Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In an effort to determine where operations can be more efficient, our Government will review department organizational structures inclusive of management positions, functions and roles and responsibilities with a view to assess the appropriate management subordinate reporting relationships. By March 31, 2017, our Government will have completed a review of department organizational structures and management subordinate reporting relationships. We will then implement new human resource guidelines to reasonably optimize the number of direct reports to managers and/or directors based on the nature of the service and clientele, and to limit duplication of management personnel.

What We’ve Accomplished:

Savings Identified: $24 million

• 17 per cent reduction in management positions announced on February 22, 2017;
• Net reduction of 287 management level positions, including 90 vacant positions;
• New structure determined by a detailed review of departmental structures and management subordinate reporting relationships;
• 20 per cent of executive positions (Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister) eliminated in 2016; and,
• 31 per cent of communications positions eliminated in 2016.

News Releases

Provincial Government Implements Flatter, Leaner Management Structure

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

In February 2017, our Government announced the implementation of a flatter, leaner management structure for core Government departments. In 2017-18, our Government will work with ABCs to undertake similar exercises to optimize the number of direct reports to managers, directors and executive members based on the nature of the service and clientele and to limit duplication of management personnel in those organizations.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation eliminated 14 of 76 management positions (an 18 per cent reduction), resulting in $1.4 million in annual savings with no impact to front line services.
• The Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information committed to a net reduction of 93 positions, including 21 per cent of RHA executives, for a savings of $7.6 million annually.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) restructured its executive resulting in savings of over $300,000 annually.

News Releases

Flatter, Leaner Management Structure Implemented for Regional Health Authorities and NLCHI

More Efficient Management Structure Implemented for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Currently the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador have separate administrative structures. Our Government will work with both court systems to identify opportunities for collaboration and sharing of services in an effort to improve efficiency. This review will begin in 2017-18.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Justice and Public Safety has met with the heads of court administration at Supreme Court and Provincial Court to engage in planning for the review.
• The review is completed, however it did not identify the desired efficiencies. As a result JPS continues to review this matter in an effort to identify opportunities for the sharing of services and to improve efficiency.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

The Department of Justice and Public Safety provides legal counsel to all core Government departments and often contracts external legal counsel for additional support. Legal services are a cost pressure for our Government. Our Government will undertake a review of the use of legal services within the core public service to identify opportunities for efficiencies. This review will be concluded by March 31, 2018. Our Government will also encourage ABCs to review their use of legal services to determine potential efficiencies.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Surveys have been completed by legal services clients within the Provincial Government, lawyers within Civil Division in the Department of Justice and Public Safety, and other civil divisions across Canada.
• This review has been finalized. A report is expected to be posted online in the Fall of 2018.
• Government has also encouraged ABCs to review their use of legal services to determine potential efficiencies.

Executive Summary – Legal Services Review

As outlined in The Way Forward: Realizing Our Potential, Government committed to conduct a review of the use of legal services within government. Civil legal services, as opposed to criminal, are provided by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety, (JPS). The Civil Division provides a range of legal services to government including, where necessary, the retention of external counsel. It provides general legal advice to Government departments and agencies and handles Government’s litigation responsibilities, including general litigation and child protection litigation.

The solicitors in the Civil Division are divided into four units: Family Litigation, Corporate/Commercial, Central Agencies, and Civil Litigation.  The majority of these individuals are located in St. John’s but there are also solicitors operating out of offices in Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, and Happy Valley – Goose Bay.

There are three major categories of expenses in the Civil Division: Allowances and Assistance, Professional Services, and Salaries and Benefits. Court ordered damages or settlements negotiated by JPS solicitors are funded from the Allowances and Assistance fund. These liabilities arise from the activities of all government departments. The Professional Services Budget provides funding for the retention of external legal counsel and experts. External counsel expenditures which are ordered by the Court, necessitated by litigation, required to avoid a conflict, or result from judicial indemnification are not discretionary and must be funded. These expenses are often incurred on behalf of other government departments. The Salaries and Benefits budget covers 37 solicitors, five legal assistants, one paralegal and two articling students.

