Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, congratulate and wish Team Indigenous NL athletes good luck as they compete in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from July 15 to 23, 2023.

Minister Dempster is participating in the opening ceremony of the Games and will walk with Team Indigenous NL athletes and mission staff as they enter the Scotiabank Centre. The opening ceremony takes place at the Scotiabank Centre on Sunday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. (ADT), and can be watched online.

The North American Indigenous Games 2023 bring together more than 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from more than 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sport and culture.

More than 100 athletes aged 13-19 from this province are competing in several sporting competitions, including golf, swimming, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and athletics. The athletes come from the west coast, Labrador, central, and the Avalon Peninsula and are supported by a mission staff led by Jerry Wetzel, Chef de Mission, along with sport coaches and managers.

The North American Indigenous Games, supported by more than 3,000 volunteers, features competitions in 16 sports within 21 venues across Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation and Sipekne’katik.

North American Indigenous Games 2023 competition results can be viewed by sport online, and more than 1,500 hours of live event coverage that can be streamed for free on any device at naig2023.com/watch.

Quotes
“Congratulations to all the Newfoundland and Labrador athletes who are competing in the North American Indigenous Games. As you represent our province with honour and pride, I know that you will give your all to succeed in your respective sports. Remember to have fun, make new friends, and enjoy this experience as well, as you will make memories this week that will last a lifetime! Go Team Indigenous NL!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“I am proud of the Indigenous athletes from all corners of the province who have trained hard and earned the opportunity to share courts and fields with competitors from across North America. I commend the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador for the work they have undertaken behind the scenes to turn dreams into reality for the Indigenous athletes from our province.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“This is an opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous athletes to compete on the playing fields of the North American Indigenous Games. I can see pride, self-esteem, confidence and future success for the athletes who dare to train and give it their all in competition. This is a learning and character-building experience for our athletes, our coaches and everyone who supports Indigenous athletes. This is Reconciliation – we will move toward healing the wounds of colonialism as we share this experience together.”
Jerry Wetzel
Chair, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Chef de Mission, Team Indigenous NL

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North American Indigenous Games 2023

Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

 

North American Indigenous Games 2023

The Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland Labrador is the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body for NL, and is funded through a bilateral agreement. The objective of the agreement is to increase the capacity of Indigenous athletes, coaches and officials.

The North American Indigenous Games, which are held every four years, “help Indigenous athletes realize the collective potential of our bodies, minds, spirit and of our people – our hopes and dreams – the spirit strong, brave and true.”

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games are the largest sporting and culture event to be hosted in Atlantic Canada.

The 2023 North American Indigenous Games Host Society has organized a Cultural Village lineup and schedule at the Halifax Common. The village is free, open to the public and features over 40 performances at the Atlantic Lottery Main Stage, showcasing Indigenous artists from across Canada. Daily food and cultural demonstrations will exhibit beading, drum making, quill work, basket weaving, storytelling and the games of waltes and lacrosse.

North American Indigenous Games 2023 will feature a seven-day broadcast of more than 1,500 hours of live event coverage that can be streamed for free on any device at naig2023.com/watch, beginning with the opening ceremonies, live from Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on July 16 at 7:30 p.m. (ADT). Viewers of the stream can also access on-demand content, including archived events.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in collaboration with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NL Health Services), today announced the launch of a Physician Signing Bonus Program. This program is open to physicians who take on positions within NL Health Services, including new Family Care Teams.

Eligibility criteria for signing bonuses under this program includes:

• Physicians who are new to practice (in the final three years of a residency program at a Canadian University); or
• Physicians new to the province (have lived out of province for a minimum of 24 months); or
• Physicians new to working with NL Health Services.

Funding is tiered and dependent on practice location, with $100,000 available to those practicing within the Northeast Avalon and $150,000 available for physicians practicing in rural Newfoundland or Labrador. Full bonuses are available to physicians who agree to practice full-time for five years, with flexible service arrangement options available. Candidates that sign on to work in “difficult-to-fill” positions within the province are eligible to a top-up of an additional $25,000 under this program.

