Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and a delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador fishery representatives will meet with key buyers to confront trade realities and secure strong markets for the sector at the Seafood Expo North America, which takes place March 16-18 in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 2024, approximately 65 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood was exported to the United States, valued at $890 million. Seafood from the province is highly desired by buyers because of Newfoundland and Labrador’s pristine ocean waters and stringent guidelines set by the federal and provincial governments, ensuring the highest standards governing food safety, resource management, sanitation, hygiene, and quality control. Leveraging the recently launched Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador campaign the team will further raise the profile of products from this province.

This event will be particularly important as the seafood industry contends with United States tariffs, trade uncertainties and disruptions. The primary objective of the show will be to maintain existing, strong relationships with United States buyers, while also reinforcing the value and need for United States partners to engage with their political representatives around the impact of the newly imposed tariffs on American consumers and industry.

Recognizing that market diversification will be imperative to the long-term sustainability of the seafood industry, the delegation will also place greater emphasis on promoting Newfoundland and Labrador products to the global marketplace and forging new international relationships at this year’s show.

The Newfoundland and Labrador seafood industry has a large presence at Seafood Expo North America annually and the Provincial Government has played a key role in supporting that success. This year’s co-exhibitors in the Newfoundland and Labrador pavilion include, Whitecap International Seafood Exporters, Ocean Choice International, Barry Group Inc., Badger Bay Mussel Farms, and Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company Ltd. In addition, many other Newfoundland and Labrador seafood companies, as well as the supply and service sector.

The provincial delegation looks forward to productive conversations about market conditions and tariff realities with United States and international buyers, to forge a positive path forward for the sector.

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“The Seafood Expo North America in Boston is a key export development activity for our seafood industry and I look forward to constructive dialogue with buyers from across the United States and internationally. We know our world-class seafood products continue to be in high demand by United States buyers and, as our largest and most valuable trading partner, we expect to continue these positive relationships and work together to manage tariffs. This event also offers us an excellent venue to explore international relationships and opportunities to diversify markets going forward.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

Speaker, big game applications are now open, and this season’s management plan is mapped out in the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

With only minimal quota changes required for the upcoming season, I am happy to report that current population trends for most game and furbearer species are stable.

Thanks to the resounding success of the recent Grey Island caribou re-location program, we are extending the season in this area.

We are also extending the fall black bear season on the Island of Newfoundland and re-structuring black bear management areas to broaden hunter opportunities.

A new trapper’s beaver licence will permit trapping in unoccupied traplines – but will not affect traplines currently assigned to trappers and vacant traplines with waitlists.

Speaker, wildlife management is a collaborative effort. I am grateful to the many rod and gun clubs, organizations, businesses and volunteers who promote safe and responsible outdoor activities for youth and adults.

Their work is vital to the management, conservation and continued enjoyment of our wildlife resources, and it is deeply appreciated.

Speaker, along with their essential contribution to food self-sufficiency, hunting and trapping have a tremendous impact on mental and physical well-being.

The continued importance of traditional outdoor pursuits is a heartening reminder of who we are, and how much we value our natural resources.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, is congratulating the Town of Churchill Falls for receiving an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in recognition of its efforts during a wildfire threat last summer.

This award for exceptional service and achievement is given to individuals or groups that distinguish themselves through exemplary actions and contributions in the field of emergency management.

In June 2024, Churchill Falls demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency in the face of a significant wildfire threat. Primarily inhabited by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro employees and their families, the Town effectively used its emergency plan to successfully evacuate approximately 750 people in under two hours and to allow for continuous power delivery to the residents across the province.

Through its emergency plan, Churchill Falls coordinated with other agencies, provided innovative solutions, including remote monitoring and leveraging Hydro Québec’s resources, and helped to maintain operational stability.

In addition, the Churchill Falls community exhibited exceptional solidarity by assisting evacuees from another wildfire threat in Labrador City, offering essential services and support to thousands of residents.

A partnership between Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments, the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Awards recognize exceptional service and achievement in emergency management, spanning five categories: Resilient Communities, Search and Rescue Volunteers, Search and Rescue Employees, Youth, and Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management.

