Government of Newfoundland News
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Highlights Successes of 2016
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour has a mandate to ensure the province has highly educated graduates and skilled workers for a fast-growing economy. The department has worked toward fulfilling that mandate for 2016 and will continue to enhance the workforce and economic development of the province in 2017 and beyond.
Municipal Affairs Enhances Engagement and Responsiveness in 2016
Municipal Affairs
Enhancing legislation, leveraging new funding, and engaging with municipal leaders were focuses of activity for the Department of Municipal Affairs in 2016.
Public Advisory: Highway Access Permits to be Issued by Service NL Effective January 1
Transportation and Works
The public are advised that effective January 1, 2017, applications for highway access permits, which are reviewed by the Department of Transportation and Works, will be available and issued through Service NL.
Government Manages Resources Responsibly to Benefit Residents
Natural Resources
The Provincial Government made significant strides in 2016 to develop the oil and gas sector, support the mining sector, and ensure energy security for the future.
Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions Anticipated to Cause Delays
Transportation and Works
Due to adverse weather conditions forecast for tomorrow (Friday, December 30) and into Saturday, marine services and road conditions could be impacted. Residents across the province are advised to reschedule travel plans if possible due to anticipated delays related to this impending weather. Crews with the Department of Transportation and Works are monitoring conditions, preparing for the adverse weather and checking road infrastructure.
Fostering Learning Environments and Improving Student Outcomes
Education and Early Childhood Development
In 2016 the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) saw a number of major announcements and completed projects and saw foundations laid for important work ahead.
New Chair of Eastern Health Appointed
Health and Community Services
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has appointed Leslie O'Reilly as Chairperson of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The appointment has been made through the merit-based appointment process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act.
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Sectors Continue to be Major Contributors to Province’s Economy
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
In 2016, the Provincial Government continued to deliver on its commitment to build a stronger tomorrow for Newfoundland and Labrador through investments and supports in business, tourism, culture and rural development.
Public Advisory: Adverse Weather Conditions and Storm Surges Anticipated
Municipal Affairs
The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on an approaching weather system. An intense low will bring rain, above average temperatures, and strong southeasterly winds to the island Friday through Friday night. High waves and storm surges could affect parts of southwestern Newfoundland during high tide Friday morning. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, high waves are expected to develop along the southwest coast of the island ahead of this system. Current guidance suggests that areas at the highest risk for impacts due to waves are low-lying coastal areas from Port aux Basques to La Poile during high tide Friday morning.
Marking Success in Environmental Protection Throughout 2016
Environment and Climate Change
The recently formed Department of Environment and Climate Change marked several significant successes in 2016 as it worked toward greater stewardship, improved and strategic renewal, as well as dedicated collaboration across governments and numerous other stakeholders. Highlights included passing of the first legislation dealing with climate change by way of the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act; the inscription of Mistaken Point as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the pending formation of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee that will recommend options for mitigating human health concerns related to methylmercury throughout the Muskrat Falls reservoir and in the Lake Melville ecosystem.
Advancing Safety and Promoting Well-being a Focus in 2016
Service NL
Enhancing service and developing stronger regulations, legislation, and enforcement measures was a focus of activities for the Provincial Government over the course of 2016.
Newfoundland and Labrador Reaches Agreement on Funding for Canadian Health Accord
Executive Council
Finance
Health and Community Services
Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to new targeted federal funding over 10 years for investments in home care and mental health care. The province joined with Nova Scotia today in announcing an accord with the Government of Canada to support change and deliver improved health care for Canadians in these priority areas.
Progress Made on Priorities for Justice and Public Safety
Justice and Public Safety
The Provincial Government saw significant progress in 2016 related to addressing priorities for justice in the province and the advancement of initiatives focused on public safety.
Public Advisory: MV Beaumont Hamel Returning to Service
Transportation and Works
Travellers are advised that repairs to the MV Beaumont Hamel have been completed and the vessel will join the MV Flanders to provide service between Bell Island and Portugal Cove, beginning tomorrow, Saturday, December 24, at 12:00 noon.
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
Environment and Climate Change
The Honourable Perry Trimper, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety – Day 12
Municipal Affairs
As families across Newfoundland and Labrador settle in to sleep this Christmas Eve, protection from carbon monoxide poisoning must be a priority.
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2016-032 Released
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2016-032 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2016-031 Released
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2016-031 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.
Public Advisory: Crews Preparing for Potential Weather Event
Transportation and Works
Motorists are advised that the Department of Transportation and Works is monitoring Environment Canada forecasts and special statements which indicate a potential for a weather system affecting various areas of the province over the holiday weekend. In addition, up to 15 cm of snow is forecast for St. John’s and vicinity tomorrow, Friday, December 23.
Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrates One Billionth Barrel of Oil at Hibernia
Executive Council
Natural Resources
The Provincial Government is highlighting the province's achievements in building a successful offshore oil industry in light of one billion barrels of oil having been produced at Hibernia.