Budget 2023 included the largest ever investment in health care, with close to $6 million in funding for this signing bonus program. This builds upon significant actions government is taking to address the current challenges facing the health care sector in the province.

Interested applicants are asked to contact a NL Health Services recruiter in their region to learn more.

Quotes
“We continue to work collaboratively with our stakeholders to find meaningful solutions to recruit and retain health care professionals in our province. Together with NL Health Services, we have developed another creative initiative to help address our health workforce shortage while being financially competitive with other Atlantic provinces.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“At NL Health Services, physician recruitment is a top priority; one that we have been working very hard to address. Through initiatives such as this, which provide a financial incentive over a longer term, we hope to entice physicians to choose this beautiful province in which to settle and practice on a permanent basis.”
David Diamond
President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-033 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-2023-033 Report Date: July 12, 2023 Public Body: Town of Musgrave Harbour Summary: The Town of Musgrave Harbour failed to respond to two access requests from the Complainant and in addition failed to respond to the notification of complaints or to repeated requests from this Office. The Commissioner found that the Town had failed to meet its responsibilities to an applicant and to this Office under various provisions of the Act. The Commissioner recommended that the Town immediately process the outstanding access requests, provide any responsive records to the Complainant, review its records management policies and procedures, create access to information policies and procedures, seek additional support as available, maintain communication with applicants and with this Office, and comply with its statutory duties in the future.

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More than 2,000 free well water chemistry test kits are still available to private well owners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, over 3,000 test kits have been distributed and over 1,000 samples have been tested for potential contaminants.

This pilot initiative, which was first launched in December 2022, provides well owners with detailed information about chemical levels in their drinking water and is part of a pilot project to collect baseline groundwater data in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of this project is to help lower health risks related to consuming groundwater with naturally occurring contaminants. Examples of naturally occurring contaminants include arsenic, uranium, fluoride, etc.

The kits are available through various Digital Government and Service NL regional offices. To avail of this service, participants will be asked to fill out a sample record form, collect water in the bottle provided and return the completed kit to the nearest regional office. A listing of Government Service Centres can be found here.

Residents are also reminded that the owner or user of a private well is responsible for the maintenance and water testing of that well. If lab reports from any form of water testing indicate exceedances in health parameters, well owners are advised to refrain from consuming water from the source, submit a second sample to an accredited lab for testing, and seek professional advice towards appropriate filtration or treatment.

This pilot project is a collaboration between the Water Resources Management Division with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Digital Government and Service NL, and the Department of Health and Community Services, as well as the Geological Survey Division with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology.

More information on well water and risks associated with notable naturally occurring contaminants can be found here.

In addition, a free bacteriological testing service is currently available for all well owners. The service provides results of either the presence or absence of total coliform bacteria or E. coli. For more information, visit: www.publichealthlab.ca/water-testing/

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services today joined Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health, to announce an investment of $716,000 for the Partnering for Dementia Friendly Communities Project in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This funding supports the implementation of Canada’s national dementia strategy, and raises awareness about dementia, with a focus on reducing stigma and encouraging dementia-inclusive communities.

This project will create a more dementia-friendly province by building on the Dementia Care Action Plan. The key goals of this initiative led by government, with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NL Health Services) and the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, include:

• Increasing awareness of dementia;
• Supporting stigma reduction; and
• Encouraging dementia inclusive communities.

Eight communities will work with community engagement coordinators and local partners to create action plans that will guide their efforts to become dementia friendly. These communities represent a diverse geography, including both rural and urban communities:

• Clarenville;
• Corner Brook;
• Mary’s Harbour;
• Placentia;
• Roddickton-Bide Arm;
• Springdale;
• Stephenville; and
• Twillingate.

A dementia-friendly community focuses on stigma reduction and the inclusion of people living with dementia in the places they work, live and play.

