Government of Newfoundland News

The Official Addition of the Votes was conducted today (Thursday, April 18) at the Fogo Island-Cape Freels Returning Office. The Returning Officer reviewed the voting tallies from by-election night as part of the legislatively required procedure.

The official results of the by-election are as follows:

Fogo Island- Cape Freels Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Official Results: BLACKMORE, Dana Liberal Party 2244 GILL, Jim New Democratic Party 169 McKENNA, Jim Progressive Conservative Party 3290 TOTAL VOTES: 5703

 

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has reduced the maximum load limit for vehicles on Pitts Memorial Drive to 15 tonnes (15,000 kgs) between 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 22, and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. All trucks in excess of 15 tonnes heading west from the downtown area or heading east towards the downtown area will have to use alternate routes.

The weight restriction is necessary as part of the ongoing bridge work on Pitts Memorial Drive.

Highway Enforcement Officers will be on site to enforce this temporary reduction in maximum load limits in accordance with section 106 (52) of the Highway Traffic Act. Under the Act, all drivers must obey the instructions of a traffic-control signal or traffic-control device.

Failure to comply may result in a fine of a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $900. Failure to pay this fine could result in imprisonment of no more than 30 days, but at least two days.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, will speak at a funding announcement in support of small business in Newfoundland and Labrador, tomorrow (Friday, April 19), hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council and the St. John’s Board of Trade.

The announcement will be held at Bannerman Brewing Co., 90 Duckworth St., St. John’s, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, today I rise in this Honourable House to acknowledge April as Daffodil Month.

Daffodil Month is a national fundraising campaign of the Canadian Cancer Society. Volunteers raise vital funds through the sale of daffodils and daffodil pins for the fight against cancer.

This month, the Canadian Cancer Society is asking the public to help people with cancer live longer, fuller lives.

The daffodil is an emblem of hope, a unifying symbol that brings us together to change the future for people affected by cancer.

We have all been impacted by cancer in some way, shape or form. It’s a disease that knows no boundaries; a disease that has no limits. That is why it is so important to recognize Daffodil Month, as cancer affects all of us.

We appreciate the incredible work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation. The society and foundation have been providing numerous supports and services for people throughout this province for a long time.

Our government is also dedicated to helping improve access to quality cancer care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We have world-class health care professionals working throughout the province making a difference in the lives of people and families who have been impacted by cancer.

I ask all Honourable members to join me as we help hope bloom and work to make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

I am pleased to rise to share updates on the Provincial Government’s successful Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program.

Electric vehicles play an important role in the transition to a cleaner environment and a low-carbon economy. The number of battery electric vehicles in the province has increased more than 1,000 per cent since 2018.

The rebate program is intended to increase accessibility for residents seeking to obtain an electric vehicle. The program provides a $2,500 rebate for consumers who purchase or lease an all-electric vehicle, and a $1,500 rebate for the purchase or lease of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Budget 2024 includes $875,000 to support the continuation of the program. It also includes $1.1 million to support EV infrastructure.

In 2023-24, 750 rebates (458 battery electric and 292 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) were approved. And I am pleased to say there is an average of two new electric vehicles on the road in the province every day. Over the past three years since program inception, about 1,300 rebates have been issued.

Switching to an EV means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, burning less fossil fuels and, overall, less pollution for the environment. With an EV, consumers can save approximately 70 per cent in energy costs for an all-electric and around 50 per cent for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, depending on factors such as the number of kilometres driven, fuel prices and the type of vehicle.

Speaker, our government remains committed to supporting significant investments and initiatives to reduce this province’s carbon footprint.

Thank you.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will announce recipients of the 2024 Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards tomorrow (Friday, April 19).

The event will take place at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Members of the media planning to attend are asked to RSVP.

Recipients of the RISE awards are Level II high school students who demonstrate academic excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. RISE award recipients can attend research-related enrichment programs in Canada and the United States.

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Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced that two urgent care centres will open in the St. John’s metro region. The new urgent care centres will create more timely access to urgent care and reduce strain on emergency departments.

