Government of Newfoundland News

The Placentia Lift Bridge is now re-opened for vehicle traffic only (Wednesday, June 28). Please note that the lift bridge remains closed for marine traffic.

A contractor is currently on site and a timeline on the bridge reopening to marine traffic will happen as more information becomes available.

Additional updates will also be provided on social media via Twitter and Facebook.

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The Placentia Lift Bridge is closed to both road and marine traffic today (Wednesday, June 28) as repairs are made to the bridge. Motorists must detour to Route 100-10 (Loop Road).

A contractor is currently on site and a timeline on the bridge reopening will be provided as more information becomes available.

Additional updates will also be provided on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will participate in a funding announcement for community and tourism related projects in Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, June 28).

The event will take place at Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club, Route 520, Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 11:00 a.m. ADT.

Minister Dempster will be joined by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador.

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Effective December 1, 2023, provincial carriers that travel more than 160 kilometres outside their home terminal or temporary worksite, or that are required to track hours of service by filling out a “record of duty status,” will be required to have electronic logging devices for commercial vehicle drivers.

As of the effective date, vehicles will be checked primarily at weigh scale stations located throughout the province for mandatory electronic logging device usage. School bus drivers in this province are exempt from using electronic logging devices.

This follows Federal Government requirements to enforce mandatory electronic logging devices for all federally regulated commercial carriers, announced in late December 2022.

Provincial carriers are encouraged to take the necessary steps now to comply with the mandate. Electronic logging devices help drivers work within permitted driving hours, promoting fair competition among motor carriers by ensuring they are all following government regulations.

Under the direction of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, since June 2021 all provinces and territories have been supporting the mandatory electronic logging device mandate through a period of progressive enforcement without penalties, focusing on education and awareness. This grace period allowed the time needed for carriers to procure and install devices and train drivers.

Information regarding these devices is available here. A list of certified devices is available here.

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The Provincial Government is committed to supporting cellular communications as an economic development enabler and as a contributor to improving the viability of communities. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the process to seek proposals to expand wireless coverage in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

To assist with identifying unserved and underserved areas in the province, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is seeking Expressions of Interest from communities who wish to be considered in the program to improve cellular service. Additional information is available in the backgrounder below.

Communities have until September 15, 2023 to confirm interest in the cellular service program, identify an underserved area, and indicate capacity to contribute financially to the project (normally 10 per cent of total project costs). To ensure the minimum financial contribution requirement is met, partnerships are encouraged among stakeholders such as:

• Municipalities/communities;
• Non-profit community, business, economic or regional development organizations;
• Other non-profit community-oriented organizations, including co-operatives and other social enterprises; and
• Local industry.

A number of communities will be selected from the Expression of Interest that meet the project feasibility criteria.

Following the close of the Expression of Interest, the department will issue a Call for Proposals to cellular providers to address gaps and deficiencies in cellular service infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

A listing of communities identified during the Expressions of Interest will be given to providers interested in submitting proposals during the Call for Proposals phase of the initiative. The department and providers will review each unserved or underserved area identified though the Expressions of Interest, the cellular enhancement feasibility of each area, and related costing to select communities to participate in the initiative.

This is part of the Cellular Service Improvement Initiative, a cost-shared program to encourage partnership to improve connectivity services.

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“The objective of the Cellular Service Improvement Initiative is to primarily target communities that have limited or no access to cellular service. This new expression of interest and subsequent call for proposals will help facilitate new investments in the province’s cellular service infrastructure to improve the business case for telecommunication carriers to expand coverage and provide service to communities that are currently unserved or underserved.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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BACKGROUNDER

Funding Contributions for Selected Communities

The Cellular Service Improvement Initiative is a cost-shared cellular service funding program. The objective is to encourage service providers, working in partnership with interested communities/municipalities, regional organizations, private sector and other government partners to prepare cost-shared proposals during the Call for Proposals phase with funding parameters of:

• Provincial Government – maximum 40 per cent;
• Cellular service provider – minimum 50 per cent; and
• Community/municipal and other government partners, other private sector, non- profit organizations – remaining 10 per cent.

Successful communities from the Expression of Interest will be notified, provided related project costs, and must verify financial contributions prior to funding being approved for projects. Please note that project implementation timelines may be dependent on provider capital project plans.

Expression of Interest and Questions
Communities wishing to express interest in being considered for the initiative must submit interest in writing, including targeted geographic area, financial contribution probability, any potential partners and overall benefits to the area.

