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Updated: 4 hours 41 min ago

Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Address Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 07:55

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2024 at the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade luncheon today (Tuesday, March 26).

The event will take place at Greenwood Inn and Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook, and Scott Reid, MHA for St. George’s-Humber.

Budget 2024 is focused on transforming our health, our economy and our province. More information is available here.

The Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade serves entrepreneurs and the business community of Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, and Humber Valley.

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Media Advisory: Health Care Infrastructure Announcement in Deer Lake

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 15:09

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber – Gros Morne, will make an announcement related to health care tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26) in Deer Lake.

The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex.

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

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Media Advisory: Ministers to Announce Funding at Centre for Research and Innovation

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:50

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will announce funding to support skills development, Tuesday, March 26, at the Centre for Research and Innovation, 1 Mill Road in Corner Brook. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m.

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Provincial and Federal Governments Sign Bilateral Agreement to Improve Health Care Over Three Years

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:25

Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced a bilateral agreement to invest almost $256 million to improve health care access and services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the Working Together Agreement, the Government of Canada will provide nearly $256 million to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s three-year action plan to deliver improvements to its health care system. The plan will:

  • Expand access to family health services
  • Increase health workers and health services to reduce backlogs
    • Institute models of care that address surgical backlogs and increase access to health services, including by expanding orthopedic surgeries in Carbonear.
    • Support models of care that enable health care providers, including pharmacists, to expand their scope of practice by prescribing more medications.
    • Pilot a new physician assistants program and continue to increase midwifery positions across the province.
    • Increase the number of targeted incentive programs for difficult to fill positions and increase programs designed to increase retention of health care workers, including programs to support career development.
    • Add new undergraduate medical education seats and new Family Medical Residency positions for international medical graduates at Memorial University.
  • Increase mental health and substance use services
    • Increase the number of people with access to mental health teams.
    • Improve access to services for rural and Indigenous communities and offer community-based services, substance use support, and innovative online mental health services.
  • Modernize health data systems to ensure more patients can access care
    • Increase the number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who can access their own health record electronically.
    • Expand virtual care for rural and remote communities.
    • Implement a province-wide emergency response dispatch centre.

Progress on these initiatives and broader commitments will be measured against targets which Newfoundland and Labrador will publicly report on annually.

Through this new agreement, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will work with the Government of Canada to improve how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to; streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals; facilitate the mobility of key health professionals within Canada; and fulfill shared responsibilities to uphold the Canada Health Act to protect Canadians’ access to health care based on need, not the ability, to pay.

Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador also commit to meaningfully engaging and working together with Indigenous partners to support improved access to quality and culturally appropriate health care services. Newfoundland and Labrador’s action plan is informed by continued engagement with its Indigenous partners and supported by trilateral discussions involving the Federal Government. All levels of government will approach health decisions in their respective jurisdictions through a lens that promotes respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Government will continue working together to improve health services for all patients across the province, including responding to the needs of rural, remote, Indigenous and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.

Quotes
“We are proud to be transforming health care in Newfoundland and Labrador based on the recommendations of Health Accord NL. We are grateful for agreements with the Federal Government, such as this Working Together Agreement, that allow us to build on what we have already accomplished and to continue to create more family care teams, recruit more health care professionals, and increase health care services to more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our best-in-class recruitment efforts are working. Family care teams and virtual care are ensuring more people get the care they need when the need it. We are increasing supports and access to mental health and addictions services to those most in need. By working together with our Federal partners and our stakeholders, we will continue to lead in modernizing and transforming health care, for the betterment of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This agreement marks a significant advancement for our health care system, promising improved care for residents and improving the overall resilience of our health care infrastructure. Tailored to Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique requirements, this agreement ensures enhanced health care services for all residents.”
Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health

“Under the Working Together agreement, we’re partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador to improve mental health and substance use services for residents, including Indigenous communities, focusing on culturally informed care to improve access to quality and timely mental health and substance use supports. Together, we must ensure that all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
Honourable Ya’ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

“From the tip of the Torngats to St. John’s Harbour, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians young and old need quality health care. This plan will make sure folks have access to the care that meets their needs, in communities large and small.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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Official Candidates for the Fogo Island-Cape Freels By-Election

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:55

Candidate nominations closed at 2:00 p.m. today, March 25, for the Fogo Island-Cape Freels By-Election. The three officially nominated candidates are as follows:

Electoral District Name: Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Fogo Island-

Cape Freels BLACKMORE, Dana Liberal Party GILL, Jim New Democratic Party McKENNA, Jim Progressive Conservative Party

Advance polls will be open on Monday, April 8 (8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.).

