Government of Newfoundland News

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it will be following up on the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations contained in the recent performance audit report Memorial University Facilities Management.

The Committee met with the Auditor General this week to discuss the findings and recommendations in the report, which contains concerns regarding policy weaknesses, poor space management practices, questionable deferred maintenance procedures, lack of oversight, and mismanagement of funding specially designated to address current and future maintenance needs.

The Public Accounts Committee will be contacting Memorial University in the near future to request an action plan for implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations, and to advise that officials may be requested to appear at a future public hearing on these important matters.

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“The Public Accounts Committee shares the concerns of the Auditor General and is committed to ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador respecting Memorial’s responsibility to guarantee the effective use of public money. We commend the Auditor General and her team for their work on this audit, and we look forward to the co-operation of Memorial University in conducting our follow-up on these matters.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair of Public Accounts Committee

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Learn more
Public Accounts Committee – Work and Proceedings

Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Principal Clerk of Committees
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will make an announcement regarding actions to support gender-based violence prevention in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The announcement takes place tomorrow (Thursday, January 23) at McSheffrey Resource Centre, 10 McSheffrey Lane, St. John’s, at 11:30 a.m.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-002 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-2025-002 Report Date: January 21, 2025 Public Body: Town of Point of Bay Summary: The Complainant made an access request to the Town of Point of Bay on September 20, 2024 under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Town did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access to the Complainant. The Commissioner found the Town had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist the applicant) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Town respond to the Complainant’s request without further delay, comply with its statutory duties in future, obtain training, and apply for extensions of time when necessary.

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

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing information to the public regarding resources available to help access the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit. Information will also be provided to support stakeholders.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the first Well-Being Province and the Provincial Government is committed to building a more inclusive and accessible society, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone to participate fully.

In June 2024, the Provincial Government announced the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit, which includes two components:

• A monthly benefit of up to $400 per month to those who qualify ($4,800 annually).
• A $1,200 annual contribution to a person’s Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

There is no application required for the monthly benefit or the annual Registered Disability Savings Plan contribution. If a person files their taxes and receives the  Federal Disability Tax Credit, payments will be made automatically to qualifying persons.

Eligibility is based on income level for persons aged 18-64 for the monthly benefit and 18-49 for the Registered Disability Savings Plan benefit. The Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit will not impact any other provincial financial supports that persons with disabilities may receive.

The first monthly payment will occur in July 2025 and people will need to be in receipt of the Disability Tax Credit to receive this payment. Administrative details on how the Registered Disability Savings Plan contribution will be made are being determined and will be communicated when finalized.

To find out more about how to apply for the Disability Tax Credit and learn more about the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the following resources are available:

• Disability Tax Credit Support – Independent Living Nova Scotia.
• The Plan Institutehas a website dedicated to Canada Disability Benefit and RDSP, and offers one on one support for Disability Tax Credit applications. They can also be contacted at 1-844-311-7526 or at helpline@planinstitute.ca.

For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit, click here.

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Further resources for these and other Federal or Provincial benefits: 
Disability benefits – Canada.ca
Disability tax credit (DTC) – Canada.ca
Income Support
Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement
The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
Seniors’ Benefit

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Minister of Housing, is recognizing Bell Let’s Talk Day today (Wednesday, January 22).

The 2025 Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign focuses on supporting youth mental health and includes a text-to-donate campaign to raise funds for six youth mental health providers, including: Integrated Youth Service, Jack.org, Kids Help Phone, National Association of Friendship Centres, Strongest Families Institute and Youth In Mind Foundation.

The Provincial Government remains committed to supporting children and youth to achieve their full potential and encourages everyone to be a part of the campaign by taking meaningful steps to nurture mental wellbeing for themselves and others.

Individuals and families, including children and youth, seeking mental health services are reminded that help is available, including:

• 811 – Provincial HealthLine: 24/7 mental health and addictions advice and support by trained crisis interveners.
• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 for telephone and text support for children and youth, including professional counselling, information and referrals, available 24/7.
• Lifewise Warm Line: Call 1-855-753-2560 for support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers.
• Doorways Mental Health Walk-in Clinics: Access rapid, same-day, walk-in, or phone service. Call 811 to find a location near you.
• Bridge the gapp: For online support and more information about programs and services near you, visit Bridge the gapp, for a full suite of e-mental health and addictions services.
• Strongest Families Institute: Call 1-866-470-7111 or visit strongestfamilies.com for telephone and/or online mental health support for children and youth, ages 3-17 years old, their families, and adults.
• 988 – Federal Suicide and Crisis Line.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310, or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca for immediate support and crisis intervention for Indigenous people across Canada.