Expressions of Interest can be sent via email to Dion Sheppard, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, at ddsheppa@gov.nl.ca.

The department will provide written confirmation that the Expression of Interest is received/registered once all pertinent information is provided. Results of the Expression of Interest will be provided to applicants once the review is completed in the fall.

Expressions of Interest must be received by no later than September 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. NDT in order to be provided as part of the Call for Proposals to providers.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will attend Expo Labrador today (Tuesday, June 27) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The event, which takes place June 27-29, is the region’s premiere economic development conference and trade show, which focuses on highlighting the major projects in the area and economic opportunities.

Minister Abbott will also visit several stakeholders while in Labrador to discuss transportation and infrastructure matters impacting residents in the region.

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will join community partners for the official opening of the Phoenix greenhouse and meditation garden this afternoon (Tuesday, June 27).

The event takes place at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, located at 89 Forest Road, St. John’s at 2:30 p.m.. Media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by contacting Eric Humber at erichumber@gov.nl.ca. Media should arrive by 2:15 p.m.

The Phoenix Garden Project is a horticulture therapy program that creates opportunity for inmates to heal, learn new skills, and connect with others in a therapeutic environment.

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On Wednesday, the Council of Atlantic Premiers had a follow-up meeting with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Government of Canada, regarding the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations which will have a disproportionate impact on Atlantic Canadians by increasing their costs for fuel and other essential goods and services.

Atlantic Premiers reiterated their commitment to climate change and pointed to various programs and policy initiatives they have implemented and reminded Minister Guilbeault that the four provinces have been willing partners with the federal government to reduce carbon emissions. Unfairly burdening Atlantic Canadians with increased costs on July 1st is not an effective way to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

After weeks of waiting for information from Minister Guilbeault about options to reduce the impact of implementing the Clean Fuel Regulations, the Minister presented no new information or possible solutions to mitigate impact. Minister Guilbeault continues to state that the numbers his department has are different from those released by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office, but refuses to share that information with the four Atlantic provinces, despite repeated requests.

Minister Guilbeault has previously confirmed to Atlantic Premiers that during the development of the regulations it was identified that the Clean Fuel Regulations would have a disproportionate impact on Atlantic Canadians, but it was decided to move forward regardless. The Atlantic Premiers voiced concerns that in a federation, ignoring the disproportionate impact these regulations have on some jurisdictions is both unfair and offensive to Atlantic Canadians.

When Atlantic Premiers requested an immediate pause on these regulations Minister Guilbeault indicated that would require a conversation with the Prime Minister. Premiers are now requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau to ask him to pause the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations until further analysis can be completed on the disproportionate impact these regulation changes will have on Atlantic Canadians. Premiers are seeking action so that proper mitigation efforts can be put in place to prevent increases at a time when cost of living for residents in this region continues to increase.

A copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Trudeau is available here.

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Today, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to launch a feasibility assessment to establish the South Coast Fjords as a new national marine conservation area.

This vital next step in the process to safeguard marine and coastal waters in Canada was taken during a ceremony held in Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada; the Honourable Bernard Davis, provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change; the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, provincial Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology; along with Chief Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation; Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation; and His Worship William Bowles, Mayor of the Town of Burgeo

A new national marine conservation area in the South Coast Fjords region would contribute to the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect biodiversity and conserve 25 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030.

The signing of the MOU underlines the shared interest of Parks Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the Town of Burgeo in protecting the natural and cultural integrity of this globally significant ecosystem. The South Coast Fjords area is among the most productive marine environments in Atlantic Canada and is economically, culturally, and historically important to the region’s Indigenous and coastal communities.

By initiating a formal process to study the biodiversity, economic, cultural, and historic values of the area through Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, these groups can come together and work collaboratively to ensure the health and longevity of the South Coast Fjords region and promote inclusivity for community groups in conservation planning and protected areas forums.

Quotes
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, the ocean is synonymous with our way of life. It is home to rich diverse marine ecosystems upon which generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians depended on. Conserving and protecting those ecosystems are vital to help address climate change, protect biodiversity and species at risk, and maintain a strong, sustainable economy. Our Government is eager for this important work to begin and look forward to continued collaboration with our partners.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Establishing new marine protected areas in Canada is vital to reducing biodiversity loss and mitigating the impacts of climate change through nature-based action. Collective and co-operative agreements are crucial to achieving our goals. Today’s announcement underscores the shared commitment of the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation, and the Town of Burgeo to assess the feasibility of creating a national marine conservation area in the South Coast Fjords region. By working together, we can make Canada and the world healthier, more climate resilient and rich in biodiversity for the good of all.”
Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“We are all intimately connected to the ocean. It is part of who we are. It not only provides us with sustenance, recreation, and economic opportunities, but it is also culturally and historically significant to the communities and Indigenous peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. The launch of a feasibility assessment toward establishing a national marine conservation area here, in the Burgeo region, is great news for all Canadians and is the first step toward protecting the true treasure that is the South Coast Fjords area.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador

