Government of Newfoundland News

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has reduced the maximum load limit for vehicles on Pitts Memorial Drive to 15 tonnes (15,000 kgs) between 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. 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. Failure to pay this fine could result in imprisonment of no more than 30 days, but at least two days.

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

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Weight Restrictions to be Implemented for Pitts Memorial Drive appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-019 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-019 Report Date: April 24, 2024 Public Body: Office of the Premier Summary: The Complainant made two requests under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Office of the Premier for travel and other expenses. The responses provided were not satisfactory, and the Complainant filed a complaint, suggesting that there was a political motive for the inadequate response. The Commissioner found the responses were inadequate and the Premier’s Office had failed to comply with its obligations under the Act, in particular the duty, under section 13, to make every reasonable effort to assist an applicant in making a request and to respond without delay to an applicant in an open, accurate and complete manner. The Commissioner found there was no evidence to support the Complainant’s allegation, although the Premier’s Office had not provided a convincing explanation for the way in which it handled the requests. The Commissioner recommended that the Premier’s Office take steps to develop policies to adequately respond to questions about all forms of payment, whether reimbursement or remuneration, to the Premier and Premier’s Office officials, in the manner required by the Act.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-019 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-018 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-018 Report Date: April 24, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. In its final response, the Department indicated no responsive records were found. Dissatisfied with the response, the Complainant filed a complaint with this Office and during the investigative process, the Department took further steps to search for records. After reviewing submissions from both parties, the Commissioner found the Department met the reasonable search requirement as required by section 13.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-018 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will bring greetings at the third annual Pope Youth Film Festival taking place tonight (Thursday, April 25).

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at The Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth Street, St. John’s.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at the Third Annual Pope Youth Film Festival appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is sharing his condolences following the passing of broadcast legend Bob Cole.

“On behalf of the Provincial Government, I send my sincere condolences to the family of legendary broadcaster Bob Cole.

The passing of the voice of Hockey Night in Canada is a loss not just for a nation of dedicated hockey fans, but it is especially poignant for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

He was an incredible man with an incredible voice. Hearing him call games played by our heroes allowed us to dream and to realize that we could achieve great heights in any endeavour and on any stage.

While his impact on the world of hockey was immense, he was something extra special for this province.”

-30-

The post Premier Furey Shares Condolences on the Passing of Bob Cole appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services:

 Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize a significant milestone as we transform health care delivery in our province.

Two new urgent care centres are being added in St. John’s to provide timely access to care, reduce pressures on emergency departments, improve patient flow and resource allocation, and enhance the overall patient experience.

One urgent care centre will be located on Stavanger Drive and the other will be located near the intersection of Topsail Road and Blackmarsh Road.

Both new locations will include publicly funded health care provided by professionals employed by NL Health Services and are anticipated to open next year.

Mr. Speaker, we’ve all heard stories of people waiting lengthy periods in emergency department waiting rooms.

Patients who need urgent care for non-life-threatening health issues, such as sprains and strains, will be able to visit an urgent care centre to receive that care and will not have to wait behind patients who require emergency care, such as life-threatening health issues.

Urgent care services will play a crucial role in service delivery by providing timely and accessible care for non-life-threatening medical issues. Urgent care services are already being provided in Whitbourne and St. Lawrence and are supporting the delivery of health care in those areas.

Along with our actions such as establishing mobile primary care teams, expanding virtual care, and implementing the recommendations made by the Provincial Surgical Task Force to reduce surgical wait times, we are taking significant steps to reimagine our province’s health care system.

Thank you, Speaker.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Osborne Recognizes the Health Transformation Through Urgent Care Centres appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize that April 22 was Earth Day.

This year’s theme was Planet vs. Plastics.

Plastic pollution continues to pose a critical threat to our ecosystems, human health and our planet.

This week, officials from Newfoundland and Labrador are participating in the fourth meeting of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Ottawa, working toward a first-of-its-kind global agreement on plastic pollution by the end of next year.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, our government has been proactive in our commitment towards preserving our environment.

Last year, 180 million beverage containers were diverted from landfills through recycling programs in the province.

Our government will continue to advance sustainable waste management through a range of initiatives. I encourage everyone to find more ways to recycle plastics and reduce consumption in our homes and daily lives.

