Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government is providing $26,825 to Sturge Properties Inc. to help the company develop and promote its new high-end tourism accommodation business. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced the funding today through the Business Development Support Program.

Straight Shore Suites in Wesleyville, will feature five executive suites available for short-term rental accommodation, with year-round availability. The suites will be close to Lumsden Beach, Greenspond and Barbour Living Heritage Village in Newtown, as well as a number of existing tourism operators providing guided tours and visitor services.

The company estimates renovations will be complete in spring 2024 and expects to begin its marketing and advertising as soon as possible to generate interest and bookings for the upcoming tourist season.

The Provincial Government’s contribution leverages an additional $26,825 from the company, for a total project cost of $53,650. This project will invest in marketing strategies required to create market knowledge and generate demand from resident and non-resident visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to develop and grow their operations by improving operational productivity, focusing on trade opportunities and developing their markets.

Quotes
“Sturge Properties’ plans to provide accommodation in Wesleyville will contribute to the growth of year-round and seasonal tourism opportunities. This strategic investment will help get Straight Shore Suites off to a strong start, as well as providing a boost to the surrounding communities.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Wesleyville and the surrounding area offers a wealth of opportunity for visitors to explore our province and learn about its rich history and culture. Accommodations like those planned by Sturge Properties Inc. are essential to the growth of our tourism industry and add to the options available for visitors who come to the area.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are very excited to be adding much needed vacation rental accommodations to New-Wes-Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the financial support provided by the Provincial Government (IET). We plan to use this funding to promote the Straight Shore Suites and the beautiful New-Wes-Valley area.”
Corey Sturge
Sturge Properties

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address delegates at the 2024 Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference and Trade Show luncheon tomorrow, Wednesday, February 21.

The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the Delta Hotel, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. Premier Furey and Minister Crocker will hand out two awards at the event: the Cultural Tourism Award and the Tourism Achievement Award.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced two appointments to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC.) The three-year terms were effective February 9, 2024.

The newly appointed members of WERAC are Darin Brooks and Heather Ward.

Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.

WERAC is a legislated, volunteer, independent advisory body appointed by the Provincial Government to provide advice on the establishment and management of the province’s wilderness and ecological reserves.

Quote
“I’m pleased to appoint Mr. Brooks and Ms. Ward to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I am confident in their ability to support our government in continuing to prioritize the province’s natural areas, ecological reserves and protected areas through the work of the Council.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Environment and Climate Change

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Darin Brooks
Darin Brooks has more than 28 years’ experience in geospatial analysis through his work as a consultant, researcher and academic. Mr. Brooks is currently the lead instructor of the GIS Applications Specialist (post-diploma) program at College of the North Atlantic. He has delivered this program since 2009, specializing in geostatistical analysis, ecological modeling and cartography/geovisualization. Mr. Brooks continues to conduct extensive research in related areas, with his current research projects focusing on juvenile Atlantic salmon habitat modelling (Newfoundland and Labrador), impacts of climate change on rangeland forage and water resiliency (British Columbia), and mapping fossil fuel lock-in and contestation in Eastern Canada (Atlantic Canada).

Mr. Brooks holds two honours degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, a master’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia and is completing his PhD work at Memorial University (Grenfell Campus) in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences.

Heather Ward
Heather Ward is the director of the Reality Capture and Digitization Technology Access Centre at College of the North Atlantic and has 10 years’ of experience as an environmental consultant. Prior to her current role, Ms. Ward worked in the private sector as a senior GIS/remote sensing specialist. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with satellite, aerial and drone imagery (multi-spectral and hyperspectral), as well as Lidar, Sonar and Radar. Her areas of expertise include image processing, spatial data analysis and data visualization.

Ms. Ward holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, both in geography, from Memorial University.

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A combined investment of $4.3 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments was announced today, aimed at disaster mitigation efforts such as shoreline protection and erosion controls.

The funding will support 10 projects across eight communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that will help protect homes, roadways, municipal parks, and water and wastewater infrastructure from shoreline erosion and extreme weather events.

The projects involve the installation of armour stone and related upgrades which will help protect shorelines. These projects are necessary to protect critical infrastructure from storm surges and will serve as long-term solutions to prevent coastal erosion. A list of the projects is included in the backgrounder below.

The Government of Canada is investing over $1.7 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing more than $2 million and the municipalities are contributing a combined $520,000 spread across their respective projects.

