Government of Newfoundland News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership – Government of Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture

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

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

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

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne Speaking at Agriculture Symposium first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne Speaking at Agriculture Symposium appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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The post Premier Furey Issues Statement on Book of Condolences for Minister Bragg appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

The post Office of the Chief Electoral Officer – Advance Poll Voters in the District of Conception Bay East-Bell Island first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Chief Electoral Officer – Advance Poll Voters in the District of Conception Bay East-Bell Island appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

 

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

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes:

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

2. Reports:

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

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

 

The post House of Assembly Management Commission Meeting first appeared on News Releases.

The post House of Assembly Management Commission Meeting appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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The post Atlantic Premiers Concerned About the Impact of Proposed Changes to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The post Speaker Offers Condolences on the Passing of the Member for the District of Fogo Island-Cape Freels appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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The post Premier Furey Issues Statement on the Passing of Minister Derrick Bragg appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Learn more
Provincial Government Releases Critical Mineral Plan

AME Roundup

Follow us on X  @IET_GovNL

Like Industry, Energy and Technology NL on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Participating in Mineral Exploration Conference first appeared on News Releases.

The post Provincial Government Participating in Mineral Exploration Conference appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

Applications close Thursday, February 22, 2024.

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

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The post Public Advisory: Employer Applications Open for 2024 Summer Employment appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Learn more
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @OIPCNL

Visit our LinkedIn page

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

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

The project is released from environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

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

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

The project is released from environmental assessment subject to the following conditions:

• The Proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Proponent is required to submit a Waste Management Plan specific to the project for review and approval by the Pollution Prevention Division (PPD)  prior to project commencement.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires that a presence/absence survey for Short-eared owls be completed by a qualified, independent third party prior to the start of construction, preferably between late June and late July of the construction year.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The Proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and provide additional updates if requested.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project Proponent.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

As of January 12, 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-003 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2024-003 Report Date: January 18, 2024 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access request to Memorial University for correspondence to or from the Student Code of Conduct Coordinator about proposed changes to the University’s Student Code of Conduct. Memorial’s final response contained (among other records) a report commissioned by Memorial containing recommendations for changes to the Student Code of Conduct. Much of the report had been redacted pursuant to section 29 (policy advice). After a review of the redactions, this Office concurred with Memorial that the information was policy advice and could be withheld.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-003 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-003 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is pleased to announce that the first ride-sharing licence in Newfoundland and Labrador has been issued to Redsea Riding.

Locally owned and operated by Yosief Tesfamicael, Redsea Riding currently employs 10 drivers and is actively recruiting more. The ride-sharing company is aiming to be open for business in the coming months. The company will begin by offering its services in the St. John’s metro area, including St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Conception Bay South, Torbay, Pouch Cove, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and Flatrock.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will be available to the media at 12:00 p.m. today (Friday, January 19.) The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

In October 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador first announced the introduction of a provincial approach to ride-sharing. Amendments were brought forth in the House of Assembly and shortly after, on December 21, 2023, the Regulations and the amended Highway Traffic Act were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

Applications to operate a ride-sharing service in the province are available online and currently being accepted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Quotes
“I am pleased to see the first ride-sharing licence issued to Redsea Riding and congratulate Yosief on this incredible accomplishment. Our team have worked hard to ensure the Regulations are fair, providing a clear and simple set of rules for ride-share operators. I encourage anyone who may be interested to visit our website for more information.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Thank you to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, especially Minister Stoodley, for your guidance and support throughout the application process. I am excited to be the first operator in the province and am committed to ensuring reliable and valuable service to our customers.”
Yosief Tesfamicael
CEO-Co-Founder, Redsea Riding

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Learn more
Transport Network Company Application

Motor Registration Division – Transport Network Companies (Ride-sharing Service)

Provincial Government Now Accepting Applications from Interested Ride-sharing Operators

Premier Furey Announces Provincial Approach to Ride-sharing

Follow us on X @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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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; and
• Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.

The CDRC forwarded a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on November 17, 2023.

This report resulted in the following recommendation:

• It is recommended that the Minister of Justice and Public Safety refer this matter to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate for her review and determination of whether further action is required by her office pursuant to the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

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

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The post Public Advisory: Child Death Review Committee Case Review appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-002 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2024-002 Report Date: January 16, 2024 Public Body: Town of Victoria Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Victoria. The Town did not respond to the request within the 20 business days as required by the Act. The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office asking that the Town’s deemed refusal be investigated. During the investigation, this Office discovered that the Town had passed a motion purporting to disregard any access requests from the Complainant as well as investigations of same by this Office. The Commissioner found that the Town had not met its duties under the Act and recommended that the Town review its policies, obtain training, and comply with its legislative duties in future.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-002 Released first appeared on News Releases.

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-002 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will bring greetings at PictureNL’s Year of the Arts Screening Series this evening (January 18).

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s.

In partnership with The Rooms and Celebrate NL, PictureNL is celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s phenomenal film and television industry by screening local feature films and award-winning shorts. Films will be screened once a month for the duration of 2024.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Bring Greetings at Launch of PictureNL’s Year of the Arts Screening Series first appeared on News Releases.

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Bring Greetings at Launch of PictureNL’s Year of the Arts Screening Series appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister of Labrador Affairs, today provided a statement on the retirement of Chief Mi’sel Joe as Administrative Chief of Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi.

“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I wish to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe for the tremendous contributions he has made through a lifetime of work to his people, his community, and all of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I have enjoyed a personal and a professional relationship with Saqmaw. During the time I have served as the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and in prior years upon entering politics, I have come to know Chief Mi’sel Joe as a spiritual and cultural leader of his people. He engenders respect and admiration everywhere he goes and I am wiser for the stories and experiences he has shared with me and many others.

As a government, we have benefitted from his strong convictions and teachings in the areas of Indigenous culture, traditions and history.

The discrimination felt by Chief Mi’sel Joe and dozens of members of the Miawpukek First Nation resulted in the launch of a protest and hunger strike against the Provincial Government in 1983. One year after the hunger strike, the Miawpukek First Nation was registered under the federal Indian Act, and in 1987, Conne River was part of the first reserve to be established in Newfoundland and Labrador. The hunger strike serves to remind all residents of this province of the struggles that Indigenous people encounter in the assertion of their identity and self-determination.

Throughout a career marked by many achievements, perhaps one of the most significant was his determination and perseverance in the successful repatriation of the remains of two Beothuk, Nonosabasut and Demasduit, from Scotland to Newfoundland and Labrador. This was achieved in 2020 in collaboration with the provincial and federal governments and Indigenous Governments and Organizations in this province.

Together, along with the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, my colleagues in cabinet, and the entire Provincial Government, I wish to share heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Chief Mi’sel Joe. He has made our province a better place and his hard work, advocacy, and leadership has bettered the lives of many.

It is my wish that as you step back from your duties as Administrative Chief, and seek some well-deserved time with family and friends, you will continue to impart your extensive knowledge, experiences and wisdom and those that will follow in your footsteps. You have left big moccasins to fill.”

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The post Minister Dempster Pays Tribute to Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe first appeared on News Releases.

The post Minister Dempster Pays Tribute to Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe appeared first on News Releases.