Government of Newfoundland News

Environment and Conservation

The Terra Nova Bridge in the T'Railway Provincial Park remains unsafe and is closed to all users. Unfortunately, vandals have removed the barricades and signage on the bridge informing the public of the closure. While the department attempts to replace these safety mechanisms as soon as possible, the public is reminded that the bridge is unsafe to use.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Athletic Excellence Fund, which provides financial support for provincial athletes, coaches and officials, is now accepting applications for 2016.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Fireworks are a common sight during the holiday season, especially on New Year's Eve. While certainly entertaining, fireworks are not toys. These explosive devices must be used correctly in order to minimize the risk of fire.

Executive Council
Finance

Today the Provincial Government announced immediate actions to begin to address the difficult fiscal reality the province is facing. These measures include a comprehensive review of the Muskrat Falls project as well as adjustments in hiring, discretionary spending, re-allocation of savings, use of consultants and travel.

Executive Council
Finance

Addressing the new fiscal reality facing Newfoundland and Labrador is the top priority for the Provincial Government. Today the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, released the province’s 2015-16 Fiscal and Economic Update. The projected deficit has been revised to $1.96 billion, an increase of $869.5 million over the Budget 2015-16 projection of $1.093 billion.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Smoke alarms save lives, but only when correctly installed and properly maintained.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Fire extinguishers are a great way to quickly put out small fires before they become larger and more destructive.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will join with graduates, parents and teachers for Crescent Collegiate's Annual Diploma and Awards Night.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, will provide the 2015-16 Fall Fiscal and Economic Update for the province tomorrow (Tuesday, December 22). The news conference will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building.

Executive Council
Natural Resources

Today, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the Provincial Government will undertake an independent review of the cost, schedule and associated risks for the Muskrat Falls Project.

Natural Resources

Today, the Muskrat Falls Oversight Committee released a review of cost and schedule management processes and controls related to the Muskrat Falls Project. The review, undertaken by EY, formerly Ernst & Young LLP, and Nalcor’s response, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/MFoversight/

Transportation and Works

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Transportation and Works, was joined by Derrick Bragg, MHA for the District of Fogo Island-Cape Freels, as well as local officials from Fogo Island and Change Islands to officially welcome the MV Veteran to its new home on the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The vessel is the province’s newest ferry and will serve approximately 150,000 passengers annually on the Fogo Island and Change Islands ferry route.

Executive Council
Natural Resources

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, will make an announcement today (Monday, December 21) regarding a review of the Muskrat Falls Project. The announcement will take place in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the following Parliamentary Assistant and Parliamentary Secretary appointments.

Service NL

Service NL advises an information session will be held for Wabush Mines pension plan members tomorrow (Saturday, December 18) at 3:00 p.m. in the basement of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Wabush. The session will provide information to plan members about the wind-up of the Wabush Mines pension plans. The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Service NL, will attend the session, and will be joined by Graham Letto, MHA for Labrador West.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Seniors today enjoy improved health and greater activity. Yet, according to the National Fire Protection Association, seniors are twice as likely as the general population to be injured or killed in a home fire.

Finance

The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, will attend a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial finance ministers. The meeting will be in Ottawa, Ontario, December 20-21.

Environment and Conservation

The Department of Environment and Conservation advises the public that Butter Pot Provincial Park is now open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Children and youth are often the centre of attention during the holiday season. As families enjoy a variety of Christmas activities, they should keep fire safety top of mind.