Government of Newfoundland News

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The following Reports have been released under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Summaries of the Reports are included below.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at the 2015 Pearl Awards Ceremony for Urban Design and Gardens tonight (Tuesday, November 3). The event will take place at Mount Pearl City Hall in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation will announce new regulations under the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities tomorrow, (Tuesday, November 3) at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place at Easter Seals House, 206 Mount Scio Rd, St. John's.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that the traffic delay scheduled for today (Monday, November 2) at the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Happy Valley-Goose Bay has been postponed to tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.

Justice and Public Safety

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced this year’s appointments to Queen’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Health and Community Services

Down Syndrome Awareness Week is being recognized from November 1 to 7 in Newfoundland and Labrador. The week is an opportunity to spread public awareness and focus on the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Education and Early Childhood Development
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

A new gender neutral washroom that supports inclusive learning environments has recently been completed at the Murphy Centre. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development was joined today by Minister Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and members of the Murphy Centre to tour the school.

Executive Council

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today released the fourth annual progress update as committed to in the 2011 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans. The Action Plans establish the Provincial Government's strategic approach for adapting to the impacts of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating a major shift in the uptake of energy efficiency. More than half of the 75 commitments under the plans have been completed.

Natural Resources
Finance

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the framework for the Provincial Government’s enhanced generic offshore oil royalty regime.

Transportation and Works

A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued to identify efficiencies and greater cost-effectiveness for Information Communication Technology (ICT) services within government and public sector entities such as phone lines, cell phone services, Internet access and data networks.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will assist apprentices in acquiring the work hours and experience they need to advance their careers. Effective immediately, this MOU is the result of an agreement-in-principle signed by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia during the 2015 summer meeting of Canada's premiers.

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced changes to the current governance model for Nalcor Energy, the province’s energy company including its subsidiary Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Justice and Public Safety

Under section 13.5 of the Fatalities Investigations Act, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety is required, within 60 days after receiving a report from the Child Death Review Committee (CDRC), to make public those recommendations relating to:

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement today (Monday, November 2) regarding changes to the current governance model for Nalcor Energy, the province’s energy company including its subsidiary Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. The announcement will take place in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government continues to make progress for the provision of an Electronic Medical Record with the awarding of a contract to TELUS Health Provider Solutions and an agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) to establish a framework that will govern the implementation and management of a provincial EMR program.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Provincial Government is providing $166,275 to the Town of St. Lawrence to expand the St. Lawrence Miners' Museum to enhance the tourist experience. The initiative is being driven by a strong partnership including Three L Training and Employment, Island Rock Jewelry and Crafts, and the St. Lawrence Historical Advisory Committee. The initiative is being driven by a strong partnership including Three L Training and Employment, Island Rock Jewelry and Crafts, and the St. Lawrence Historical Advisory Committee and will contribute to new business opportunities for the region.

Executive Council

The Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) held its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards gala last night. For the past 18 years, NLOWE has recognized women whose successful businesses contribute to the provincial economy and their communities. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, spoke at the event.

Natural Resources

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, will announce the details of the Provincial Government's new generic offshore oil royalty framework on Monday, November 2. The announcement will take place in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Minister Dalley will be joined by Graham Kellas, Vice President, Global Fiscal Research, Wood Mackenzie.

Transportation and Works
Education and Early Childhood Development

Planning and design work for five school projects will get underway with the conclusion of a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued this past August. The Provincial Government has awarded four contracts, valued in total at approximately $4.7 million, for various K-12 infrastructure projects for the communities of Paradise, Witless Bay/Mobile, Shoal Harbour and Conception Bay South.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that short traffic delays may be experienced while crossing the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 1:00 p.m. on both Saturday, October 31 and Monday, November 2.