The Provincial Government continues to build upon the work of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador to improve the mental health and well-being of the province. Work also continues on recommendations from the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador and Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“Bell Let’s Talk Day is a great opportunity to learn about and raise awareness of the importance of fostering positive mental health, which impacts everyone, including children and young people. I encourage everyone to take the time to nurture your well-being, check in on your loved ones and reach out if you need help.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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Learn more
Bell Let’s Talk Day

Mental Health and Addictions Services

Bridge the gapp

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Alcohol Action Plan: Reducing Harms and Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a performance audit report to the House of Assembly on Memorial University’s facilities management. Today’s report contains findings and recommendations regarding Memorial’s inability to efficiently manage systematic infrastructure issues; findings on inadequate policies and procedures intended to guide deferred maintenance; as well as details on the mismanagement of funding specially designated to addresses current and future maintenance needs.

“Memorial has a responsibility to ensure the best use of public money across its entire operation. We found weaknesses in organizational structures that reduced Memorial’s ability to adequately manage its facility requirements. Furthermore, Memorial did not effectively manage deferred maintenance and it was discouraging to find that regular preventative, as well as deferred maintenance, were not done at the appropriate and recommended times, which would have maximized the benefits of available funding,” commented Denise Hanrahan, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Memorial University lacked the policies, procedures, and oversight to ensure student-funded campus renewal fees were used appropriately. In addition, Memorial was unaware of the amount of space it was occupying or leasing during a time when it not only had a surplus of space; underutilized space; buildings that required maintenance; it was also constructing a new Core Science Building. Memorial’s footprint grew from 3.8 million square feet in 2012 to 5.1 million square feet (35 per cent) in 2023, while the student population decreased by 1.4 per cent over the same period.

“The deficiencies and risks I have identified in this audit are about choices. Remedying these issues is also about dedicated effort and strategic choices, especially given there is almost $100 million needed for critical maintenance” continued Auditor General Hanrahan. “As with my last audit, gaps in policy and processes; as well as inadequate oversight, have the potential to create risk and diminish the University’s ability to properly plan for the future.”

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

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www.ag.gov.nl.ca/reports/all-reports

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

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The Provincial Government is holding information sessions this week to address the Federal Government’s recent cuts to the 2025 allocation of economic immigration spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador.

These sessions will provide a detailed analysis of the announced changes and their potential impacts on businesses and organizations in the province.

Information sessions will be held on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, January 22, at 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, January 23, at 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, January 24, at 10:00 a.m.

Any business, labour organization, or community group interested in attending an information session can register by emailing immigration@gov.nl.ca with their preferred session. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. The deadline to register is Thursday, January 23, at 12:00 p.m.

A link to join the session will be provided prior to the briefing.

Further information sessions will be held with specific stakeholders, with invitations to be issued directly.

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Today, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced a suite of funding programs for this year’s Year of Sports initiative.

During this exciting year and in the lead up to the Canada Games in August, the Provincial Government and Celebrate NL will deliver five different funding programs with the aim of increasing access to sport for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and supporting sport organizations.

• The Sport and Recreation Access Fund will provide up to $10,000 for eligible aquatic facilities and arenas to provide free swims and skates. Celebrate NL will open applications for this fund on January 27, 2025.
• The Community Sport Fund will provide funding to municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments to support community events and initiatives that increase sport and active recreation for individuals of all ages. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation will open applications for this fund on January 27, 2025.
• The Enhanced Active NL Fund will see an additional $400,000 added to the Active NL fund annually to develop, deliver, purchase or upgrade active living infrastructure, equipment and initiatives. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation will open applications for this fund on February 7, 2025.
• The Special Projects in Sport Fund will provide up to $10,000 to eligible Sport NL organizations for new initiatives that increase sport and active recreation. Celebrate NL will open applications for this fund on March 20, 2025.
• The Sport Capacity Fund will provide a one-time increase in funding to recreation and sport delivery partners to support operations and capacity building during Year of Sport. Eligible organizations will be notified in April 2025.

In late 2024, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced that 2025 would be the Year of Sport to align with the province’s hosting of the Canada Games. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has proudly supported sport in this province through an investment of approximately $50 million toward the Games.

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“The Year of Sport presents a wonderful opportunity to enhance access to sport for residents of this province and to support the fantastic organizations that support the sport community. It is our hope that the funding programs outlined today will increase opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become more active, helping us improve overall well-being and achieve the goal of becoming the healthiest province in Canada by 2031.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Premier Furey Announces 2025 will be the Year of Sport in Newfoundland and Labrador

Celebrate NL

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Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, will deliver a performance audit report on Memorial University’s Facilities Management to the House of Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21, 2025).