No action is ever too little.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Davis Recognizes Earth Day appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-017 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/reports/.

Report: A-2024-017 Report Date: April 23, 2024 Public Body: City of Mount Pearl Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the City of Mount Pearl for records related to an investigation of allegations of inappropriate behavior on the City’s property. The City responded by providing 45 pages of responsive records. The Complainant asserted that the City’s search was incomplete and that it had not disclosed all responsive records. This Office found that the City met its duty to assist the Complainant pursuant to section 13 of ATIPPA, 2015 but recommended that the City contact a former employee who may have records related to the request.

-30-

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-017 Released appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education:

Speaker, last week our government had the honour of recognizing 20 of the province’s young leaders – recipients of this year’s Research Inspired Student Enrichment Awards, better known as the RISE Awards.

RISE Awards recognize some of the province’s best and brightest Level II students who excel at the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math.

RISE Award recipients receive tuition and support to attend one of three summer enrichment programs:

• the Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
• the Boston Leadership Institute in Massachusetts;
• or the Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program at the University of Toronto.

We are pleased to report the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology expanded the number of award recipients this year from 15 to 20. We are also pleased to report that this year we saw the most applications ever. It is impressive to see students from all over this province excelling academically. Since 2011, 183 students have attended one of these programs as a result of the RISE Awards.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the 2024 recipients:

• Shalom Alemu
• Jassem Almutawa
• Noah Butt
• Hannah Cameron
• Frank Chen
• Daniel Cheng
• Christopher Donovan
• Lauren Farrell
• Adhira Ganesh
• Nancy Hassan
• Orpa Hawlader
• Felisha Hutchings
• Ella Ilijanic
• Meaghan Lee
• Madison Malone
• Molly Malone
• Natalie Mitchell
• Winner Nwachukwu
• Sarah Ryan
• Tara Stuckless

To all the recipients, congratulations! There is no limit to the potential of your growth. Thank you to all who work hard to make this annual event a success.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Congratulates Recipients of 2024 RISE Awards appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will speak at the Central MinEx Mineral Industry Showcase tomorrow (Thursday, April 25). Minister Parsons will discuss mining potential in central Newfoundland and the outlook for mining in the region.

The event takes place at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

MinEx is a three-day symposium that will promote dialogue featuring industry thought leaders, technical experts, suppliers and the local business community to exchange ideas and ignite new opportunities in the mineral exploration and development sector.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Speak at MinEx Mineral Industry Showcase appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, today announced more than $619,000 for 40 accessible community projects that will help communities support the well-being of residents.

Municipalities, Inuit Community Governments, and Local Service Districts were eligible to apply for Accessible Communities Grants, which were announced in January 2024.

The grants provide funding at a 90/10 cost share with the community. All the approved projects assist in funding initiatives and small-scale infrastructure projects that specifically focus on building active, healthy, accessible communities.

A list of the approved community projects can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“I was pleased to see such interest in the Accessible Communities Grants, with 40 community projects being approved to help enhance the overall well-being of residents. These grants will help continue to build more inclusive and sustainable communities throughout the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Accessible and inclusive communities benefit individuals of all ages and abilities by strengthening connections, providing equitable opportunities for everyone to thrive, and improving overall well-being. It is wonderful to see the positive impact of the Accessible Communities Grants that will support 40 community projects across Newfoundland and Labrador and help build a province where everyone is able to participate fully.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

-30-

Learn more
Applications Open for Accessible Communities Grants – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

New Accessible Communities Funding Supports Well-Being of Residents – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

Health Accord for Newfoundland & Labrador

Follow us on X @MPA_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Recipients of Accessible Communities Grants

 