NL Health Services has awarded a contract for a lease valued at approximately $1.2 million annually to Morgan Group of Companies for 12,398 square feet of space to be constructed at 840 Topsail Road, near the intersection of Blackmarsh Road and Topsail Road in St. John’s.

A second contract has been awarded by NL Health Services for a lease valued at approximately $900,000 to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Alliance for 11,572 square feet of space at the former Costco Building, 28 Stavanger Drive, St. John’s. Services at both locations will continue to be publicly funded health care and provided by professionals employed by NL Health Services.

Part of the Provincial Government’s plan to create a more efficient health care system based on the recommendation of Health Accord NL, the two new urgent care centres will provide an additional access point of care for non-emergent patients in the metro region. The centres will ease pressures on the acute care emergency departments by treating patients presenting with urgent, non-life-threatening medical injuries and illnesses, such as:

• Sprains and strains
• New and worsening non-emergent pain
• Fever and infections
• Less serious childhood illness and injury, cuts, wound or skin conditions

More information on urgent care centres can be found here.

The Department of Health and Community Services and NL Health Services anticipate both centres opening in 2025. Both contracts are for 20 years. The Stavanger Drive location will also be the location of an ambulatory care hub for the metro region, which is also anticipated to open in 2025 and will also help improve patient flow at acute care facilities.

Budget 2024 includes a record high investment of $4.1 billion in health care to continue to improve access by creating more family care teams, recruit more health care professionals, modernize health care services and shorten wait times.

Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the Provincial Government and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com.

Quotes
“Many of us have experienced lengthy wait times at emergency departments. Opening two new urgent care centres and the new ambulatory care centre will help people get the care they need sooner, without having to wait behind patients who need more urgent care. These centres and our family care teams are welcomed by health care professionals. With our $10-million investment this year in recruitment and retention, we look forward to adding even more staff to work at these locations.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Establishing these urgent care clinics in the Eastern-Urban Zone of NL Health Services marks another milestone in NL Health Service’s commitment to transforming the health-care system and improving access to services. We look forward to seeing how this model will benefit our health-care system, and we thank the Provincial Government for their support as we work to enhance health-care delivery in our province.”
Dr. Greg Browne
Senior Medical Director, NL Health Services, Eastern-Urban Zone

“As MHA for Windsor Lake, I’m pleased to see the former Costco building transformed into a new urgent care centre to serve people throughout the metro region. Everyone from young families to seniors in my district will benefit from the proximity of this new facility and I look forward to the opening in 2025.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and MHA for Windsor Lake

“This announcement of two new urgent care centres is another example of our government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of Health Accord NL. The location of these new centres, one in the east end of St. John’s and the other in Mount Pearl, enhances health care services in the broader Northeast Avalon region with improved access and increased efficiency for residents requiring care.”
Lucy Stoyles
MHA for Mount Pearl North

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New Ambulatory Care Hub to be Established on Northeast Avalon

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The Department of Education is reviewing the potential for grade reconfigurations among four schools within the current Prince of Wales Collegiate School System, including St. Andrew’s Elementary, Larkhall Academy, Leary’s Brook Junior High, and Prince of Wales Collegiate. This is due to capacity challenges at the primary/elementary school level.

Beginning this coming September, the following changes are being considered to best accommodate the changing demographics of the school community while optimizing current school infrastructure:

• St. Andrew’s Elementary and Larkhall Academy will be reconfigured to Kindergarten to Grade 4. As a result, current Grade 4 students at St. Andrew’s and Larkhall Academy advancing to Grade 5 in September 2024 will transition one year earlier to Leary’s Brook Junior High, which is the current feeder school.
• Leary’s Brook Junior High will be reconfigured to Grades 5-8. As a result, current Grade 8 students at Leary’s Brook advancing to Grade 9 in September 2024 will transition one year earlier to Prince of Wales Collegiate, which is the current feeder school.
• Prince of Wales Collegiate will be reconfigured as a Grade 9-Level IV school.