The methodology for the review included conducting: interviews with client departments; a jurisdictional scan on service/funding models; staff surveys, and; analysis of previous reviews of the Civil Division. The main findings of the review include:

• Given that settlements generally arise as a result of past conduct or events, there are limited means available to Government to limit such liability.
• Expenditures for court-appointed counsel have proven to be difficult for JPS to control, as JPS has little control over the events in which they will arise or the work being performed. The Court-mandated expenditures from this account have been growing in recent years.
• Most Civil Divisions in other Provinces and Territories require client departments to pay for external counsel.
• A number of different models for funding of government internal law firms exist in Canada. It is unclear if any of the models is actually more cost effective overall for a government.
• In-house counsel is the most cost effective way to provide legal services to a large corporation or a government. JPS’ Civil Division continues to be the cost effective manner to provide quality civil legal services and deal with legal claims on behalf of all government.
• Any further reductions in Civil Division staffing levels, beyond those experienced since 2009, and in particular 2013, will increase turn-around times, lower client satisfaction, increase workloads within the Civil Division and undoubtedly lead to additional expenditures on professional services.
• Client departments identified a need for either more legal services or faster turnaround time on existing work. While development of initiatives to facilitate continuing legal education, practice management, time management, and workplace wellness could produce some modest efficiencies, it is unlikely that this would completely address the demand expressed by client departments for more legal services or faster turnaround on legal services.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Government currently has collections functions spread across multiple departments. The consolidation of collections activities within Government will reduce redundancy, increase the amount of money returned to the province and standardize collections processes. Consolidation will provide a unified view of all receivables owed to the province across multiple departments, which will enable cases to be prioritized based on total liabilities owed. Our Government will begin consolidation in 2017-18.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Finance has recently assumed responsibility for the collection of outstanding student loans and is continuing to assess further opportunities to realize efficiencies.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Engineering services are currently spread across multiple departments. Our Government will consolidate engineering services, as appropriate, within one department by March 31, 2017. The consolidation will enable better engineering project management and will maximize the use of professional resources and skills.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Government announced the consolidation of engineering services on February 22, 2017.
• Transportation and Works is now the lead department for engineering services for the delivery of infrastructure for core government departments.
• This change has addressed instances of overlapping engineering services, such as those related to education infrastructure projects. In the past, engineering staff from both the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Department of Transportation and Works were involved in design/construction projects for schools in the province. While the end goal was the same, each group had its own set of priorities and responsibilities, which could sometime contribute to a degree of inefficiency in project execution. Having a single engineering service in place removes duplication that existed previously, enables engineering resources to be assigned to a larger number and broader array of projects, and improves government’s ability to maximize the utility of this valuable skillset.

News Releases

Government Structure Realigned to Enhance Program and Service Delivery and Achieve Greater Efficiency

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Government marketing services are currently delivered through a decentralized model with marketing staff spread across multiple departments and agencies. The consolidation of marketing responsibilities and functions will result in stronger marketing resources within the public sector, increased efficiencies, effectiveness and success of Government marketing activities. This consolidation will be completed by March 31, 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Government announced the consolidation of marketing functions on February 22, 2017.
• Communications and Public Engagement Branch now serves as the central marketing unit. This consolidation will save approximately $1.3 million annually by bringing the majority of marketing and design work in-house.

News Releases

Government Structure Realigned to Enhance Program and Service Delivery and Achieve Greater Efficiency

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The Human Resource Secretariat currently provides payroll administration services to core Government, while the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has a separate work unit for Teachers Payroll. To improve efficiency of payroll operations, in 2017-18, our Government will commence work to consolidate payroll functions.

What We’ve Accomplished:

A committee was formed to review the requirements for consolidation, any issues or barriers to consider, and to outline a potential approach.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government faces increasing citizen service delivery expectations. The use of online and mobile platforms, such as smart phones and tablets, has changed the way people interact to share information and access services. This has driven citizen demand for change in how they interact with Provincial Government services.

