Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will officially open new affordable homes on Mesher Street, Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow (Tuesday, July 11).

Minister Pike will be joined by the Honourable Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, as well as Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville.

The announcement will take place at 30 Mesher Street, Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 11:00 a.m. (ADT).

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will join Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to announce federal funding to expand affordable housing options for vulnerable populations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow (Tuesday, July 11).

The announcement will take place at the Town Council Offices, 212 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 10:00 a.m. (ADT).

Minister Pike, MP Jones and Mayor Andrews will be joined by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville.

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Freshwater Kennedy Farm Abattoir (Reg. 2254)
Proponent: Kennedy Farm Inc.

The proponent is proposing to construct a windrow-type composting pad at their turkey farm in Freshwater, Conception Bay North. The composting pad would be used to compost organic waste from their farm and abattoir. Finished compost will be used on hay fields. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on July 7, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 11, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by August 21, 2023.

Salvage Microbrewery (Reg. 2253)
Proponent: Wild Cove Adventures Limited

The proponent is proposing to establish and operate a microbrewery and tap room within an existing commercial building located at 111 Mountain View Road in the Town of Salvage. The development would include renovations to the building’s interior to include the taproom, a 6,000 square foot area that would contain the brewing equipment, and a retail shop. The facility will utilize municipal water and sewer services and operate year-round. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on July 7, 2023; the deadline for public comments is August 11, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by August 21, 2023.

Peaches Cove – Green Bay Multipurpose Trail Upgrade (Reg. 2252)
Proponent: Peaches Cove – Green Bay Development Inc.

The proponent proposes to develop approximately 4.9 kilometres of multipurpose trails between Melrose in Trinity Bay North to Peaches Cove, Green Bay. Sections of the existing trails are being re-routed to hard surface ground near the shoreline that will be better suited for All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on July 6, 2023; the deadline for public comments is August 11, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by August 20, 2023.

Glovertown Concrete Batch Plant (Reg. 2251)
Proponent: Oram’s Do-All Contracting Limited

The Proponent proposes to transition an existing portable concrete batch plant and associated stockpile area in the Town of Glovertown to a permanent concrete batch plant at the same location. The existing portable concrete batch plant site is held under quarry permits and has been in operation since 2005. No change to existing equipment or operations is expected. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on July 6, 2023; the deadline for public comment is August 11, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by August 20, 2023.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

New Harbour Barrens RV Park (Reg. 2245)
Proponent: Anthony Developments Ltd.

The project is released 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 Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • A minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be maintained from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats; and
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division. For further information, please contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at (709) 637-2353.
• 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 to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
• 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.

Labrador – L1301 Transmission Line Decommissioning (Reg. 2236)
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Inc.

The project is released 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, including the commitment to implement an environmental protection plan as described in the registration document.

• The Pollution Prevention Division of this department requires the following:

o A Waste Management Plan that includes all aspects of waste related to the project, including treated poles, be submitted and approved prior to the start of project construction. For further information, please contact Pollution Prevention Division at (709) 729-5782.

• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • A Caribou Protection and Impacts Mitigation Plan for the listed Red Wine Mountain Boreal Caribou must be submitted and approved prior to the start of project construction.
  • A minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be maintained from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and within 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The Proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
• 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 requested.

Bay Bulls-Bauline Multi-Use Trail (Reg. 2220)
Proponent: Bay Bulls Bauline Athletic Association

The project is released 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 Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (FFA) requires the Proponent to submit an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) that includes details on caribou occupancy in the area, historic range use, potential impacts of the Project on caribou and measures that will be undertaken to mitigate adverse impacts. The EPP is to be emailed to FFAreferrals@gov.nl.ca and must be approved by FFA prior to project construction.
• 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 to EAProiectComments@qov.nl.ca.
• 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:

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

https://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.

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Power is now restored in the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the building is open for regular hours.

To learn more about the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, visit our website.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today provided a statement on the appointment of Judy White to the Senate of Canada:

“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I offer congratulations to Judy White on her appointment to the Senate.

Ms. White, a Mi’kmaw from Flat Bay, is a King’s Counsel lawyer who has devoted her career to advancing human rights, Indigenous governance and legislative matters. She served as Director General with Indigenous Services Canada, previously served as an Assistant Deputy Minister with Indigenous Affairs in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and has the distinction as the first Indigenous woman to chair the province’s Human Rights Commission.