By-Election day is Monday, April 15 (8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.).

Special Ballot voting is also available for anyone who would like to avail of the option. Electors may request a vote by mail kit online, or they may vote in person by Special Ballot at the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador’s headquarters (24 Stavanger Drive) or the district Returning Office (Fire Hall, 34 Aspen Main, Aspen Cove), until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

For more information, call the Fogo Island-Cape Freels Returning Office at 709-690-1563, Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987, or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications & Training Manager
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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Public Advisory: Employers Reminded of Minimum Wage Increase, April 1

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 13:00

The Provincial Government is reminding employers the minimum wage will increase by 60 cents to $15.60 per hour, effective April 1, 2024.

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Public Advisory: Update on COVID-19 Spring Booster Campaign

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:10

The Provincial Government is offering a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine as a spring booster dose to specific populations identified by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. These populations include:

  • Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors.
  • Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or treatment.

The vaccine will be available until May 1, 2024.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who do not meet the criteria above and have not received a booster dose during the fall 2023 campaign still have access to COVID-19 vaccines. Please visit our website for eligibility.

Individuals can book appointments by visiting TimeForTheShot.ca. Individuals can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies.

The COVID-19 vaccine remains an important tool to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 as well as reducing the risk of severe disease.

Public Health continues to monitor the evidence and evolving epidemiology of COVID-19 and will provide additional guidance as needed.

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Provincial Government Announces Call for Nominations for Premier and Minister’s Teaching Awards

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:30

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is today announcing the opening of nominations for the fourth annual 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 Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have gone above and beyond to support the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

These awards recognize teaching excellence in areas that are meaningful and impactful for K-12 students in Newfoundland and Labrador. Information on the awards is available here and the deadline for submissions is April 19, 2024.

Quotes
“Educators in this province continue to demonstrate exceptional skills in teaching, innovation, and compassion. It is an honour and a pleasure to offer this opportunity for teachers to be recognized in such a prestigious manner, and to celebrate them alongside their school community for their outstanding work to support students’ educational experience.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Teaching Awards are just one way that our government aims to recognize the important contribution that teachers and educators make each day. I encourage students, teachers, colleagues and administrators to nominate an exceptional teacher in their school or community.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Premier and Minister Teaching Awards 2024

Prix de l’enseignement 2024

Recipients of 2023 Teaching Awards Announced

Annonce des lauréates des Prix de l’enseignement 2023

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Child and Youth Advocate Invites Feedback About Mental Health Services to Children and Youth

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 10:05

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is committed to ensuring children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador receive the best possible health services, including mental health services. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children and Youth (UNCRC) states that children have the right to the best health care possible. This includes mental health services, resources, and supports.

As part of its mandate, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate aims to ensure that the rights and interests of children and youth are protected and advanced and their views are heard and considered. The Advocate invites young people and families who have direct experience with the mental health system here in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as professionals and other stakeholders, to reach out to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate in confidence to share their experiences and ideas. Opportunities to meet with OCYA staff directly will happen throughout the province over the coming weeks.

“Since being appointed as the Advocate in 2022, I have become increasingly concerned about the mental health outcomes for children and youth in our province. As part of my role and the role of the Office, we have to be sure that mental health services are available, effective, responsive, and relevant to children and youth”. The Child and Youth Advocate, Linda Clemens-Spurrell.

If you are interested in participating, we welcome you to contact us using any of the following:

Email: office@ocya.nl.ca
Telephone: 709-753-3888
Toll Free: 1-877-753-3888
Text: 709-682- OCYA (6292)

In-Person: 193 LeMarchant Road, Suite 100, St. John’s

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Media contact
Wilma MacInnis
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888
wilmamacinnis@ocya.nl.ca

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Media Advisory: Federal Funding Announcement for Health Care

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 07:15

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, for an important health care announcement today (Monday, March 25), at 2:00 p.m.