Committed to in Phase 1, our Government has recently completed a survey of Newfoundland and Labrador residents on service delivery expectations. The data collected from this survey will help inform the next phase of our transformation from a paper-based application culture to a digital-by-design model. To begin to implement this model, in 2017-18, our Government will create a Digital-by-Design Project team to identify areas of service delivery that could be redesigned to provide the ability to use the services they require when they want and how they want. Also in 2017-18, work will continue on consolidating toll-free numbers for Provincial Government services to provide more streamlined access for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• An inventory of Government toll-free numbers, with consolidation recommendations, was completed. A review of the recommendations and consolidation is underway.
• An implementation roadmap has been developed to transform our Government to digital-by-design; this includes the integration of multiple services in an online format, which will make it easier for clients to do business with Government.
• On April 24, 2018 our Government released a five-year plan to enhance government services for residents by making services “digital-by-design.” Through this plan, government will fully realize the new approach of “One Client. One GovNL. One Relationship.”

News Releases:

Premier Ball Launches Next Phase of Actions Through The Way Forward

The Digital Way Forward: Government Unveils Five-Year Plan to Make Service “Digital By Design”

Provincial Government Launches Digital MyGovNL Pilot for Motor Registration Division

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Public assets include everything from land, buildings, marine vessels and aircraft to equipment and machinery, infrastructure and computer software. At the end of the 2016-17 fiscal year, these assets had a net book value of $4.3 billion. While many assets serve a valid purpose, helping provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the services they need, some may no longer provide a net return on investment or meet a strategic policy objective.

In 2018-19, our government will develop an Asset Management Framework to help departments determine how to divest of assets in a manner that ensures optimal social, economic and financial return. In some cases, this may entail selling the asset, while in other instances it may require giving the asset a new purpose within the public sector or in the community. In the meantime, our government will seek opportunities to optimize assets to ensure that they generate an economic benefit for the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government has determined it has no use for the site of the former Grace Hospital Nursing Residence. TW engaged consultant Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental during the year to conduct a hazardous building materials assessment which has now been completed. This will be followed by the engagement of an appraiser to conduct an overall property assessment. These efforts will inform next steps, including the sale of the property and removal of the building.
• An Expression of Interest was issued in fall 2018 for the Harbour Grace court house. A proposal was received and next steps are under consideration.
• Public Disposal of the College of the North Atlantic Springdale Campus Bulding closed on January 24, 2018, with a winning bid of $336,000. An Agreement of purchase and sale is now being finalized.
• As of September 30, 2018, 112 vehicles had been removed from the light-duty fleet since April 1, 2018, meeting government’s vehicle reduction commitment. Efforts are continuing toward improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Sale of the out-of-commission MV Earl Winsor has been completed with a return of approximately $20,000, while a sale of two surplus, older model water bombers and parts has been completed with a return of over $800,000.
• We are also continuing efforts to optimize the leased office space that we need for providing services. As of January 26, 2019, the cumulative reduction in Government’s leased office space was 103,224 square feet from 2016. This equates to approximately $2.9 million in rental savings annually.
• On June 29, 2018, the Provincial Government announced plans to enhance Marble Mountain Ski Resort as a provincial tourism asset through private sector involvement. A Request for Proposals has been issued to seek private sector interest and will accept proposals for base development, management as well as lease or sale or other potential investment opportunities for the resort.

News Releases:

Government Provides Update on Grace Hospital Nursing Residence, Management of Assets

Provincial Government Exploring Opportunities for Marble Mountain Ski Resort

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

As we continue to increase financial accountability and adopt best practices in governance and financial reporting, our Government will expand the role and composition of the Government-wide Audit Committee. This includes implementing changes to the current committee to allow for external membership, as recommended by the Auditor General. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to foster a positive and effective internal control environment by monitoring and reporting on matters related to financial reporting, governance, and efficiency and effectiveness of provincial programs. In 2017-18, our Government will appoint external members to the Government-wide Audit Committee and the Committee will begin working on their expanded role.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In 2017-18, the Government-wide audit committee was established with external membership participation.
• The committee has been a strong advocate for the internal audit function and has been active in reviewing the progress of the government-wide fraud management program. The committee played an active role in the Province’s financial reporting by reviewing the Public Accounts with the Auditor General and Comptroller General.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Currently, financial assistance for medical transportation is provided through two different programs, one for beneficiaries of the Medical Care Plan who incur substantial out-of-pocket travel costs to access specialized insured medical services not available in their community and another for individuals receiving income support services. Our Government will launch a single provincial medical transportation financial assistance program that combines existing provincial medical transportation resources into a single, efficient and equitable program. Over the next six months, our Government will pilot this approach with a select group of clients and implement full roll-out in 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