Ms. White has a long and distinguished career in serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as in bringing attention to the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples. I am looking forward to working with Ms. White as she assumes her new position as Senator to highlight matters of importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

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The location of a new high school for the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s was unveiled today at an event in the community. The new school, which is scheduled to open in September 2026, will be located on Old Broad Cove Road at the corner of Maggie’s Place.

The first high school for the area will include grades 10-12, with a total footprint of approximately 4,780 square metres.

Budget 2023 included more than $1.1 billion in funding for infrastructure, including more than $127 million for new schools in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, Cartwright in Labrador and Kenmount Terrace in St. John’s, as well as the redevelopment of the school in Pilley’s Island. A total of $33 million over four years has been allocated for the new school in Portugal Cove-St. Phillip’s.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant team that will provide technical advisory services to develop a Design-Build tender package for the new high school.

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

Quotes
“A new high school in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is critical to inspire the best learning outcomes, foster growth, and amplify opportunities for our students. I am proud to join my colleagues, Mayor McDonald and our community partners for this important community announcement.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We know that an investment in education is an investment in our future. I am delighted we are moving forward with the process that will culminate in a new school facility, which will provide a modern learning experience for students in the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s area.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The construction of a new high school will meet the needs of students and families in the growing area of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. I look forward to seeing the progress on planning of the new school, and I am confident that the educational experiences at this new facility will have a positive impact on students in grades 10-12 in the community.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“I am thrilled that the site of the new school has been chosen and monies have been budgeted for construction. The high school will complement our schools in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and our children will now be able complete their entire schooling at home in our town. I am pleased for our students and families and indeed for all residents. The school will become another focus point for community development and community building in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.”
Her Worship Carol McDonald
Mayor of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

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Learn More
Budget 2023 Infrastructure Investments

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced the appointment of Kevin Fagan as Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities (PUB).

Mr. Fagan’s appointment is for a seven-year term, effective immediately. Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below. The appointment is based on a recommendation of the Independent Appointments Commission.

The PUB is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal constituted under section 6 of the Public Utilities Act. It is responsible for the regulation of the electric utilities in the province to ensure that the rates charged are just and reasonable, and that the service provided is safe and reliable. The PUB is also responsible for the supervision of rates charged by automobile insurers for the various automobile insurance coverages under the Automobile Insurance Act; limited regulation of the motor carrier industry in relation to certain passenger and ambulance operations under the Motor Carrier Act, as well as conducting hearings and other required activities under the Expropriation Act. Since 1994, the PUB has been responsible for the regulation of maximum prices for petroleum products in the province in accordance with the Petroleum Products Act.

Quotes
“I welcome Kevin Fagan to this new role, where his considerable experience in the electric utility industry will bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities. His unique background will help to strengthen the oversight and governance of the PUB.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities

BACKGROUNDER

Kevin Fagan

Kevin Fagan has worked in various regulatory roles in the electric utility industry for approximately 40 years. Most recently as Vice President, Regulatory and Stakeholder Relations at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, he was responsible for regulatory matters including wholesale and industrial pricing and development of regulatory mechanisms, which balance cost recovery and customer rate stability. Prior to this, he was employed at Newfoundland Power working in the areas of rate design, regulatory policy, statistical analysis and customer service. Kevin Fagan is a Memorial University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Statistics) and a Diploma in Business Administration.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will speak at the grand opening of the Conception Bay South Community Park today (Friday, July 7) at 2:00 p.m.

The new Community Park is located at 20 Bishops Road, Conception Bay South.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide an update on the new High School in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s today (Friday, July 7).

The event will take place at the Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s Town Hall, located at 1119 Thorburn Road beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, and Her Worship Carol McDonald, Mayor of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided an update on the completion of stage one of the crown land call for bids for wind-hydrogen development in the province.

The department received 24 bids from 19 companies, which went through a stage one review including criteria such as the bidder’s experience and their financial capacity to plan, construct, and operate the proposed project. Nine bids from nine companies have been approved to proceed to stage two.