Quotes
“With over 10,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living with dementia, the Dementia Friendly Communities Project is a significant resource to empower communities to create and implement their own action plans, tailored to meet their unique needs. This project supports efforts to reduce dementia-related stigma and support people living with dementia and their caregivers in our province, while focusing on building awareness and encouraging dementia-inclusive communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Many Canadians are, or will be, impacted by dementia through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. That’s why we are working to reduce the stigma surrounding dementia including by encouraging the creation of dementia-inclusive communities. With this program in Newfoundland and Labrador, we’re taking a significant step towards creating more inclusive and supportive communities for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.”
Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“Dementia continues to have a significant impact on families across Canada. The Federal Government is here to fund innovative projects on the ground in our communities to bring both awareness and tools to Canadians across the country to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and those close to them. I am incredibly proud that we are supporting this program tailored to the needs of our communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, Newfoundland and Labrador

“NL Health Services is pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Public Health Agency of Canada and community partners to make progress toward creating a more dementia-friendly province. Many individuals living with dementia live at home in their communities, supported by families and those who care for them.  By creating dementia-friendly communities, we are decreasing the isolation they may feel after diagnosis and breaking down stigma together so that individuals are understood, respected and supported in their communities.”
Debbie Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Eastern-Rural Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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Dementia Care Action Plan

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health, will announce support aimed at raising awareness of dementia and dementia-inclusive communities in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Thursday, July 13).

The event will take place at the Placentia Cultural Interpretation Centre, 17 Patterson Drive, Placentia at 10:30 a.m.

Minister Osborne and MP McDonald will be joined by Debbie Walsh, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer – Eastern Rural Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s.

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

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In alignment with the Provincial Government’s commitment to a sustainable, environmentally responsible and economically stable future for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced $187,000 in funding for the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through their flagship Green Team Program, each summer the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador employs approximately 100 youth across all regions of the province. Green Teams conduct events, presentations and hands-on learning opportunities in their communities with a goal of fostering environmental and cultural literacy, and an emphasis on enhancing youth participation and interest in climate change.

Minister Davis made the announcement earlier today at Gonzaga High School, alongside the Conservation Corps Conception Bay South (CBS) Green Team, in collaboration with the Association for New Canadians. The CBS Green Team is delivering training on climate change as part of their summer projects to promote environmental knowledge and awareness.

The Provincial Government is providing funding to assist the organization with its operations, including public education and outreach services, and the Climate Change Education Centre. This funding further supports community partnerships and the importance of integrating youth in the green economy.

The Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting a strong conservation ethic in the province by working with communities and partners, and providing youth with training and employment in environmental and cultural heritage conservation.

Quotes
“Our youth continue to play a vital role in demonstrating leadership and initiative, as together we work towards a greener economy. Our government is pleased to continue to support Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador in their goals of promoting education and awareness about our changing climate and environment to youth in our communities. The Green Teams initiative not only delivers impactful projects to protect and preserve our natural resources, but also creates valuable employment and learning opportunities for our youth.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador has been privileged to maintain a long-standing partnership with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, collectively empowering residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to learn about the realities of climate change by way of meaningful education and opportunities to take climate action in their communities. Our goal is to foster in youth, young adults, and adults alike a deep relationship with the land and their communities that empowers them in the face of a changing climate.”
Darren Feltham
Executive Director, Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador

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New mobile clinics will bring primary health care to people and communities in the province who require non-urgent care and are unable to access a primary care provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

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 Melissa Coish, Senior Director of Primary Health Care and Community Services, Eastern Urban Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

The mobile clinics will be housed in a custom-designed vehicle with the required medical supplies and equipment to transport a team of medical professionals – including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, clerical staff, and family physicians – to areas with limited access to primary care.

Services that will be provided by the team will include primary care, similar to what people would receive from a family doctor or primary care clinic. This includes treating common ailments, providing education and awareness of chronic disease prevention and management, and referring patients to other services or facilities when required. The service provided may also be used to assist emergency departments as required, to provide primary care to patients with non-urgent issues.

Two mobile clinics will be launched later this year, with additional mobile clinics to be launched in 2024.

