Government of Newfoundland News
Public Advisory: New Highway Signs Reminding Motorists Distracted Driving Kills
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions, injuries and deaths on Canada’s roads and highways. The Provincial Government has installed new highway signs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to remind motorists of the dangers of distracted driving.
Some examples of distracted driving include:
- Using a cell phone;
- Texting;
- Programming a GPS;
- Using your vehicle’s dashboard touchscreen;
- Eating or drinking;
- Personal grooming;
- Interacting with pets; and
- Adjusting the radio
The Provincial Government has imposed stronger penalties under the Highway Traffic Act. The maximum fine for driving without due care and attention is $1,300, while the maximum penalties for driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm or death is imprisonment for up to two years, suspension of a driver’s licence for five years and a $26,000 fine.
Motorists must be completely attentive behind the wheel. The smallest distraction can have deadly consequences.
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The Provincial Government has installed new highway signs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to remind motorists of the dangers of distracted driving.The post Public Advisory: New Highway Signs Reminding Motorists Distracted Driving Kills first appeared on News Releases.
The post Public Advisory: New Highway Signs Reminding Motorists Distracted Driving Kills appeared first on News Releases.
Public Advisory: Rattling Brook Bridge Temporary Closure and Detour
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise that Rattling Brook Bridge on Route 93 (Mount Carmel) will be closed on Monday (August 28) and Tuesday (August 29). The closure is necessary to stabilize the excavation of the existing bridge to facilitate the replacement with the new structure.
The closure will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday and the bridge will reopen to traffic at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.
A detour through Route 91 (Colinet) will be put in place and motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control, and travel cautiously through the community.
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The post Public Advisory: Rattling Brook Bridge Temporary Closure and Detour appeared first on News Releases.
Public Advisory: Lane Reductions on the Ruth Avenue and Galway Roundabouts
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise that both the Ruth Avenue and Galway roundabouts will have lane reductions for entering and departing Galway on Thursday (August 24). The lane reduction is necessary for line painting in the roundabouts.
The lane reductions will occur between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Motorists are asked to reduce their speed and pay attention to traffic control.
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The post Public Advisory: Lane Reductions on the Ruth Avenue and Galway Roundabouts appeared first on News Releases.
Early Learning and Child Care Access Increasing Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador
The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, provided an update today on actions underway as part of the $347 million in investments relating to early learning and child care training, staffing and space creation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
As part of this update, Minister Howell shared new details regarding child care access in the province:
- There are almost 8,300 child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or lower the province, of which 820 have been created so far in 2023.
- Eighteen pre-kindergarten sites are now open throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, creating 340 child care spaces. A further 17 sites will open in September, representing total space creation of 600 through this program.
- In addition to spaces and sites already created, there are 63 child care providers in various stages of the process to open a not-for-profit child care centre in Newfoundland and Labrador, including:
- 14 sites in development in Central/East region;
- 24 sites in development in Western/Labrador region; and
- 25 sites in development in St. John’s metro region.
- This year, over 100 early childhood educators have joined or rejoined the workforce. There are approximately 1,200 early childhood educators working in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- In addition to the recently created early childhood educator wage grid, a francophone bonus of $5,178 has been created, effective April 1, 2023, for certified francophone early childhood educators working in regulated francophone child care services.
The Department of Education is also on track to launch a child care demand portal this fall for parents and caregivers. The portal will provide the department with a comprehensive understanding of the demand for child care in all areas of the province.
Details on previously announced actions to support space creation and recruitment in early learning and child care is included in the backgrounder below. These actions are part of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Access to high quality, affordable child care is important for families, the economy and the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government will continue work to grow capacity in the early learning and child care sector in the province.
Quote
“We understand the urgency to achieve an affordable and accessible child care system. That’s why our government is taking concrete steps to address the needs of children, families, early childhood educators and licensees now and into the future. The efforts to improve access to high quality and affordable child care are showing progress. We will continue to prioritize early learning and child care to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador has a bright future.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education
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Learn more
$10-a-day Child Care Now a Reality for Families in Newfoundland and Labrador
Early Childhood Educator Wage Grid
Child Care Capacity Initiative
Budget 2021: A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan
BACKGROUNDER
Early Learning and Child Care Actions
On January 1, 2023, the cost of child care in Newfoundland and Labrador was reduced to $10-a-day. This initiative was implemented three years ahead of the deadline under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement with the Government of Canada.