The stage two review includes a deeper examination of the bidder’s experience, the proposed project, and the project financing plan, as well as an examination of additional information on the electricity grid connection requirements, community and Indigenous engagement, and benefits to the province. Stage two is expected to be completed by the end of August 2023.

Successful bidders of the Crown Land Call for Bids process will be granted an exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Crown land application and approval process. These lands will be held in reserve until that process is completed.

Environmental Assessment registration is not required during the call for land bids phase; however, prior to final award of Crown land, an environmental assessment will be required for wind projects over one megawatt.

Quote
“We are pleased to have nine projects move forward to the phase two review. These projects have the potential to bring considerable investment and economic activity to our province. We will continue to review projects through the phase two process to finalize which ones move forward. We continue to be optimistic about the future of wind-hydrogen development in our province.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

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The Visitor Centre at Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is temporarily closed due to a power outage.

There are no washroom facilities available at Cape St. Mary’s at the moment, and the building remains closed until further notice.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-030 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-2023-030 Report Date: July 4, 2023 Public Body: Department of Education Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Education for records relating to the Complainant and her minor children. The Department responded by providing some records of correspondence and withholding the majority of the responsive records under sections 29, 31, and 40 of the Act. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office arguing she should have received the additional records. The Commissioner found that the Department of Education’s application of sections 29, 31, and 40 was appropriate and recommended the public body continue to withhold the records.

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

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Gabriel Moyes-Vaandering, a Level II student at Holy Heart of Mary High School, is the latest provincial recipient of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is valued at $50,000 over two years for pre-university study at Pearson College, a United World College in Victoria, B.C. The Provincial Government contributes $34,000 to the scholarship, with the remainder provided through corporate and community sponsors.

As a United World College student, Moyes-Vaandering will learn how he can inspire change through courageous action, selfless leadership, and careful listening. He will take part in experiences and community activities, so that he is prepared to build with confidence and lead with compassion throughout his post-secondary studies and future career path.

Pearson College is Canada’s most international school and Canada’s only United World College, a movement encompassing 18 global schools dedicated to uniting cultures and countries around the world through education. The college is a two-year, pre-university school for students from over 150 countries who live, study and learn together pursuing the International Baccalaureate and an outdoor-oriented experiential education.

Quote
“On behalf of the Provincial Government, congratulations to Gabriel on his selection as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2023 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship winner. This scholarship offers a wonderful educational opportunity that will provide incredible support and knowledge in helping Gabriel achieve his long-term goals. I wish Gabriel the best for a successful and enjoyable experience at Lester B. Pearson College.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Provincial Scholarships

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced seven appointments to the Memorial University Board of Regents.

Appointed for three-year terms, the new members include:

• Bob Hallett;
• Ashrafee Tanvir Hossain;
• Justin Ladha;
• Chief Brendan Mitchell;
• Nathalie Pender;
• Tim Powers; and
• Lynn Zurel.

The Board of Regents, along with Memorial University’s Senate, is responsible for all matters related to programming, qualifications of employees, and all other matters deemed to be in the best interest of the institution. The Board of Regents consists of individuals with a diverse range of knowledge and expertise.

In May, amendments were made to strengthen and modernize the Memorial University Act. These amendments included changes to the governance structure of the Board of Regents to allow for teaching staff on the board. Memorial University and the Memorial University Faculty Association requested the addition to the board.

Biographical information on the appointees can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Congratulations to the new members of the Board of Regents. The knowledge and perspective each member brings to the board is immeasurable. May the future of Memorial University be filled with great success as you help guide this important institution and its contributions to the social and economic fabric of the province.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Provincial Government Introduces Proposed Amendments to Memorial University Act

Memorial University Act

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographical Information of Appointees to Memorial University’s Board of Regents

Bob Hallett
Bob Hallett is an award-winning musician, published author, and music consultant. He is the Executive Producer and Chief Operating Officer of Terra Bruce Productions, a musical theatre company with production and rehearsal facilities in Toronto and St. John’s. Mr. Hallett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Fredericton.

Dr. Ashrafee Tanvir Hossain
Dr. Ashrafee Tanvir Hossain joined the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial University in 2013. Dr. Hossain is a published researcher whose research interests include corporate finance, corporate governance, financial regulations, mergers and acquisitions, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. Dr. Hossain is a member of the CFA Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Virginia Tech, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in finance from Concordia University.

