Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will hold a media availability in response to the halting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans due to the January 6 proroguing of Parliament.

The availability will take place Tuesday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m. in the Confederation Building Media Centre, 100 Prince Philip Drive, St. John’s.

Minister Byrne will release his supplemental submission and recommendations to the committee so the search for solutions to rebuilding the Northern Cod stock can continue. Previously, the minister presented to the Standing Committee on the same issue on October 9, 2024 – www.ourcommons.ca/Committees/en/FOPO/Meetings.

Prorogation occurs when the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, issues a proclamation putting an end to a parliamentary session. When Parliament is either prorogued or dissolved, all committee activity ceases, and all orders of reference and committee studies lapse.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today introduced proposed legislation to amend the RNC Act, to replace the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission and establish a new process relating to police misconduct.

The new Act would replace the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission and establish a process relating to complaints of misconduct regarding RNC officers. The Law Enforcement Oversight Commission Act received second reading in the House of Assembly earlier today.

The Act would have new processes, with clearer timelines, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency for all complaints relating to RNC police discipline.

The Act provides for:

• Improved oversight of police discipline by an independent commission
• Initiation of an investigation without a complaint to address any systemic issues within the RNC.
• Publishing de-identified summaries of investigations, making the system more open and transparent.
• Establishing an appeal panel hearing that would be open to the public.
• Complainants to benefit from the assistance of a support person, who can assist with making a complaint on behalf of someone else, and,
• The process of making a complaint more accessible to the public.

This Act is a recommendation that comes from the Policing Transformation Working Group within the Department of Justice and Public Safety and feedback they received during consultations over the past year.

Quote
“Police officers hold a unique position of trust within the community and in order to maintain public trust in the agency, it is important that the matter of discipline have adequate civilian oversight. This proposed legislation establishes a clear, efficient and more transparent process for all complaints relating to police discipline. It will create a greater openness and transparency for the public and increased public confidence in the RNC.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Based on recent public interest in land transactions related to the acquisition of land for the new acute care hospital campus slated for Kenmount Crossing and the recent sale of land off Snow’s Lane, the Provincial Government is providing the following update:

Kenmount Crossing 
A total of 64.764 acres have been acquired from H3 Development for $23,274,700 million, including 10 acres of donated land, for the new acute care hospital campus slated for Kenmount Crossing. A third-party appraisal of the 10 acres of donated land determined a market value of $450,000 per acre, a value that applies to the remaining 54.764 acres as well. Government purchased the remaining 54 acres for $425,000 per acre. A copy of the appraisal can be found here.

Kenmount Crossing was determined to be the best site for the new facility, given it is the convergence of three of the largest municipalities – St. John’s, Paradise and Mount Pearl. In an effort to be transparent, the Provincial Government entered a Memorandum of Understanding with H3 so the site could be announced last fall before the land transaction was finalized.

Snow’s Lane
An appraisal of the land off Snow’s Lane was commissioned by the department in 2018 and determined a market value of $160,000. An upward adjustment of two per cent per year for the passage of time is typically applied, making the current land value approximately $176,000. The Purchase and Sale Agreement for $176,000 has been finalized, with the land transaction scheduled to close in May. A copy of the Purchase and Sale Agreement can be found here and the appraisal document can be accessed here.

The entire property is deemed landlocked with no access point from Snow’s Lane, Logy Bay Road or the Outer Ring Road. An access intersection for the property from the Outer Ring Road cannot be approved as per Transportation Association of Canada guidelines and Transportation and Infrastructure’s Highway Access Policy.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board Secretariat:

Speaker, I rise today as a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian to recognize our government’s new Buy from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada campaign.

Launched just weeks ago, this diverse, multimedia awareness campaign is designed to help businesses highlight their products and services and help consumers to easily identify Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian products.

The success of this campaign will depend on the actions that we take as a community, to buy from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada when possible. We have seen the power of the program as people promote, encourage, recognize and support buying local and buying Canadian.

