Government of Newfoundland News

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

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

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

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

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

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

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

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

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Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook

Contracts Awarded to Construct New Homes in Labrador West

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foundation Document for Health Curriculum

Safe and Caring Schools Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This report resulted in the following recommendation:

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

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will deliver remarks at NL Health Services’ 2024 Health Innovation Summit at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, October 9).

The event takes place at the Health Innovation Acceleration Centre, 66 Pippy Place, St. John’s.

NL Health Service’s Health Innovation Summit is being held from October 7-10, 2024. The event brings together NL Health Services leadership, government officials, academic researchers, innovation partners, and industry experts to discuss work done in the realm of research and innovation to improve the health of patients, clients and residents.

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL, will bring greetings to the WorkplaceNL Health and Safety Learning Symposium tomorrow (Wednesday, October 9) at 9:00 a.m.

The annual symposium will take place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

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Three community housing providers have received funding through the recently established Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund to assist in the development of affordable housing projects.

They include:

• Masonic Park has been awarded $50,000 for pre-development costs on a new housing project that will aim to create an additional 20 units for seniors in Mount Pearl.
• Connections for Seniors has been awarded $50,000 for pre-development costs on a 60-unit housing development in St. John’s, which will feature one-bedroom or studio apartments that focus specifically to the needs of seniors.
• Killick Ecovillage Cooperative has been awarded $50,000 to complete their pre-development activities on Killick Ecovillage in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. This mixed-income, community-led cohousing project will feature 30 homes connected by walking paths, with parking outside the community core and a 3,000 square foot common house.

The Community Housing Growth Fund supports non-profit, co-operative and Indigenous organizations and registered charities with funding for planning and pre-development work for affordable housing projects, where the absence of this funding often serves as a barrier for these groups to advance their projects. This funding allows these groups to take advantage of further funding opportunities from all levels of government, helping to shape project development and improve the rate of project success.

The fund was created in partnership between the Provincial Government and the national Community Housing Transformation Centre (the Centre). The selection committee for submissions consists of two representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, one the Centre representative, and two representatives from the province’s community housing sector, or individuals with relevant knowledge, experience and expertise.

The $1.5 million invested in the fund includes $1.25 million from the Provincial Government and a $250,000 contribution from the Centre. Funding is still available, and groups interested in applying for support can visit the Centre’s website.

Quote
“Community sector partners have the passion and the drive to address housing challenges, but often lack funding for pre-development costs. This funding through the Community Housing Growth Fund will help remove this barrier, and our objective is to support these three projects to move forward and create affordable homes for families in the very near future.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Provincial Government Partnership to Support Growth of the Community Housing Sector

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A St. John’s-based tech company pioneering an advanced 3D holographic display will receive a significant investment from the Provincial Government for research and development costs associated with its flagship product.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced an investment of $1,023,575 in Avalon Holographics towards the development of a transportable version of its 40-inch holographic display table, NOVAC.

Built using proprietary technologies, NOVAC allows for a group of people to view the same holographic display without the use of equipment such as 3D glasses or virtual reality headsets. The holographic images generated by NOVAC allow for depth perception without encountering headaches or other side-effects typically associated with other 3D visual displays.

Having secured over 50 patents for its technologies, the company is targeting early adopters in sectors such as medicine and defence, where improved visual perception for users is critical in saving lives. The current design of NOVAC is difficult to transport, making it challenging to deploy to trade shows or to ship to customers. This research and development project aims to optimize the current model and establish a more robust and transportable solution that allows the company to take NOVAC to the customer.

Leveraging the financial support provided by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, the company will invest a further $1,753,065 for this project.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology offers programs to support research and development projects for both commercial and non-commercial applicants. These programs reduce the technical and financial risk of research and development projects where R&D is required to realize the commercial potential of innovative products, processes or services.

