Government of Newfoundland News

Natural Resources
Service NL

The Provincial Government is recognizing the anniversary of the Cougar Flight 491 tragedy that occurred eight years ago on March 12, 2009. A memorial service for those who passed away as a result of the crash will be held on Sunday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church on Waterford Bridge Road in St. John’s. The public is encouraged to attend to remember those who perished and to offer condolences to their families and friends.

Transportation and Works

In response to a Request for Qualifications issued on January 20 for the design, build, financing and maintenance of the new long-term care facility in Corner Brook, five teams have submitted proposals. The facility will include 120 long-term care beds, 15 palliative care beds and 10 rehabilitative care beds. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2017.

Executive Council
Education and Early Childhood Development

Today, the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, together with the Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, announced that Robert Gardiner has been appointed to the role of deputy minister with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Executive Council

The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, will be in New York from Friday, March 10, until Tuesday, March 14.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will attend three events in Grand Falls-Windsor tomorrow (Friday, March 10).

Executive Council
Fisheries and Land Resources

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, along with the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity, will make an announcement tomorrow (Friday, March 10), 1:00 p.m. at the Marine Institute's Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, St. John's.

Fisheries and Land Resources

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, will attend an event to commemorate the eighth annual Rooting for Health at Mary Queen of the World Elementary School, tomorrow (Friday, March 10), at 8 a.m. The school is located on Topsail Rd., Mount Pearl.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Today the Provincial Government announced William Wells as the independent chairperson of the new Fisheries Advisory Council effective immediately.

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, March is National Social Work Month, and I rise today in this Honourable House to pay tribute to our province’s social workers.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to announce a $17 million repayable loan to Canada Fluorspar Inc. Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding will assist with the re-activation of the St. Lawrence fluorspar mine, which is an exciting venture that will benefit the community, the region and the province.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in the history of our province. On March 12, 2009, Cougar Helicopter Flight 491 crashed into the cold Atlantic Ocean as it was en route to the oil fields off our east coast. Of the two crew and 16 passengers on board, just one person survived.

Executive Council
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

On International Women’s Day, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador supports the Private Member’s Motion that draws attention and awareness to pay equity and will start the process to explore potential ways to achieve pay equity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Health and Community Services

To recognize Stigma Awareness Week, Bernard Davis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at the annual variety show hosted by the Consumers Health Awareness Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Schizophrenia Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Stella’s Circle.

Justice and Public Safety

On March 8, commissioners and staff of the Human Rights Commission are joining the world to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome athletes, fans, organizers and volunteers to St. John’s for the 2017 Tim Hortons Brier.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize International Women’s Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s national theme is Equality Matters and is a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face in trying to achieve gender equality.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will speak at a Heart & Stroke Foundation announcement related to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) today (Wednesday, March 8).

Natural Resources

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, will participate in the fifth National Indigenous Women’s Summit on Wednesday, March 8, starting at 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Allstream/Beanfield Centre, 105 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto.

Executive Council
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is congratulating the Union Collaboration Working Committee in their work to address issues affecting women’s equality in the workplace, particularly in trades and technology occupations.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a far-reaching advancement that our government believes will have a positive impact on post-secondary education and the economy in this province.