The transfer of medical transportation service for Income Support clients from the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour to the Department of Health and Community Services for administration under a single window service has been completed. Continuing from this transition, efforts to improve the efficiency and timeliness of the service are ongoing.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to creating and supporting an environment where entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish, there is a need to improve integration of funding provided by departments and agencies to businesses. A range of business financing instruments are available. A review is required to determine if all are still relevant in today’s economy and whether any gaps exist for companies. Our Government will improve the integration of business financing programs, which are currently provided by multiple departments and agencies. Our Government will also complete an analysis of existing non-commercial economic development funding to improve Government-wide collaboration and maximize resources.

In 2017-18, our Government will establish key performance indicators for business financing programs to ensure economic development objectives are being met, with a focus on better processes to improve coordination, efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, we will communicate and implement enhancements and/or modifications to business financing programs.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A Deputy Ministers’ Committee and a Senior Officials’ Committee were established to define the in-scope programs, and ensure a consistent approach was applied to the review of programs.
• TCII and stakeholder departments are working together to finalize the framework. The identification of key performance indicators is a key part of the deliverable.
• In 2018-19, we will continue to take steps to ensure: programs offered to business are the most effective in helping them succeed; programs are delivered in a timely and efficient manner; and program gaps identified are addressed.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Supporting economic and labour market growth requires coordination and collaboration between the province’s two public post-secondary institutions and other stakeholders, such as Indigenous Governments and Organizations, business and industry. Our Government will work with Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic to enable them to increase the amount of research programs and initiatives undertaken at both institutions, to identify ways for the University and the College to collaborate, partner and pool resources in applied research areas and to assist in supporting and facilitating the transfer of students between the two institutions.

Our Government has formed a Council of representatives from the Provincial Government, Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic. The Council held its first meeting on March 23, 2017. The Council will meet at least twice annually and Government will report on outcomes and recommendations regularly.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Council on Higher Education is made up of representatives from the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University including a student representative from each post-secondary institution. The Council on Higher Education aims to increase collaboration and foster cooperation between Memorial University of Newfoundland and College of the North Atlantic.
• The Council convened March 23, 2017 and has met four times since, on December 4, 2017, March 12, 2018, June 20, 2018, and October 15, 2018.
• The Council has identified three priority areas for collaboration:
  • Enhance articulation and transfer opportunities;
  • Enhance applied research programs and projects; and
  • Enhance Indigenous Education programs and supports.
• The Council has approved the creation of an Advisory Committee and sub-committees consisting of representation from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic, to guide and support the work of the Council.
• In 2018-19, the Council on Higher Education will identify opportunities for Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic to partner and pool applied research resources to support the growth of provincial priority sectors. As educational attainment is vital to labour market attachment and success, the Council will also identify ways to facilitate and further support the transfer of students between the two institutions.

News Releases

Minister Byrne Convenes Council on Higher Education

Members Appointed to Memorial University Board of Regents, College of the North Atlantic Board of Governors

Council on Higher Education Continues Its Work

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will proceed to procure the Corner Brook Long Term Care Facility, beginning in 2017. This project will proceed following a value for money assessment which will identify the best method for designing, building, financing and maintaining this new facility. Residents will benefit from receiving high quality care in a modern facility.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The construction of the new long-term care facility in Corner Brook was announced on January 20, 2017.
• The proponent was selected for the project in November 2017 following a public Request for Proposals.
• A project agreement was signed in December 2017.
• Construction of the facility has begun and is scheduled to be completed by 2020.

News Releases

Update Provided on Procurement for New Corner Brook Long-Term Care Facility

Proponent Selected for Long Term Care Facility in Corner Brook

Milestones Reached in Development of Western Newfoundland Health Care Campus

Provincial Products and Services Showcased at Hospital Procurement Business-to-Business Event

Provincial Government Provides Update on Construction of Corner Brook Long-Term Care Home

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017-18, our government implemented a flatter, leaner management structure for the core public service and in select ABCs. In 2018-19, we will continue to work with ABCs to lower operational costs in a manner that is mindful of service delivery requirements and attrition policies.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Our Government has implemented zero-based budgeting and initiated reviews for some agencies, boards and commissions.
• A Request for Proposals has been issued to seek proponents to provide mobile communication technology services for provincial departments, agencies, boards and commissions at more competitive rates. Proposals will be accepted until August 15, 2018.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Issues Request for Proposals for Better-Value Mobility Services