Quotes
“More and more, we are witnessing the devastation caused by extreme weather events and their impact on coastal communities and infrastructure. Projects like the ones we have announced today will help make our shorelines more resilient, and offer a level of added protection to important infrastructure in our towns and communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are no strangers to bad weather. We know firsthand that storms are intensifying and becoming more frequent. The reality of climate change isn’t a distant threat – it’s here. Today, we are taking steps to combat climate change and protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Newfoundland and Labrador is filled with vibrant, resilient communities. Your government is taking steps to ensure they remain that way.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

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BACKGROUNDER

Project Information

Location Project Name Project Details Federal Funding Provincial Funding Municipal Funding Municipality of Channel-Port aux Basques Channel-Port aux Basques Shoreline Protection: Bennett Lane to Sheaves Lane Construction of shoreline protection with armour stone protection, rip-rap protection, guide rails and four new pipe culvert end sections for the shoreline nearby Bennett Lane to Sheaves Lane on Main Street. $359,017 $359,017 $179,509 Municipality of Cox’s Cove New Middle Arm Breakwaters Installation of approximately 350m of armor stone along Main Street. $221,268 $276,585 $55,317 Municipality of Fortune Shoreline Erosion Control – Location 1 Reinforcement of a 330m section of coastline with rip-rap and armour stone. $427,783 $534,729 $106,946 Municipality of Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook Disaster Mitigation – Silverton Road Replacement of a deteriorated breakwater that runs parallel to Silverton Road. $29,659 $37,074 $7,415 Municipality of Harbour Main-Chapel’s Cove-Lakeview Chapel’s Cove Breakwater – Mitigation Project Installation of an armour stone breakwater on the north side of Chapel’s Cove beach. $107,393 $134,241 $26,848 Municipality of Milltown-Head of Bay D’Espoir Jersey Brook Embankment Stabilization Placement of armour stone and a protective guardrail to stabilize an embankment near the town’s recreational facilities. $43,456 $54,319 $10,864 Municipality of Old Perlican Admirals Brook Armour stone barrier and bank protection for Admiral’s Brook. $105,214 $131,518 $26,304 Municipality of Old Perlican Main Beach Armour Stone Armour stone on the main beach. $90,520 $113,151 $22,630 Municipality of Old Perlican Bisson Cove Armour Stone Armour stone to reinforce Bisson Cove beach. $62,426 $78,033 $15,607 Municipality of Trinity Bay North Catalina Sea Wall Removal of existing timber cribbing and placement of new armour stone protection along the shoreline. $276,222 $345,277 $69,055

 

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The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for replacement of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary officially closed on Friday, February 16, and one submission was received from New Avalon Corrections Partners.

The RFQ represents the first stage in a two-stage procurement process for the facility, allowing for identification of bid teams, not a proposal. It also included a provision in the event there was only one proponent, reserving the right to modify the procurement model to ensure best value.

Government will continue the procurement process with the one proponent in accordance with the Public Procurement Act and Regulations. It will also continue to work with its independent advisors who help develop the specifications, guide the procurement and help ensure the proposal will result in the best value for taxpayers’ money.

In January 2024, government re-issued an RFQ for the replacement of the adult correctional facility, as a result of significantly increased construction costs. The parameters of the project were re-evaluated with an aim of procuring a new facility that is fiscally responsible, while also maintaining the new planned programming.

All of government’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) projects are replacing antiquated infrastructure, improving service delivery, providing employment, and providing new infrastructure at a responsible cost to taxpayers. Examples include the new Western Regional Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook; new long-term care homes in Corner Brook, Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor; and the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre currently under construction in St. John’s.

Quote
“Our approach is replacing outdated infrastructure, providing employment and providing new, modern infrastructure at a responsible cost to taxpayers. Through this process, we look forward to a new facility that will meet the needs of the community.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, is participating in a funding announcement on disaster mitigation projects tomorrow (Tuesday, February 20).

The event will take place in the Grenfell Room at the Glynmill Inn, 1B Cobb Lane, Corner Brook, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Gudie Hutchings, Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for the Long Range Mountains, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and the MHA for Corner Brook.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced more than $1 million in funding to support the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL) is a provincial community-based, non-profit charitable organization committed to preventing the spread of HIV, hepatitis C virus and related sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections through education and supportive harm reduction-based programs and services.

The funding will assist with the Safe Works Access Program (SWAP) to reduce health-related risks associated with substance use, sexual activity and sex work. More information about harm reduction services supporting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who use drugs can be found here.