Speaker, we have taken decisive action to assemble leaders of industry, community and labour to develop strategies for securing new trading partners that reduce reliance on the U.S. market for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses.

This collaborative approach aims to leverage the expertise and insights of various sectors to build a robust and diversified Team NL trade network.

As part of our action to identify new export markets for Newfoundland and Labrador products, we are leading a series of market development and expansion initiatives.

We will deepen our connections in Europe and abroad to grow our trading opportunities.

Let’s all work together on this campaign. With our Team NL and Team Canada approach, we are embracing new potential and reach.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, today announced an extension of the tax reduction on gasoline and diesel of seven cents per litre for the next year, until March 31, 2026. This maintains a lower price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (including HST.)

This reduction is one of many affordability measures established by the Provincial Government to support residents, families and businesses.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will also be continuing its 50 per cent reduction in the cost of registering passenger vehicles, and the home heating supplement program.

These affordability measures are in addition to the more than $750 million dollars in targeted short and long-term measures announced since March 2022, as detailed in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“The extension of the gasoline tax reduction is just one of the many ways we are supporting residents – all with the intention of building a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient and sustainable province.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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BACKGROUNDER

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced more than $750 million in targeted short- and long-term measures since March 2022 to help residents with affordability, including:

• No new taxes, tax increases or fee increases in the last three budgets.
• Cut the gas tax by 8.05 cents per litre (including HST.)
• Cut the cost of registering passenger vehicles in half and provided free driver medicals for people 75 and older.
• Introduced the home heating supplement and eliminated the retail sales tax on home insurance.
• Increased the income supplement and the seniors’ benefit.
• Increased the child benefit by 300 per cent and increased the nutritional supplement up to age five.
• Lowered child care costs from an average of $40 a day to $10 a day, with more than 11,000 children in $10 a day spaces saving families an estimated $6,300 a year for each child in care.
• Reduced the small business tax rate, introduced new tax credits, and increased the exemption threshold for the health and post-secondary education tax (HAPSET).

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will now be available to media at 12:15 p.m. today (Monday, March 3) to speak about this year’s affordability measures.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be available to media at 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, March 3) to speak about this year’s affordability measures. The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-009 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-2025-009 Report Date: February 28, 2025 Public Body: Town of St. George’s Summary: The Complainant made an access request to the Town of St. George’s requesting a letter referenced in the minutes of a council meeting. The Town responded to the request, refusing access on the grounds the contents of the letter were confidential. The Town did not cite an exception to access in its response. In a follow up to this Office’s investigation, the Town advised that it was withholding the letter under section 39 (disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party). The Commissioner found the Town had not met the three-part test to withhold the information under section 39 and recommended the letter be disclosed to the Complainant.

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

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-008 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-2025-008 Report Date: February 27, 2025 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Department of Justice and Public Safety obtained approval from the OIPC to disregard an access to information request filed by the Complainant. Subsequently, the Complainant filed an access to information request with the Department seeking records relating to the Department’s disregard application. The Department released some records but withheld 76 pages pursuant to section 41(c), which requires that records relating to the investigatory functions of a statutory office not be disclosed. The Complainant asserted that this section did not apply to the records that were withheld. Upon review of the records, the Commissioner agreed with the Department’s position and recommended that the records continue to be withheld.

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

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will be available to discuss a proposed legislation regarding the Law Enforcement Oversight Commission Act today (Monday, March 3).

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, at 1:00 p.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 12:30 p.m.

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Environmental Assessment Bulletin

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.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED: 

Moosehead Lake Quarry Extension                                                      (Reg. 2347)
Proponent: Iron City Services Limited

The proponent is proposing a 15-hectare quarry extension in Labrador West. The proposed quarry is located along the Trans-Labrador Highway 1.6 kilometres south of Moosehead Lake and 16 kilometres east of Labrador City. The extension is to their 6-hectare quarry site adjacent to the project. A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on February 27, 2025; the deadline for public comments is April 4, 2025; and the minister’s decision is due by April 13, 2025.