“The South Coast region of the province offers breathtaking natural beauty with its sandy beaches and deep fjords, and the area is home to many species of marine life. I welcome this MOU to launch a feasibility assessment. I welcome this study and the valuable information it will provide to determine the potential impact of moving forward with these designations.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons,
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile

“Miawpukek First Nation is excited to be a participant in the signing of this MOU with all levels of government because these areas are established to protect and conserve marine areas for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of all. As stewards of Mother Earth, we must continue doing our part for there is no greater purpose than protecting and preserving our waters for the next seven generations. Wela’lioq.”
Chief Misel Joe
Miawpukek First Nation

“You have only to stand at the ocean’s edge to appreciate the power, beauty, and significance of water. This commitment to collaborate on the establishment of a new marine protected area in the South Coast Fjords region gives great meaning to me in my role as Chief. I look forward to working together in the spirit of protection and preservation of the world’s oceans.”
Chief Brendan Mitchell
Qalipu First Nation

“We all recognize the importance of being able to provide sustainable food and economic outcomes into the future while protecting the environment that delivers it. Finding a balance opens opportunity to possible future industries and marine and land protection. The end result, based on a feasibility study stemming from the signing of this MOU, should be a well rounded, long-term development that demonstrates a resource business with a focus on conservation worthy of being modeled by others.”
Mayor William Bowles
Town of Burgeo

Quick Facts

• The study area outlined in the MOU spans 9,114 square kilometres and includes Sandbanks Provincial Park, located on the southern coast of Newfoundland.
• The area is a biodiversity hotspot due to its wide array of coastal and marine ecosystems including spruce-fir forests, rocky barrens, sand dunes, flat sandy beaches, estuaries, large granite cliffs and deep, glacially carved fjords. The coasts and waters are home to dolphins, porpoises, and many endangered species including Atlantic cod, redfish, leatherback sea turtles and piping plovers and serves as a critical migration route for over 20 species of whales.
• The network of protected areas in Canada plays an important role in helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change by protecting and restoring healthy, resilient ecosystems and contributing to the recovery of species at risk.
• Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with ancestral lands and waters.
• Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas with the goal of fostering a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, cultures and traditions.

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Parks Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

Miawpukek First Nation

Qalipu First Nation

Town of Burgeo

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As a result of ratification votes held across the province in recent weeks, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing that seven collective agreements have been ratified and will proceed to signing with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing public service employees across education, health care and social support sectors. These agreements represent over 3,500 CUPE members throughout the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and CUPE worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement that is intended to strengthen our public service. Highlights of the agreements include:

• A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;
• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
• Increases to uniform and footwear allowances;
• A review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
• An increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks; and
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.

These agreements are for a four year term and include:

• Hospital Support;
• School Boards 1560;
• School Boards Master;
• Provincial Information and Libraries Board;
• Government House;
• Group Homes/Transition Houses; and
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

Since last year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated collective agreements and memoranda of understanding with five unions and associations including NAPE for the renewal of 13 public service collective agreements. As collective bargaining continues with other public service groups, the province is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful negotiations.

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“I am pleased that the membership of CUPE has ratified these agreements. The negotiating teams from government and the Canadian Union of Public Employees worked together to create new terms and conditions of employment that will benefit our public service. I thank everyone for their collaboration. We value our public service employees who are members of CUPE as they serve the community in health care, education, housing, social supports and libraries.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Provincial Government and NAPE Sign Collective Agreements

Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement

Provincial Government and Dentists Sign Agreements

Provincial Government and Physicians Sign Memorandum of Agreement

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has approved funding for a new Travelling Residency Program that will fund up to five seats per year for medical residents who must leave the province to receive medical training in their field of interest.

Valued at $500,000 annually, the program supports the recruitment and retention of physicians with training that is not available in Newfoundland and Labrador, in fields such as dermatology, ophthalmology, geriatric medicine, endocrinology and cardiology. It also increases access to residency positions in Canada for International Medical Graduates that are originally from the province.