To support the need for additional early childhood educators, government implemented an early childhood educator wage grid on April 1, 2023, which was retroactive to January 1, 2023. Salaries increased for all early childhood educator levels based on $25 per hour for Level II early childhood educators, and scaled appropriately based on training and years of experience. Further financial incentives include the implementation of a wage grid bonus for administrators, and an allowance for early childhood educators and administrators in Labrador.
Initiatives to enhance training of early childhood educators in the province have also been implemented, including:
- Funding to the College of the North Atlantic, Keyin College and Academy Canada to expand the number of seats they can offer in early learning programs;
- Support for an early childhood educator recruitment campaign, led by the Early Childhood Educators Human Resource Council, which is currently underway;
- Funding to the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador to better support early childhood educators and their retention efforts; and,
- Two positions dedicated to recruitment and retention of early childhood educators. One position is in government, and one position is in the community in the Early Childhood Educators Human Resources Council.
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement runs from 2021 to 2026.
The post Early Learning and Child Care Access Increasing Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador first appeared on News Releases.
The post Early Learning and Child Care Access Increasing Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
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.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Windmill Bight Bridge Replacements (Reg. 2263)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
The proponent is proposing to replace two deteriorating bridges located at Windmill Brook North and Windmill Brook South along Route 330, Lumsden. Temporary crossings would be constructed during demolition and replacement of existing bridges with single span, higher elevation bridges. 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 August 22, 2023; the deadline for public comment is September 26, 2023 and the minister’s decision is due by October 6, 2023.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SUBMITTED:
Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2)
Proponent: World Energy GH2 (Reg. 2202)
The proponent is proposing to construct and operate two onshore wind farms on the West Coast of the island of Newfoundland with the associated transmission and supporting infrastructure to power a hydrogen/ammonia production facility in the port of Stephenville. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is seeking public comments on the environmental impact statement (EIS), a document that describes the project and provides an overview of the potential environmental effects of all phases of the project. To facilitate public participation, the EIS is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/2202-2/. Printed copies of the full EIS will be placed in the Bay St. George South, Cape St. George, Lourdes, St. George’s, Stephenville, Stephenville Crossing and Upper Ferry (Codroy Valley) public libraries. Printed copies of the EIS Summary will also be available at the World Energy GH2 Community Office in Stephenville.
Written comments must be received by October 11, 2023 and may be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca, or mailed to:
EA # 2202 EAC Chair
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
Fourth Floor, 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_May-2023.pdf
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL
Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca
If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.
The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.
The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.
Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Provide Update on Early Learning and Child Care
The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will provide an update on progress relating to early learning and child care training, staffing and space creation in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, August 23).
The announcement will take place at East Point Elementary, 14 Middleton Street, St. John’s at the YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador Pre-K site beginning at 11:30 a.m.
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The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Provide Update on Early Learning and Child Care appeared first on News Releases.
Public Advisory: Provincial Pools to Close for Regular Maintenance
The provincially operated pools in Gander and Corner Brook will close for regular annual maintenance later this week. The closures will take place:
- Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre Swimming Pool, Gander – end of day Thursday, August 24.
- Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre Swimming Pool – end of day Friday, August 25.
An update will be provided when the maintenance is complete and the pools can reopen. Pool staff will be in contact with regular rental groups when the pool re-openings have been confirmed.
The department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
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The post Public Advisory: Provincial Pools to Close for Regular Maintenance appeared first on News Releases.
Provincial Government to Commemorate the Legacy of John C. Perlin by Renaming the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre
To honour the life and legacy of the late John Crosbie Perlin, the Provincial Government is announcing that the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s will be renamed the John C. Perlin Arts and Culture Centre.
In addition to his long and illustrious life of philanthropy, as well as his service to the monarchy, Mr. Perlin had a successful career as a public service employee. During his time with the provincial public service, he was instrumental in the establishment of the province’s network of Arts and Culture Centres.
This dedication will ensure that the history of our Arts and Culture Centres, as well as Mr. Perlin’s contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural sector, are remembered for years to come.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will issue a tender for new signage and a dedication ceremony will be planned for Spring 2024.