George’s Brook Quarry                                                                                                                                                         (Reg. 2346)
Proponent: Newman Construction & Agricultural Enterprise LTD.

The proponent plans to develop a new 2.25-hectare quarry at George’s Brook near Old Dump Road within an existing quarrying area. Activities would include clearing to access aggregate resources. The quarry would support an existing construction business. A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on February 28, 2025; the deadline for public comments is April 4, 2025; and the minister’s decision is due by April 14, 2025.

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 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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Below is a statement from the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, on East Coast Music Awards nominations

“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we are sharing our heartfelt congratulations to all nominees for this year’s East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs).

Newfoundland and Labrador is well-represented among the nominees, and we are speaking to each and every one of you when we say that your incredible talent, dedication, and hard work have not only earned you a place among the best musicians on the East Coast, but also serve as a testament to the rich and diverse musical landscape that defines our region. You are not only representing your craft but also inspiring future generations of artists who look to you as beacons of excellence.

We are so excited to host the 2025 ECMAs in St. John’s in May. This marks the first time in 10 years that our beautiful province will have the honour of welcoming this prestigious event. We are proud to showcase our vibrant local music scene, and we look forward to celebrating the immense talent of artists like you in our community.

Once again, congratulations to all the nominees. Whether you win or not, know that your artistry enriches our culture and elevates the voices of so many. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our community and the broader music industry.”

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange in Toronto, Ontario, from Sunday, March 2, to Wednesday, March 5.

Premier Furey will be addressing the Newfoundland and Labrador PDAC Reception on Sunday, March 2, at 5:00 p.m. (Ontario time). In addition, he will provide a keynote address at the Canada’s Atlantic Edge Program event on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The events take place at the InterContinental Toronto Centre, 225 Front Street West.

This year there are over 25 mining and exploration companies, six prospectors, and approximately 10 service and supply companies with affiliation to the province exhibiting and participating in a directed mining investment promotional program, as well as representatives from Indigenous Governments and Organizations.

PDAC is the world’s largest annual mining convention, attracting up to 30,000 attendees from over 100 countries, representing mining and exploration companies, investment funds, consultants, suppliers, and governments.

All Canadian provinces and territories attend, including delegations from First Nations groups across the country. The province has participated in in the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference for over 40 years, collaborating with Mining Industry NL in the trade show and hosting several prospectors to aid in promoting their projects to potential partners and investors.

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The Department of Health and Community Services has awarded 34 recipients with the 2024-25 Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants.

Aligned with recommendations of Health Accord NL, these grants provide funding of up to $10,000 to support eligible individuals, schools and community groups and organizations with initiatives that foster positive mental health and well-being and prevention of substance use and addictions.

Grant funding of more than $202,000 was awarded this year to successful applications that supported one or more priority areas of Our Path to Resilience and the Alcohol Action Plan. These include:

• Reducing harms and costs related to alcohol use, promoting safe alcohol consumption and training on prevention and treatment of alcohol related harms.
• Promoting life and preventing suicide through stigma reduction, public education and awareness and initiatives that build a sense of purpose belonging and hope.
• Collaborations between community organizations, individuals and health professionals to promote positive mental health and resilience.

More information on award recipients can be found in the backgrounder below.

Funded by the Provincial Government, the grant program is administered in partnership with the NL Health Services which has dedicated mental health and addictions prevention and promotion consultants to work with the applicants.

More information on the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program is available here.