The funding aligns with recommendations from Health Accord NL to support the community sector and the social determinants of health.  

Quotes
“We recognize the tremendous need of having dedicated community-based Safe Work Access Programs available throughout the province. This funding helps ensure the AIDS Committee can continue to offer harm reduction services via the Tommy Sexton Centre in St. John’s and Corner Brook, mobile outreach services, as well as in several satellite sites throughout the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This additional funding will enable the AIDS Committee to continue SWAP services throughout the province as we continue to see an increase in access to our services from the community. Access to single use supplies and drug testing equipment reduces overdoses related to the tainted drug supply and reduces the transmission of blood borne infections including HIV and Hepatitis C.  The committee works closely with the Department of Health and Community Services to reduce harms associated with drug use.”
Gerard Yetman
Executive Director, AIDS Committee NL

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AIDS Committee NL

Health Accord NL

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The House of Assembly advises that Fred Hutton, Member-Elect for the District of Conception Bay East-Bell Island, will be sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday, February 21, at 10 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber.

The ceremony will be streamed live on the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook and YouTube).

Media will be permitted access to the press gallery and, for the purposes of photography/videography, to a designated space on the Chamber floor. Media wishing to access the Chamber floor are asked to pre-register no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20. Media attending the ceremony must be in position no later than 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

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Every two years, the Provincial Government is legislated to conduct a review of the province’s minimum wage rate and the adjustment process. As part of the review, the Provincial Government is seeking input from stakeholders and members of the public.

To participate and share your feedback, please complete the brief online questionnaire available here. The questionnaire will be available online until March 16, 2024.

Written submissions will also be accepted until March 29, 2024.

Written submissions can be sent by:

Mail:                               Minimum Wage Review

                              Department of Environment and Climate Change

                              4th Floor, Confederation Building

                              P.O. Box 8700

                              St. John’s, NL  A1B 4J6

Email:                    minimumwagereview@gov.nl.ca

The Labour Standards Regulations currently stipulate that, on April 1 of each year, the minimum wage shall change based on the percentage increase to the National Consumer Price Index. On April 1, 2024, the increase will bring the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador to $15.60 per hour.

Quote
“This process provides the opportunity for the public, as well as employers, labour and government departments, to voice their concerns and present any pertinent commentary to help inform the review. Public engagement on this important issue helps to ensure the minimum wage rate adjustment process is relevant and responsive to the needs of the people in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage all interested parties to participate in this process.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

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Minimum Wage Review 2024

Labour Standards Act and Regulations

Labour Standards Division

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Demolition of the nurses’ residence at the site of the former Grace Hospital on LeMarchant Road in St. John’s officially gets underway today. Since the contract was awarded to Inflector Environmental Services in July of last year, hazardous material abatement and disposal has been underway.

A photo opportunity and media availability with the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will take place today at 2:00 p.m. at the site.

All media attending must wear personal protective equipment. Transportation and Infrastructure will supply hard hats and safety vests. However, media must supply their own safety boots. Media must confirm their attendance beforehand by emailing mbrowne@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is participating in a Newfoundland and Labrador Film and Television mission to Berlin, Germany, beginning today (Thursday, February 15).

Minister Crocker joins a team comprised of representatives from Picture NL and the Film and Media Production Centre at College of the North Atlantic, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador producers and production companies.

While there, Minister Crocker will attend the Berlin Film Festival and will meet with industry representatives to highlight this province as a premiere destination for film and television production.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today approximately $1.5 million in funding to support The Gathering Place, an important partner with the Provincial Government as efforts continue to address homelessness.

The Gathering Place is a non-profit organization that provides various forms of social services, support and advocacy for vulnerable people within the downtown St. John’s area. The funding will assist with:

• Meal service increases.
• Recruitment and retention of staff.
• Facility cost increases.
• Added security expenses.

The funding aligns with recommendations from Health Accord NL to support the community sector and the social determinants of health. 

Quotes
“We recognize the tremendous benefit of having strong and dedicated community based organizations throughout the province. This funding helps ensure The Gathering Place can continue to support population health and wellness by providing on-site and outreach support services to vulnerable individuals in the metro area.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“With the continuing increase in the demand for services at The Gathering Place, we are so appreciative of the additional funding provided by the Department of Health and Community Services. As we deal with extraordinary increases in operating costs, this support will go a long way in helping the hundreds of people who come to us daily for food, clothing, laundry, shelter, showers, case management supports and other critical services.”
Paul Davis
Executive Director, The Gathering Place

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The Gathering Place

Health Accord NL

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The Provincial Government is monitoring forecast information on a weather system that is anticipated to affect many regions of the province over the coming days (February 14-16).