Quotes
“Avalon Holographics’ unique technology has a limitless range of potential commercial applications. It is a great example of a cutting-edge tech company working on world-class product here in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to provide support for this project.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Avalon Holographics is deeply appreciative of the support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding is crucial for us to refine and enhance our NOVAC holographic display table, making it more accessible to our customers around the world. We are committed to delivering a high-quality outcome that not only benefits Avalon but also the province as a whole.”
Wally Haas
Founder and President, Avalon Holographics

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Research and Development

Avalon Holographics

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Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has placed a bond in the European capital market. This is the first transaction with the London Stock Exchange since the launch of the European borrowing program which provided an option to issue bonds beyond the existing domestic Canadian market.

The European borrowing program has diversified the province’s investor base, broadened the reach to international markets, and provided an opportunity to lower borrowing costs. In this case, the placement resulted in a cost savings of approximately $450,000 or five basis points versus what may have been achieved in the domestic market.

This first transaction was placed on October 4, 2024, at a size of 50 million euros (75 million Canadian dollars). The yield is 3.067 per cent and is due December 4, 2034. A sinking fund is attached for repayment to the investor when due.

The Provincial Government worked with RBC Capital Markets to swap the proceeds from euros to Canadian dollars. Doing so provided greater certainty from a cash flow and exchange rate perspective.

A dedicated capital markets team within the Department of Finance monitors markets daily for borrowing opportunities that provide the lowest cost to the province. The maximum amount of all notes outstanding through the European borrowing program is Euro 1 billion (or its equivalent in other currencies). More information about government’s borrowing program is available here.

Quotes
“We said we would only issue bonds in Europe if it was beneficial for the province to do so. We have met this objective. We have broadened our base of investors and consequently brought borrowing costs down by almost a half million dollars in this one placement. This work is all part of our financial management plan towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable province.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“We are delighted to welcome the first EUR market transaction issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to the London Stock Exchange. This milestone transaction is not only a positive development for capital markets in the province, but also highlights our commitment to supporting governments across the world to raise capital from a diverse set of global investors and channel funding to economic, environmental, and social development.”
Dame Julia Hoggett
CEO, London Stock Exchange plc

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Launches European Borrowing Program at London Stock Exchange

Ministerial Statement – Minister Coady Highlights Responsible Management of the Province’s Finances

DBRS Morningstar Upgrades Province’s Credit Rating

Provincial Economy Performing Well Year-to-Date; Stable Outlook Affirmed by Credit Rating Agencies

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As a result of historic demand and limited spaces provided by the Federal Government, provincial immigration capacity is nearly full for 2024.

The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will be prioritizing the processing of applications in sectors facing labour shortages, such as health care, early learning and construction, for the remainder of the year, leading to slower processing times for other applications. Applications will continue to be processed for individuals with extenuating circumstances.

Applications continue to be accepted under both the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. Applications not processed in 2024 will be processed in the next calendar year. Clients are advised that the 25-day processing standard for the Provincial Nominee Program will resume in January 2025.

This demand for immigration was forecasted and the Provincial Government requested a 15 per cent increase in its spaces for 2024 through the National Immigration Levels Planning consultation process in 2022 and in 2023. Unfortunately, the Government of Canada did not grant this allocation increase.

What This Means for Employers
Employers who have endorsed candidates through the Atlantic Immigration Program should expect those applications to be granted a final decision in 2025, once new federally issued immigration spaces become available. Immigration Program Development Officers will continue to process files and may reach out for further documentation as required.

Applications for Job Vacancy Assessments under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program, or Designations under the Atlantic Immigration Program, are unaffected by this decision and will be processed without undue delay.

Employers with any questions or concerns should contact attraction@gov.nl.ca to be connected directly with an Immigration Program Development Officer.

What This Means for Current and Prospective Newcomers
Atlantic Immigration Program applicants can expect to receive a decision on their file after January 1, 2025. While the process unfolds, applicants may continue to hear from their employer about additional documentation needed to complete the application.

Those applying through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program may hear from an assigned Immigration Program Development Officer about the file, including any missing or additional documentation.

Newcomers are responsible for informing the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills if they have an expiring work permit or other extenuating circumstance. Concerns and questions can be sent to pnp@gov.nl.ca.