Community Applicant  

Project Arnold’s Cove Accessibility Upgrades to Community Centre Cartwright Hiking Trail / Boardwalk Extension Change Islands Community Centre Accessibility Upgrades Chapel Arm Community Centre Accessibility Upgrades Clarke’s Beach Park Accessibility Improvements Colinet Town Hall Accessibility Upgrades Come By Chance Accessibility Upgrades to Municipal Buildings Corner Brook St. Mary’s Avenue Complex – Accessible Pathways Cottlesville Community Centre Accessibility Project Cupids Cupids Trails Surfacing Upgrade Fermeuse Community Walking Track and Multipurpose Area Accessibility Upgrades Ferryland Town Hall Accessibility Upgrades Fogo Island Inclusive Spaces Make Happy Faces Fox Harbour Fox Harbour Pathway to Inclusivity Gambo Sensory Inclusion Trail Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook Community Centre Accessibility Upgrades Grand Bank Accessible Washrooms at Town Facility Greenspond Walking / Hiking Trail Accessible Upgrades Happy Valley-Goose Bay Kinsmen Park Walking Accessible Upgrades Harbour Grace Accessibility Upgrades at Fire Brigade Social Building and Otterbury Schoolhouse Hawke’s Bay Accessibility Upgrades to the Torrent River Nature Park  and Walking Trail Heart’s Delight-Islington Marina Building Accessibility Upgrades Hopedale Walking / Hiking Trail Accessible Upgrades Humber Arm South Clarkes Brook Accessible Upgrades Labrador City Rubberized Surfacing Centennial Park Mary’s Harbour Community Centre Accessibility Upgrades Marystown Walk of Hope Meadows Accessible Upgrades to Municipal Building Parker’s Cove Facilitating Engagement and Social Inclusion in Parker’s Cove Point Lance Accessible Upgrades to Boardwalk Extension River of Ponds Accessible Upgrades to Walking Trail Phase 2 Roberts Arm Accessibility for All Roddickton-Bide Arm Accessibility Upgrades to Town Office and Fire Hall Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou Accessibility Upgrades to Walking Trail St. Bernard’s Jacques Fontaine Accessibility Upgrades to Walking Trail St. John’s Bidgoods Park Accessibility Improvements St. Lawrence Age Friendly and Accessible Green Space St. Mary’s Accessibility Improvements for Town Hall St. Paul’s Improve and Maintain Accessibility for all Trinity Bay North Municipal Building Accessibility Upgrades

 

The post Minister Haggie Announces Recipients of Accessible Communities Grants appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is inviting applications from community-based organizations to hold and promote events during Well-Being Week 2024. Scheduled for September 22-28, Well-Being Week is focused on creating awareness of the social determinants of health and how they contribute to an individual’s health and well-being.

Provincial Government investments and education are supporting the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In recent months, the Provincial Government has launched a Poverty Reduction Plan, a Seniors’ Well-Being Plan, and invested in housing that is affordable, child care, clean drinking water and many other areas that address the social determinants of health. It has also taken steps to create awareness of the importance of well-being and how it is influenced by physical, mental, social, economic and environmental factors.

The inaugural Well-Being Week took place in September 2023 with wide-ranging events throughout the province, including nature walks and cultural events.

To support organizations in hosting events during Well-Being Week, grants of up to $1,000 per organization are available. To qualify, community organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a community organization.
• Event description must align with the objectives of Well-Being Week.
• Event must take place during Well-Being Week.
• Must be willing to list event with description and event details on the Well-Being Week Events Calendar.
• Must be willing to have the event promoted through Government of Newfoundland and Labrador social media.

Applications may be submitted on WellbeingNL.ca.

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. Successful organizations will be notified by June 14, 2024, and will be asked to provide complete event details and descriptions by August 16, 2024, to ensure ample time for public promotion.

For more information on Well-Being Week grants or to submit your event for listing on the Well-Being Week Events Calendar, please visit www.wellbeingnl.ca or contact info@wellbeingnl.ca.

Quote
“As a government, we are working closely with our community partners to support the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and achieving our goal of becoming one of Canada’s healthiest provinces by 2031. I encourage our partners to pitch events and activities that help create awareness of well-being. Together, we can make Well-Being Week a truly provincial celebration and learn, engage, support and take action around the many factors that impact our health and our quality of life.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

Learn more
Why is Well-being Important?

What does Well-being Mean to You?

What is Well-being?

Why is Well-being important for your health?

Well-beingFollow us on X  @GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Applications Open for Well-Being Week Grants appeared first on News Releases.

To support community housing providers in the development of affordable housing projects, the Provincial Government is today announcing a partnership with the Community Housing Transformation Centre (CHTC) to establish a $1.5 million Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund.