Justin Ladha
Justin Ladha is Chief Executive Officer of KMK Capital Inc. He has experience as a member of the Board of Directors of Nalcor Energy-Oil and Gas Inc. He is a Past Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade, and a member of the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club Executive. Mr. Ladha holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University and an Institute of Corporate Directors ICD.D designation from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Chief Brendan Mitchell
Chief Brendan Mitchell is the Chief of Qalipu First Nation. He has experience serving as the Interim Regional Chief for Newfoundland at the Assembly of First Nations in Canada; with the Independent Appointments Commission for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador; and as the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for the Second Battalion of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Chief Mitchell holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from Memorial University.

Nathalie Pender
Nathalie Pender was born in Paris and has been teaching French as a second language for more than 20 years. She is a member of the Canadian Association of University Teachers’ Francophone committee; the Canadian Association for Teacher Education; Association des Professeures de français des universités et collèges canadiens; and the Canadian Society for the Study of Education. Her current research is about the degenderization of language (English and French).

Tim Powers
Tim Powers is Chair of Summa Strategies and the Managing Director of Abacus Data. He has experience on the boards of Melanoma Canada and the Jack Purcell Recreation Association, and is a Class B member of the Canadian Olympic Committee. Tim has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University, a Master of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University, a Master of Sciences degree from the London School of Economics, and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors with ICD.D designation.

Lynn Zurel
Lynn Zurel is the Chief Financial Officer of Stonebridge Capital Inc. She has experience on the Board of the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation; the Muskrat Falls Oversight Committee; the St. John’s Transportation Committee; and is Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 37th Signal Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces. Ms. Zurel holds a CPA, CA, and ICD.D designation, and she holds leadership roles with the boards of a wide variety of national, provincial and local not-for-profit organizations.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is today announcing a call for applications for Family Practice Programs.

The Family Practice Start-Up Program will provide $150,000, the highest incentive offered in Atlantic Canada, to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, in return for a five-year service commitment. Family physicians working less than full-time may be eligible for pro-rated funding.

Additionally, the New Family Physician Income Guarantee provides new fee-for-service family physicians who open a new family practice or join an established family practice with a guaranteed minimum income over their first two years of practice.

The programs are available to new family physicians who will be practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

• Physicians entering a fee-for-service family practice for the first time.
• Physicians practicing family medicine in another province who intend to relocate to Newfoundland and Labrador to practice fee-for-service family medicine.

More information, including the application form, can be found here, or by emailing MedServicesPrograms@gov.nl.ca. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2023.

These Family Practice Programs deliver on a commitment made by the Provincial Government in October 2021 to improve access to primary health care in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as to help attract and retain health care professionals.

The Department of Health and Community Services is committed to recruiting and retaining the best and brightest health care professionals to the province. As of June 2023, 33 physicians have accepted employment as a result of the Come Home Incentive and 22 family physicians are practicing in the province due to the family practice programs. Visit the Health Care Action website for more details on government’s recruitment and retention initiatives.

Quotes
“We remain committed to increasing access to primary health care in our province. Since the launch of the Family Practice Program, 22 physicians have received funding to open or join a family practice right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program enables better career planning on behalf of residents, which will impact the retention of these health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The NLMA is pleased that the Provincial Government is continuing to take steps to improve recruitment and retention of family physicians in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Family Practice Program provides an attractive incentive that has proven to be successful in enticing new family physicians to the province. This initiative and other others like the Family Physician Income Guarantee, Family Medicine Retention bonuses and the upcoming rollout of the new blended capitation payment model and family care teams, all help to improve stability within the family medicine workforce and increase access to primary care for patients.”
Dr. Gerard Farrell
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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Provincial Government Expands Family Practice Program, Making it the Highest Incentive Offered in Atlantic Canada

Health Care Action

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Public Health has made updates to the COVID-19 Dashboard. Changes include an update to how deaths are reported, which will provide clarity on when the reported death(s) occurred, and a new graph will help the public understand trends in COVID-19 related deaths over the past year. Public Health has considered feedback to aid with ease of interpretation.