Quick Facts

• In 2023, the Federal Government issued 3,050 immigration spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador. Of these, 2,100 are allocated to the Provincial Nominee Program and 950 to the Atlantic Immigration Program. For 2024, the Federal Government maintained the 3,050 immigration program spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Immigration to the province has grown substantially in recent years. We welcomed 1,855 new permanent residents to the province in 2019, 900 in 2020, 2,050 in 2021, 3,495 in 2022, and 5,485 in 2023.
• Each year since 2021 has represented a record number of new permanent residents in the province, primarily arriving with jobs already secured.
• According to Statistics Canada, immigration is the primary reason Newfoundland and Labrador has experienced 14-consecutive quarters of population growth.
• Efforts by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to welcome Ukrainians displaced by the illegal Russian invasion have led Ukrainians to permanently settle in the province. In 2022, the province nominated 35 Ukrainians under provincial immigrations programs, while 813 Ukrainians were nominated in 2023. Ukrainians must be nominated by the Provincial Government in order to remain here permanently as they arrived as temporary residents.

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The Provincial Government continues to invest in affordable housing to improve the well-being of families and communities throughout the province. Today, government announced that two contracts with a combined value of $1.8 million have been awarded to Capital Environmental to develop provincially-owned homes in Labrador West, which will assist six individuals or families to secure safe and affordable housing.

The first contract, valued at $1.3 million, will see the construction of four new one-bedroom homes first announced in Budget 2024. This fourplex will feature two fully accessible one-bedroom units on the main level, as well as two one-bedroom units on the second level. These four units are replacing two units that were destroyed by fire in 2022.

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

The second contract, valued at $470,000, will cover extensive interior and exterior renovations to two three-bedroom homes that have been vacant since 2019. Work includes replacing siding, windows and doors, repairs to the roof and interior renovations including electrical and plumbing repairs in the kitchen and bathrooms.

It is anticipated that the renovations to existing homes will be complete by spring 2025, while the new builds are expected to be complete by fall 2025.

Last year, the Provincial Government completed renovations and refurbishments on 20 provincially owned homes on Cavendish Crescent in Labrador City. There are currently 88 provincially owned homes in Labrador West.

Quotes
“In Budget 2024, we committed to building new homes in Labrador West, and today we are moving forward with addressing housing needs in the area. Access to affordable housing strengthens communities, and our government will continue to prioritize initiatives that support Labrador West’s continued economic growth.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“The contracts which have been awarded are another step towards meeting our commitment to contribute solutions to the housing situation in Labrador West. We look forward to the day when the new and renovated units open their doors to families.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
Provincial Government Highlights Ongoing Initiatives to Improve Access to Affordable Housing in Labrador West

Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook

Five-Point Plan Supporting Families in Securing First Home, Promoting Creation of Hundreds of Affordable Rental Housing Builds

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Botwood and Area EVREC Green Energy Project                            (Reg. 2327)
Proponent: Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC)

The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a 3.5 gigawatt (GW) onshore wind energy project consisting of three wind farms with up to 530 turbines in the Central Newfoundland area, and a 150-megawatt solar farm and a 2.6 GW hydrogen/ammonia production facility in Botwood. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/ projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 7, 2024, the deadline for public comment is November 11, 2024; and the Minister’s decision is due by November 21, 2024.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

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

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

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The Honourable Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is bringing remarks tonight at the opening performance of Nsituninal: Our Voices at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre. The event, hosted by Indigenous Performing Arts NL, gets under way at 7:30 p.m.

Nsituninal is a Year of the Arts project and features stories, songs and drumming by Indigenous women. The project is supported by Celebrate NL and will tour Arts and Culture Centres across the province October 7-15, 2024.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, has proclaimed October 6-12, 2024, Fire Prevention Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s theme, Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!, aims to educate residents about the importance of working smoke alarms in the home. The campaign involves three key calls to action:

• Install
  Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home.
• Test
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace
  Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

On Friday, Minister Davis participated in an event at the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Fire Department to kick off the week. He was joined by Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Fire Chief Fred Hollett as well as representatives from fire departments throughout the region.