Quotes
“My friend, the late John C. Perlin, was a man who dedicated his life and career to the service of others. His passion for this place and our vibrant, unique arts and cultural sector was, quite simply, unmatched. Recognizing his contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador by adding his name to the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre is a fitting way to ensure his legacy is celebrated and lives on.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“John C. Perlin had a vision for the arts in this province, and spent the majority of his career as the director of cultural affairs with the Provincial Government. It was in this role that he played an integral part in the establishment of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arts and Culture Centres. I am so pleased to see his contributions to the arts recognized in this way.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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L-R: Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation Minister, Steve Crocker; Ms. Barbara Powers; Premier Dr. Andrew Furey
Learn more
Ministerial Statement – Premier Furey Marks the Passing of John C. Perlin
St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @TCAR_GovNL and @ACCStJohns
Like us on Facebook
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The post Provincial Government to Commemorate the Legacy of John C. Perlin by Renaming the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre appeared first on News Releases.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Reaches Tentative Collective Agreement with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has reached a tentative collective agreement with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA). This collective agreement is subject to ratification by approximately 400 RNCA members.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association will be presenting this tentative agreement to membership in the coming weeks. In order to respect the ratification process, details on the collective agreement will be released upon ratification.
To date the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated the majority of its collective agreements with its public sector unions. As collective bargaining continues with a number of public service unions, the Provincial Government is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful negotiations.
Quotes
“I would like to thank the negotiating teams from the Provincial Government and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association for their collaboration throughout this series of negotiations. This agreement acknowledges the importance of our police officers as they serve to protect our communities.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
“We value the vital policing services provided by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to communities throughout our province. The negotiators have my thanks for their dedication to reaching an agreement.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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The post Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Reaches Tentative Collective Agreement with Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association appeared first on News Releases.
House of Assembly Management Commission Meeting
The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, August 23 at 9:30 a.m.
The meeting will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website. As provided for in subsection 19(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability Integrity and Administration Act, an in camera session will follow the televised portion of the meeting.
Briefing materials for the meeting will be available on the website at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. The agenda for the televised meeting follows.
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Media contact
Mark Jerrett
Policy & Communications Analyst
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca
House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda
Date: August 23, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Videoconference
Televised Meeting
1. Approval of Minutes:
a. June 14, 2023
b. July 12, 2023
c. August 9, 2023
2. Caucus Operational Funding Grant Annual Reports – 2023-23 Fiscal Year
3. Amendments to House of Assembly Publication Scheme
4. Amendments to Advertising and Publications Policy for MHAs
5. Disposal of Decommissioned Chamber Chairs
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.
Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Arts Announcement
The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement honouring the legacy of the late John C. Perlin tomorrow (Tuesday, August 22).
The announcement will take place at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, 95 Allandale Road at 10:30 a.m.
Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.
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The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Arts Announcement first appeared on News Releases.
The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Arts Announcement appeared first on News Releases.
DBRS Morningstar Upgrades Province’s Credit Rating
The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, today commented on the news that DBRS Morningstar has upgraded the Provincial Government’s long-term debt to A from A (low), and changed the trend on all long-term ratings to stable. This is the first time in 12 years that the province has received an upgraded credit rating, and demonstrates that the province’s financial situation is moving in the right direction.
The ratings upgrade reflects Newfoundland and Labrador’s improving fiscal outlook, along with the commissioning and operations of the Muskrat Falls Project.
For more information on the province’s investor relations, visit here.
Quote
“I am encouraged to hear that DBRS Morningstar has upgraded the Provincial Government’s long-term debt to A from A (low). As indicated by DBRS, factors included rate mitigation, a much improved fiscal outlook, and an expected improvement in real GDP growth in 2023 – unlike the rest of Canada – primarily because of increased mineral production and higher capital investment. We will continue to deliver on our strategic plan for financial improvement, which ensures prudent fiscal governance and responsible debt management.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
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Improved Outlook for Province’s Credit Rating
Investor Relations Newfoundland and Labrador
BACKGROUNDER
Assessment from Credit Rating Agencies
DBRS Morningstar, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s provide an independent assessment of the credit worthiness of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, typically providing a credit rating for the short-term debt, long-term debt, and an outlook for the long-term debt rating.
Credit ratings from all three agencies indicate that the debt of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be regarded as investment grade.
On July 19, 2023, S&P Global Ratings confirmed its rating on the province’s long-term debt at A and short-term debt at A-1. The outlook remains stable. S&P Global Ratings is expecting that the province will continue with its prudent financial management despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Moody’s has rated the province’s long-term debt at A1 (stable). The outlook was upgraded from negative to stable in July 2022 due to the expectation of a stabilizing debt burden and an assessment of reduced risk regarding the Muskrat Falls electricity generation project.
The post DBRS Morningstar Upgrades Province’s Credit Rating first appeared on News Releases.
The post DBRS Morningstar Upgrades Province’s Credit Rating appeared first on News Releases.