There will be no changes to catchment areas for students and no changes to the grade configuration of Beachy Cove Elementary or Brookside Intermediate, which also feed into the Prince of Wales Collegiate school system.

The grade reconfiguration of the Prince of Wales Collegiate School System is anticipated to be an interim measure until planning and construction are finalized on new school builds in Kenmount Terrace and Portugal Cove-St. Philips.

Further information will be shared with the school community later today and feedback on the proposed grade reconfiguration will be sought from all members of the school community, including students, staff, parents and families. It is anticipated that a final decision related to the reconfiguration will be made by April 30 to allow schools and families appropriate time to prepare for the new school year.

The Provincial Government is taking action to modernize the education system, including building new infrastructure to meet the needs of students, teachers, and communities. Budget 2024 provides over $52 million for school infrastructure, as well as $146 million allocated over next three years for new schools in Cartwright, Kenmount Terrace, Portugal Cove-St. Philips, and Pilley’s Island, and planning for a new high school in Paradise.

Quote
“The reconfiguration of the Prince of Wales Collegiate school system is necessary to alleviate capacity pressures being experienced in some schools while leveraging available space in other schools. A positive educational environment requires space to teach and learn, and these changes will support students and staff to do so.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Public Engagement Process Begins for Kenmount Terrace School

Site Announced for New School in Kenmount Terrace

Location Unveiled for Site of New School in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s

Provincial Government to Build a New High School for Paradise 

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL 

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will bring greetings at Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2024 Tourism Week luncheon.

The event begins at 12:00 p.m. at Glendenning Golf Course, 120 Gabriel Road, St. John’s.

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With camping season just around the corner, ParksNL is preparing to open the reservation system and welcome 2024 clients.

ParksNL will launch the campsite reservation service for the 2024 season on Wednesday, April 24, at 7:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. in most of Labrador). The registration system can be accessed by visiting www.nlcamping.ca.

Campsites may also be reserved by calling toll-free 1-877-214-CAMP (2267). A profile is required to make a reservation. Interested campers should either create a profile or login to ensure their information is up to date prior to the launch date.

To view the updated Rules and Regulations for reservations, including updates on the use of generators for those with medical needs, please visit www.parksnl.ca/files/Provincial-Park-Rules-and-Regs-2024.pdf.

Most camping parks are scheduled to open for the Victoria Day weekend, with some others opening in late May. The opening and closing dates of the 13 provincial camping parks can be found in the backgrounder below.

To inquire about the 2024 camping season, please contact ParksNL at 709-637-2040 or info@ParksNL.ca.

Quote
“Camping gives us a chance to not only get active but to enjoy the incredible well-being benefits of being immersed in nature. I have no doubt that the upcoming ParksNL season will be nothing short of extraordinary, offering visitors unparalleled experiences amidst our stunning natural landscapes.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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ParksNL

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 BACKGROUNDER

Opening and Closing Dates For Provincial Camping Parks

Park Name Opening Date Closing Date Barachois Pond May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 Butter Pot May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 Frenchman’s Cove May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 J.T. Cheeseman May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 La Manche May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 Lockston Path May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 Notre Dame May 15, 2024 September 16, 2024 Sir Richard Squires Memorial May 24, 2024 September 9, 2024 Sandbanks May 24, 2024 September 16, 2024 Blow Me Down May 31, 2024 September 9, 2024 Dildo Run May 31, 2024 September 16, 2024 Pinware River May 31, 2024 September 16, 2024 Pistolet Bay May 31, 2024 September 16, 2024

Please note: All dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador premiere of The King Tide this evening (April 17).

The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Scotiabank Theatre, Avalon Mall, St. John’s.

The King Tide, produced by Allison White and directed by Christian Sparkes, both from Newfoundland and Labrador, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival in the prestigious Platform Program.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs:

Speaker, I stand today to highlight this year’s Professional Municipal Administrators Annual Convention and Trade Show that took place from April 9 to 11 in the fine District of Gander.