The Provincial Government encourages residents, families and educators to practice whole home safety, and to learn more about fire prevention actions that can help keep people safe. Residents are reminded that smoke alarms in your home should meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity to test carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are designed to alert you of any build-up of carbon monoxide in your home or dwelling.

Last year, there were more than 740 reported fire-related incidents in the province, with five fire-related deaths.

To help educate children regarding the importance of a working smoke alarm, and other fire safety tips, visit Sparky the Fire Dog at www.sparky.org for videos, games and other fun activities.

Quotes
“I urge residents to complete the simple act of testing your smoke alarm, to ensure it is working. Having that confidence could mean so much to your family in the most urgent of times. Fire Prevention Week is a great time to thank our emergency responders for the work they do, I thank them for their bravery and for helping to keep our communities safe.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“A fire prevented saves lives, saves property and keeps our families and firefighters safe. A fire detected early is a fire you can escape. Please help your firefighters by ‘making your smoke detectors work for you.’”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

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Fire Prevention Week

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Newfoundland and Labrador is taking the lead to establish a world-class Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Central Newfoundland that will strengthen and enhance efforts to protect Atlantic Canada’s communities and forests. Related initiatives will be supported in part through a $32 million cost-shared, four-year investment in partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, were in Gander today to provide details on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre and related infrastructure investments. They were joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander.

Located at Gander International Airport, the Atlantic Wildfire Centre will provide leadership and expertise in wildfire fighting and prevention, focusing on:

Specialized Wildfire Management Expertise: Housing dedicated specialists whose primary role is wildfire management.

Applied Science and Data Localization: Adapting new innovations, such as drone technology, and national and international research to local conditions.

Training and Education Programs: Focusing on wildfire management and suppression, wildfire prevention and mitigation, and aerial operations.

Wildfire Response and Service Delivery: Increasing capacity to manage wildfire and respond to major incidents.

Wildfire Management and Training Facilities: Building and expanding infrastructure, including facilities for air crews, incident command operations, and equipment storage in Labrador.

The joint investment through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund includes:

• Repairing the damaged CL- 415 aircraft in the current fleet of five water bombers.
• Issuing a Request for Proposals to increase the province’s air services complement with two new “bird dog” (spotter) aircraft.
• Procuring firefighting equipment including fire trucks, command trailers, sprinklers, weather stations, and Nomex suits.
• Providing extensive training for department wildfire-fighting staff.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will also issue a Request for Proposals for the design concept for the Atlantic Wildlife Centre campus and related infrastructure at Gander International Airport.

Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest forest landscape in Atlantic Canada, with many communities located in the heart of fire-driven ecosystems where wildfires occur consistently, especially in Labrador and Central Newfoundland. The province has a culture of fire-prevention that has been established for generations and a wealth of experience fighting large wildfires.

The province maintains the most substantial aerial wildfire suppression resources in Atlantic Canada, with Central Newfoundland serving as an ideal location for the Atlantic Wildfire Centre. The region has an established combination of infrastructure, strategic location, professional staffing, private sector and community partners at Gander International Airport, and training supports are in place at the existing Forest Fire Protection Centre in Gander.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildland fire suppression crews work bravely, diligently, and relentlessly to protect the province’s forests, and communities. We must do everything in our power to support them, including providing the best training and equipment available. The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will support Canadians in delivering effective wildfire management and emergency responses to protect the region’s forests, communities, and people.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The federal government is urgently working to respond to wildfires that are increasing in frequency and severity across Canada by providing provinces with the support they need. Today’s announcement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador highlights our commitment to working together to mitigate and respond to wildfires through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program. Through tangible and fast-flowing funding, the Government of Canada is helping to prepare urgently for future challenges and keep Canadians safe.”
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Canadians from coast to coast to coast have felt the effects of a changing climate, and wildfires burning with greater intensity is one of them. The health and safety of Canadians is a top priority for the Government of Canada and that is why we will continue to provide the support needed to mitigate and respond to wildfires. I am pleased that today’s announced funding through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program will support the efforts in the province in fire management for this wildfire season and seasons to come.”
Yvonne Jones
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and the Minister of National Defence
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“In the face of three recent major wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as deployments to aid other jurisdictions in need through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, our wildfire suppression crews and resources have done us proud. With strategic investment in wildland fire management and training, we will increase wildland firefighting capacity, enhance training, purchase vital equipment, and improve our understanding of fire science. The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will make Newfoundland and Labrador a world leader in forest protection.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“We have a great team in place doing incredible work in our Air Services Division and in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. Together, they provide an exceptionally valuable service to the people of our province. This centre is a means of honouring their service by providing them with the supports, training and equipment required for their continued fire suppression efforts.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development