Quotes
“These mobile clinics are about supply and demand. By establishing mobile health care clinics in the province, we are supplying the resources to reach more people who need access to primary health care. Our recruitment initiatives are working, but there is still work to be done, and these clinics will help us meet the demand while we recruit for more health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Mobile primary health care clinics are an innovative solution that brings primary health care services directly to communities who are experiencing limited access to health care. The clinics are targeted towards patients who are unable to access their primary care provider or are unattached to a primary care provider and require non-urgent primary health care services with limited follow-up. The clinic is also designed to take pressure off emergency rooms.”
Melissa Coish
Senior Director, Primary Health Care and Community Services, Eastern Urban Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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Health Care Action

Extraordinary every day

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In celebration of Parks Day, the $10 daily vehicle permit fee will be waived for all day use visitors to Provincial Parks on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a picnic, paddle, swim, bike ride, or hike and discover adventure in your own backyard.

Canada’s Parks Day takes place on the third Saturday in July each year. Newfoundland and Labrador’s 32 Provincial Parks play an important role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, protecting habitats for species-at-risk, supporting tourism and contributing to human health and well-being.

For more information about Provincial Parks, visit www.parksnl.ca.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, is providing an update on innovative initiatives that increase access to health care for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, such as chartered flights for cardiac catheterization procedures, government’s travelling orthopaedic program, and same day hip and knee replacement surgeries.

In addition to standard service delivery, these innovative approaches to managing waitlists for orthopaedic surgeries and cardiac catheterization procedures help to reduce wait times and improve access to care for patients who are clinically eligible.

Highlights of the programs include:

• As of July 4, 2023, 124 joint replacement surgeries (70 hip and 54 knee replacement surgeries) have been completed as outpatient procedures since December 2022, including 101 that have resulted in same-day discharges;
• Sixty-two patients were transported on eight flights via a same-day fly-in/fly-out service from the health authority’s Western and Labrador-Grenfell Zones for cardiac catheterization procedures in St. John’s; and
• Sixty-seven orthopaedic surgeries were completed in St. Anthony by the travelling orthopaedic program from St. John’s. This initiative has the potential to book more than 120 patients per year from the provincial waitlist who would otherwise have to wait to get their surgeries in St. John’s.

These initiatives have made it easier and quicker for people to access health care services. They also result in more available beds in hospitals, which reduces wait times in emergency rooms by providing quicker admissions for patients in need of further care and treatment.

In addition to addressing surgical backlogs and increasing access to health care, completing orthopaedic surgeries in St. Anthony and bringing patients to St. John’s for cardiac catheterization procedures has significantly decreased travel expenses for patients and their families. Work is ongoing to expand the travelling orthopaedic surgery team into Carbonear later this summer, as well as looking to offer even more orthopaedic services in other zones throughout the province.

Quote
“Our government continues to work with stakeholders to create a more efficient health care system. Our Heart Force One flights, travelling orthopaedic team, and same day hip and knee replacement surgeries are ensuring patients get the care they need in a more timely manner. We are creating solutions, seeing positive results and are committed to reimagining the delivery of health care in our province to create a healthier future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Creative Solutions Continue to Promote Access to Health Care in Newfoundland and Labrador

Initiatives Aim to Increase Capacity for Orthopaedic Surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador

First Surgeries Performed in St. Anthony Under Travelling Orthopaedic Program

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will host a Health Care Action Update to discuss increased access to quality primary care tomorrow (Wednesday, July 12).

The availability will take place in Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 12:30 p.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 12:00 p.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Melissa Coish, Senior Director of Primary Health Care and Community Services, Eastern Urban Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

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

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The Department of Health and Community Services has released its final Towards Recovery Evaluation Report, providing details about the work undertaken to transform the provincial mental health and addictions system to one that is person centered, trauma informed and recovery focused.

A broad collaboration of over 250 stakeholders from across the province Towards Recovery is the culmination of significant input and expertise of individuals and families with lived and living experience of mental illness and addiction, community partners, government departments and agencies, Indigenous governments and communities and regional health authorities.