Quotes
“I congratulate the Town of Churchill Falls for receiving this prestigious emergency management award. This achievement showcases the residents of Churchill Falls and their remarkable capacity to rise to challenge and readiness to support others in times of need. I commend the Town for their tireless efforts to protect and support their community, and I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who played a role in making a difference.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The people of Churchill Falls exemplified the fortitude and giving spirit of Labrador this past summer, both in how they rose to the challenge of the wildfires that threatened their community, and in how they opened their doors for their neighbours in Labrador West. I applaud the recognition the community of Churchill Falls so rightly deserves with this award, and thank them for being a vital part of the larger Labrador community.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“As the MHA for Lake Melville, I was pleased to witness the presentation of this award to the Churchill Falls team, in Ottawa recently. To see their emergency planning and implementation in the face of adversity, recognized at the national level, was an honour. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this success.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier

“As wildfires rapidly approached their town, the community of Churchill Falls showed true strength and resilience. With support from colleagues across Hydro and the Provincial Government, they pulled together and pushed boundaries to ensure the safety of every employee and resident as well as the security of our provincial electricity system. They showed us the true power of community and I’m so pleased to see them receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Jennifer Williams
President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-013 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/reports/.

Report: A-2025-013 Report Date: March 6, 2025 Public Body: Department of Health and Community Services Summary: The Complainant requested access to a consultant’s report on fertility services. The Department provided the consultant’s report, withholding portions under sections 29 (policy advice or recommendations), section 35 (disclosure harmful to the financial interests or economic interests of a public body), and section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant argued the redactions were excessive and the public interest override should apply, given the government’s recent commitment to establishing an in vitro fertilization clinic. However, the Commissioner found that the withheld information fell within the cited exceptions and that premature disclosure could harm ongoing decision-making and financial negotiations. The Commissioner recommended the Department continue to withhold the redacted information.

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Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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The Provincial Government has implemented changes to the Job Vacancy Assessment and Atlantic Immigration Program designation processes.

Both the Job Vacancy Assessment and Atlantic Immigration Program designation processes provide initial approval for employers to explore hiring international workers, who will become future applicants to economic immigration programs. The Job Vacancy Assessment is the first step in the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program.

These policy adjustments reflect the Provincial Government’s commitment to strategically utilizing economic immigration capacity, supporting employers in addressing priority workforce shortages, and ensuring responsible program management.

Changes to the processes include:

• Employers will no longer be granted pre-approval for a specific number of economic immigration spaces. Employers may still indicate their hiring needs for a one-year period.
• Occupations approved under both processes will be valid for a one-year period.
• Employers must choose to apply for either a Job Vacancy Assessment or Atlantic Immigration Program designation when seeking to hire for a particular occupation. Employers can no longer use both processes to hire for the same occupation.

Additionally, all new applications for these designations will be assessed based on the following principles:

• Prioritizing in-demand occupations.
• Supporting businesses operating in rural areas.
• Evaluating an employer’s track record in retaining international hires through provincial immigration programs.
• Aligning hiring requests with the company’s size and operations.
• Ensuring employers are providing adequate levels of settlement supports for their prospective newcomer hires.

The changes apply to new applicants as well as employers with already approved Atlantic Immigration Program designations and Job Vacancy Assessments. Employers who have existing approvals are asked to contact employmentprograms@gov.nl.ca.

Information sessions will be held next week for business, labour or community groups interested in learning more about the policy adjustments. To express an interest in attending a session, please email immigration@gov.nl.ca.

Opportunities remain available for employers to hire humanitarian migrants to help meet their workforce needs. This process is not impacted by these changes. Employers interested in learning about opportunities to hire these international workers can get started by emailing HumanitarianPath@gov.nl.ca.