Public Advisory: Sexton Lumber Company Convicted for Forestry Act Violations
An investigation conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division has resulted in Sexton Lumber Company being convicted for four violations of the Forestry Act.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, the company appeared in Provincial Court at Grand Falls-Windsor where it pled guilty to the violations. The company was found guilty of one charge of neglect to perform an obligation imposed by an order of a forestry official and three charges of failing to comply with the terms and conditions stated on their cutting permits. The company received a total fine of $3,100 plus a 30 per cent victim surcharge fee.
The public can report suspicious 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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Environmental Assessment Bulletin
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.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Valentine Gold Project Expansion – Berry Pit (Reg. 2262)
Proponent: Marathon Gold Corporation
The Proponent is proposing an expansion to the gold mine project at Valentine Lake located approximately 55 kilometres southwest of Millertown in central Newfoundland.
The proposed expansion is to develop a third open pit within the mine site of the Valentine Gold Project. Development would include haul roads, stockpiles for waste rock/topsoil, expansion of low-grade ore/overburden stockpiles, and additional water management infrastructure. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.
The undertaking was registered on August 17, 2023; the deadline for public comment is September 21, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by October 1, 2023.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:
Badger Sand and Gravel Quarry (Reg. 2247)
Proponent: Exploits Welding and Machine Shop Limited
An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the minister and to prepare guidelines to advise the proponent of the information to be included in an environmental preview report. The EAC includes representation from the following government departments:
- Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Environmental Assessment Division – Committee Chair
- Water Resources Management Division
- Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
- Mines Branch
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Salvage Microbrewery (Reg. 2253)
Proponent: Wild Cove Adventures Limited.
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 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, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.
Proponent: Kennedy Farm Inc.
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 Pollution Prevention Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
- The Proponent is to submit a Waste Management Plan for approval prior to project commencement and the plan must explain how the proponent will manage all potential waste streams generated at the facility. The plan must be comprehensive and incorporate a compost management section, developed in consultation with the Department of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture, which demonstrates how to safely and effectively compost waste offal from the facility. The plan must include details pertaining to vector and odour control and contingencies for any spills of waste or hazardous materials.
- 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, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required
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_May-2023.pdf
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL
Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca
If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.
The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin first appeared on News Releases.
The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Taking Action to Reduce Surgical Wait Times
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will implement all recommendations made by the Provincial Surgical Task Force to reduce the current surgical backlog and surgical wait times in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today during the latest Health Care Action update. Minister Osborne was joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Cassie Chisholm, Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.
The task force, which was established in July 2022, has delivered its report with 32 recommendations to the Department of Health and Community Services to reduce the surgical backlog in the province. Recommendations include:
- Developing a centralized list of operating rooms across the province to match surgical availability with facility underutilization;
- Repurposing underused beds in personal care and long term care homes for alternate level of care and non-surgical patients who are occupying surgical beds in acute care hospitals; and
- Exploring and implementing the use of ambulatory surgery centres that are focused on providing same-day surgical care.
Some recommendations, such as allowing short stays in personal care homes to create operational improvements which will also increase bed capacity in acute care facilities, have already been implemented.
In addition, numerous steps have already been taken to help ease pressures, such as same day hip and knee replacement surgeries in the Northeast Avalon region and a team of orthopaedic surgeons travelling to St. Anthony to perform surgeries. Work is also underway to add a sixth operating room to the Janeway Children’s Hospital, which will be used to increase paediatric and breast surgeries.
NL Health Services will be adding a dedicated project manager to oversee the implementation of the task force’s recommendations. The department anticipates the remaining recommendations to begin being implemented this fall.
Through regular Health Care Action Updates and the Health Care Action website, residents can stay up-to-date on progress made, and see many of the initiatives that are underway. The website also serves as an informative and supportive platform for health care professionals to learn about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“We have already started implementing initiatives aimed at reducing surgical backlog, such as allowing people to recover from surgery in personal care homes, which opens up beds in acute care facilities. We recognize there is more work to be done and we are determined to get that work completed. This report has been helpful to ensure we make more improvements and that we have the necessary resources in place.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services has already taken action on many recommendations of the Surgical Task Force, and looks forward to continuing to put measures into place to help improve access to surgery for our patients. We are working creatively across the health care system to increase surgical access by identifying capacity, finding efficiencies, and innovating our service delivery. Our goal is to not only reduce the amount of time people wait for their surgery, but also make sure the entire experience is improved for patients and their health care team.”
Cassie Chisholm
Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services
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Learn more
Provincial Surgical Backlog Task Force Report
Surgical Task Force Members Announced
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
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Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Host Health Care Action Update
The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will host a Health Care Action Update tomorrow (Thursday, August 17) to discuss the recommendations of the provincial surgical backlog task force.
Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Cassie Chisholm, Vice President – Transformation (Health Systems), Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.