The evaluation report outlines changes that have taken place since release of the Towards Recovery Action Plan in June 2017, and includes actions to promote positive health and well-being and prevent mental illness; decrease wait times and improve access to services; address stigma and discrimination; and support people in need of help when and where needed most.

To build upon the successes of Towards Recovery and guide the future direction of the provincial mental health and addictions system, the Provincial Government is committed to achieving the actions outlined in both the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador and Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador over the next four years.

Quotes
“This report not only reflects our government’s commitment to improving mental health and addictions services for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but also the tremendous efforts and expertise of individuals, families, communities and Indigenous partners and health care professionals throughout our province. Your input was invaluable, and we could not have completed this important work without you.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“On behalf of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Mental Health and Addictions, we are pleased to see the launch of the Towards Recovery report, and the ongoing commitment to addressing the mental health and addictions needs of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Although a great deal of work remains, it has been a significant journey to this point to implement the actions arising out of the work of the all-party committee. At Choices for Youth, we look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Health and Community Services and other provincial partners to meet the needs of youth through collaborative, integrated province-wide mental health services.”
Sheldon Pollett
Provincial Advisory Council Chair

“After listening to the voices of people using and working within the system, Towards Recovery created a framework for improvement in the Mental Health and Addictions system in our province. Since 2017, much has been done, including the construction of a new Mental Health and Addictions Facility and increased attention to mental health literacy for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We know that continued efforts are necessary and hope this report points the way forward, towards a system that truly allows recovery for all in need.”
Brad Glynn
Executive Director, Lifewise

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Learn more
Towards Recovery Evaluation Report

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce funding for the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, July 12).

The event will take place at Gonzaga High School, 20 Smithville Crescent, St. John’s beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing youth with training and employment in environmental and cultural heritage conservation. This announcement is part of an Environment Awareness Event, organized by Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador Green Team, in collaboration with the Association for New Canadians.

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The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, today announced the official opening of four new affordable homes on 30 Mesher Street in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Minister Pike and MP Jones were joined at the announcement by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville.

Total funding for the new development is approximately $787,000 in equally cost-shared federal and provincial funding, through the Canada-Newfoundland Labrador Bilateral Housing Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

Built by Churchill Construction Ltd., the four-unit building includes two fully wheelchair-accessible, one-bedroom units on the main level and two one-bedroom units on the second level. The main floor units include roll-in showers, wheelchair accessible kitchens and ‘no step’ entrances.

Universal Design features are incorporated throughout the property and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency and sustainability are also key elements in the design and construction of the building.

Quotes
“Today’s announcement is a great example of how we can work together with our federal and municipal partners to expand the supply of safe, stable and affordable housing here in our province. Access to such housing is a key social determinant of health, and promotes social and economic inclusivity.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. By working closely with partners, we are creating four units of affordable housing for those who need it most throughout Labrador. Today’s announcement is a step forward in our ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful results and increased affordability for Canadians. This is just one of the many ways our government’s National Housing Strategy is ensuring no one is left behind.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Access to housing is a human right and is essential to one’s sense of dignity, safety and inclusion. This project is yet another example of what can be achieved when all orders of government work together. Through this collaboration with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Federal Hovernment is taking concrete steps to help ensure that the most vulnerable people living in Labrador have safe and affordable housing that allows them to thrive.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“I am pleased to see that the new four-unit building on Mesher Street has been completed and is ready for occupancy. Congratulations to the Federal Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for advancing this project under the National Housing Strategy, and to Churchill Construction for its construction skills and expertise.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“The completion of this important project now represents the start of new lives for the four families that will occupy these units. I am excited for the new tenants and want to recognize the financial contribution of the Provincial and Federal Governments, and the quality work by Churchill Construction Ltd.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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The House of Assembly advises that a meeting of the Management Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12 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 meeting follows.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy & Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
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House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

 

Date:              July 12, 2023
Time:             9:30 a.m.
Location:      HOA Committee Room

Televised Meeting

1. Appointment of Audit Committee Member & Designation of Chair
2. Adjustment to Financial Reports for year ended March 31, 2023