The announcement will take place at the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook.

Premier Furey and the ministers will also be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and MHA for Corner Brook

There will be a media availability following the announcement.

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Statement from Minister Loveless on Fisheries Discussions

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:40

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, issued the enclosed statement regarding meetings held with FFAW and some of its harvester members.

“Earlier today, I met with Greg Pretty, President of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW), and some of the union’s harvester members to continue discussions regarding agreeable changes that will move the fishing industry forward for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly those in more rural communities.

I am pleased to share that it was a productive meeting that has led to positive outcomes intended to support FFAW harvesters, plant workers, and all stakeholders in our province’s valuable fishing industry. We all share the same goal of seeing an organized start to the 2024 fishing season.

Our government will continue to work with the FFAW, the Association of Seafood Producers, and other fisheries stakeholders on these and other issues in the fishery as we continue to recognize the value of the industry and the hard-working individuals working within it.”

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Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:30

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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Crown Zone 5 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment (2021-2025)

Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (Reg.2295)                                                                                                

The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 5 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2021-2025). The Project is proposed in Forest Management District 12, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of the Town of Badger, along Route 370. The amendment would include commercial and domestic harvesting over 1,980 hectares of land. This proposal would be within the overall Annual Allowable Cut for the Forestry Plan. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on March 21, 2024; the deadline for public comment is April 26, 2024, and the minister’s decision is due by May 4, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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

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Minister Crocker Announces Budget 2024 Creative Projects Fund for Year of the Arts

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:21

Artists and arts organizations make meaningful contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrancy, and the well-being of our communities. In continued celebration of the Year of the Arts and as part of Budget 2024, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is proudly announcing a Creative Projects Fund.

The fund is open to not-for-profit and for-profit professional arts organizations that have the creation and/or presentation of works of art as their primary activity. This includes professional arts organizations with a focus on performing arts; film, media, and digital arts; visual arts; literary arts; and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary arts.

The Creative Projects Fund presents a unique opportunity for professional arts organizations to pursue a single, large-scale and/or wide-reaching project of cultural significance.

Projects must meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Be presentation or market-ready in 2024.
  • Be delivered in multiple regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Be a new initiative or significant new extension of an existing project.
  • Have secured a minimum of 30 per cent of the total project cost (excluding any operational expenses) from non-provincial government sources at the time of application.

The Creative Projects Fund will be delivered by Celebrate NL. Submissions can be made beginning on Monday, March 25, and are due no later than May 15, 2024. Submissions will be considered as they are received.

More information can be found on Celebrate NL’s website.

Quote
“The Creative Projects Fund is an exciting way to tip our hats to the arts and cultural sector in this province. With this fund, we are enabling professional arts organizations to pursue their ‘big ideas’ for the Year of the Arts. I am certain we are going to see some incredible results. I encourage all interested organizations to get their submissions in ahead of the May 15 deadline.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Year of the Arts 2024

Celebrate NL

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Provincial Government Releases Personal Health Information Act Report

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:40

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today that the second statutory review of the Personal Health Information Act is complete.

The Department of Health and Community Services engaged INQ Consulting to assist with a statutory review of the Act to assess whether there should be changes to modernize the Act. A statutory review committee was established with representatives from INQ Consulting and officials from the Department of Health and Community Services.

The report outlines recommendations in the following areas:

  • Privacy protections
  • Access to health data and interoperability
  • Data and innovation
  • Monitoring and oversight
  • Consent
  • Literacy and Social license

The committee’s report is available at www.phiareviewnl.ca. The recommendations outlined in the report are currently being reviewed by the department.

The statutory committee consulted a broad range of stakeholders to ensure various perspectives were duly considered. Stakeholders included members of the public, Indigenous groups, patient councils, government departments and agencies in the province, associations, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The committee gathered information and opinions in a systematic manner that allowed stakeholders and individuals to bring forth the issues that mattered to them through the collection of written submissions, as well as survey responses.

Proclaimed in 2011, the Personal Health Information Act is required to undergo a review once every five years. The Act establishes rules that custodians of personal health information must follow when collecting, using, and/or disclosing individuals’ personal health information.