In exchange for funding through the program, the medical residents are required to sign a service agreement to return and practice in the Newfoundland and Labrador, with service length corresponding to the length of the training program.

To learn more about the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for health care workers looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit workinhealthnl.ca or email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

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“The Travelling Residency Program supports Newfoundland and Labrador medical residents who must leave the province to receive training and ensures that they return to the province to practice. We are proud to add the program to our other successful recruitment and retention bonuses.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced over $260,000 to support the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador with expediting the licensure process of International Educated nurses applying to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This funding will support the nursing regulators with:

• Implementing a call-answering service contract to allow both organizations to respond to inquiries related to recent regulations;
• Creating a Registration Support Assistant position to facilitate processing of applications and to provide guidance and support for Internationally Educated Nurses; and
• Implementing an incentive program through Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) to assist with costs associated with the National Community Assessment Service Program for eligible candidates.

The funding is aligned with recent amendments to the Registered Nurses Regulations, which will streamline the registration and licensing process for registered nurses and make it easier for nurses educated outside the province, including Internationally Educated Nurses, to work in Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding also aligns with Health Accord NL recommendations to improve recruitment and retention of health care professionals.

In 2021, the College of Registered Nurses received funding through the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills to open a satellite location to provide education credential reviews, language proficiency reviews, and competency assessments to help regulators make evidence-based registration decisions.

Quotes
“This funding will ensure the College of Registered Nurses and the College of Licensed Practical Nurses are equipped to effectively streamline licensure and registration processes in line with the recently announced Registered Nursing Regulations. Recruiting Canadian and International nurses will increase the available pool of licensed RNs and LPNs, which will lighten the workload for our current nurses and improve care for patients.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Our government has long recognized how internationally educated newcomers are critical to meeting the demands of our rapidly evolving labour market. Increasing licensure of internationally educated nurses is helping to meet labour challenges in health care, while removing barriers to settlement, as more newcomers than ever before are choosing this welcoming province to live, work and raise a family.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The enhancement of initiatives to increase licensure of internationally-educated nurses is wonderful news for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. It gives us an opportunity to support nursing staff and to rebalance nursing workloads, while continuing to provide timely and continued access to quality care throughout the province.”
Joanne Pelley
Vice President – Chief Operating Officer, Central Zone & Provincial Chief Nursing Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

“The College of Registered Nurses has focused its efforts on reforming, improving, and modernizing the traditional processes used to license Internationally Educated Nurses. These efforts have resulted in considerable improvements to date, and it’s expected that further reforms will be identified as we move forward. The support from the Provincial Government will facilitate our work in this area and aim to provide benefits for RNs and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador has reviewed its registration requirements to transition from its traditional process to a streamlined model. The revised process will support effective and timely licensure of Licensed Practical Nurses from other Canadian jurisdictions, as well as Internationally Educated Nurses. Although streamlined, this process will continue to focus on licensing nurses who will support the Newfoundland and Labrador health system by providing safe, competent nursing care. This important work is facilitated by support from the Provincial Government.”
Wanda Wadman
CEO and Registrar, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Health Care Action

College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland & Labrador

College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The 2023 Spruce Budworm Control Program is scheduled to begin this week at various sites in western Newfoundland and on the Northern Peninsula, subject to weather conditions. The program proactively targets populations of spruce budworm in an effort to prevent an outbreak of this destructive forest insect.

Aerial treatments will take place at designated forest treatment blocks at various locations north of the Bay of Islands, east of Gros Morne National Park and northward to the Plum Point area.

Up to 111,000 hectares of forest is scheduled to be protected using one or more applications of Btk, a biological control product commonly used in forest pest management that has been approved for operational use by the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Additional information about Btk is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website.

Program information including times, locations and maps associated with treatment activities will be available on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture 2023 Forest Insect Control Program website or by calling the Forest Insect Control Program Daily Update Line at 1-877-636-2996.

Public signage and maps of proposed treatment areas will be posted at forest access roads leading to planned treatment areas.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is congratulating students, educators and staff on the final day of classes of the 2022-23 school year and wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer.

This year, Newfoundland and Labrador public schools welcomed newcomers with increased English as a Second Language teachers and student assistants, and the addition of multicultural resources to school Library Learning Commons’. The Provincial Government continued its support of inclusive education with responsive teaching and professional learning. Educators in schools saw the reintroduction of provincial reading and mathematics assessments, increased French opportunities with bursaries for students, and an expansion of the Program Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for high school students with autism.

The integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Provincial Government is proceeding. The primary goal of integration is to give students the best experience possible in K-12. The school district will be integrated by December 31, 2023.