The availability will take place in Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 11:30 a.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 11:00 a.m.
The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.
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The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Host Health Care Action Update appeared first on News Releases.
Public Advisory: Temporary Closure of Lanes on Pitts Memorial Drive Tonight
The westbound lane of Pitts Memorial Drive, from New Gower Street to Kilbride, will be closed tonight (Wednesday, August 16) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This closure is necessary to facilitate repair work on the bridge. Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control measures and take an alternate route.
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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Premier Furey and Minister Dempster Congratulate New Leadership Team of Innu Nation
The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, extend their congratulations to the new Grand Chief, Deputy Grand Chief and Board of Directors of the Innu Nation.
The following individuals were declared elected by the Innu Nation on August 15:
- Grand Chief: Simon Pokue, Natuashish
- Deputy Grand Chief: Christopher Rich, Sheshatshiu
- Board of Directors:
- Sheshatshiu – Shirley Penashue, Agathe Pone, Seraphine Rich, Pien Selma, Gervais Penashue, Clarence Snow
- Natuashish – Katie Pasteen, Virginia Collins, Nora Pasteen, Clarence Nui, Leon Tshakapesh, Peter Pasteen
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador thanks outgoing Grand Chief Etienne Rich and Deputy Grand Chief Mary Ann Nui, and the former Board of Directors, for their service and dedication during their tenure in their leadership positions. The Provincial Government also extends appreciation to all individuals who put themselves forward as candidates in the Innu Nation election.
Quotes
“I would like to congratulate Grand Chief Simon Pokue, Deputy Grand Chief Christopher Rich, and the individuals elected to the Board of Directors for stepping forward and earning the trust and support of residents of Natuashish and Sheshatshiu. I am eager to work with the leadership team and continue building on the strong partnership which the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has forged with the Innu Nation.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“There is great honour in serving your community and people and becoming actively involved in the decision-making process that will guide the Innu Nation. In my role as the Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, I look forward to working with this new leadership team to help advance the priorities of the Innu Nation and people of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
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Learn more
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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-037 Released
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-037 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.
To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.
Report: A-2023-037 Report Date: August 11, 2023 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 seeking access to a range of information, including the Average Energy Base (AEB). NL Hydro disclosed much of the information, but refused disclosure of the AEB citing sections 34(1)(a)(i) (disclosure harmful to intergovernmental relations or negotiations), 35(1)(d) and (g) (disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body). The Complainant submitted a complaint to this Office, arguing that the information should be disclosed. The Commissioner concluded that the exceptions had been properly applied and NL Hydro could continue to withhold the information.-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-037 Released first appeared on News Releases.
The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-037 Released appeared first on News Releases.
Supporting Business Growth in the Food Production Industry
To support business growth and client development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $41,250 through the Business Development Support Program for Gros Morne Coffee Roasters.
Gros Morne Coffee Roasters has been in operation since 2017. After starting out with a small one kilogram roaster in 2017, the company upgraded to add a five kilogram roaster in 2018 and then a 12 kilogram roaster in 2021. By using a variety of ethically sourced, organically grown beans and roasting in small batches at their headquarters in Deer Lake, Gros Morne Coffee Roasters are able to provide customers with unique flavours from around the world.
The company’s coffee is now available in more than 100 locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as at locations in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, and it hopes to break into additional export markets. The funding from the Provincial Government will be used to support professional development, training opportunities for two employees, two sourcing opportunities, organic certification and marketing, which will include improved modern greener packaging and advanced bilingual labelling. These upgrades and training opportunities will help the company improve their ability to operate in the competitive food and beverage sector.
Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to developing and growing their operations by improving operational productivity, focusing on trade opportunities and developing their markets
Quotes
“Small businesses like Gros Morne Coffee Roasters play an essential role in our province’s economy. It is encouraging to see a home-grown business expanding its reach to find new markets, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will always be there to help businesses in these new endeavours.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and MHA for Humber-Gros Morne
“Gros Morne Coffee Roasters has demonstrated how small businesses in rural Newfoundland and Labrador can achieve great success through attention to quality and detail. This funding will help them realize their goals of continuing to expand to markets outside the province while investing in their operations.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“This Provincial Government funding will make a real difference for our growing business. It will allow us to reach new markets with our “Roasted Right Here” coffee. Thank you to Minister Parsons and the entire Industry, Energy and Technology team for their support.”
David Mosher and Laurie McMichael
Gros Morne Coffee Roasters
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Learn more
Business Development Support Program
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The post Supporting Business Growth in the Food Production Industry first appeared on News Releases.
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