The fund will support non-profit, co-operative and Indigenous organizations and registered charities pursuing the creation of affordable housing with planning and pre-development work, allowing them to take advantage of funding opportunities from all levels of government.

Organizations will be supported by CHTC’s program managers from their initial project conceptualization, with the goal of helping to shape project development and improve the rate of project success.

Funding is available to support a wide range of planning and pre-development activities, which often serve as a barrier for community housing providers to advance projects. Eligible expenses include:

• Professional appraisals
• Site surveys
• Planning fees
• Preliminary design
• Environmental site assessments
• Geotechnical reports
• Project drawings and specifications
• Construction cost estimates
• Quantity surveyors
• Contract documents
• Development permits
• Legal fees
• Hazardous materials assessment
• Consulting fees

The $1.5 million invested in the fund includes $1.25 million from the Provincial Government and a $250,000 contribution from CHTC.

The Community Housing Transformation Centre is a Canadian non-profit organization that was founded in 2018 by a network of organizations that represent and serve the needs of Canada’s community-housing sector. The group has supported a number of organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in recent years, including Stella’s Circle, the St. John’s Status of Women Council, The Gathering Place, Choices for Youth and End Homelessness St. John’s.

Groups interested in applying for support under the program can visit the CHTC website.

The Provincial Government continues to invest in the growth of the community housing sector. The Affordable Rental Housing Program includes conditional approval for seven affordable community housing sector projects that would see 130 new homes constructed in six different communities.

Quotes
“Through this partnership, we will empower community housing providers to overcome barriers that often stand in the way of moving important projects forward. Growing the community housing sector is key to increasing the overall supply of long-term affordable housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing

“We are very pleased to be supporting non-profit housing providers and co-ops through the new Community Housing Growth Fund. We are proud to be part of this important initiative to strengthen the community housing sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Stephan Richard
Development Director, Community Housing Transformation Centre

-30-

Learn more
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program

Follow us on X at @GovNL and @NLHousing

Like us on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Partnership to Support Growth of the Community Housing Sector appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) 2024 Annual Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24).

The event takes place at the St. John’s Convention Centre, 50 New Gower Street. The Minister will be speaking at 1:00 p.m.

NLOWE provides programs and services that connect and support women within Newfoundland and Labrador to start, grow and advance their businesses.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Pam Parsons to Bring Greetings at NLOWE Annual Conference appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the two crew members from Lark Harbour who were taken from us just days ago while fishing for lobster. Our thoughts are with the community and all those affected during this difficult time. The loss of these two valued members of the community will deeply impact the lives of families, friends, and everyone with a connection to the fishing sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our thoughts are also with the survivors. This terrible disaster reminds us that though fishing is an honourable occupation, those who make their living on the ocean face significant risks every single time they head out to the fishing grounds – and it reminds us how valuable the industry is in our province.

Newfoundland and Labrador has experienced great loss on the ocean, and this tragedy will leave an indelible mark on the province’s historical fishing industry. We are confident our tight-knit fishing community will continue to provide support and comfort for friends and family as they mourn the loss of their dear friends and loved ones.”

-30-

The post Premier Furey and Minister Loveless Extend Condolences to Family and Friends of Crew Members appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will participate in Braya Renewable Fuel’s celebration tomorrow (Wednesday, April 24).

The event takes place at the Come By Chance Refinery, 1 Refinery Road, Come By Chance, at 11:30 a.m.

Media representatives are requested to confirm their attendance by emailing kwhite@national.ca in advance for security purposes.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Parsons to Participate in Braya Renewable Fuel’s Celebration appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure:

Speaker, I rise today to highlight our commitment to advancing improvements in transportation infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, supported by our government’s unprecedented multi-year funding commitment.

With close to 10,000 kilometres of provincial roads and highways, we have once again developed a balanced approach for this year’s highway construction season, supported by an investment of $288 million in Budget 2024.

The Provincial Roads Plan is based on input from departmental engineers and the traveling public. Other significant factors in determining the list of highway construction projects include the impacts of climate change; commercial, industry, and tourism impacts; traffic volumes; and populations serviced.

