Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture today announced new measures to remove barriers when applying for, or securing property title to, Crown lands.

Changes include amending the Lands Act to better support title seekers trying to acquire legal ownership of Crown lands based on adverse possession – commonly referred to as “squatter’s rights.”

Along with legislative amendments planned for the fall sitting of the House of Assembly, other measures include:

• Creating a new policy that enables the Provincial Government to relinquish its right to Crown lands by issuing a quitclaim deed to title seekers who have occupied lands long-term. This would enable title seekers to privately resolve challenges associated with securing title.
• Preparing to launch a modernized, mobile-friendly online portal that will improve the Crown lands application process.
• Continuing policy review that will improve and modernize Crown lands management, service delivery, application processing times, and enforcement.

In 2022, the Provincial Government engaged the public, interested parties and experts for input on improving Crown lands processes. Feedback indicated an expectation of reduced wait times for Crown lands applications, and removal of barriers for applications based on adverse possession or long-term possession of land.

Legislative measures include:

• Making it easier for applicants to prove adverse possession against the Crown by changing the required land possessory period from the current 20 continuous years immediately prior to January 1, 1977, to a period of 10 continuous years immediately prior to January 1, 1977.
• Enabling the Provincial Government to issue a certificate declaring it claims no interest in a parcel of land.
• Allowing the Minister the option to approve additional structures under Section 7 of the Lands Act related to shoreline reservations.
• Providing more flexibility for applicants by allowing the removal of timeframes currently required under the Act.

When enacted, the new policy to issue quitclaim deeds in certain cases where there has been long-term residential occupation will remove the Provincial Government’s interest from a property. This will help those seeking to obtain “good title” who can prove long-term possession of their primary residence but may not meet requirements to establish adverse possession under the Lands Act.

In response to the call for reduced wait times, the launch of a new Online Crown Land Application Portal will allow applicants to submit supporting documents, maps and fees online. The new portal will help eliminate application errors, simplify fee payments, and reduce the number of incomplete submissions received.

Quote
“Securing Crown land title or proving long-term land possession can be challenging, especially during times when difficult decisions and major life changes are at hand. The measures announced today aim to lessen some of the emotional and financial burdens so often associated with real estate transactions, estate management, and other legal concerns. We appreciate the thoughtful and valuable insights we received from the public and interested groups as we strive to strike a balance between our duty to manage and protect Crown lands, and our duty to serve the needs of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will attend the Expertise Hub Co-operative grand opening ceremony tomorrow (Wednesday, October 16).

The event takes place at the Centre for Social Enterprise, BN-4015, Faculty of Business Administration, Memorial University, St. John’s, at 11:00 a.m.

The Expertise Hub Co-operative is a Newfoundland and Labrador grown solution to the challenges facing international professionals migrating to the province and to the country. Drawing on the seven principles of co-operatives, their mission is to foster inclusion, dismantle barriers, and generate momentum for economic transformation.

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Provincial Government online payment services are undergoing required maintenance overnight Wednesday, October 16, between 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. (8:30 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. in parts of Labrador).

Payments for all Provincial Government online services will be unavailable during this time, with the exception of Arts and Culture Centre Ticketing and Personal Property Registry.

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As of today, operator safety training is mandatory for users of off-road vehicles who:

• Are under 16 years of age.
• Are registering an off-road vehicle with the Motor Registration Division for the first time.
• Have had their off-road vehicle registration suspended or cancelled because of a conviction under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, as a condition of reinstatement.

Anyone who is supervising a person under the age of 16 who is operating an off-road vehicle will be required to ensure that the person has completed the training.

While training is only mandatory for some users, anyone who operates an off-road vehicle is encouraged to complete the training.

Operators are encouraged to download and review the free Off-Road Vehicles Handbook and take the free test online at MyGovNL. Upon completion of the training, which requires a minimum score of 80 per cent, the operator can print a certificate of completion or save it to a mobile phone.

Anyone without a device to complete the training or print the certificate may do so at an Employment Support Centre or public library or contact the Motor Registration Division at 1-877-636-6867. The training is also available in alternate formats by calling the Motor Registration Division.