New Act Gives Provincial Government Greater Access to Workforce and Compensation Information from Agencies, Boards and Commissions

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

The public sector must have a physical presence throughout the province to deliver the health, education and other services Newfoundlanders and Labradorians require. This means that the public sector leaves a significant – and costly – footprint in terms of office space and storage requirements. Our government set a target to reduce, in 2020, our leased-space footprint by 110,000 square feet over 2016 requirements. Reductions in leased-space requirements are saving taxpayers approximately $2.7 million annually. We are now setting our sights even higher by committing to a 130,000 square foot leased-space reduction in the same period.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• As of January 26, 2018 the cumulative reduction in Government’s leased office space was 103,224 square feet from 2016. This equates to approximately $2.9 million in rental savings annually.
• Lease reduction activities included:
  • Relocating the NLESD District Office from Atlantic Place to Government-owned space on Elizabeth Avenue;
  • Moving CSSD offices to the Confederation Building complex;
  • Relocating AESL offices from leased space to Government-owned Petten Building;
  • Moving some TCII offices from leased space to Confederation Building complex;
  • Moving AESL offices to the Confederation Building complex;
  • Moving the Human Rights Commission, Labour Relations Board and the JPS Fines and Administration Division into the Natural Resources Building on Elizabeth Avenue;
  • Relocating TCII employees from two Millbrook Mall locations to the Sir Richard Squires Building in Corner Brook;
  • Secured lease arrangements to relocate FLR employees from 17 divisions to a single office space in Corner Brook;
  • Secured lease arrangements to consolidate government offices in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, including TCII, CSSD, MAE, and OCIO, and including space for the Office of the Premier and the MHA for the District of Lake Melville; and,
  • Secured a new lease arrangement to consolidate multiple government offices in Gander into a single lease.

News Releases

Government Fulfils Way Forward Commitment to Reduce Building Footprint

Government Provides Update on Grace Hospital Nursing Residence, Management of Assets

Relocating Department of Fisheries and Land Resources Offices in Corner Brook to Save Taxpayers $560,000 Annually

Consolidation of Government Offices in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Results in Savings for Taxpayers

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Following on our commitment to reduce costs associated with owning and operating over 3,000 light-duty, heavy equipment and utility vehicles, we have conducted a review of our fleet, which cost taxpayers $32 million to maintain in 2016-17. In 2018-19, our government will achieve a 10 per cent reduction in its inventory of light-duty vehicles, which equates to 112 fewer vehicles and a savings to taxpayers of approximately $500,000 annually through lower maintenance requirements. This will be done by consolidating the management of the fleet.

Our government is committed to exploring other efficiency options for our vehicle fleet, including establishing a pooled-usage system, centralizing repair and maintenance services, and procuring vehicles that are more fuel-efficient.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• As of April 1, 2018, the management of the Provincial Government’s fleet of light-duty vehicles was consolidated in the Department of Transportation and Works and efforts have been underway since that time to realize efficiencies.
• The size of the fleet has been reduced by 10 per cent.
• Vehicle pools have been established in St. John’s, Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay and an online booking solution has been implemented.
• New fuel and maintenance cards have been introduced to centralize repair and maintenance services for all light duty vehicles.
• Have begun replacing higher consumption vehicles with more fuel efficient options (e.g., compact cars).

News Releases:

Government Provides Update on Grace Hospital Nursing Residence, Management of Assets

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is undertaking a review of more than 200 public sector ABCs to assess levels of activity and areas of duplication. This review will include advisory, regulatory and adjudicative ABCs, with a focus on those without permanent staff. In 2018-19, our government will continue reducing the number of ABCs.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A review of Government entities is on-going.
• All of the funding, programs and services of the Research and Development Corporation are now supported and delivered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, resulting in better alignment of programs and services and increased collaboration and greater opportunity to leverage funding from federal and industry partners. This reorganization has saved $3.12 million.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Ocean Enterprises Limited (NOEL) and its subsidiary, Marystown Shipyard Limited, (MSL Ltd.) operated as an arms-length Crown Corporation with a board of directors reporting to the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. Both entities were dissolved in September 2017.
• The combined savings of these two organizational changes saved more than $3.1 million.