As a government, we greatly value our long-standing, positive working relationship with the Professional Municipal Administrators. I applaud all municipal administrators throughout the province for their continued dedication to providing important services to residents. With a focus on strengthening communities, municipal administrators are critical to setting the standard for exemplary municipal leadership.

This year’s event allowed for many municipal administrators to collaborate, network and enhance their skill sets. I would like to extend a hearty congratulations to those municipal administrators who received long-service awards for service spanning from 10 to 45 years.

It was also a time to reflect on colleagues lost this past year, including the Honourable Derrick Bragg, who was a former President of the Professional Municipal Administrators and a true community, municipal and provincial leader.

During the convention, I had the opportunity to announce that, in collaboration with Professional Municipal Administrators, a new award will be established celebrating the distinguished career of the late Minister Bragg and presented to recipients at the annual convention. The award will acknowledge municipal administrators who demonstrate many of the same outstanding leadership skills shared by Minister Bragg. Stay tuned for more details to come on this special award.

I would like to thank Brian Hudson, outgoing president of Professional Municipal Administrators, for his leadership during his tenure, and I wish Connie Reid all the best in her new role as president of the association.

I ask my honourable colleagues to join me in recognizing Professional Municipal Administrators and its members on yet another successful convention and trade show.

Thank you.

 

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation:

 Speaker, I am tremendously proud to tell you about a special milestone that took place on March 31 – the 50th anniversary of the Labrador flag.

The Labrador flag was conceived by a group of people and designed by Labrador’s first native-born MHA, Mike Martin of Cartwright, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Province’s union with Canada in 1974.

Sixty-four flags were hand-sewn by Mike and his wife Patricia – one each for the 59 towns and villages in Labrador, one each for the three Labrador members of the House of Assembly, and one each for Martin and his wife.

The colours represent Labrador’s elements – white for the snow, blue for the waters and green for the lands. The branches represent the people of Labrador, including Inuit, Innu and non-Indigenous settler.

The flag is a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and landscapes and reflects the uniqueness of Labrador and the resilience of its people.

Over the past five decades, the flag witnessed the triumphs and challenges faced by our communities. From Nain to L’Anse au Clair to Labrador West, the Labrador flag is an iconic symbol which aligns with our beautiful land and the strong, resourceful and warm-hearted people who call this place home.

Planning is under way to celebrate this special anniversary. In recognition of this milestone, let us raise our spirits in celebration of the flag’s values – solidarity, resilience and a deep-rooted love for our homeland.

May it continue to inspire generations to come and serve as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond that ties us together as Labradorians.

Happy 50th anniversary to our treasured and beloved Labrador flag! Here’s to many more years of pride and honour under its watchful gaze.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is today providing an update on child care space creation and announcing further measures to improve access to affordable regulated early learning and child care throughout the province, as recommended in the recent review of the Operating Grant Program. These initiatives build-on the more than 9,100 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10 a day or less in the province, with over 1,500 child care spaces created since January 2023.

Minister Howell will be available to the media today (Wednesday, April 17) at 1:30 p.m. to discuss these measures. The availability will take place outside the House of Assembly, Confederation Building. Minister Howell will be joined by Davida Smith, Dean of Academics, Applied Arts and Tourism at College of the North Atlantic.

There are currently 2,206 early learning and child care spaces in various stages of development throughout the province, with timelines for operation ranging from one to 24 months. Close to 750 spaces currently in development have received funding through the Child Care Capacity Initiative announced this past fall. A regional breakdown of spaces in development is as follows, with a full list of current capacity projects outlined in the backgrounder:

• Metro St. John’s: 1,191
• Central: 465
• Western: 465
• Labrador: 85

Additional measures have been introduced to support child care service providers, the early learning work force, and further incentivize space creation, including:

• Implementation of an Infant Incentive
  • As of April 1, 2024, regulated child care services participating in the Operating Grant Program are receiving an additional $30 per day for each infant-aged space they operate. This will bring the total funding per enrolled infant per operational day to $101 for child care centres and infant-only family child care providers.