These changes were required when the Federal Government cut provincial immigration capacity and implemented a new requirement that 75 per cent of provincial nominees for permanent residency must be existing temporary residents in Newfoundland and Labrador

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

APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES ISSUED:

Burin Peninsula EverWind Green Fuels Project                   (Reg. 2321)
Proponent: EverWind Fuels

The minister has approved the guidelines for the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Burin Peninsula EverWind Green Fuels Project. The EIS guidelines identify the information that the proponent will be required to address in the EIS. The EIS guidelines are available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: ww.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2321/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

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

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

 

 

 

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Operations conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division, Clarenville Detachment, resulted in several convictions related to off-road vehicles use in unapproved areas and big game infractions.

On October 14, 2024, officers from the Clarenville and Winterland detachments conducted an aerial patrol targeting off-road vehicle use in unapproved areas on the Burin Peninsula. The investigation resulted in six individuals being charged under section 13 of the Off-Road Vehicles Act for operating off-road vehicles in unapproved areas. Each received a $500 summary offence ticket for the violation.

At Provincial Court in Clarenville on January 30, 2025, Travis Hiscock of Trinity pleaded guilty to charges under the Wild Life Act including hunting in a management area not named on his big game license and illegal possession of a big game animal. He was convicted and fined $2,000 for both offences, received a five-year big game hunting prohibition, and forfeited the moose and firearm to the Crown.

At Provincial Court in Clarenville on February 20, 2025, Gordon Mackey of Catalina pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm from a highway. He was fined $1,000, received a five-year big game hunting prohibition, and forfeited the moose he shot.

Resource Enforcement Officers work to ensure residents understand and comply with laws that safeguard our natural resources. Information from the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations. Residents are encouraged to continue to report suspected illegal activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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On March 8, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will join organizations, groups, and individuals throughout the province and around the world celebrating International Women’s Day.

This day serves as a reminder of the incredible strides made towards gender equality, while recognizing there is still work to do. This day also honours the achievements, strengths, and resilience of women who have shaped history and who have broken barriers – from the suffragists who fought for the right to vote, to scientists, artists, and leaders of today.

The Provincial Government places a high priority on creating a society where women and girls can pursue their dreams, unlock their potential, drive innovation, and live freely from discrimination and violence.

The Canadian theme for 2025 – Strength in Every Story – is quite fitting here in Newfoundland and Labrador, as this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote and hold public office. On April 3, the Office of Women and Gender Equality, in partnership with the House of Assembly, will mark this extraordinary milestone, which helped shape the very foundation of our democracy. The courage of suffragists, their determination, and unwavering belief in equality paved the way for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

However, their journey was not an easy one. Women fought long and hard to have their voices heard in a society that often dismissed them. Women like Armine Gosling, Fannie McNeil, Lady Jeannette Thorburn, Emma Peters, Myra Campbell and Iris Ayre, who led the suffrage movement in the then Dominion of Newfoundland, faced resistance, ridicule, and countless barriers.

Women all over Newfoundland and Labrador organized, rallied and demanded change – not just for themselves, but for future generations.

Because of their efforts, women today in Newfoundland and Labrador are leaders, decision makers, and change-makers in our municipal, provincial and federal governments, our communities, and beyond, making a difference in every aspect of life.

The Provincial Government has made significant investments to support women and girls, annually allocating funding to support women’s centres, status of women councils and other equity-seeking organizations that work to achieve equality and justice for women and girls in the province.

In December 2023, the Provincial  Government announced the signing of a four-year bilateral agreement with Women and Gender Equality Canada, resulting in $13.6 million in new funding to invest in violence-prevention-related initiatives. This is a commitment to foster an environment where everyone in this province can thrive, feel valued, be respected, and not live in fear.

The formation of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council is another positive step as it works to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, which impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Ongoing investments and initiatives by the Provincial Government are also resulting in sustained benefits for women in the areas of skills development, childcare, leadership, entrepreneurship, and business funding.

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“International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is possible when we celebrate, uplift, and empower. It is not just a day, it’s a call to action for equality, respect and recognition every day. Happy International Women’s Day to all women and girls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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The Department of Education’s Student Financial Services Division is advising the public of fraudulent emails circulating targeting student aid recipients.

