Accepting Patients

New Family Care Team in Central Zone Now Accepting Patients

New Family Care Team Established in Grand Falls-Windsor

New Family Care Team in Western Zone Now Accepting Patients

New Family Care Teams Announced for Newfoundland and Labrador

Work in Health NL

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will announce details of new provincial policing initiative today (Monday, November 20).

The announcement will take place at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Due to space limitations, media wishing to attend are required to RSVP with Eric Humber (erichumber@gov.nl.ca).

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National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th every year in Canada, and is a special day to celebrate children and youth, and their rights. It recognizes Canada’s commitment to protect and uphold the rights of all young people.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most widely endorsed human rights treaty in the world today. This child rights framework exists because children and youth are a unique group and require special protection of their rights. The UNCRC is rooted in the principles of non-discrimination, best interests of the child, life, survival and development, and participation.  It’s incumbent on all of us to be aware of the UNCRC so we can share this information with young people we know.

“While we have made advancements in the promotion and protection of children’s rights, we still have work to do. On National Child Day we celebrate children and youth, their rights and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are amplified in matters affecting them”. Linda Clemens Spurrell, Child and Youth Advocate

National Child Day is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting awareness of these rights, however, these rights are important all year long. The mandate of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate includes advancing education and awareness of child and youth rights. We welcome opportunities to share information about our Office and rights with young people, as well as adults who work with and support young people.

We invite you to visit our website, which contains many resource materials regarding the rights of children and youth (www.childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca).

Blue is the color worn to celebrate National Child Day. We will be wearing blue and participating in various activities throughout the day (and week). We would love to see what you are doing to recognize this special day, so tag us @OCYANL.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate can be reached at:
Toll free: 1-877-753-3888    Email office@ocya.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Wilma MacInnis
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888
wilmamacinnis@ocya.nl.ca

 

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will host a Health Care Action Update on Monday, November 20 to provide an update on virtual care.

The availability will take place in the Confederation Building media centre beginning at 10:00 a.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 9:30 a.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Steve Greene, Vice President – Digital Health and Chief Information Officer, NL Health Services.

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

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA). The association represents approximately 6,500 educators and administrators across the province.

The NLTA will be presenting this tentative collective agreement to membership for ratification. In order to respect the NLTA’s process, details on the collective agreement will be released upon ratification.

To date the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated the majority of its collective agreements with its public sector unions. As collective bargaining continues with a number of public service unions, the Provincial Government is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful negotiations.

Quotes
“We thank the NLTA for engaging in respectful negotiations, which is a testament to our good working relationship. This tentative agreement reflects the value we place on our educators throughout the province and their efforts to guide the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador through their school years.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“I would like to thank the negotiating teams with the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association for their efforts throughout the collective bargaining process. Teachers provide an invaluable service in delivering high quality educational instruction and supporting students during their formative school years. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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

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

Provincial Government Highlights Ratified Collective Agreements with CUPE

Provincial Government and NAPE Sign Collective Agreements

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

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement

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Newfoundland and Labrador is a leading tourist destination with a large variety of cultural and natural assets to offer residents and visitors. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, along with the Codroy Valley Area Development Association (CVADA), are making a combined investment to help the province’s southwest coast continue to grow its tourism infrastructure even more.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a contribution of $245,137 through the Regional Development Fund for the CVADA to expand the Starlite Trail. The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced $644,361 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund for the project.

These investments will help the association improve and redevelop the existing Starlite Trail, expand new sections, and extend the trail to cover approximately 17 kilometres of scenic highlands surrounding Campbell’s Lake. This area will offer visitors memorable multi-day hiking and walking experiences, as well as popular lookout sites showcasing the province’s natural beauty.

Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling, and the region is poised for exponential growth. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada are working together to strengthen communities, create new opportunities to engage and attract visitors, and set the stage for a strong, sustainable future.

Quotes
“I have hiked the Starlite Trail many times, and it is a trail that visitors to the Southwest Coast will enjoy and appreciate. It has incredible views, a remarkable landscape and challenging terrain that rivals any other hike in the province. We are happy to support anchor visitor attractions, such as the Starlite Trail, which will only help to boost economic development in the region, and help it remain an asset for generations to come.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Western Newfoundland’s rugged beauty, pristine coastline and people draw visitors from around the world every year. This investment will give more people, more reasons to visit and stay longer, which means more opportunities for our local economy.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings,
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“This investment celebrates our vision for the Starlite Trail as a cornerstone of Codroy Valley’s future, setting it on course to become a premier destination within Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism fabric. We are deeply grateful for the support that elevates our trail and fortifies the growth of our local economy through eco-tourism, ensuring our treasured natural heritage enriches lives now and for future generations.”
Ron Laudadio,
Board Chair, Codroy Valley Area Development Association

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Learn more
Regional Development Fund

Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)

Codroy Valley Area Development Association (CVADA)

Tourism Southwest

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The 2023 forest fire season in Newfoundland and Labrador has officially ended with no significant incidents, injuries, or property damage. The public is asked to remain vigilant when setting fires in and around forested areas, as the risk of forest fire remains even after the season is declared to be over.