A technical briefing for media will take place on Tuesday, (January 21, 2025), beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the Office of the Auditor General’s boardroom, 43 Major’s Path, St. John’s.

Media representatives planning to participate are asked to RSVP to Chrysta Collins (chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca).

The Auditor General will be available to the media beginning at 1:00 p.m.

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

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The Fire Services Division, through the Department of Justice and Public Safety, advises municipalities and local service districts (LSD) that applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs.

Applications for 2025-26 funding programs will be accepted until Monday, March 31, 2025. This annual funding program requires municipalities and LSDs to apply yearly; previously submitted applications will not be accepted.

The Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment Funding Programs provide funding flexibility for municipalities and LSDs to purchase vehicles and equipment through cost-shared funding criteria.

Fire Protection Vehicle Program
For new vehicles, the cost-shared ratios are based on community population:

• (80/20) – less than 3,000 residents
• (70/30) – 3,000-7,000 residents
• (60/40) – greater than 7,000 residents

For used vehicles, the cost-shared ratio is 90/10, up to a maximum provincial contribution of $100,000.

A maximum fixed cost-shared contribution of $100,000 is available to those municipalities or LSDs that do not require additional provincial assistance to acquire a new vehicle. Vehicles eligible under this fixed cost-shared contribution include pumpers, pumper rescues, aerials, tankers, or rescue vehicles.

Fire Protection Equipment Program
The cost-shared ratio for equipment is based upon unit pricing quotes obtained by the requesting municipality or LSD. The Fire Services Division evaluates applications and recommends the type and quantity of the most suitable equipment to meet the requested fire protection needs.

Eligible equipment includes portable pumps, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), cylinders, hoses, nozzles, personal protective equipment such as bunker clothing, rubber boots, gloves, helmets, and hoods, extrication tools, communication equipment, thermal imaging cameras, air compressors/purification systems, fill/fragmentation systems, cascade systems, and ladders.

There are 280 volunteer fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador, served by approximately 6,000 volunteer fire fighters.

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“Support for fire services is a priority of our government. We doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment, and I encourage municipalities and local service districts to apply for this critical funding by March 31 to better help serve and protect their residents.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Learn more
Vehicle Program

Equipment Program

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The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology will join junior exploration companies and prospectors active in the province at one of the country’s premier mining conferences this week. Officials are in Vancouver, B.C., for the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup Conference from January 20-23, 2025.

AME Roundup is the second largest international exploration and mining conference in Canada, with 6,000 to 7,000 attendees expected from around the world. The department and its industry partner, Mining Industry NL, have been attending AME Roundup for more than 25 years. Local companies planning to join the department at the conference include Maritime Resources Corp., New Found Gold Corp., Red Paramount Iron Ltd., and Krinor Resources Inc.

At the conference, the department will promote Newfoundland and Labrador’s many successful mining ventures, as well as up-and-coming exploration projects, to a wide range of potential partners and investors. The province’s modern regulatory system coupled with its world-class critical mineral potential makes Newfoundland and Labrador an enticing place for mining investors.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral industry continues to be a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. The activity in 2024 resulted in approximately $4.6 billion in mineral shipments, $258 million in exploration expenditures, and employment of approximately 8,000 person years.

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“AME Roundup is one of the key mining events in Canada. Our department’s participation allows us to promote critical mineral potential and attract new investments in exploration and development, in alignment with our Critical Minerals Plan. It is a chance to reinforce relationships with existing clients and investors and make important new connections with potential investors and clients.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
AME Roundup

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-001 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-2025-001 Report Date: January 17, 2025 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant made an access request to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for specific records that the Complainant had themselves created and provided to the RNC. The RNC refused to disclose the information, on the ground that it was excluded from the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 by the operation of section 5(1)(m) (expressing a suspicion of guilt of an identified person) and also on the ground that it was personal information contained in a law enforcement record, under section 40(4). The Commissioner concluded that the RNC failed to prove that section 5(1)(m) applied to the records, and that section 40(4) did not apply to information created and provided by the Complainant herself. The Commissioner therefore recommended that the records be disclosed.