Approximately 1,600 users have already completed the free safety training program, which has been available on MyGovNL since May 24, 2024. Those who completed the training before October 15, 2024, will not have to complete it again, unless their off-road vehicle registration is suspended or cancelled because of a conviction under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, as a condition of reinstatement.

Other training courses approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, such as in-person training, will also be accepted.

Proof of successful completion of safety operator training must be carried at all times while using an off-road vehicle.

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Co-operatives play a vital role in creating jobs and supporting local economies in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. To recognize their contributions, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, in cooperation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives (NLFC), has declared October 13-19 as Co-op Week in the province.

This week offers a chance to reflect on the positive impact that co-operatives have on the lives of Canadians and to celebrate their role in building stronger communities.

There are about 70 registered co-operatives in Newfoundland and Labrador employing more than 1,000 people supported by some 100,000 people who are member-owners. Co-operatives are helping to improve, sustain and stimulate the social and economic conditions in communities throughout this province, providing opportunities in areas such as housing, child care and financial services.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology recognizes the important work of the NLFC in supporting the ongoing growth and development of the co-operative sector. The department and the NLFC collaborate to support existing co-ops and the development of new co-ops and micro-businesses in the province. For example, the department’s financial contribution to the NLFC Co-operative Incubator Pilot Program for co-op startups led to three co-ops successfully graduating and becoming provincially incorporated.

Through the Community Capacity Building (CCB) program, as well as the Regional Development Program (RDP), the department supports co-operatives and other community-based economic development organizations to enhance skills and implement projects essential to regional economic planning and development. Groups interested in learning more about the co-operative business model and available opportunities should contact their local IET office or the NLFC.

Quotes
“The co-operative sector contributes significantly to the local and provincial economy by providing programs and services and creating employment opportunities across Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to thank the NLFC for their continued work to support individuals and purpose-led businesses to have a positive impact on communities small and large. We will continue to work with co-operatives and the NLFC to support the ongoing growth and development of the co-operative sector.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“For 75 years, the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Co-operatives has been supporting the co-operatives of our province representing over 100,000 members! This Co-op Week, we assert that “CO-OP’S MEAN BUSINESS!” While driven by social benefits like quality of life for members and their shared communities, economic goals of profitability and providing jobs are equally prioritized. Co-operative businesses are ensuring a future for our province!”
Dave Walsh
Managing Director, Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives

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Community Capacity Building

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will hold a news conference to announce actions that will remove barriers when applying for, or securing title to, Crown lands.

The announcement will be held in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, on Tuesday, October 15, at 1:00 p.m.

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Corner Brook and Massey Drive Multi-use Trail (Reg. 2328)
Proponent: West Coast Cycling Association

The Proponent is proposing to develop 11.5 kilometers of mountain biking and silent-sport trails that would connect to an existing trail network also owned and operated by the proponent. Construction would involve hand tools and mechanized equipment, following the construction standards of the International Mountain Biking Association. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 11, 2024; the deadline for public comment is November 15, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by November 25, 2024.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT SUBMITTED:

Botwood Flowers Hill Quarry (Reg. 2287)
Proponent: C&H Construction

The Proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the Minister. The EPR document is available on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2287/

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below:

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

Public comments must be received by November 15, 2024; and the Minister’s decision on the EPR is due by November 25, 2024.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Torbaymans Pond Concrete Batch Plant (Reg. 2320)
Proponent: Eastern Ready Mix and Precast Ltd.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/projects-2320/.

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 is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

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A ceremony commemorating the culture and historical significance of the Beothuk was held today at the Confederation Building in St. John’s.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Dr. Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, participated in the unveiling of a bronze statue honouring Demasduit, her husband, Nonosabasut, and their infant son; and an unveiling of artwork depicting a Beothuk family.