Heavy snowfall with blowing snow, including impacts from storm surge, are forecast to begin early tomorrow morning (Wednesday, February 14) and will persist over the following days. Strong winds will combine with fresh snowfall to create poor visibility at times in heavy and blowing snow on the Avalon, Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas as well as the northeast coast.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is currently activated to Level 1 – Enhanced Monitoring. While no action is required from emergency management partners at this time, they are asked to continue monitoring for updates and forecast information.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Environment Canada forecast for the most up-to-date information.

Snow plows and ice control crews will be active during the weather event, however visibility will be reduced leading to unsafe driving conditions. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive to conditions, and to check NL 511 via the mobile app, nl511.ca or call 511 for driving conditions in your area.

Municipalities and local service districts should ensure appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services during severe weather events.

Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness, including how to prepare for a blizzard-like conditions.

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To enhance business and market development in the outfitting industry, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $21,700 through the Business Development Support Program for Off the Grid Adventures Inc.

Headquartered in Deer Lake, Off the Grid Adventures offers guided big game (moose and black bear) hunting near Roddickton, which is known as the “Moose Capital of the World.” The company’s lodge is a 20-minute flight by float plane from Hawkes Bay.

The outfitters have hosted crews from television shows Quebec Countryside and Canada in the Rough, and episodes about their operation have aired on WildTV.

This funding from the Provincial Government will be used for marketing initiatives. Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to develop and grow their operations by improving operational productivity, focusing on trade opportunities and developing their markets.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is a bucket list destination for people around the world, and local companies like Off the Grid Adventures provide visitors the opportunity to experience our traditions, landscapes and culture. Our government is proud to help them grow, and it is my honour to be the MHA of a district with so much to offer.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and MHA for Humber-Gros Morne

“Off the Grid Adventures is already seeing returning clients who want to experience all that the Great Northern Peninsula has to offer. This funding will help this company expand its market while also promoting the entire western Newfoundland region.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Our pristine wilderness areas and abundant wildlife make Newfoundland and Labrador a world-class destination for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits like big game hunting. This support for Off the Grid Adventures will help them attract even more visitors and create additional employment and economic activity.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“The Business Development Support program has made a positive impact on our business! It has supported our marketing efforts, which has helped tremendously for our tourism-based business … especially in a post-Covid world. It has allowed us to reach clients in regions that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible, with travel, booth displays, and promotional materials, also, assisting us in establishing and growing our presence online. We continue to see sales as a result of this funding and appreciate the support of this program as we continue to grow our business.”
Barry Samms
Off the Grid Adventures

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, today offered a joint statement on the retirement of David Diamond, President and CEO, of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we extend our sincere gratitude to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services President and CEO David Diamond for his dedication to the province’s health care system and its workers, and his commitment to improving health care for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We thank Mr. Diamond for his leadership in not only transitioning to one provincial health authority, but also for being an instrumental partner in health transformation. Mr. Diamond has helped create a solid foundation for the continued reimagination of healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador, as envisioned in Health Accord NL.

On behalf of the residents of the province, we thank Mr. Diamond for more than a decade of service to Newfoundland and Labrador and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.”

Mr. Diamond will stay in the role until the end of June. The recruitment process will soon begin.

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“As Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am extremely disappointed with Vrbo’s ‘Relax – Rooster’ video spot which features the beloved Newfoundland and Labrador folk song, I’se the B’y.

Earlier today, I spoke with Vrbo leadership and requested that Vrbo take immediate action to remove this video from both YouTube and television rotation.

I’se the B’y is synonymous with our province and culture. As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we take strong exception to Vrbo using the song in this derogatory manner. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation has received innumerable complaints about this spot, which have intensified since it was aired during the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024.

Our province offers so much to Vrbo’s customers and tourists from all over the world, including our rich musical history. This is not an accurate representation of our province, our culture or our people.

I encourage Vrbo to take the time to learn about our beautiful province at www.newfoundlandlabrador.com.”

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is sharing his condolences following the passing of Denis Parker.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Denis Parker, who shared his love of music as a writer, teacher, player and singer of the blues in Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 50 years.

Denis was widely recognized as a trailblazer in the music industry and was inducted to the NL Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame in 2018.