The 2023-24 school year will begin on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

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“As another school year closes, I wish everyone a safe and happy summer break with family and friends. Congratulations to all students, educators and staff for your hard work during this school year, and special congratulations to all graduates of the class of 2023. Thank you to educators for your steadfast dedication to students. Enjoy a much deserved break as we look ahead to the new school year.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, together with the Government of Canada, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation, and the Town of Burgeo, will be in Burgeo tomorrow (Friday, June 23), to make an important announcement concerning protecting and conserving marine and coastal waters along the South Coast.

The event will take place at the Burgeo Fire Hall,148 Reach Road beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Minister Davis will be joined by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada; the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and MHA for Burgeo – La Poile; Chief Misel Joe, Miawpukek Mi’Kamawey Mawi’omi (Miawpukek First Nation); Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation; and His Worship William Bowles, Mayor of the Town of Burgeo.

A call-in option, via phone, will be available to media unable to attend in person. Members of the media can RSVP by contacting the Parks Canada media relations team at pc.media@pc.gc.ca.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to inform residents that the home heating supplement program is open for applications until November 30, 2023. As announced in Budget 2023, maintaining the home heating supplement for furnace or stove oil is part of how government continues to help with the cost of living. The Provincial Government has provided more than a half billion dollars in targeted short- and long-term measures since March 2022.

Residents can apply online. In order to ensure the most efficient processing time, please make sure your application is complete. This includes:

• Providing a copy of your invoice for the purchase of furnace or stove oil, which should include the delivery address;
• Signing your application; and
• Double-checking that the social insurance number provided is correct.

Printed materials to display in common areas can be downloaded here. Also, if a resident has an older parent or family friend who may be eligible for the program, please encourage them to apply.

Nearly 28,000 applications to the home heating supplement program were received last fall. Those residents are welcome to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. The supplement, which ranges between $200 and $500, is available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2022 was $150,000 or less and who have directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their principal residence.

For more information, please email OilSupplement@gov.nl.ca or phone 709-729-4645 (toll-free 1-844-729-4645).

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The Government of Canada has mandated provinces to update carbon tax rates and remove exemptions to align with federally proposed changes for 2023 to 2030.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador disagrees with the federal approach, which includes, among others, the removal of carbon tax exemptions on home heating fuel, municipal operations, and intra-provincial aviation.

As a result, the Government of Canada is imposing its federal fuel charge (the backstop) on Newfoundland and Labrador; and the province is repealing its legislation and will no longer collect carbon tax as of July 1, 2023.

As of 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2023, wholesalers and retailers of carbon products should cease to charge the provincially administered carbon tax.

Retailers should also record their inventory of carbon products and may apply for a refund of carbon tax paid on those inventories through the following application – Carbon Retailer Refund Application (July 1, 2023).

More information is available online.

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As part of an ongoing commitment to position Newfoundland and Labrador as a globally preferred location for green economic investment, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced details of the Provincial Government’s new Green Transition Fund.

The Green Transition Fund will provide support to projects for businesses, organizations, post-secondary institutions and industry associations, as well as other collaborative efforts to assist with the province’s transition to a green economy.

As part of the restructuring of its agreement with the Provincial Government in May 2022 to restart the West White Rose project, project partners committed $100 million to establish a Green Transition Fund. The annual payment begins at $6 million in 2023 and increases to $12 million in 2033 and 2034.

Program guidelines for the fund were developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders and are targeted to meet industry expectations for green investments across all relevant industry sectors. Contributions may be used to support continued, expanded or new operations in the province that have a special focus on:

• Raising awareness;
• Conducting commercial research and development;
• Developing new markets; and
• Other initiatives supporting the green economy.

Program guidelines are available for viewing on the departmental website. Applicants are able to apply for funding under three categories of Rural, Indigenous, and General. Under these streams, the program will provide financial support in the form of non-repayable funding as follows:

• Commercial/Non-Commercial requests: $75,000 minimum to $3 million maximum (Indigenous and rural projects have no minimum project size).
• Non-Commercial project funding will not normally exceed 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
• Commercial funding will not normally exceed 40 per cent of eligible project costs.