Quotes
“Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion grants. Our government recognizes the tremendous impact of community-driven initiatives that foster good mental health and provide vital supports for individuals and families experiencing substance use challenges. These grants support a wide range of engaging and innovative initiatives throughout our province which help ensure improved mental health and well-being for all our residents.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“We greatly appreciate the support from the Community Addictions Prevention Mental Health Promotion grant, which enables us to enhance our Drug Education Centred on Youth Decision Empowerment (DECYDE) strategy and create alcohol-focused educational resources for youth. This funding further strengthens our ability to collaborate with educators, families, youth, and community partners and create engaging, impactful learning materials that will be freely accessible through our website at www.DECYDE.ca”
Lisa Bishop
DECYDE Project

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BACKGROUNDER

2024-25 Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Recipients

 

Applicant

  Project Amount Brigus Seniors Wellness Group – Stephanie Drover  

Improving social, emotional, and physical health of seniors by providing opportunities to spend time together through physical and social activities, outings, and presentations.

   

$6,000 Lisa Bishop  

DECYDE: Empowering Youth for Safer Alcohol Choices – Reducing alcohol-related harms through education and prevention.

   

$10,000 Schizophrenia Society of NL  

Provincial Schizophrenia Snapshot aims to engage in capturing a “snapshot” of the diverse experiences surrounding schizophrenia.

   

$10,000 Main Street Youth Centre Grand Bank  

Promoting mental health and well-being by bringing teens together to learn skills of coping and resilience building through activities that interest and engage them.

   

$4,100 Lonely Man Project  

Developing inclusive, targeted education materials for public awareness initiatives aimed at men and boys’ mental health promotion and suicide prevention.  

$9,542 Clarenville and area 50+ Club – Keith Tuckwell  

Seniors Wellness and Connection Series: offer monthly in-person events designed to enhance the mental well-being, social engagement, and overall health of seniors.

   

$8,500 Salmonier South 50+ Club –  Lucille Gambin  

Community Wellness and Engagement Program to enhance quality of life and mental wellness and reduce social isolation for older adults living in St. Joseph’s/St Mary’s region.

   

$8,500 Gerry Phelan  

The Pen Newsletter: a publication where inmates at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary publish art, poetry, articles, and editorials alongside pertinent news and education for inmates, increasing creative outlets and visibility for incarcerated individuals.

   

$1,500 U-Turn  

Community Healing Together by Awareness and Wellness: geared towards raising awareness and providing education around substance use disorder, alcoholism, mental wellness, suicide prevention and harm reduction.

   

$7,150 Trans Youth NL  

Strengthening Peer Support, Connection, and Belonging for Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Children, Youth, and Families: guided peer support groups, and social activities.

   

$6,600 Seniors Resource Centre – Kimberley Leonard  

Develop a one-day workshop to provide education on best-practices to enhance mental wellness, reduce isolation, and access supports to be delivered to seniors.

   

$7,000 Humyra Jamal  

Bienvenue le bien-être/Welcome Wellness: aims to address the mental health needs of French-speaking immigrants and refugees in the St. John’s metropolitan area.

   

$9,500 Guardians of Recovery  

Support programs and the Recovery Magazine, a publication that aims to share stories of recovery and resilience. Support programs (in-person and virtual) include group discussions, workshops, and peer support.

   

$2,300 Grand Falls-Windsor Community Garden Greenhouse  

Aims to extend its growing season by building a greenhouse where community members of all ages can come together to grow, and harvest produce and support year-round socialization.

   

$6,329 New World Island Academy  

Small, park-like area on K-12 school grounds with picnic tables, benches, bird house, feeders, and baths, flowers and plants, allowing students and community members an outdoor area to relax and socialize.

   

$7,281  

Green Bay Community Youth Network  

This intergenerational project aims to bring together youth, ages 12-18 years, and seniors for cooking classes, during which seniors will teach cooking skills to youth, giving them a sense of purpose and reducing isolation and loneliness.

   

$3,756 Dover Family Community Coalition  

Grief Kits will be developed and provided to families in the area who are grieving a loss.

   

$1,800 Youth 2000 Centre Corp (Y2C)  

Wellness Amongst Us: Weekly events that promote mental wellness and physical well-being through social activities.

   

$9,530 Ray of Hope Association Inc.  