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“A review of the Personal Health Information Act helps us modernize the legislation and ensure that it continues to serve its purpose efficiently. This review and the valuable input provided by stakeholders will now help us determine next steps for the Act.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Public Consultations Beginning on Modernization of Personal Health Information Act

Statutory Review of Personal Health Information Act to Begin

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Public Advisory: Lane Reductions on Pitts Memorial Drive

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 09:00

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions on the CN Viaduct portion of Pitts Memorial Drive, beginning today (Friday, March 22) and will remain in place for the duration of the upcoming construction season.

The reduction is necessary to facilitate repair work on the bridge.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control.

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

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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-012 Released

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 14:45

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-012 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-2024-012 Report Date: March 20, 2024 Public Body: Executive Council Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to Executive Council for records relating to the submission to government and the subsequent public release of the Auditor General’s report about Memorial University. Executive Council located records and provided some of them to the Complainant, withholding some information under section 7(2) (conflict with other Acts) and section 30 (legal advice). The Commissioner found that Executive Council had met its duty to assist the applicant as required by section 13 of the Act, had conducted a reasonable search for records, and had properly applied the claimed exceptions to access. Accordingly, the Commissioner recommended that Executive Council maintain its position and continue to withhold the redacted information.

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

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Provincial Government Recaps Commitments on Fisheries Issues

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 13:00

The Provincial Government is highlighting its commitments and progress on fisheries issues that have been raised over the past week by harvesters in the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW).

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, wrote to Greg Pretty, President of the FFAW, on March 14, 2024, to request clarification of the position of the union regarding outside buyers. In a letter of March 15, 2024, the FFAW replied to indicate its support for allowing outside buyers on all species, requesting that processing capacity be raised by lifting the caps on processing licenses and issuing new processing licenses, and a comprehensive review of structural issues associated with the fishery.

The Minister responded to the FFAW on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, and the response letter can be found here.

In response to these requests, the Provincial Government has taken the following positions with the FFAW and harvesters:

  • Outside buyers: The Provincial Government initiated an application process for outside buyers on March 19, 2024, starting with the soon-to-be-opened snow crab fishery.
  • Processing capacity: The Provincial Government will increase processing capacity in the snow crab industry prior to the start of the 2024 snow crab fishing season. The extent of the increase and mechanism to achieve the increase will be informed by the final Total Allowable Catch (TAC), once announced by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
  • Review of the Fishery: Government committed to a review that will touch on all elements of the fishery and will include the FFAW in the planning of the review.

The Provincial Government continues to work hard with all those who support the sustainable management of our fishing sector. There are 17,000 seafood workers and 400 communities that rely on the fishery for their livelihood.

Quote
“Our Government has made significant commitments in response to requests from fish harvesters and their union. Some of these requests have been longstanding, and our Government has moved on each one of them. We will continue to engage with the FFAW, the Association of Seafood Producers, and all stakeholders as we move forward with a comprehensive review of the fishery.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Minister’s Letter to FFAW (March 19)

Expression of Interest for Outside Buyers in the Crab Industry

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Budget 2024 Makes Record Investments, Helps with Affordability, and Strengthens Finances

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 12:35

Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, released Budget 2024 – Transforming: Our Health. Our Economy. Our Province.

In Budget 2024, the Provincial Government is focused on transforming the province’s finances, while delivering:

  • No new taxes, tax increases or fee increases.
  • Continued focus on affordability during a time of higher interest rates:
    • Continuing the 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel;
    • Continuing the 50 per cent reduction in the cost of registering passenger vehicles, trucks and taxis;
    • Maintaining the home heating supplement for furnace and stove oil; and,
    • Continuing the elimination of the retail sales tax on home insurance.
  • Reducing the small business tax rate, as well as taking meaningful action to cut red tape and speed processes to support business and drive economic activity.
  • Record investments in health care, the well-being of seniors, poverty reduction, and housing.
  • Record investments in infrastructure for health, education, and housing.