The Green Transition Fund will commence with a call for Expressions of Interest that will be released in the coming days. The program will evolve and adapt to emerging trends within the green economy to effectively meet the needs of the stakeholders.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to attaining an effective, sustained and timely transition to a green economy, and to realize our net zero goals. The Green Transition Fund will invest in projects and initiatives that focus on the greening of commercial operations, research and development, manufacturing and extractive resource development, and other areas that enhance the green economy supply chain and production effectiveness. This will propel forward the development of renewable energy and clean technologies and position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in the global green transition.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Newfoundland and Labrador has the necessary strategic assets to fuel the energy transition on a global scale. From our world-class renewable energy resources, to our emerging international clean fuels and energy storage hubs, to our rich cache of critical minerals, our province has a clean energy advantage that well-positions us internationally. Investments like the Green Transition Fund will help ensure that we both meet our net zero objectives and reach our economic growth potential.”
Kieran Hanley
Chief Executive Officer, econext

“The Green Transition Fund immediately becomes an important tool to help Energy NL members already engaging in the renewable sector, or considering doing so, to ready for the many opportunities coming our way in the near future. With our abundant energy resources, Newfoundland and Labrador stands to be a leading player in the energy evolution and a preferred provider of clean energy. The Green Transition Fund is just one example of cross-sectoral support to achieve our shared objectives of clean energy production within a green economy.”
Charlene Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, Energy NL

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Green Transition Fund Program Guidelines

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a performance audit of the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to the House of Assembly. The audit reports on findings and recommendations regarding the Corporation’s grant, loan, investment, and COVID-19 support programs and whether the programs were effectively managed and administered. The audit period was June 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021.

The audit concluded that the Corporation did not effectively manage all aspects of its grant, loans, and investment programs, thereby increasing the risk that ineligible businesses were supported or that funds were used for incorrect purposes. It was found that grant programs were not effectively managed and that applicants’ eligibility was not always confirmed, clearance checks not always completed, and cross-departmental coordination lacking.

The Corporation did manage its loan and investment assessment processes well. However, it did not manage executing and issuing loans and investments effectively. It was found that the required documentation to ensure applicants were not in arrears with government was not always obtained nor were financial checks always completed.

It was found that COVID-19 programs did not receive effective oversight, and as a result, some businesses received more funding then they were entitled to, while financial support was also given to ineligible organizations. There were also inconsistencies between the Corporation’s public and internal guidelines, which resulted in inconsistency across applicant funding decisions.

The audit full report, as well as an audit overview, can be found by visiting: www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“The public trusts that government departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations are conscientious stewards of public funds. The public also assumes that there are policies and guidelines in place that ensure programs operate effectively and efficiently. My hope is that the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, as well as the Departments of Industry, Energy and Technology, and Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will pursue the recommendations outlined in my report in order to avoid similar issues with existing and future programming.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

The post Auditor General Releases Performance Audit of the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Provincial Government announced the recipients of the 2023 Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

The Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes primary, elementary or secondary teachers in all disciplines who have demonstrated innovation in instruction and a commitment to preparing their students for future success.

The 2023 Premier’s Award recipients are:

• Wendy Marsh, Peacock Primary, Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• Brigitte White, École C.C. Loughlin School, Corner Brook ;
• Joanne Broders, Smallwood Academy, Gambo;
• Denise Hogan, Carbonear Collegiate, Carbonear;
• Peter Constantine, Paradise Elementary, Paradise; and
• Yvonne Dawe, Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation, St. John’s.

The Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

The following are the 2023 Minister of Education’s Award recipients:

• Rhonda Martin, Cloud River Academy, Roddickton;
• Perry Hann, Corner Brook Regional High, Corner Brook;
• Cameron Snow, Exploits Valley High, Grand Falls-Windsor;
• Danielle Doyle, Carbonear Collegiate, Carbonear;
• Gregory White, St. Kevin’s High School, Goulds;
• Penny Pinsent, St. Mary’s Elementary, St. John’s;
• Tara Reid, École St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s;
• Mathieu Laviolette, École des Grands-Vents/École Rocher du Nord, St. John’s; and
• Tonya Kearly Russell, Holy Trinity High, Torbay.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education will present the awards to the recipients at a ceremony this coming fall.

The Teaching Awards were established in 2021 to acknowledge the leadership role that all educators play in the lives of students.

Quotes
“Congratulations to the 2023 recipients for your important contribution to teaching in our province. Our government is thankful for the steadfast dedication to the educational experiences of students. I extend warm wishes to this year’s winners on their hard work, and thank all of our teachers in our public school system for their contributions every day to education.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our school system benefits from the commitment of our teachers to improve outcomes for students. The 2023 recipients deserve recognition as they bring innovative and thoughtful ideas to support students through all aspects of their learning experience, including learning outcomes and social and mental health.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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