Host a community event to increase awareness about the organization and provide information that aims to reduce illness, injuries and death associated with substance use disorder and support families/communities affected.

   

$2,500 Twillingate Island Elementary  

Sensory Sanctuary: An outdoors sensory playground that provides a safe, inclusive space for all students and caters to the needs of students who face challenges due to exceptionalities and/or mental health disorders.

   

$8,376 Bonne Bay Academy  

Outdoor Classroom Seating and Wellness Area: This space will provide an engaging, flexible space for learning and activities for K-12 students, which caters to a range of learning styles, grade-specific curricula, and developmental needs.

   

$1,550 Community Education Network CYN Southwestern  

The Decider Youth Cooperative Learning – bringing youth together to provide, evidence-based skills training.

   

$4,000 Flat Bay Indian Band  

Tajik’ek Mental Health and Addictions Hub: aims to promote culturally relevant supports, mentor program, live sessions and webinars.

   

$5,000 Organization for Community Action Committee Initiatives  

Parents Mental Health and Wellbeing Mini-Conference: topics include self-esteem, coping with stress, promoting life, and preventing suicide, safe partying and mindful meditation.

   

$1,000 Jakeman All Grade  

From Awareness to Action: Mental Health and Addiction Prevention: Initiatives that reduce alcohol-related harms, promote mental wellness, foster positive relationships between students, parents, and families, and provide recreational activities that build resilience and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

   

$3,000 Pasadena Academy  

Support Safe Talk training for staff and high school students as well as a Positive Health Promotion Wellness Day for all students.

   

$2,704 Rec House Community Youth Network  

Youth Voices, Healthy Choices Teams to support ongoing programming in four schools, creating opportunities for youth to become involved as peer-leaders in their school in the promotion of healthy decision making.

   

$5,859 Under the Stump – Trina Reid  

Together We Thrive: intergenerational programs that aim to foster connections between generations, enabling knowledge sharing and mutual support.

   

$7,000 Kayla MacDonald  

Mind-Body-Soul: Kids mindfulness, yoga, deep stretch, fitness, meditation classes, mindset coaching, relaxation therapy, hypnotherapy, community get-togethers and alcohol-free events.

   

$6,000 NLHS – Tasha Marshall  

Circle of Care: Indigenous Collaboration Mental Health Project: In partnership with the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Friendship Centre and local Indigenous groups, Circle of Care focuses on fostering mental health and resilience by offering culturally meaningful engagement for Indigenous people.

   

 

$10,000 Labrador Friendship Centre  

Mindfulness on the Land: provides an opportunity for people to connect with the land, think and talk about their thoughts, emotions and situations through an 8-week mindfulness course, held outside in a Labrador tent.

   

$6,325 Southern Labrador/Strait of Belle Isle Community Youth Network  

Youth Mental Health Retreat – Unplug and Rejuvenate: travel with youth from the region to Battle Harbour, Labrador, a restored fishing village that embraces relaxation, peace, tranquility, limited connectivity allowing youth to unplug and rejuvenate.

   

$5,000 St. Barbe Development Association – Community Youth Network  

Promoting Positivity and Inclusion: provide information, activities and events for children, youth and their families focusing on positive mental health.

   

$5,000 Labrador Correctional Centre  

Reducing the rate of recidivism by helping men through education and programming to support positive coping skills and address individual concerns, such as sober living, harm reduction, suicide prevention and overall improved health.

   

$10,000 Total Funding Awarded   $202,702

 

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The House of Assembly advises that, in accordance with the 2025 parliamentary calendar, the House will reconvene on Monday, March 3, at 1:30 p.m. (1:00 p.m. in most of Labrador).

Proceedings throughout the spring sitting will broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and stream via the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook and YouTube).

The public galleries will be open throughout the sitting. Closed captioning is now available via monitors in both the east and west galleries.

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Media contact
Mark Jerrett
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

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The Provincial Government, through Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador, is inviting nominations for the 2025 Inclusive Education Award.