The Premier and Minister were joined by Indigenous leaders or their designates from Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

• Minister David Dicker, Jr. and Minister Terry Vincent, Nunatsiavut Government
• Jodie Ashini, Innu Nation
• Chief Brad Benoit, Miawpukek First Nation
• Chief Jenny Brake, Qalipu First Nation
• Todd Russell, NunatuKavut Community Council
• Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Traditional Chief
• Brendan Mitchell, Regional Chief for Newfoundland, Assembly of First Nations

The Beothuk statue, which is situated at the base of the steps leading to the front entrance of Confederation Building, was created by Morgan MacDonald of the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry in St. John’s. A proposal submitted by the sculptor was selected following a call for Expressions of Interest issued by the Provincial Government. A design submitted by Brittany Wiseman of Conne River provided the inspiration for the bronze statue. The Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation collaborated with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and Mr. MacDonald to finalize the design for the life-size bronze statue.

The painting, which commemorates the Beothuk people who formerly lived in parts of the Island of Newfoundland, was created by artist Craig Goudie of Grand Falls-Windsor. The Provincial Government issued an Expression of Interest to acquire the Beothuk artwork.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has acquired six pieces of artwork. They include the Beothuk painting and five pieces of art from each of the five Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the province. The artwork will be displayed as part of a permanent exhibit in the East Block lobby of Confederation Building.

Ceremonies to unveil the artwork representative of the Nunatsiavut Government, Innu Nation, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the NunatuKavut Community Council will be held at later dates.

The acquisition of a Beothuk statue and the Beothuk artwork is founded on a belief that actions which respect and honour the culture and heritage of Indigenous Peoples are an important step on the path towards Reconciliation. The statue and artwork are part of a broader objective of the Provincial Government to promote symbols that better reflect the diversity, resilience and history of the Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador achieved in procuring a statue and artwork that commemorates the culture and history of the Beothuk. Finally, Indigenous peoples can see themselves represented at the seat of Government.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We have taken a big step towards our commitment to do a better job of recognizing the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s events honouring the Beothuk and their history are significant because they were accomplished together with Indigenous leaders.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Nonosabasut and Demasduit Returned to Newfoundland and Labrador

The Beothuks

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-044 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-2024-044 Report Date: October 10, 2024 Public Body: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture seeking all records to and from the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association. At issue in this complaint is an email exchange between the Provincial Apiarist and the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association, from which information was withheld pursuant to section 29 (policy advice or recommendations). During the investigation, the Department claimed section 36(b) (disclosure harmful to conservation) also applied to the information. The Commissioner disagreed that section 29(1)(a) applied, but agreed to consider the applicability of section 36(b) notwithstanding it was put forward late in the investigation process. The Commissioner recommended the Department continue to withhold the redacted information pursuant to section 36(b).

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

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Visitor services at Salmonier Nature Park will close for the 2024 tourist season on Tuesday, October 15. The park will re-open to the public on June 1, 2025.

The visitor centre and nature trail are open daily this weekend, including Monday, October 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In-person and off-site education outreach programs will continue for schools and events this fall, and virtual outreach programs are available to schools and community groups. Contact the education team at salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca or 709-229-7888 for details.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, is today acknowledging October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child. Established by the United Nations in 2011, this day brings attention and awareness to the rights, challenges and potential of girls around the world. It also celebrates the achievements of girls who have overcome adversity and encourages global action towards gender equality.

This year’s theme, Girls’ Vision for the Future, resonates strongly in Newfoundland and Labrador where efforts to empower girls continue to shape a brighter and more equitable future, by ensuring they are free from gender-based violence, have access to education, healthcare, well-being, economic empowerment and leadership opportunities to develop to their full potential.

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“International Day of the Girl Child is a time to recognize the strength, potential and resilience of young girls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. By empowering them with opportunities and supporting their education, physical and mental health, and human rights, we are not only fostering their success, but also ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all of us.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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International Day of the Girl Child

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Visitor services at the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will close for the 2024 tourist season on Friday, October 18, and will remain closed until spring 2025.

The visitor centre at Cape St. Mary’s is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Viewing of the fossils at Mistaken Point occurs through guided hikes, which can be booked by email at mistakenpointtour@gov.nl.ca or by telephone at 709-438-1011.

When planning your visit, please remember that for the safety and comfort of both wildlife and other visitors, pets are not permitted in the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve or on the guided hikes at Mistaken Point.

This season, the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve has recorded 13,572 visitors to date. The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve has seen 2,482 tour participants to date.

More information on the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site is available online.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring remarks at an unveiling ceremony taking place tomorrow (Friday, October 11) at 3:00 p.m.

