Government of Newfoundland News

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.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media today (Thursday, December 17) to discuss the decision by pension regulators to wind-up of Wabush Mines Pension Plans. Availability will begin at 4:00 p.m. outside of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

Service NL

The provincial Superintendent of Pensions, Michael Delaney, will brief media today (Thursday, December 17) about the decision by federal and provincial regulators to wind-up the Wabush Mines union and non-union pension plans. The briefing will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Collective Bargaining Boardroom located on the main floor of Confederation Building, East Block.

Service NL

The provincial Superintendent of Pensions advises that the provincial Superintendent of Pensions and the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions have made a joint decision to wind-up the union pension plan sponsored by Wabush Mines. The provincial Superintendent of Pensions has also declared the wind-up of the company's non-union pension plan.

Finance

The Provincial Government is fulfilling its commitment to reverse the request for pensioners to pay back pension overpayments they received and cease any and all ongoing collection efforts.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Short days and long, cold nights during the holiday season mark the arrival of the worst of winter in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that the MV Veteran has arrived in Fogo Island-Change Islands, having departed St. John's harbour at approximately 6:15 p.m. yesterday evening.

Executive Council

Their Honours, the Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Patricia Fagan, will host a Christmas Levee on Sunday, December 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Government House. This event is open to the general public. The Christmas Levee will be in place of the New Year's Day Levee.

House of Assembly

Members of the House of Assembly, who were elected in the provincial general election held on November 30, will be sworn-in at a ceremony in the House of Assembly Chamber, Confederation Building, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18.

House of Assembly

An orientation session for Members-elect of the 48th General Assembly will be delivered on Thursday, December 17, in the House of Assembly Chamber. The session will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Member.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador today publicly released mandate letters, which ministers received after being sworn in. In the letters, Premier Ball outlines his government’s priorities and gives ministers direction for each department.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Christmas lights are a common sight in Newfoundland and Labrador during the holiday season.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ed Ring, has released his Report A-2015-010 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

Justice and Public Safety

The crackling sound of a wood stove or fireplace is a key part of the holidays for many families in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, it is important to enjoy these fires safely because they can quickly turn destructive or even deadly.

Executive Council

Today at Government House, the Honourable Dwight Ball was sworn in as the 13th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Premier Ball's Cabinet of 12 ministers were also sworn in.

Executive Council

A swearing-in ceremony for the Premier and Cabinet will take place on Monday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the Dining Room at Government House.

Justice and Public Safety

The use of candles is popular during the holiday season but these open flames are a common cause of home fires.