Fiscal overview

  • Projected deficit of $152 million for 2024-25, which represents 1.5 per cent of revenues.
  • Balanced budgets are projected for each year in the multi-year forecast, extending to 2028-29.
  • Projected revenues for 2024-25 are $10.3 billion – an increase of 7.8 per cent and the highest in the province’s history.
  • Projected expenses for 2024-25 are $10.4 billion – an increase of 4.6 per cent.
  • Of the $10.4 billion in expenses, $510 million is 100 per cent federally funded.
  • Net debt is expected to be $17.8 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
  • The projected borrowing requirement for 2024-25 is $2.8 billion.
  • Current oil price projections are $US82 per barrel, while the Canada-United States exchange rate is forecast at 74.7 cents.
  • Oil revenues in 2024-25 are expected to represent 15 per cent of overall revenues compared to 33 per cent in 2011-12.

Economic outlook

  • Forecasts of economic indicators show Newfoundland and Labrador as having one of the highest rates of economic growth for 2024 among provinces.
  • Opportunities in the green energy, low carbon oil, mining and aquaculture industries are expected to boost economic activity over the forecast period.
  • Real GDP: forecast to increase by 5.1 per cent in 2024, primarily due to a rebound in oil and nickel production.
  • Total employment: forecast to increase by 0.9 per cent in 2024.
  • Unemployment rate: expected to remain on par with the record low in 2023 at 10.0 per cent in 2024.
  • Household income: expected to increase by 4.9 per cent in 2024.
  • Retail sales: forecast to increase by 2.8 per cent in 2024.
  • Population: projected to rise by 0.8 per cent in 2024, continuing the strong growth seen in 2023.
  • Capital investment: expected to increase by 3.0 per cent to $9.6 billion in 2024.
  • Inflation: forecast to be 2.6 per cent in 2024.

Transforming the province’s finances

  • Focusing on balanced budgets – the provincial deficit has decreased from $1.5 billion in 2020-21 to $152 million estimated in 2024-25.
  • Contributing $72.4 million to the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund, bringing the total contributions to $358.8 million.
  • Creating sinking funds when new bonds are issued, so that money is put aside to be used only for repaying the principal of the bonds at maturity.
  • Working to lower the cost of borrowing through opportunities such as the European borrowing program so the province has the option to issue bonds beyond the Canadian market.
  • Strengthening liquidity, so that we have the cash reserves available to meet obligations.
  • Fixing the financing of the inherited Muskrat Falls Project through a $5.2 billion rate mitigation agreement with the Government of Canada.

More details on Budget 2024 investments and economic projections are available online at gov.nl.ca/Budget2024.

Quote
“As a government, we are transforming the province’s finances as we work towards a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, sustainable province. We are continuing to help residents and businesses with affordability measures and making record investments in health care, seniors, housing, poverty reduction, and infrastructure. At the same time, we are focusing on balanced budgets and setting aside money to pay for our debt.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
gov.nl.ca/Budget2024

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<p>The Information and Privacy

Wed, 03/20/2024 - 14:02

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-011 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-2024-011 Report Date: March 19, 2024 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for the contents of an RNC investigation file. The RNC provided the records, with some information redacted claiming section 30 (legal advice), section 31 (disclosure harmful to law enforcement) and section 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant filed a complaint with our Office. The Commissioner found that the RNC had conducted a reasonable search, had reasonably refused to allow the Complainant to view part of the record in person, and had properly withheld some of the information under sections 30 and 31. However, the Commissioner disagreed that section 31 or section 40 applied to other redacted passages, and declined to consider the applicability of other exceptions that were claimed by the RNC late in the investigation process. The Commissioner recommended that the RNC continue to withhold some of the redacted information, but disclose the remainder to the Complainant.

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

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Public Advisory: Budget 2024 Delayed Due to Safety Concerns

Wed, 03/20/2024 - 09:40

The Provincial Government is advising that the delivery of Budget 2024 has been delayed due to an unsafe environment in which fish harvesters are preventing public service employees from entering the Confederation Building Complex.  Presently, the conditions are unsafe for employees and visitors to the complex, and there is a threat of violence.

The Provincial Budget is significant to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and includes spending on such key matters as health care, education, seniors, and improvements to infrastructure, as well as industry and businesses.  It will be delayed until further notice.

While the Budget is being delayed, the functions of government operations will continue with employees serving communities and people throughout the province.

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