News Releases

Provincial Government Announces Creation of InnovateNL

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Shared services involves the central processing of transactions and services for one or more back-office functions on behalf of several business units within an organization. We will continue to take steps to consolidate corporate services for various accounting and finance processes, such as accounts receivables, collections, accounts payables, banking, payroll and purchasing, as well as human resources and information technology. In 2017-18, we initiated the development of a shared-services work plan and, in 2018-19 we will work with partners in ABCs to identify specific shared-services opportunities for implementation.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In 2017-18, a work plan was developed to identify steps required to share back office functions.
• The Department of Health and Community Services is now implementing a province-wide shared services model for supply chain management in the health care system. Once fully implemented, the shared services model is expected to result in annual savings in excess of $13 million.

News Releases

Minister Haggie Announces Implementation of a Shared Services Model for Supply Chain Management

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Achieving maximum value for money is a priority for our government. Every year, the core public service spends hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire the various goods and services required to deliver the public services on which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely. A strategic sourcing approach has the potential to bring this number down while maintaining the quality of public services and supporting local economic activity in a manner consistent with trade obligations.

Using the new Public Procurement Act, our government will adopt a strategic approach to procurement that maximizes opportunities for public bodies to purchase commodities through joint and group purchasing initiatives and enables the province to leverage the purchasing potential of intergovernmental arrangements, such as those announced under the Atlantic Growth Strategy. Our approach will also consider opportunities to strengthen our economic base by purchasing from local businesses where appropriate.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• With respect to strategic approaches to procurement, the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) continues to work with the federal government under the terms of the National Master User Agreement in an effort to identify commodities that NL public bodies may be able to acquire under the benefits of that agreement.
• PPA recently issued a request for proposals for an e-procurement tool and are working with other public bodies that are exploring the use of a similar tool so that they may avail of resulting solution if it meets their needs.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The advancement of technology has changed the way people work and has enabled employees to increase their mobility. With access to mobile tools such as laptops and smart phones, some workers can work anywhere at any time. Our Government will develop innovative work arrangement policies which support employees working in remote locations, virtual offices or shared work spaces.

By March 31, 2018, Service NL will explore virtual offices for suitable functions. If adopted, employees will be supported to use mobile technology to work without dedicated office space, accessing shared work space on an as needed basis.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Service NL’s AMANDA information management system was updated during the third quarter of 2017-2018. Enhancements and improvements to the system, including the procurement of mobile device hardware have been initiated and will continue into 2018-2019 and 2020.
• The Office of the Chief Information Officer is currently working on implementing a mobile inspection solution that will introduce efficiencies and allow inspectors to spend more time in the field performing inspections and investigations. The use of mobile devices will result in a reduction in paper work. As well, the current practice of completing a paper inspection report followed by manually entering the same information into the information management system upon the return to the office will be eliminated.
• The co-location of the Service NL and Service Canada offices in St. Anthony is targeted for 2019. Co-location will result in more efficient public access to provincial and federal services in the St. Anthony area. Other federal – provincial co-location opportunities will be explored during 2018-2019.
• Service NL is part of a joint tender, with other Government Departments, for office space in Gander. Co-location of Provincial Government offices in Gander will result in more efficient public access to services in the Gander area. As well, from an operations perspective, the co-location of Government Departments may introduce efficiencies and cost savings due to shared waiting areas, reception, boardrooms, etc.
• Service NL’s office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is now co-located with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. Other opportunities for co-location and joint office space will be explored.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Given that more than 5,000 public-sector employees across government departments, agencies, boards and commissions are currently eligible to retire, our government will lead careful workforce planning to reduce the size of the public service and gradually lower spending, in a manner that maintains service delivery and protects a vulnerable economy. This approach will include attrition management as employees retire or resign.