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

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The Provincial Government is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Job Creation Partnerships program. This year will feature the following pay for workers to reflect Employment Insurance (EI) and minimum wage rates:

• Supervisor or high-skilled positions – $695 per week (e.g., project supervisor, qualified carpenter or program manager)
• Moderately skilled positions – $670 per week (e.g., museum interpreter, administrator or program coordinator)
• Labourer or lower-skilled positions – $624 per week (e.g., labourer, office clerk or maintenance worker)

The Job Creation Partnerships program is designed to support projects that provide EI eligible individuals with opportunities to gain work experience to improve their employment prospects. Employers can apply online.

While the final deadline for applying is June 15, 2025, applicants are encouraged to apply early as approvals will begin to be issued after March 31, 2025.

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

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:
Veterans Memorial Bridge Quarry                                                         (Reg. 2336)
Proponent: Nunatsiavut Construction Inc.
The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2336/.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC REVIEW:
Burin Peninsula EverWind Green Fuels Project                               (Reg. 2321)
Proponent: Everwind Fuels
The proposed Burin Peninsula EverWind Green Fuels Project is undergoing an environmental assessment and an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required. The Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has prepared draft EIS Guidelines that identify information that must be included in the EIS. The public is invited to review these guidelines and provide written comments by February 26, 2025. Comments received will be considered before final EIS guidelines are issued to the Proponent.

More information on the project is available on the department’s website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2321/

Written comments must be submitted by February 26, 2025, to:
Eric Watton
EAC Chair
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700 St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Email: 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

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

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will announce funding programs for the Year of Sport on Monday (January 20). The event will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre, 35 Carrick Drive, St. John’s.

Minister Crocker will be joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Member of the House of Assembly for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, and Steve Martin, Executive Director of Recreation NL.

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Changes to the eligibility criteria for the Provincial Government’s Aging Well at Home Grant and the Caregiver Benefit will help more seniors remain in their homes and help caregivers provide assistance to seniors.

Changes to the eligibility criteria include increasing the annual income threshold for both programs to:

• $32,000 for single applicants (previously $24,999).
• $49,000 for couples (previously $34,999).

The deadline to apply for the Aging Well at Home Grant has been extended to February 28, 2025.

Through the Aging Well at Home Grant, eligible low-income adults over the age of 65 can receive $400 per year to help with the costs of household and health care services such as snow clearing, grocery delivery, and prescription delivery.

NL Health Services administers the Aging Well at Home Grant and the Caregiver Benefit.

For more information on the Aging Well at Home Grant:

• visit centralhealth.nl.ca/aging-well-grant-and-caregiver-benefit
• email Well@nlhealthservices.ca
• call 709-651-6273

If you previously applied to the Aging Well at Home Grant, it is not necessary to re-apply. Your application will be reviewed and processed with the information already provided.

The Caregiver Benefit provides $400 per month to eligible caregivers who provide significant unpaid assistance to low-income seniors with complex care needs as determined by a clinical assessment.

For more information on the Caregiver Benefit:

• Eastern Urban:
  • visit: easternhealth.ca/find-health-care/caregiver-benefit/
  • email: hussey@nlhealthservices.ca
  • call: 709-752-4361

• Eastern Rural:
  • visit easternhealth.ca/find-health-care/caregiver-benefit/
  • email clericalhoh@nlhealthservices.ca
  • call 709-229-1638

• Central Zone:
  • visit centralhealth.nl.ca/aging-well-grant-and-caregiver-benefit
  • email intake@nlhealthservices.ca
  • call 709-651-6324

• Western Zone:
  • visit nl.ca/caregiver-benefit/
  • call 709-634-5551

• Labrador-Grenfell Zone:
  • visit lghealth.ca/your-health/programs-and-services/population-health/community-health/home-and-community-care/
  • email pike@nlhealthservices.ca
  • call 709-931-2450 ext. 9317263

If you previously applied for the Caregiver Benefit, you can contact your case manager to determine if you are eligible.

Expansion of the eligibility criteria for the two programs is based on feedback from the public and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and is intended to further support healthy aging and improved well-being of seniors.

Quotes
“As a government, we remain committed to supporting seniors in our province to age well with dignity and independence. Expanding the eligibility criteria for these initiatives helps ensure that more seniors can benefit from these programs and remain in their homes longer.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Expanding eligibility criteria for the Aging Well at Home Grant and Caregiver Benefit will help improve access to supports and services for seniors to age with dignity. Our government is focused on the well-being of seniors in our province and are working to ensure seniors have the ability to remain healthy, active, citizens living in age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development

“Improving access to services that support well-being is a priority for Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services. We welcome the expanded program criteria, which will enable more seniors from across the province to access the Aging Well at Home Grant. This funding can assist with the costs of household and health-care services, and ultimately support eligible seniors to live and age well in their own homes.”
Darla King, Vice-President of Transformation Well-Being
NL Health Services

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Learn more
Seniors Health and Well-Being Plan

Wellbeing NL

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The first Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit payment of 2025 will be issued Monday, January 20, along with the federal Canada Child Benefit payment. The early childhood component of the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement will also be issued.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit is a tax-free amount of up to approximately $150-170 per month per child under 18 years of age, depending on family size and income, to help low-income families with the cost of raising children.