Each year, the award is presented to a K-12 school in Newfoundland and Labrador that has shown exceptional spirit in creating a school that is welcoming and inclusive for students with intellectual disabilities.

The deadline for submissions is May 9, 2025, and the nomination form can be found online here.

The recipient in 2024 was Avoca Collegiate in Badger. The school was selected based on its work to design and implement programs and activities that are inclusive of all students. The school administration and staff approach work with a universal design for learning lens to create an environment where every student can reach their full potential.

All academic programs, extracurricular activities and school events are created to promote participation of all students. With a school population of about 50 students, Avoca Collegiate has been able to offer a leadership program and two basketball teams that are open to all students. The school is also affiliated with the Jays Care organization of the Toronto Blue Jays through Jays Care.

Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit organization that works with and on behalf of the more than 15,000 people with intellectual disabilities in our province.

February is Inclusive Education Month in Canada. The Provincial Government supports a welcoming school culture where all members of the school community feel they belong, realize their potential, and contribute to the life of the school.

Quotes
“Celebrating diversity and our talents is what makes us stronger. I hope that everyone takes time to celebrate each other and our individual and unique talents. Inclusion is about creating and making space for everyone and fostering an environment where everyone feels that they belong. Learning from each other makes all of us appreciate one other. I encourage students and teachers to share their experiences about inclusion and apply for the Inclusive Education Award.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Inclusive education is a fundamental right that benefits all students, fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and opportunity in our schools and communities. When students with and without disabilities learn together, they develop lifelong collaboration, understanding, and empathy skills. At Inclusion Canada NL, we are committed to advocating for strong, inclusive learning environments that support the success of every child. As we open nominations for this year’s Inclusive Education Award, we encourage educators, schools, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to create welcoming and supportive classrooms. Their dedication to inclusion shapes a brighter, more equitable future for all students in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Kem Young
President, Inclusion Canada NL

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Learn more
Inclusion Canada NL

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Big game licence applications for the 2025-26 season are open until April 25 for resident moose, caribou, and black bear licences. Eligible hunters and trappers must have a Wildlife Information Management System account to apply for a licence.

Current population trends for most of the province’s game and furbearer species are stable and harvest quotas require only minimal changes for the upcoming season. The 2025-26 moose quota for the Island of Newfoundland is 27,515 licences, including 19,165 either-sex, 7,890 male-only, and 460 not-for-profit licences. This is a decrease of 75 licences from 2024-25, with quotas adjusted in 13 moose management areas (MMAs).

In Labrador, 348 either-sex moose licences are available for the resident big game draw, an increase of three licences with quotas adjusted in three MMAs.

The caribou quota for the Island of Newfoundland is 612 animals, including 353 either-sex and 259 male-only licences, an increase of 16 licences from 2024-25. Caribou hunting remains prohibited in Labrador due to the conservation status and limited recovery of George River and Boreal caribou populations.

Some important changes designed to support increased hunting and trapping opportunities on the Island of Newfoundland will be in effect this season, including:

• Establishing Caribou Management Area 80 for Upper Grey Island.
• Extending the season of Caribou Management Areas 71 and 80.
• Extending the fall black bear season to November 30 and re-structuring black bear management areas to broaden hunter opportunities.
• Adding a trapper’s beaver licence to permit trapping in unoccupied traplines. Traplines currently assigned to trappers and vacant traplines with waitlists will not be impacted.
• Making break-away devices mandatory on neck snares used for trapping furbearers.

To be considered eligible for the 2025-26 big game licence draw, you must:

• Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Be at least 16 years of age by August 31, 2025.
• Have a Hunter Certificate Number.
• Have already completed the Canadian Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course or, for new residents, have transferred hunter education credentials by November 30, 2024.