Individuals have reported that they have received emails which request them to contact the “Student Loan Debt Department”. The department reminds all student loan borrowers that no such department exists in any jurisdiction in Canada, and this is an attempt to scam individuals. Recipients are advised to delete the email without responding. The department has notified the federal Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

Individuals are reminded to be extra vigilant against email scams:

• Do not click suspicious links.
• Do not provide personal information including credit card numbers.
• Never share passwords.
• Do not respond to urgent requests from unknown sources.
• Report potential fraudulent email activity immediately.

If a student aid recipient suspects that they have received a fraudulent email or phone call, they can contact the Student Financial Services Division at 709-729-5849, toll free at 1-888-657-0800, or email studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings and participate in International Women’s Day celebrations today (Friday, March 7) at a luncheon hosted by PerSIStence Theatre Company.

The event takes place at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre, 20 New Gower Street, at 11:30 a.m.

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Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that daylight savings time begins this weekend. At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, clocks should be set ahead by one hour.

When adjusting clocks, residents are encouraged to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety advises that smoke alarms are required in the following areas of a residence:

• On every level of your home, including the basement.
• In every bedroom.
• In the hallway or room outside of every bedroom or separate sleeping area.

It is recommended that households or cabins that have a wood, oil or propane fuel-fired appliance also have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the structure.

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association announced that they have reached a tentative agreement for the renewal of its Memorandum of Agreement.

The agreement represents physicians’ remuneration in the province with focus on the retention and recruitment of physicians in Newfoundland and Labrador. Details regarding the agreement will be released when the medical association completes its ratification process.

By working together with physicians and other health care providers, the Provincial Government is reimagining the delivery of health care, as envisioned by Health Accord NL.

Quotes
“I’d like to thank the negotiating teams from government, the medical association and the health authority for reaching a tentative memorandum of agreement. Collaboration and mutual respect have been key to our deliberations – all with the goal of retaining and recruiting physicians and providing quality health care services to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“We commend the Provincial Government for recognizing the crucial role of physicians in delivering high-quality medical care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. This tentative agreement underscores our collective dedication to stabilizing the province’s medical workforce and improving access to care for patients. The NLMA remains committed to continued partnership with the Provincial Government and NL Health Services to strengthen our health care system and improve health outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Dr. Steve Major
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I rise to recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day.

This day serves as a reminder of the incredible strides made towards gender equality, while recognizing there is still work to do. This day also honours the achievements, strengths, and resilience of women who have shaped history and who have broken barriers, from the suffragists who fought for the right to vote, to scientists, artists, and leaders of today.

Our government places a high priority on creating a society where women and girls can pursue their dreams, unlock their potential, drive innovation, and live freely from discrimination and violence.

The Canadian theme for 2025 – Strength in Every Story – is quite fitting here in Newfoundland and Labrador, as this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote and hold public office.

We must thank Armine Gosling for leading the charge for this right. She knew that the voices of women mattered, and when they stood together, things would change for the better.

Speaker, we will keep rising, keep inspiring, and we will continue to break glass ceilings, so that every woman and girl in Newfoundland and Labrador can live a life of dignity, respect and empowerment.

Thank you, Speaker.

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Community gardening brings people from all walks of life together to grow their own fruits and vegetables in shared gardens throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government continues to support their contribution to sustainable communities and improved food self-sufficiency through the annual Community Garden Support Program.

Applications are now open to help eligible municipalities, schools and community groups continue to establish and enhance new and existing community gardens. There is no deadline to apply, but applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of the annual Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program, the Provincial Government is investing nearly $133,000 into non-repayable grants to help increase food self-sufficiency, access to fresh foods, and consumption of locally produced fruits and vegetables. With thousands of participants tending their gardens together, the program also raises awareness of the importance of local food production and the agriculture sector.

The program will provide up to a maximum of $750 per eligible applicant in the form of a non-repayable grant. Funding is limited to one grant per garden location.

Since 2019, the Community Garden Support Program has supported more than 860 projects, with thousands of people working together to establish and grow community gardens throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2025 application and program guide are available on the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website. For more information on the program call 709-637-2979 or email CGSP@gov.nl.ca.