• Streamlined Closure Days
  • Child care centres and family child care providers will receive funding for up to 12 statutory holidays.
  • To support the well-being of the early learning work force, child care centres will receive funding for five additional closure days on top of statutory holidays, which are to be determined at the discretion of the service providers.

• Improvements to Funding Structure
  • The former two-tiered funding structure of the Operating Grant Program has been condensed to provide all participating service providers with the same rate at the former higher tier. All regulated child care providers on the Operating Grant Program now receive the same rates based on the age of the child and type of service.

• Supporting Professional Development
  • All child care services participating in the Operating Grant Program will continue to receive two paid professional development days. This furthers professionalization of the sector and ensures that early childhood educators and child care workers are able to access professional development without experiencing financial impact.

These actions are part of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Access to high quality, affordable child care is important for families, the economy and the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Our government is listening to the needs of the early learning and child care sector and is working to ensure that the needs of the work force are balanced with the needs of children and parents. These additional measures will help to further increase capacity while also supporting the people who are teaching and caring for our province’s youngest residents.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Today’s announcement is a testament to the excellent progress that Newfoundland and Labrador is making to improving early learning and child care across the province. I look forward to continuing to work with the province to support operators and the early learning and child care workforce to help meet the needs of families. When we invest in early learning and child care, we are investing in the future of Canada and ensuring all children have the best possible start in life. ”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada

“Affordable access to first-rate child care is one of the most vital building blocks of a thriving economy and equitable society. Reliable, regulated child care gives parents more freedom to choose when and how they want to return to work – and when they do, they have peace of mind knowing their children’s early cognitive, social and emotional development is in qualified hands. College of the North Atlantic will continue to work closely with the Provincial Government, supporting the ongoing development of child care spaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Davida Smith
Dean of Academics, Applied Arts and Tourism, College of the North Atlantic

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Learn more
$10-a-day Child Care Now a Reality for Families in Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Introduces Measures to Increase Enrollment at Regulated Early Learning and Child Care Services and Support Rural and Remote Operators Review of the Operating Grant Program for Child Care Services Completed

Operating Grant Program

Early Childhood Educator Wage Grid

Child Care Capacity Initiative

 BACKGROUNDER

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement 

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of approximately 6,000 spaces by 2025-2026, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. This plan is made possible by federal investments in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. These include $306 million for the 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a one-time investment of nearly $6.5 million in 2021-2022 to support the early childhood workforce, as well as over $34 million for the 2021-2022 to 2024-2025 Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement.