A total of 101 fires have been recorded so far in 2023, burning a total of 21,883 hectares. The vast majority of area burned occurred in remote parts of Labrador, accounting for 99 per cent of the total area burned for the entire province.

Regional statistics and other forest fire related information is available by visiting the recently launched Newfoundland and Labrador Active Wildfire Dashboard on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

During forest fire season the Provincial Government deployed several fire fighters, Incident Management Team (IMT) members, equipment and water bombers to assist other provinces in battling extreme forest fire conditions. Through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, the Provincial Government responded to 18 requests. Over the course of the season, a total of 40 firefighters and 14 IMT members were deployed to Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and the North West Territories, while water bombers were also deployed to Nova Scotia and Quebec on multiple occasions.

Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government invested $5.8 million in additional funding to support forest fire suppression services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“The combination of favourable weather, public awareness about wildfire safety, the efforts of provincial wildland firefighters and assistance provided by local fire departments all contributed to a manageable 2023 forest fire season in Newfoundland and Labrador. A special thank you is also warranted to everyone who served on out-of-province deployments during an extremely challenging forest fire season in many other parts of the country.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Our fire suppression team – from the water bomber operators and maintenance crew to the fire fighters on the ground – provides a very important public service to the residents of our province. I commend them for their efforts here at home, as well as the assistance provided to other jurisdictions.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Newfoundland and Labrador Active Wildfire Dashboard

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The post Residents Encouraged to Remain Vigilant as the 2023 Forest Fire Season Ends first appeared on News Releases.

The post Residents Encouraged to Remain Vigilant as the 2023 Forest Fire Season Ends appeared first on News Releases.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be available to media today (Friday, November 17) to discuss the launch of a new Respiratory Activity Dashboard.

A technical briefing for media will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the Department of Health and Community Services, Confederation Building, West Block. Dr. Fitzgerald will demonstrate the new dashboard for media, and then will be available to answer questions. Media planning to participate are asked to please arrive at the Visitor’s Entrance by 11:50 a.m. to be escorted to the department.

This new dashboard will integrate the reporting of all respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza. It will replace the previous COVID-19 dashboard.

As we have settled into life with COVID-19, jurisdictions across the country are beginning to align COVID-19 reporting with other respiratory viruses, including influenza.

Over the last three years, Public Health has adapted the way COVID-19 activity is reported to reflect evolving surveillance needs. The new way of reporting is a unified approach to respiratory surveillance. All respiratory virus activity will be accessible in one location.

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The post Media Advisory: Dr. Fitzgerald Available to Discuss New Respiratory Activity Dashboard first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Dr. Fitzgerald Available to Discuss New Respiratory Activity Dashboard appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will be taking part in the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration today (Friday, November 17).

The meetings are taking place in Toronto at the Hilton Toronto Downtown. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. NST)

Continuing to build on Newfoundland and Labrador’s historic immigration success in 2023, Minister Byrne will be engaging in discussions with ministers on a number of key issues, including:

• Calls to increase funding for settlement agencies, such as the Association for New Canadians, who collectively continue to receive the lowest base amount of settlement funding per capita among all provinces in Canada.
• The need to deliver Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada services in-person in the province; and
• Concerns with federal immigration targets impacting Newfoundland and Labrador’s plans for population growth.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne Attending Immigration Ministers Forum in Toronto first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne Attending Immigration Ministers Forum in Toronto appeared first on News Releases.

The fall sitting of the House of Assembly is concluding with notable progress on areas of importance to the local economy, towns and communities and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Continuing progress from “Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority,” legislation passed in this session focused on supporting established and emerging industries; empowering towns and local service districts with new enabling legislation; enhancing accessibility of provincial buildings; adding protections for those at risk of violence; and continuing to move forward with the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Provincial Government.