In Camera Meeting

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-032 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-2023-032 Report Date: July 6, 2023 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador English School District Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (NLESD) for records relating to the Complainant and her minor children. The NLESD responded by denying the Complainant’s request initially under section 40 of the Act (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant made a complaint to this Office arguing she should be entitled to the records. In its submissions, NLESD’s analysis more accurately identified it had either no responsive records to a portion of the request, could neither confirm nor deny it had responsive records to a second portion of the request pursuant to section 17(2), and was able to identify and provide four pages of records responsive to the final portion of the request. The Commissioner found NLESD did conduct a reasonable search and had fully met its duty to assist per section 13.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
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The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-032 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-031 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-2023-031 Report Date: July 6, 2023 Public Body: Town of Grand Falls-Windsor Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor for correspondence and other records relating to the Complainant. The Town did not provide any records in response, claiming that section 38 of ATIPPA, 2015 (disclosure harmful to labour relations interests of public body as employer) allowed it to withhold the responsive records. In response, the Complainant filed a complaint with this Office. The Town did not respond to this Office’s requests in a timely manner and did not provide all responsive records to this Office. The Commissioner concluded the Town did not provide sufficient proof that the exception to access applied or that the Complainant had no right to the records and recommended the Town release the records withheld under section 38(b)(iii) of ATIPPA, 2015, less any redactions for the protection of personal information. The Commissioner further recommended that the Town conduct a new search for any further records.

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Sean Murray
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The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2023-031 Released appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Amhed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville, announced $5 million in funding for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, one of the 41 recipients of the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative’s city stream.

As part of its investment plan for the Cities Stream, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has partnered with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) for the construction of 16 new affordable housing units. These units will be owned and operated by NLHC. Clients will come from NLHC’s existing prioritized waitlist, and rents will be geared-to-income at 25 per cent of net income. NLHC will provide funding for the on-going operations, as well as annual heating subsidies to tenants.

This is made possible by the Government of Canada’s additional investment of $1.5 billion through the Rapid Housing Initiative, bringing the program’s total to $4 billion to support the country’s most vulnerable. The additional funding for the third round of the initiative will be divided into two streams: $1 billion through the Projects Stream and $500 million towards the Cities Stream. This investment is expected to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing units for Canadians in severe housing need across the country, with 25 per cent of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.

The Rapid Housing Initiative takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the National Housing Strategy, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups and recent immigrants or refugees.

Quotes
“Today’s announcement truly highlights the strength of partnerships. By working collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners, we are increasing access to safe and affordable homes and helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, the government is continuing to deliver meaningful results across the country. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“The Government is investing in affordable housing here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we are able to give a helping hand to individuals in need, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“We are extremely pleased to be bringing 16 new affordable housing units to our community. This will go a long way to help address affordable housing concerns in our community.”
His Worship George Andrews
Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

“I commend the Federal Government and its partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the construction of new affordable housing units in the community. The units will help address the needs experienced by individuals who need a place that they can call their own.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“The housing needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are complex, and have been quite prevalent – requiring substantial investment to address, such as with the scale of this Rapid Housing Initiative. I am pleased to see the community recognized in this national program and compliment all those involved in this successful proposal.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will celebrate Pride in Harbour Grace tomorrow (Wednesday, July 12).

Organized by the Town of Harbour Grace, in partnership with The Splash Centre and Communities Against Violence, celebrations start with a flag raising at S.W. Moores Memorial Park, 113 Water Street West, Harbour Grace at 1:00 p.m., followed by a barbeque and live entertainment at The Splash Centre, 30A Cathedral Street at 1:30 p.m.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is joining Canada’s Premiers for the Council of the Federation Meeting taking place in Winnipeg, Manitoba today and tomorrow (Tuesday, July 11 and Wednesday, July 12).

On July 11, Premiers will focus their discussions on supporting the top priorities of Canadians, including affordability and improving health care. On July 12, Premiers will discuss a range of economic issues centered on Canada’s competitiveness and economic growth.

A closing news conference is planned for the afternoon of July 12.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

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