Early Learning and Child Care Spaces in Development

Capacity Project Name Location Region Number of Spaces Peacock Elementary – Pre-K Happy Valley-Goose Bay Labrador 15 A.P. Low Primary – Pre-K Labrador City Labrador 20 Jens Haven Memorial – Pre-K Nain Labrador 20 Independent Applicant Wabush Labrador 30 Viking Trail Academy – Pre-K Plum Point Western 11 École CC Loughlin Elementary – Pre-K Corner Brook Western 16 Stephenville Primary – Pre-K Stephenville Western 17 Contract Pending Corner Brook Western 32 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – Eastside Elementary Corner Brook Western 34 GNP Community Place Port au Choix Western 16 St. George’s Indian Band St. George’s Western 35 Gros Morne Preschool Daycamp Corp. Norris Point Western 56 Three Rivers Mi’Kmaq Band Robinsons Western 32 Contract Pending Cape St. George/Mainland Western 10 Contract Pending Deer Lake Western 70 FRC-Way 2 Grow Baie Verte Western 43 Contract Pending Port aux Basques Western 26 Independent Applicant Pasadena Western 67 Sacred Heart Academy – Pre-K Marystown Central 15 Helen Tulk Elementary – Pre-K Bishop’s Falls Central 12 Glovertown Academy – Pre-K Glovertown Central 15 A Home Away From Home Infant, Toddler & Preschool Bay Roberts Central 37 Independent Applicant Whiteway Central 41 Independent Applicant Bay Roberts Central 28 Independent Applicant Grand Falls-Windsor Central 41 YMCA of Exploits Valley (YMCA Fogo Island) Fogo Island Central 26 EVCC Early Learning Centre Botwood Central 17 Happy Kids Child Care Wesleyville Central 44 Above and Beyond Childcare Inc. Shearstown Central 33 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – Discovery Collegiate Bonavista Central 50 YMCA of Exploits Valley (YMCA Connections 2) Grand Falls-Windsor Central 56 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – All Hallows North River Central 30 Bright Start Child Care Ltd. Gander Central 20 St. Peter’s Primary – Pre-K Mount Pearl Metro 14 St. Edward’s School – Pre-K Conception Bay South Metro 20 Holy Family Elementary – Pre-K Paradise Metro 20 Mary Queen of Peace Elementary – Pre-K St. John’s Metro 20 Octagon Pond Area School – Pre-K Paradise Metro 20 Goulds Elementary – Pre-K St. John’s Metro 20 Hazelwood Elementary – Pre-K St. John’s Metro 20 St. John Bosco – Pre-K St. John’s Metro 15 Topsail Elementary – Pre-K Conception Bay South Metro 13 Dream With Us Daycare Center Inc. Portugal Cove-St. Philips Metro 94 Independent Applicant Conception Bay South Metro 53 Treehouse Daycare Ltd. St. John’s Metro 118 Independent Applicant St. John’s Metro 156 Little Stars Daycare Inc. St. John’s Metro 80 Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador – École Rocher du Nord St. John’s Metro 20 The Fluvarium St. John’s Metro 55 Association for New Canadians St. John’s Metro 32 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – Juniper Ridge Torbay Metro 30 Contract Pending St. John’s Metro 60 Contract Pending St. John’s Metro 62 Contract Pending Portugal Cove-St. Philips Metro 38 Contract Pending Portugal Cove-St. Philips Metro 41 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – MacDonald Drive St. John’s Metro 30 Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador – École Des Grands Vents St. John’s Metro 20 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – Austin Street St. John’s Metro 70 YMCA of Northeast Avalon – St. Michael’s Ave St. John’s Metro 70 Total Number of Spaces   2,206

*Total number of spaces created upon project completion may differ.

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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:

• Relevant protocols, policies and procedures.
• Standards and legislation.
• Linkages and coordination of services.
• Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.

The CDRC forwarded a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on February 22, 2024.

This report resulted in the following recommendation:
• It is recommended that the Minister of Justice and Public Safety refer this matter to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate for her review and determination of whether further action is required by her office pursuant to the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

This report has been forwarded to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-016 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/commissioner.

Report: A-2024-016 Report Date: April 15, 2024 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to NL Hydro for records relating to the organization’s employment equity plan and the number of employees who self-identify as disabled within the organization. NL Hydro responded by providing one page of responsive records, but did not include information on self-identified disabled employees. After receiving NL Hydro’s final response to their request, the Complainant reviewed NL Hydro’s 2024-2026 Accessibility Plan which suggested NL Hydro did in fact have information on employees with disabilities within the organization. The Complainant then filed a complaint with this Office about NL Hydro not providing this information in response to their request. NL Hydro submitted it would not release the responsive information as it was not accurate and it would involve the creation of a record, which ATIPPA, 2015 does not require. After reviewing submissions, the Commissioner found NL Hydro did not meet its burden of proof to deny access and recommended it search for and provide the requested information within 10 business days, subject to any applicable exceptions.

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

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The Council of Atlantic Premiers recently wrote to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, regarding the billions of carbon tax rebates overdue to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Atlantic Premiers are concerned about the federal government’s approach to managing carbon tax rebates for businesses in the region, recognizing the unique challenges faced by SMEs operating in the Atlantic provinces. To find a resolution that supports impacted businesses, Premiers urged the Ministers to take immediate action to both ensure the prompt return of the overdue carbon tax revenues to businesses in the Atlantic provinces and to establish a transparent and efficient mechanism for annual distribution going forward.