Speaker, in recent weeks, we have already issued tenders for significant road improvements in areas including Jackson’s Arm, Cormack, Bay de Verde, Trepassey, Witless Bay Line, Bay d’Espoir, Labrador West, Burgeo and the Northern Peninsula, with much more on the horizon.

It is going to be a busy road construction season as we prepare to upgrade many roads, highways and bridges all over our province. The work we are doing will support communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and will help drive social and economic activity in rural and urban areas.

Thank you, Speaker.

The post Ministerial Statement – Provincial Roads Plan Facilitates Transportation Infrastructure Improvements appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, is announcing a call for applications for the 2024-25 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.

Age-friendly communities play a vital role in promoting overall well-being by addressing a wide range of needs across various aspects of life and supporting people of all ages and abilities to age well in the right place and participate meaningfully in their communities.

The program provides funding support to eligible incorporated municipalities, Indigenous Governments and Organizations and provincially incorporated not-for-profit organizations with an age-friendly mandate and includes:

• Up to $10,000 to conduct an age-friendly assessment or to implement aspects of an existing Age-Friendly Action Plan.
• Up to $15,000 for eligible communities including local service districts that take a regional approach.

To obtain a copy of the program guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The application deadline is May 27, 2024.

Communities/organizations that received funding through the 2023-24 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program include:

• Benoit First Nation Inc.
• City of St. John’s
• Flat Bay Band Inc.
• Placentia Chamber of Commerce
• Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity
• Town of Fogo Island
• Town of Gambo
• Town of Gander
• Town of Harbour Breton
• Town of Harbour Grace
• Town of North West River
• Town of Point Lance
• Town of Summerford
• Town of Torbay
• Town of West St. Modeste
• Youth 2000 Centre (Y2C) Corporation

For more information on last year’s recipients, please see the backgrounder below.

As part of Budget 2024, the Provincial Government is investing $95,000 for the program for 2024-25.

Quotes
“As a government we recognize the importance of improving the well-being of people in communities. Encouraging communities to become more age-friendly will provide a strong foundation for an inclusive and accessible province where everyone is supported to live and thrive. I encourage eligible municipalities and organizations to apply for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program and help build a province that fosters health and well-being across all ages and abilities.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Our province is home to diverse communities with residents of all ages. Supporting our communities to implement age-friendly initiatives improves the holistic well-being of residents and enables greater accessibility and inclusivity. I’m pleased to see the launch of the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program and encourage eligible communities and organizations to take full advantage of this program.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“For more than 10 years, Age Friendly Placentia, a community initiative of the Placentia Chamber of Commerce with support from the Provincial Government Age-Friendly Communities Program, has helped bridge generations by introducing and leading many age-friendly and intergenerational initiatives in the Placentia area. This has helped create an environment where seniors are respected for the valuable contributions they make and are given a chance to let their strengths and talents shine.”
Winnie Barry, Program Coordinator
Placentia Chamber of Commerce

-30-

Learn more
Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program

Follow us on X @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

2023-24 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program

Applicant Location Project/Plan Benoit First Nation Inc. Mi’kmaq communities on the island of Newfoundland Building Strong Age-Friendly Communities City of St. John’s St. John’s Voice of Seniors – Age-Friendly Cities Flat Bay Band Inc. Indigenous communities on the island of Newfoundland Determinants of Community Health Initiative for Aging People Placentia Chamber of Commerce Placentia Placentia Age-Friendly Bridging Generations Town of Centreville-Wareham-Trinity Centreville-Wareham-Trinity Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Town of Fogo Island Fogo Island Inclusive Spaces Make Happy Faces Town of Gambo Gambo Gambo Age-Friendly 2023 Reassessment Town of Gander Gander Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Town of Harbour Breton Harbour Breton Age-Friendly Rest Areas Town of Harbour Grace Harbour Grace Facility Upgrades at Otterbury Schoolhouse Town of North West River North West River Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Town of Point Lance Point Lance Veteran Hugs Town of Summerford Summerford Active For Life Town of Torbay Torbay Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Town of West St. Modeste West St. Modeste Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan Youth 2000 Centre (Y2C) Corporation Grand Falls-Windsor Together We Learn, Together We Grow

 

The post Applications Open for Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is pleased to welcome Uber, as it launches its ride-sharing service in Newfoundland and Labrador. Starting today, Uber is available for use by residents, businesses and visitors to the province.