The Premier will be joined by the Honourable Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, leaders or designates of Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and special guests.

Unveiling ceremonies for a bronze statue and artwork commemorating the culture and historical significance of the Beothuk will be held in East Block, Confederation Building, St. John’s.

A technical briefing for media will take place at 2:15 p.m. in the Media Centre.

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The Provincial Government has issued a Request for Proposals for the construction of 50 new provincially owned homes in Corner Brook, the next stage of a process first announced in Budget 2024.

The majority of these homes will be built in the Crestview Avenue area of Corner Brook. In the first phase of the project, the Provincial Government awarded multiple contracts totaling nearly $1 million for the abatement and demolition of 32 long-term vacant apartments in the area, work that is nearing completion.

The new builds will involve the construction of multiple buildings that will feature a combination of one- and two-bedroom homes, which are in the greatest demand. Design and construction will demonstrate best practices in terms of land use, integration of walkways, parking and landscaping. A minimum of 10 units will be fully wheelchair-accessible, while all units will incorporate universal design features, such as wider doors and lever handles.

To encourage submissions that will promote rapid construction, the RFP is issued as a “Design Build” procurement model, where a contract is awarded for both the design and the construction of the project. The RFP also allows for proposals from a range of construction types, including traditional wood-frame construction, modular housing or Insulated Concrete Form. To support long-term sustainability, there are targets for energy efficiency performance and construction detailing.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

In Budget 2024, the Provincial Government announced the creation of over 100 new provincially owned homes in Corner Brook, Central Newfoundland and Labrador West. Earlier this week, government announced it had awarded a contract for the development of four homes in Labrador West.

Quotes
“I am pleased to see continued progress on these new homes in Corner Brook and look forward to assisting another 50 individuals and families secure safe and affordable housing. Our government continues to work to expand available housing and strengthen communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Our government recognizes the growing demand for housing in the Corner Brook area and continues to take action to put people in homes. As MHA for Corner Brook, and recognizing that we must move swiftly to build more housing that is accessible, affordable, modern and designed to meet the needs of today’s individuals and families, I am very pleased to see NL Housing moving forward with this latest work to build 50 new housing units in Corner Brook.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook

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Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook

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A new community health centre in Deer Lake will increase access to health care services for residents and consolidate all existing health care services of the region, including the Deer Lake-White Bay Family Care Team, into one location.

The new Humber Valley-White Bay Community Health Centre on Humberview Drive will be approximately 30,000 square feet and includes offices and clinical space to support team-based care delivered by health care professionals such as family physicians, registered nurses, and others.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has awarded a contract valued at approximately $2.5 million annually to Marco Group Ltd. to lease the space, following construction completion. The Department of Health and Community Services and NL Health Services anticipate construction starting this fall and being completed in spring 2026.

Family care teams, an important element in the Provincial Government’s plan to reimagine health care and help meet the health care needs of residents closer to home, ensure patients receive the right care from the right provider at the right time. These teams can include family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals.

Health Accord NL recommended 35 family care teams be established throughout the province. As of August 2024:

• There are currently 23 family care teams in the province in various stages of implementation.
• More than 60,000 patients are connected to family care teams, including 32,000 since March 2023.
• The teams consist of approximately 240 health care professionals, including 21 physicians.

Patients who do not have access to a primary care provider such as a family physician or a nurse practitioner can register to be seen at the family care team clinic through the Patient Connect NL website at patientconnect.nlchi.nl.ca or via phone at 1-833-913-4679. Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will work to assign those who register to a family care team when one becomes available in their area.