“I am happy to participate in the announcement today regarding the establishment of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre at the Gander International Airport. Employees working out of Gander have long supported our province, and other provinces, in answering the call for firefighting assistance. I thank the hardworking team in Gander and look forward to witnessing how this Centre will provide even greater support to the people of the province and Atlantic Canada through enhanced training and development opportunities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander

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Learn more
Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program: Equipment fund

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The Provincial Government is today announcing the fall vaccination plan for influenza and COVID-19, which will commence Monday, October 21, 2024.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador will be available to media today, Monday, October 7, at 1:00 p.m. in Confederation Building, West Block lobby, to discuss the vaccination plan. 

The Provincial Government is stressing the importance of residents keeping their vaccinations up-to-date, and will be providing vaccines that target the latest strains of COVID-19 and influenza. It is expected that COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses will be circulating in our communities this fall and winter. To minimize the impact of these viruses this season, public health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. The recommended interval between vaccines is six months.

Those at high risk for severe disease are strongly recommended to get the vaccine when eligible, including:

• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
• Individuals who are pregnant and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Influenza vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. It is strongly recommended that those who are higher risk for severe influenza get the vaccine this fall, including:

• Children aged six months to five years of age;
• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents in seniors congregate living;
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
• Individuals who are pregnant; and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Vaccination clinics will begin Monday, October 21. Appointments can be booked online starting today, October 7, through regional health zone clinics by visiting the Time For the Shot website. Individuals may need to check periodically for availability at any of these vaccine sites, as appointments are continually being added as vaccine supply is received. Additionally, individuals can check with their physician and local pharmacy for more information on appointments through those locations.

Both vaccines are proven safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Public Health would also like to remind all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to stay home when sick, and to practice good hygiene measures.

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The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills is continuing its cross-provincial series of engagement sessions for employers and international students. Sessions begin in the Western Newfoundland region on Tuesday, October 8.

Employer engagement sessions will include representatives from the Provincial Government as well as staff from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This is an opportunity for employers to ask questions to provincial and federal immigration officials. Employers looking to register for a session can use this link.

International student engagement sessions will include representatives from the Provincial Government. These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn about permanent immigration options such as the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program. Sessions for international students do not require pre-registration.

See the backgrounder for a full list of the sessions occurring in Western Newfoundland this week.

More information about future engagement sessions in the Eastern region will be provided in the coming weeks.

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BACKGROUNDER

Western Immigration Engagement Sessions – October 8 to 11, 2024

For
Employers

  Port aux Basques
Bruce II Sports Centre – Joe Lane Room
200 Hardys Arterial Road  October 8 9:00 -11:00 a.m.

  Stephenville
W.E Cormack Development Center – Reg Diamond Boardroom
35 Carolina Avenue  October 8 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

  Corner Brook
Canada House – Corner Brook Civic Centre
1 Canada Games Drive  October 9 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

  St. Anthony
St. Anthony Polar Centre
35 Elementary School Road  October 10 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

  Deer Lake
Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex
8 Cresent St  October 11 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

  For
International Students Port aux Basques
CNA Port aux Basques
59 Grand Bay Road October 8 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Stephenville
CNA Stephenville
432 Massachusetts Drive October 8 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Corner Brook
Memorial University
Grenfell Campus
20 University Drive October 9 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

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