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“The success of the Community Garden Support Program stems from a truly homegrown premise – to create gathering places for people to come together to grow and share food. This simple action, engaging everyone from primary school students to senior citizens, contributes not only to food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador, but to the wellbeing of people from all walks of life. I encourage municipalities, schools, service groups and not-for-profit organizations to share these experiences and apply for a Community Garden Support Program grant for the upcoming season.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Développer l’autosuffisance alimentaire et appuyer la durabilité des collectivités : Les demandes au titre du Programme de soutien des jardins communautaires sont ouvertes

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2025 Community Garden Support Program Guide

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, are conducting a trade mission to the United Kingdom this week to meet with senior government officials and business leaders. The goal is to strengthen connections as Newfoundland and Labrador looks to do more business abroad.

Activities include meeting with the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, the Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from various business sectors, including oceans, fisheries, mining, natural resources and finance, as well as attending an event at the London Stock Exchange.

They will also visit Wandsworth Cemetery, the final resting place for several soldiers from our province, and Beatrix Potter School as children from the school tend to the graves.

The trade development opportunity is part of the broader work of the ongoing Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada campaign launched last month in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian products entering the American market.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will participate in a sporting event announcement tomorrow (Thursday, March 6).

The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, for the Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I wish to acknowledge March as Pharmacy Appreciation Month.

Pharmacy Appreciation Month is a time to highlight the importance of pharmacy professionals and to thank them for their extraordinary efforts.  Whether working as part of a clinical team, at one of our hospitals, or within a community pharmacy, they are an integral part in the delivery of care.

They ensure that patients get the most appropriate medication, manage drug interactions, assess and prescribe for many common conditions, provide knowledge of over-the-counter products, train patients on medical devices, and administer many vaccinations.

We continue to work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacists’ Association to create more efficient health care by increasing services available at community pharmacies, thereby reducing the number of people needing hospitalization and visiting emergency rooms.

Today, pharmacists have a greater scope of practice and more autonomy than ever before.

As we work to transform health care, we are tremendously grateful for pharmacy professionals and their dedication to the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me in thanking pharmacy professionals for their unwavering dedication, care and compassion.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs:

Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this honourable house to highlight how our government is breaking down barriers for young Labrador athletes, Special Olympians and sports teams to travel to participate in provincial sporting events.

2025 is Year of Sport and it’s an important reminder to us all that encouraging and promoting physical activity at an early age improves self-esteem and well-being.

It is important to ensure all youth, regardless of where they live, have access to sport. The most recent enhancements to the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy program levels the playing field for Labrador youth living in isolated communities along the North coast, providing individual athletes 100 per cent airfare coverage to the Goose Bay airport. That’s just one of the ways this sports travel subsidy supports young athletes who live in Labrador.

Speaker, last year we provided 100 individual grants and 55 team grants. I’m confident that this year we may even surpass those numbers.

I truly believe that sport is often the guiding light toward success for the young people of our province, and I am proud to stand today and reaffirm my commitment to helping the young athletes of the Big Land.

Thank you.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Driver’s Handbook is now available to the public in both English and French.

The Department of Digital Government and Service NL, through its Office of French Services, continues to build capacity across the Provincial Government to deliver services in French, and to contribute to the development and vitality of the province’s Francophone community.

Both versions of the handbook can be found here.

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Avis public : Le guide du conducteur existe maintenant en français

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he Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-012 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/reports/.

Report: A-2025-012 Report Date: March 3, 2025 Public Body: Town of Gander Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Gander seeking records that contained their name and email address. The search performed by the Town produced several thousand individual records, though the Town determined that only approximately 400 records were responsive. At issue was the Town’s unilateral determination of what a key term in the access request meant. The Commissioner found that the Town did not adequately communicate with the Complainant regarding the scope of the access request and as a result the Town did not meet its section 13(1) duty to assist. The Commissioner also reviewed the exceptions to access that the Town applied to the responsive records and recommended that the information withheld pursuant to sections 28(1) (local public body confidences) and 29(1) (policy advice or recommendations) be released to the Complainant.

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

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