Information on Requests for Proposals and tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“The new Humber Valley-White Bay Community Health Centre will bring current health care services in the region under one roof at one convenient location. It will also mean health care professionals will work in modern, user-friendly, collaborative environment. This centre, along with our work such as family care teams, recruitment incentives, medical school expansion, and digital services expansion are all part of the larger Health Accord NL plan to modernize and improve access to health care in the province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber-Gros Morne

“This new health centre is a welcome addition to our health care infrastructure, along with the new hospital in Corner Brook and the new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre, and is reshaping the way we provide health care services. I encourage residents still looking for a health care provider to visit the Patient Connect website to be connected.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is pleased with the progress of the development of the new Humber Valley-White Bay Community Health Centre, which will help enhance access to primary health care and community-based services for residents of the area. Having this new space for health-care professionals to work together closely will strengthen collaboration for the benefit of patients in the area. This team-based approach addresses patient needs, improves access to health-care supports, reduces wait times, links patients to community programs and improves the health and wellness of residents.”
Teara Freake
Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Western Zone, NL Health Services

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will reduce the maximum load limit for vehicles on Pitts Memorial Drive to 15 tonnes (15,000 kgs) between 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11 and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13. All trucks in excess of 15 tonnes heading west from the downtown area or heading east towards the downtown area will have to use alternate routes.

The weight restriction is necessary as part of the ongoing bridge work on Pitts Memorial Drive.

Highway Enforcement Officers will be on site to enforce this temporary reduction in maximum load limits in accordance with section 106 (52) of the Highway Traffic Act. Under the Act, all drivers must obey the instructions of a traffic-control signal or traffic-control device. In such circumstances where a sign restricts the use of a highway or part of a highway to vehicles of certain maximum gross mass, failure to comply may result in a fine of a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $900.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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The Provincial Government continues to expand availability of Kids in the Know, a school-based body safety program for K-9 students.

Kids in the Know is the Canadian Centre for Child Protections’ national safety education program. The program engages students with interactive activities to help build skills that increase personal safety and reduce the risk of victimization online and offline.

As of September 2024, Kids in the Know is available in 58 schools in the province and will be available in all K-3 classrooms by the end of the current school year. As previously committed by the Provincial Government, the program will be available in all K-9 classrooms by September 2025.

Body safety is part of the Department of Education’s K-12 public education curriculum, with age and developmentally appropriate resources used at each grade level. The Kids in the Know program enhances the teaching and learning strategies currently occurring in classrooms.

October is Child Abuse Prevention month in Canada. Modern learning environments require responsive tools to support safety inside and outside the classroom. The Provincial Government is working with stakeholders to identify potential additional measures that can be implemented to support student safety and well-being.

Quotes
“Our commitment to the personal safety of students is unwavering and we are pleased to have this program, in conjunction with our curriculum, available in all of our Kindergarten to Grade 3 schools this school year. We are on track to having Kids in the Know in all our K-9 schools by next September. This will be an important tool for educators that complements current programming for students.”
Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Kids in the Know Body Safety Program Expanding to All Classrooms by September 2025

Foundation Document for Health Curriculum

Safe and Caring Schools Policy

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a health care infrastructure announcement tomorrow (Thursday, October 10).

Premier Furey will be joined by Teara Freake, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Western Zone, NL Health Services, and His Worship Mike Goosney, Mayor of Deer Lake.

The availability will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Humber View Drive in Deer Lake, near Simmons Tire.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, today (Wednesday, October 9) beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Newfoundland, and 5:30 p.m. in most of Labrador.

Minister Byrne will discuss Northern Cod mismanagement and other issues related to Newfoundland and Labrador, such as redfish in Unit 1 West Coast of Newfoundland.

The proceedings can be watched live at: www.ourcommons.ca/Committees/en/FOPO/Meetings.

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Under section 13.5 of the Fatalities Investigations Act, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety is required, within 60 days after receiving a report from the Child Death Review Committee (CDRC), to make public those recommendations relating to:

• Relevant protocols, policies and procedures.
• Standards and legislation.
• Linkages and coordination of services.
• Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.

The CDRC forwarded a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on August 13, 2024.

This report resulted in the following recommendation:

• The Child Death Review Committee is concerned with chronic absenteeism in our schools. The recommendations of the 2019 Child and Youth Advocate report Chronic Absenteeism: When Children Disappear have not been fully implemented. The Committee recognizes that the establishment of Education Accord NL creates a forum for transforming and modernizing change to our education system. The Committee recommends that the Department of Education continue with its efforts to implement all the recommendations of the Child and Youth Advocate’s 2019 report and further recommends continued efforts within the proposed Education Accord to resource and address chronic absenteeism.

This report has been forwarded to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

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