The early childhood component of the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement is an additional benefit of $150 per month per child for eligible families with children under the age of five to help with the cost of nutritious food. After the child is born, this benefit is provided to low-income families by the Provincial Government in addition to the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit in a single monthly payment included with the Federal Canada Child Benefit.

The prenatal component of the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement helps with the cost of nutritious food during pregnancy. It is delivered separately by the Provincial Government and is also issued next week. While pregnant, you can apply for the Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement by calling 1-800-508-4788 or filling out an online application at the link below. Once a child is born, both provincial benefits are automatically added to your Canada Child Benefit.

For more information, or to find our if you are eligible to receive either of these Government of Newfoundland and Labrador benefits, follow the links below:

Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit
Prenatal-Early Childhood Nutrition Supplement

For a list of payment dates, please click here.

To receive benefits, eligible individuals must ensure their annual income tax return is filed. If you need help filing a tax return and are in receipt of Income Support, please call a Client Services Officer at 1-877-729-7888. Any person in low income who needs help filing their Income Tax can go to http://canada.ca/taxes-help or call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800- 959-8281.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will hold a media availability today (Thursday, January 16) to respond to the Federal Government’s 2025 economic immigration spaces allocation for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

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The Policing Transformation Working Group is reminding residents that the survey to help shape the future of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador is available until Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

This survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be found here.

The survey was developed as a part of public engagement efforts to hear from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about policing services in the province. It was established with feedback from community partners such as City of St John’s, End Homelessness St John’s, End Sexual Violence, First Light, Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, Public Legal Information Association of NL, Stella’s Circle, Thrive and Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The survey is administered by Quality of Care NL, an applied health and social systems research and evaluation program based at Memorial University. Quality of Care has advanced expertise in public engagement and survey development, including management of the public engagement process for Health Accord NL.

For any questions about the survey or if you require assistance in completing the survey, please email policingtransformation@gov.nl.ca.

The Provincial Government established the Police Transformation Working Group in 2023.

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“I encourage residents to avail of this confidential survey and share their opinions of policing in our province. The Working Group has already received tremendous feedback, with over 3,200 surveys completed. I thank those who have already taken the time to provide their input to help guide efforts to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive the most effective and efficient policing services possible.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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SURVEY: Shaping the Future of Policing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Minister Hogan Launches Policing Transformation Initiative

Quality of Care NL

 

 

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As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing issues of housing and homelessness, the Provincial Government is providing funding to the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub to support their work in establishing a service hub in the area. The Provincial Government is providing the Hub with more than $117,000 for operational expenses and pre-development costs as it works to finalize details of the model and structure of the hub, which is anticipated to offer a range of housing supports and services.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander, today joined His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander, and members of the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub to discuss next steps in their efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.

This project is part of the Town of Gander’s New Beginnings Proposal to address critical housing needs in the community. The Hub has engaged a consultant to solidify the project scope, based on an evaluation of current and future needs in the region. It is anticipated that the consultant’s work will be completed by spring 2025 and will provide critical guidance on next steps.

The Hub will be the latest step in a concerted response to homelessness in the region. In August, the Provincial Government announced the creation of a Transitional Housing initiative on Airport Boulevard, supported by a one-time investment of $430,000 and $859,000 in operating funding. Overseen by the Central Residential Services Board, this initiative will provide up to 15 individuals with transitional housing beds to help bridge the gap between homelessness and stable housing.

The $117,000 provincial investment includes more than $67,000 in new funding, as well as $50,000 through the Community Housing Growth Fund, announced in December 2024.

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“This latest funding to the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub is a sign of our ongoing commitment to their efforts to address homelessness in the central region. My thanks to the Board, to Mayor Farwell and the town council, and to my colleague Minister Haggie for their continued collaboration in supporting the most vulnerable in the region.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“I am pleased to be a part of this announcement and would like to thank the Housing and Homelessness Hub and the Town of Gander for their vision and perseverance.  Along with wraparound services from many community partners, these first steps along the housing continuum are a move in the right direction for individuals, families and our community.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander

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More Projects Approved under Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund

Provincial Government Investing in Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander

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