Key legislation this session will support:

• A provincial approach to ride sharing, providing a clear and simple set of rules to enable ride sharing services to operate safely in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• A new law, known as Clare’s Law, which increases the safety for individuals in intimate relationships who are at risk of violence from their partners by allowing them to obtain information from police about a partner’s documented history of violence;
• Greater autonomy and flexibility for towns and local service districts, empowering them to better address local issues;
• A stronger legal name change process that gives the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL discretion to prohibit name changes by sex offenders;
• Improved accessibility in public spaces to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities;
• The final stages of the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador School District into the Provincial Government;
• Bereavement counselling for surviving dependents after a workplace fatality;
• Efficient, transparent and fair management of the development of provincial quarry resources; and
• Sustained mineral exploration through modern and comprehensive legislation that adopts best practices from other jurisdictions.

A full list of legislation debated in this session of the House of Assembly can be found on the House of Assembly website.

Quote
“In this session of the House of Assembly we continued to advance legislation that will help this province realize the opportunities before it in current and emerging industries, while also addressing issues faced by residents including the most vulnerable among us. Our government will continue to bring forward a legislative agenda each session that prioritizes the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Government House Leader

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The post Fall 2023 Sitting of House of Assembly Supports Industry and Communities first appeared on News Releases.

The post Fall 2023 Sitting of House of Assembly Supports Industry and Communities appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings at the induction ceremony for the 2023 Atlantic Canada Marine Industry Hall of Fame Newfoundland and Labrador inductees tomorrow (Friday, November 17).

The ceremony is taking place at the Mary Brown’s Centre, 50 New Gower St., St. John’s, at The Navigator Magazine booth #302 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Loveless to Address 2023 Atlantic Canada Marine Industry Hall of Fame first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Minister Loveless to Address 2023 Atlantic Canada Marine Industry Hall of Fame appeared first on News Releases.

Lucy Stoyles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Mount Pearl North, will bring greetings to the 10th Annual NL Young Farmers Leadership Summit tomorrow (Friday, November 17).

The event will take place at the Fairfield by Marriott, 199 Kenmount Road, St. John’s at 1:15 p.m.

NL Young Farmers is a professional organization for farmers aged 18 to 40 that works to enhance opportunities for young people in agriculture. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture hosts the NL Young Farmers initiative, with funding from the federal-provincial Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

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The post Media Advisory: Parliamentary Secretary Stoyles to Bring Greetings to NL Young Farmers Leadership Summit first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Parliamentary Secretary Stoyles to Bring Greetings to NL Young Farmers Leadership Summit appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will participate in the Newfoundland and Labrador ceremony for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims tomorrow (Friday, November 17). The event will be held at RCMP Headquarters, 100 East White Hills Road, St. John’s, beginning 11:00 a.m.

Upon arrival, guests who have RSVP’d will be asked to present a registered ID to be permitted entrance to the building. Those attending are invited to bring photos or mementos in memory of loved ones who have been impacted by a road incident.

Media are asked to please RSVP to rcmp.nl.media-medias.tnl.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and will also be required to present a registered ID.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in Ceremony of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in Ceremony of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise that Rattling Brook Bridge on Route 93 (St. Catherine’s – Mitchell’s Brook) will be closed on Friday, November 17. The closure is necessary to facilitate the ongoing construction of the new bridge.

The road is scheduled to close at 7:00 a.m. Friday morning and will reopen to traffic at 5:00 p.m. Friday evening.

A detour through Route 91 (Colinet) will be put in place and motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control, and travel cautiously through the community.

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The post Public Advisory: Rattling Brook Bridge Temporary Closure and Detour first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Rattling Brook Bridge Temporary Closure and Detour appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is reminding employers of the Private Employer Vaccine Program, which increases the availability of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during the active cold and flu season.

The Department of Health and Community Services is anticipating an active influenza season that will interact with COVID-19 and other circulating viruses. To minimize the impact of these viruses this winter, the department encourages private employers to avail of our government’s Private Employer Vaccine Program to enhance access to influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees.

The program provides support to employers to offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics for 30 or more pre-registered employees. Employers can apply to one of two options:

1. Receive publicly funded vaccine (at no charge) if they have a health care provider onsite to deliver clinics; or
2. Receive a grant to hire health care professionals to administer vaccines to their employees.

Interested private employers can learn more about the program online.

In addition, appointments for individuals who want to get vaccinated can be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Appointments can also be booked through provincial health authority clinics in your area by visiting www.timefortheshot.ca/vaccines/. You may need to check periodically for walk-in clinics and availability of appointments.

Both vaccines are proven to be safe and effective ways of reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. Residents can receive both vaccines simultaneously.

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The post Public Advisory: Vaccine Program Available to Employers for 2023-24 Influenza and COVID-19 Season first appeared on News Releases.

The post Public Advisory: Vaccine Program Available to Employers for 2023-24 Influenza and COVID-19 Season appeared first on News Releases.