In accordance with the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act, the province issued a Transportation Network Company (ride-sharing service) licence to Uber earlier this month.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador first announced the introduction of a provincial approach to ride sharing in October 2023. Legislative amendments to permit ride-sharing services to operate within the province came into effect on December 21, 2023.

More information about ride-sharing, including how to apply for licences, is available online.

Quotes
“As a bucket-list tourist destination, and with a growing reputation as a great place to do business, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes visitors from around the world. These travellers are used to having a variety of transportation options at their fingertips, and today’s announcement puts us on par with over 10,000 cities around the world where people can hail an Uber.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Uber has a great deal of experience with providing this type of service, which people, businesses and municipalities here have been asking for. We made the necessary changes to our legislation and took a provincial approach so ride-sharing operators can do business here. I’m pleased to welcome Uber as the first company to provide this additional option for residents and visitors who need and depend on reliable and safe transportation.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Just in time for a busy tourism season, we are excited to bring ride-share to Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents and visitors alike now have a safe, affordable and reliable option to help get them where they need to go, when they need to, and for those with a safe driving record, a flexible opportunity to earn money on their own time. We’d like to thank the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador for their support of rideshare.”
Michael van Hemmen
General Manager of Mobility of Uber in Canada

“This is a great day for the Newfoundland and Labrador business community. The introduction of ridesharing in our province was a truly collaborative effort between industry and government, and we are grateful for the province’s support in making this happen. We are pleased to welcome Uber and the opportunities it brings for residents and visitors alike to better support our local economy.”
AnnMarie Boudreau
CEO, St. John’s Board of Trade

-30-

Learn more
Premier Furey Announces Provincial Approach to Ride-sharing

Provincial Government Issues Ride-sharing Licence to Uber

Transportation Network Companies (Ride-sharing Service)

Follow us on X @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

 

 

The post Provincial Government Welcomes Uber appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is congratulating the winners of the 72nd annual Arts and Letters Awards Program. The awards were presented on Friday evening (April 19) during a ceremony at The Rooms.

This year, prizes totaling $46,700 were awarded in literary, music, visual arts and media arts sections. There were 30 winning entries in the Junior Division and 32 winning entries in the Senior Division, with an additional 27 Visual Art exhibitors chosen by the Curator at The Rooms, Mireille Eagan. A total of 618 entries were submitted for consideration for the 2024 program.

The Percy Janes First Novel Award, with the program’s top prize of $2,500, was awarded to Sabrina Pinksen for her novel, Those Who Stayed.

A detailed list of award recipients can be found in the backgrounder below. More information on the program and submission guidelines can be found here.

First launched in 1952, the Arts and Letters Awards Program is a renowned provincial program that encourages artistic creation and recognizes excellence through the awarding of monetary prizes, along with the opportunity for adjudication, to both emerging and established artists. Original creative work in literature, music, visual art, and media arts are eligible for submission annually.

Quote
“Since its inception in 1952, the Arts and Letters Awards Program has been a beacon of encouragement and celebration for artists from various backgrounds, experiences, cultures and traditions. Artistic expression stands as a cornerstone of our province’s cultural mosaic, serving as a powerful medium for vitality and wellness. Sincere congratulations to this year’s exceptional winners and applicants! Your dedication and creativity are invaluable in shaping and enriching the artistic landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

-30-

Learn more
Arts and Letter Awards Program

Follow us on X @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook 

BACKGROUNDER

JUNIOR AWARD WINNERS

Junior Poetry [15 and Under] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Maggie Burton, Randy Drover, Katie Vautour

Anastasia Saika-Voivod, A Snowman
Sadie Butt, These are my Summers
Mia Butler, Alignment
Logan Caines, What we Forget to See

Junior Poetry [16-20] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Maggie Burton, Randy Drover, Katie Vautour

Rhyann Sibley, Ramea, NL
Arielle Connors, Birdbrain
Michelle Woodfine, Sinking Out
Bridget O’Brien, The Graduate