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To view the Letter to Ministers Freeland and Valdez: Letter to Ministers Freeland and Valdez

Les premiers ministres de l’Atlantique abordent les remboursements de la taxe sur le carbone aux PME dans une lettre adressée aux ministres fédérales

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Housing:

Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and recognize April 14 to 20 as National Volunteer Week here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

National Volunteer Week recognizes and celebrates every volunteer, and their contributions to strengthen inclusivity and well-being in our communities. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is “Every Moment Matters,” signifying the importance of every moment that a volunteer gives their time, their skills, their creativity and their empathy to help others.

In a few short weeks as Minister of Housing, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible, positive impacts that volunteers have across our housing continuum.

The volunteer staff and boards at community centres throughout the province provide supports that foster a deep sense of community, becoming the focal point for community life. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Vine Place Community Centre in Corner Brook, and it was evident how the work of the team there is shaping and supporting that community.

I also want to recognize all community partners in the housing and homelessness sector, including the volunteers and Boards associated with non-profit community housing projects. The efforts of these volunteers and community agencies are instrumental in helping many individuals overcome barriers and transform lives.

To all volunteers across every sector in this province, thank you for your dedication to your fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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In celebration of the Year of the Arts, today the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced an additional $3 million in 2024 for ArtsNL, along with the Year of the Arts lineup for Arts and Culture Centres across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since 2023, ArtsNL has received historic support from the Provincial Government, totaling $15 million. The majority of this investment has been distributed directly to artists and arts organizations through ArtsNL funding programs in support of their creative endeavors.

With this special Year of the Arts funding, Arts NL will support professional artists through an augmentation of existing grant programs and a second offering of the Senior Arts program. Funds will also be allocated specifically to support Indigenous artists. The enhanced programming will support more professional artists to focus on their artistic practice and create works during Year of the Arts.

Details about ArtsNL Year of the Arts funding can be found here: Year of the Arts Programming.

As part of Year of the Arts, the Arts and Culture Centres will feature an exciting lineup of performances that showcase Newfoundland and Labrador artists, including provincial tours. More information on the Arts and Culture Centre lineup can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“ArtsNL plays an important role in our province’s arts and cultural sector and providing them with an additional $3 million during the Year of the Arts acknowledges their role, as well as the significance of the arts on our province’s culture. Through today’s funding and programming announcements, this government is ensuring comprehensive support for the arts, highlighting their vital role in our communities province wide.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“As Chair of Arts NL, I’m thrilled and grateful we’ve received this additional $3 million investment from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Year of Arts initiative. This additional money empowers us to further support our professional artists and professional arts organizations, fostering creation and cultural enrichment across our province.”
David Brown
Chair, ArtsNL

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BACKGROUNDER

Arts and Culture Centre Year of the Arts Programming 2024-25

Rum Ragged Provincial tour. Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Juno nominees Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, Rum Ragged has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition.

Kelly Russell Provincial tour. Who Knit Ya? As Newfoundland’s leading traditional music performer, Kelly has been a member of Figgy Duff, The Wonderful Grand Band, and The Irish Descendants and now shares yarns of his travels and influencers through songs and stories including his father, Ted Russell, and his mentors – fiddler Émile Benoît and fiddler/accordionist/composer Rufus Guinchard.

Andy Jones “Don’t Give Up On Me Dad” Provincial tour. In “Don’t Give Up on Me, Dad,” veteran playwright Andy Jones pays tribute to his late son, Louis, who died by suicide in 2014. Through this deeply personal production, Andy explores Louis’ struggles with mental health and shares his own journey of grief and healing.

The Rowdymen Provincial tour. What do you get when you combine two in demand NL musicians with one Come From Away? You get the Rowdymen: Gerry Finn, Greg Hawco and George Masswohl, a band dedicated to sharing the music of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rod Jackson Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Rod Jackson is ready to hit the road once again with his crowd-pleasing Christmas Tour. After taking a year off, he and his band are ready to spread the Christmas spirit across the island.