Public Health will be changing the frequency in which it issues public reporting of COVID-19 trends in the province to the last Wednesday of each month by 3:00 p.m. After this week’s reporting, monthly reporting on the COVID-19 dashboard will begin on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Frequency of reporting has varied through the course of the pandemic based on threat of circulating virus. A reduction in reporting would align with the current COVID-19 situation, and how other jurisdictions nationally report the virus.

While the COVID-19 situation has improved locally and internationally, Public Health would like to remind the public to keep informed on COVID-19 news and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Public Health will still continue to collect and monitor disease trends.

Please note that the dashboard may be temporarily unavailable while it is in the process of being updated.

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The Provincial Government is now accepting applications for the Community Enhancement Employment Program. Not-for-profit organizations and local governments that wish to sponsor projects funded by the program are eligible to apply.

The Community Enhancement Employment Program provides funding to eligible sponsors including:

• Municipalities;
• Inuit Community Governments;
• Local service districts;
• Community and economic development organizations; and
• Other non-profit organizations.

Individuals can be employed for up to 400 hours in order to become eligible for employment insurance benefits. In 2022-23, the program provided funding for 201 projects, supporting approximately 700 workers.

Applications for the 2023-24 Community Enhancement Employment Program are available here. Applicants can also email employmentsupport@gov.nl.ca or call toll free 1-866-508-5500.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, July 28, 2023.

Quote
“The Community Enhancement Employment Program is part of our government’s continued efforts to support individuals, communities, and organizations. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to gain employment, which improves their social and economic well-being, and for communities and organizations to improve their towns. This program often helps to enhance tourism and economic development, which is also a tremendous benefit to various communities across our province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Community Enhancement Employment Program

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will virtually attend the annual meeting of the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie, this week (July 6-7). The meeting takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ministers will discuss key areas of shared interest including Francophone immigration, innovation in the delivery of French language services, the Canadian Francophonie and the economy and the promotion of the Canadian Francophonie.

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Avis aux médias : La ministre Stoodley participera à la rencontre annuelle du Conseil des ministres sur la francophonie canadienne

The post Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Attend Annual Meeting of the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie appeared first on News Releases.

In its ongoing efforts to reduce administrative burdens for physicians in Newfoundland and Labrador, support province-wide patient-care coordination and facilitate the introduction of a blended capitation model, the Department of Health and Community Services has eliminated an operational fee for its Electronic Medical Record program.

The program, eDOCSNL, serves health care providers across the province, particularly primary care providers, by:

• Improving information sharing between physicians and other health care providers;
• Allowing physicians to improve clinical efficiencies;
• Improving the overall quality of care;
• Replacing community-based paper practices with electronic; and
• Delivering health information to inform future health planning and policy development.

As the province provides primary health care services through Family Care Teams, the Electronic Medical Record program will be a critical technology to allow more standardized documentation and data collection while sharing clinical information across health care facilities throughout the province.

The elimination of fees is also a necessary piece of the Blended Capitation Model for physicians, as eDOCSNL will facilitate physician billing under the new model. Blended capitation is a voluntary payment model designed for independent family practices.

Budget 2023 allotted $5.7 million, which includes a $1 million increase from 2022-23, to fully cover the operating cost of the eDOCSNL system

The Newfoundland and Labrador health care system has been using eDOCSNL since 2016. The Electronic Medical Record program has enrolled over 770 providers in over 257 sites to deliver care across the province.

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“By fully covering costs of eDOCSNL we can ensure more providers are using the system and create an effective flow of information between physicians and other health care providers. This reduces some of the administrative burden for physicians, which will also help us attract more physicians to our province. It is also a key component of this provinces new Blended Capitation Model.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The post Provincial Government Funds the Provincial Medical Record Program appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-029 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-2023-029 Report Date: June 29, 2023 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Memorial for records related to swimming pool chemicals purchased for the Aquarena, which is part of the Memorial University Recreation Complex Inc. (MURC). Memorial did not provide any records to the Complainant, stating MURC was not a public body as defined by ATIPPA, 2015 and that, in any case, the records were not in Memorial’s custody or control. The Complainant responded by filing a complaint with this Office. After review of submissions, the Commissioner concluded ATIPPA, 2015 does not apply to the MURC and that the requested records were not in Memorial’s custody or control.

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

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