For further information, visit the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Quote
“It is heartening to see that hunting and trapping remain near and dear to the hearts of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Along with the essential contribution hunting and trapping make to food self-sufficiency and wildlife management, these traditional outdoor pursuits have a tremendous impact on our mental and physical well-being. The continued cultural importance of these activities reminds us of who we are, and the value we place on our shared natural resources.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Guide

Wildlife Information Management System

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $25,000 in funding to PerSIStence Theatre Company’s Raise Her Up campaign, to support the completion of a life-size bronze statue of Armine Gosling, a pioneer in social reform and feminism, who led the fight for women in Newfoundland and Labrador to achieve the right to vote.

This funding is being provided in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote and hold public office in Newfoundland and Labrador on April 3, 2025.

The Gosling statue will be the second of a historical woman to be erected in the City of St. John’s. The first was Demasduit, a Beothuk woman (and her husband Nonosabasut, and infant son), unveiled at Confederation Building in October 2024. The unveiling of the Gosling statue, designed by Newfoundland and Labrador artist Sheila Coultas, is scheduled for June 2025 at Bannerman Park.

In 2023, the Provincial Government helped kickstart the Raise Her Up campaign with a contribution of $40,000 from the Office of Women and Gender Equality.

Quote
“Armine Gosling was a trailblazer, whose unwavering determination helped secure the right to vote for women in Newfoundland and Labrador. This statue is a testament to her courage, resilience, and the progress the Women’s Franchise League fought for, reminding us that democracy is strongest when all voices are heard.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador towards raising a bronze statue of women’s suffrage leader Armine Gosling. This financial support represents a tangible and ongoing commitment to making our public history more inclusive and, on the 100th anniversary of the vote, it recognizes the importance of this transformative social movement that continues to lead our province forward.”
Dr. Margot Duley
Chair of the Armine Gosling Statue Committee, PerSIStence Theatre Company

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Office of Women and Gender Equality

Provincial Government Provides Funding Support to Raise First Statue of A Historical
Woman in St. John’s

Raise Her Up – The Gosling Statue

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In March 2024, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate invited 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 to share their experiences and ideas.

To date, the Office has heard from many stakeholders and interested parties reaching out by phone, email, in-person and through the online form. Staff have also travelled throughout the province to hold meetings with individuals and groups. The interest and participation, thus far, has been exceptional and the discussions very meaningful. We hope to continue to hear from others in the coming weeks, as our information gathering will conclude by the end of March 2025. All information will be analyzed, and a final report will be prepared once the analysis has been completed.

“I am grateful to all those who have contacted our office to share their experiences with mental health services for children and youth in our province. I want to especially acknowledge those with lived experience who shared their thoughts with us. I have been humbled by the significant interest in this review and the frank and open discussion it has generated. I encourage anyone who has not yet done so, to reach out to our office in any of the ways provided to share your experiences with us.” The Child and Youth Advocate (A), Karen Gray.

At this time, the Advocate (A) would like to remind the public of the many ways individuals can share their experiences with the office.

• Email: office@ocya.nl.ca
• Telephone: 709-753-3888/Toll Free: 1-877-753-3888
• Text: 709-682-OCYA (6292)
• Visit us In-Person: 20 Crosbie Place, St. John’s
• Online form: childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca/mental-health-services-to-children-and-youth-feedback-form/ (The online form is anonymous and completely confidential. It does not ask for any identifying information).

Please note these important dates:

• The online form will be available until Monday, March 31, 2025.
• The information gathering stage through all other means will also end on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The post Child and Youth Advocate Provides Update on the Review of Mental Health Services to Children and Youth appeared first on News Releases.

VENUE CHANGE

Media Advisory: Funding Announcement to Support PerSIStence Theatre Company’s ‘Raise Her Up’ Statue Campaign

Today’s event scheduled to take place at 2:30 p.m., at the Colonial Building, 90 Military Road, St. John’s, has now been moved to the Media Centre, Confederation Building.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will be joined by Dr. Margot Duley, chair of the Armine Gosling Statue Committee with PerSIStence Theatre Company, for a funding announcement.

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