Songbird Tour Mallory Johnson and Carolynn Dawn Johnson. Newfoundland and Labrador meets Canada as NL’s own songbird Mallory Johnson teams up with Canadian country award winning singer /songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson for an acoustic evening of their songs and their stories like you have never heard them before.

Atlantic Jazz Nights 1, 2, 3, and Provincial Tour Atlantic Jazz Nights, is an international jazz series presented by the Arts and Culture Centre and is hosted and curated by celebrated St. John’s-based Juno Award winning pianist Florian Hoefner and bassist, Jim Vivian.

Mic Davis Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Stephenville and Labrador West. Bob Dylan Tribute. One of Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest rock musicians take on one of the world’s greatest songwriters. Finding international fame as part of the group The Novak’s, Mic Davis has shared the stage with a who’s who of musicians but now takes the stage solo to perform a tribute to the music of Bob Dylan

Grace St. John’s. At the heart of everything is the question of behaving with grace. It is a Newfoundland wedding full of love and rackets. From Megan Gail Coles comes a new play adapted from Lisa Moore’s novella of the same name, Grace is equal parts guts and grit. Sometimes it is okay to be messy, sometimes it’s not.

Tamasha O’ Tamasha St. John’s. In Partnership with RCA Theatre and This Might be Satire Productions, Tamasha O’ Tamasha is a political satire focused on the struggles of the everyday person under the thumb of unsympathetic leaders, told through eccentric humour and absurd situations. A new work aimed at redefining and reengaging in political theatre for today, the narrative of this piece is formed through new translations of the short plays of much lauded playwright Gursharan Singh Bhaji, with a brand-new connective story by playwright, director, and principal adapter Azal Dosanjh.

Off Balance St. John’s. Off Balance is a dazzling contemporary circus show, with a boisterous cabaret vibe. The show features funny and deeply personal anecdotes and inspiring circus acts as we follow the struggles and triumphs of a diverse cast of characters as they strive for inner growth and real connections in an increasingly isolating world. It was created by St. John’s own Anahareo Doelle of Wonderbolt Circus.

Drive Gander and St. John’s. Inspired by life during the pandemic, Drive tells the story or a parent’s journey across the country in isolation while dealing with a child’s decisions and identity. Written and performed by Broadway actor and Original Come From Away cast member Sharon Wheatley and featuring both Broadway and Gander Come from Away Actress Astrid Van Weiren, this story of love, crisis, and acceptance is what family is all about.

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Through the Municipal Capital Works Program, a joint investment of approximately $120,000 by the Provincial Government and the Town of Wabana will support a study for a town hall.

The project will assess the feasibility of a new town hall that has a smaller footprint and  is less costly to operate, while also being accessible and environmentally friendly. The town will also explore a more centralized location for the building in an effort to make it more convenient for residents to access.

The Municipal Capital Works program fosters the development of cost-shared projects for many types of municipal infrastructure. Typical projects include water and waste-water treatment, seawalls, roads, recreational facilities, town halls and fire halls. Funding is cost-shared between provincial and municipal governments and is available to municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments. More information on initiatives to facilitate and build on municipal capital works throughout the province can be found here.

Budget 2024 includes more than $172 million for community infrastructure projects being completed under the Municipal Capital Works Program and the now concluded Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quotes
“Improved municipal infrastructure not only adds to a municipality’s ability to better deliver services, but also contributes to how residents feel about their community. A study aimed at providing a town hall that better meets the needs of residents in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner will help achieve that aim.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Town halls are vital to our communities as places of gathering and decision making. As MHA, I am pleased our government and the Town of Wabana are partnering on this worthwhile study to help ensure a new Town Hall meets the needs of today’s residents and into the future.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island

“We are extremely happy to receive this funding from the province. We truly believe that downsizing into a more efficient cost-effective Town Hall that uses cleaner energy, as opposed to the existing Town Hall, will benefit both our community and the environment in the years to come. Thank you to the province for recognizing our efforts to contribute to lessening the carbon footprint and saving our taxpayers’ annual operating costs.”
His Worship Gary Gosine
Mayor of Wabana

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