Junior Prose [15 and Under] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Ainsley Hawthorn, Charlotte Jones

Isabella Sommerfeld, The Letters we Read
Caylee Smith-Stoney, What can I do?
Dylan Whitten, Finding Peter P
Maia McKeown, Forsea

Junior Prose [16-20] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Ainsley Hawthorn, Charlotte Jones

Tanish Bhatt, A Pawn’s Shadow
Léna Bernard Wills, Seluk’s Fable
Alicia Power, Growing Up
Brianna Russell, Black Hole

Junior French Literary ($350 prize)
Adjudicator: Agnès Mamet

William Lush, Les roses d’or, d’argent et de bronze

Junior Music [15 and under] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Justin Fancy, Ian Foster

Ethan Gough, Dead Bodies

Junior Music [16-20] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Justin Fancy, Ian Foster

Summer Bennett, Another Girl
Rebecca-Ann Bartlett, Wrong

Junior Visual Art [15 and under] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Daze Jefferies, Jessica McDonald

Ava Slaney Hearn, A Matter Of Time
Emma Coffin, Here in the Garden
Ava Caines, Orange Bliss
Adam Masek, Fungi

Junior Visual Art [16-20] ($350 prize)
Adjudicators: Daze Jefferies, Jessica McDonald

Bronwyn Fiske, Nice to Meet You
Kanto Ratsimandresy, Healing the Inner Child
Amy Parsons, Our Mechanized Future
Briagh Hogan, Haleine

Junior Media Arts ($350 prize)
Adjudicator: Jenn Brown

Jesse Carew, Your Cat
Nyah Williams, Oranges

SENIOR AWARD WINNERS

Senior Poetry ($1000 prize)
Adjudicators: Mark Callanan, George Murray

Matthew Hollett, Lobster Villanelle
Duncan Major, Three Voices
Allie Duff, Bleeding Through My Jeans at The Bonavista Foodland
Bernard N. Wills, Pictures

Senior Short Fiction ($1000 prize)
Adjudicators: Evan Careen, Renée Hackett

Ida Linehan Young, Never
Darren Ivany, The Banshee on Salmonier Line
Connie Boland, Cards Laid Out On The Table
Kirsti Mikoda, Pam Sunday

Senior Nonfiction ($1000 prize)
Adjudicator: Libby Creelman

Stephanie Morgan, Going Home
Sara Swain, Palimpsest
Christina Wells, The Third Line of my Haiku

Senior Dramatic Script ($1000 prize)
Adjudicators: Ruth Lawrence, Bernardine Stapleton

Santiago Guzmán, Seis Grados en Mayo
Cole Hayley, & They All Melt Into Their Carpets

Senior French Literary ($1000 prize)
Adjudicator: Agnès Mamet

Mohamed Madiou, Âme fanée

Percy Janes First Novel Award ($2500 prize)
Adjudicator: Sharon Bala

Sabrina Pinksen, Those Who Stayed

Senior Music ($1000 prize)
Adjudicators: Justin Fancy, Ian Foster

Alex Dinn, Fairweather Friend
Pat Sloan, Can’t Wait
Mark Hoyles, It’s Not Bad, It’s Just Fast
Madisan Dohaney, Erase Me

Senior Media Arts ($1000 prize)
Adjudicator: Jenn Brown

Jason MacDonald, Evolution of a Province

Senior Visual Art ($1000 prize)
Adjudicators: Marlene Creates, Kendall Sweeney, Anastasia Tiller

Wanita Normore Powell, Tranquil, Inviting Lights
Kathryn Welbourn, Gifts of St. Vincent’s
Cathy Driedzic, Panorama: Life on the Ria Formosa
Nasim Makaremi Nia, Tuckaway
Carolina Valverde Cardenas, Glow
Shane N. Dwyer, Political Landscape
Maggie Rex, August
Amber Gibbon, Up in Smoke
Nicole Travers, Nkamulamun (My Heart)
Louis-Christophe Villeneuve, Vase torus 2023
Shell Ledrew, Newfoundlander at Vimy
Ting Ting Chen, A Midsummer Morning’s Dream: A Self Portrait

The post Minister Crocker Congratulates 2024 Arts and Letters Awards Winners appeared first on News Releases.