As Executive Director of the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for 18 years, Denis was instrumental in supporting and developing young artists in this province.

On behalf of our province, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues in the music community.”

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Newfoundland and Labrador was well represented at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence with local entrepreneurs receiving recognition. The 27th annual awards were presented at an event in Halifax during Craft East Buyers’ Expo on February 10, 2024.

East Coast Glow, owned by Karen and Roger Dewling, was named Outstanding Exporter, which recognizes an individual, organization or company for exporting achievement of craft or giftware outside Atlantic Canada.

Using plant-based ingredients and pure iceberg water, East Coast Glow creates highly effective skincare products with a mission to connect people with nature through sustainable, wildcrafted skincare. With a production facility and retail storefront in Bonavista, their products, which range from soaps and body cleansers to salves, lotions and lip balms, are also sold online, through retail craft fairs, in their shop and across Canada.

To build on their exporting success, East Coast Glow is focusing efforts on the international market in 2024.

The Glass Station in Rocky Harbour received the award for Outstanding Retailer, which recognizes excellence in display, merchandising and service to the public.

In addition to displaying the work of owner and maker Urve Manuel, the Glass Station features the work of a number of craftspeople and visual artists, the majority of whom are based in Newfoundland and Labrador. The shop shows a curated selection of fine craft, designed and chosen to represent the Gros Morne region and to provide visitors with memories of their experiences in the province.

The craft shop and gallery also hosts special events and visitors, invites residents to participate in charitable efforts and works with partners to accelerate the growth of regional tourism.

The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are presented annually in conjunction with the Craft East Buyers’ Expo, which showcases craft and giftware made exclusively in the Atlantic Provinces.

Quotes
“Congratulations to East Coast Glow and the Glass Station for their accomplishment at this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence. It always makes me proud to see what craftspeople from this province can accomplish and we are happy to continue to support traditional and contemporary artists build and grow their creative initiatives.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Congratulations to all recipients of this year’s Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence, especially Newfoundland and Labrador’s own East Coast Glow and The Glass Station. Our province is home to so many creative and unique artisans who contribute to the vibrancy and heritage of our communities. As we celebrate the Year of the Arts this year, it is the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to support local artisans and craftspeople on their adventures throughout the province.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Industry Strategy 2023-2025

East Coast Glow

The Glass Station

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is seeking public input on highway improvement projects to be considered for the upcoming 2024-25 road construction season, as well as future years.

Residents can submit their suggestions or concerns, along with photos, to roadsplaninput@gov.nl.ca or the following mailing address:

Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Attention: Director of Roads
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Residents are encouraged to provide highway information such as region, route name or number, the nearest municipality or landmark, and the type of highway issue being experienced. The deadline for submissions is end of day February 26, 2024.

The roads plan is currently being finalized and any additional information received will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the information gathered to date. Road projects included in the plan are based on safety; traffic volumes; socio-economic impacts; input from the public; commercial, industry and tourism impacts; populations serviced; the impacts of climate change; and assessments by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s engineers.

In 2023, the Provincial Government announced a historic investment of nearly $1.4 billion to improve highway and road transportation infrastructure over five construction seasons, with $225 million invested in highway construction in the 2023-24 season. This is the largest provincial investment in highway and road infrastructure over a five-year period in the province’s history.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

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

Quote
“We are continuing our efforts to modernize road infrastructure and connect communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and the assessment of our current roads infrastructure is an important element in the development of our roads plan. Through this engagement, we want to ensure we have captured any suggestions that need our attention.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Historical Five-Year Investment in Highway and Road Infrastructure

Contract Awarded for Replacement of Shoal Harbour River Bridge

New Galway Interchange

Pitts Memorial Drive

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-006 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-2024-006 Report Date: February 8, 2024 Public Body: Memorial University of Newfoundland Summary: The Complainant submitted four access to information requests to Memorial University of Newfoundland related to expenditures incurred by three of the University’s separately incorporated entities. Memorial did not perform a search for the records requested by the Complainant and instead responded claiming it does not have custody or control of the records as they relate to expenditures by the separately incorporated entities. The Commissioner noted that Memorial should have performed a search for responsive records, as without such a search a claim of lack of custody or control cannot be substantiated. Therefore, Memorial did not meet its duty to assist the Complainant pursuant to section 13(1) of ATIPPA, 2015. An analysis of Memorial’s custody or control showed that on a balance of probabilities Memorial has custody or control of records containing information relating to the Complainant’s access request.

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

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