Details on the progress of this action will be released as they become available.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In preparing for Budget 2017, our Government is implementing a zero-based budgeting approach. In previous years, departments had a base budget and justified funding requirements under the assumption that the base budget was already approved. Under the zero-based budgeting approach, departments will need to build their budget requests from zero and justify any continued investment in all areas of operation. Government agencies, boards and commissions will also be required to follow the zero-based approach for discretionary spending areas.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• To date, zero-based budgeting has saved Government more than $70 million annually.
• All departments were notified of Budget 2017 zero-based budgeting guidelines for budget preparation.
• Departments were required to build budget requests from zero and justify any continued investment in all areas of operation.
• Savings identified are primarily operating reductions such as transportation, communications, supplies, purchased services, professional services, and property furnishings and equipment.
• Implementation of zero-based budgeting continued to inform Budget 2019.

News Releases

Advancing The Way Forward: Premier Ball Delivers Report Card and Next Phase of Actions

Way Forward Commitment:

High performing firms are companies that have witnessed or have the potential to see considerable revenue growth and are led by management teams with a growth mindset and an appetite for continued expansion. Our Government recognizes that high performing firms must be supported to address barriers that may be restricting their potential to generate innovation, employment opportunities and revenues.

Our Government will identify target sectors with high growth potential and focus its human resources and financial supports on those organizations to maximize growth and economic output. In 2017-18, high performing firms will be identified based on criteria such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), levels of employment, opportunities for diversification within the firm and supports to encourage internationalization.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation is providing customized business growth support in areas such as financing solutions, advisory services, and export and innovation support to Newfoundland and Labrador firms with high-growth potential.
• Two specific initiatives devoted to delivering this work are:
  • The Provincial Government’s collaboration with federal partners as part of the Accelerated Growth Service and the Cabinet Committee on Jobs (CCOJ) Technology Sector Work Plan, which was produced in partnership with industry.
  • Through both initiatives, government is providing individualized assistance to businesses to assist with crucial growth and transition periods. Specific areas of support include:
    • Firm-level export and international business development strategies;
    • Business diagnostic services;
    • Financing; and,
    • Market and business development support.
• To-date, 22 companies have formally signed on for participation in the CCOJ high-growth firm initiation. Additionally, six firms are actively being engaged in the initiative, with a further 20 identified as future targets. Participation includes an initial diagnostic, growth plan assessment and intervention prioritization. In consultation with industry, company criteria for participation includes:
  • a focus on innovation;
  • a focus on export markets;
  • capacity and enthusiasm to grow;
  • strong management team; and,
  • resources for investment.
• Since July 2017, 18 Newfoundland and Labrador companies have signed up for business growth support as part of the Accelerated Growth Service.
• As part of these initiatives, the Provincial Government will continue to work with industry and business partners to provide support for developing the entrepreneurial pipeline in Newfoundland and Labrador expand, providing ongoing support to accelerate business expansion and economic output.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Immigration is a key component of economic and labour market growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and contributes to the social and cultural vibrancy of the province. In 2015, 1,122 immigrants came to the province. Our Government will increase immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador by 50 per cent by 2022 by welcoming approximately 1,700 newcomers to the province each year.

Committed to in Phase 1, our Government released The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador on March 24, 2017, which outlined our specific approach to increasing immigration. Our Government is focused on ensuring that Newfoundland and Labrador becomes a destination of choice for newcomers and their families, while also enticing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians abroad to return to their home province.

To help meet our target for increased immigration, we have to make it easier for newcomers to come to this province so they can make social and economic contributions. In 2017, the number of individuals supported through provincial immigration programs increased by 25 per cent, compared to 2016. This represents significant progress toward the 2022 goal.

In 2018-19, our government will streamline immigration application processes and make them available online. We will also add a dedicated stream for immigrant entrepreneurs to the Provincial Nominee Program. This requires working to: strengthen partnerships; maximize pathways to immigration; enhance education, attraction and promotion activities; improve settlement and retention initiatives; support better awareness and understanding of the benefits of multiculturalism and diversity in the province; and, support and increase the repatriation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living abroad.

In 2018-19, our government will collaborate with communities to increase newcomer attraction and has introduced a regional Welcoming Communities pilot program to help address barriers to community participation and integration. We will also promote multiculturalism through the K-12 school system and support students from diverse cultural backgrounds by building capacity for educators through training and professional development opportunities focused on multicultural education.

We will work with employers and service providers to offer employment mentorship and leadership opportunities for immigrant women. We will also increase English as a Second Language (ESL) training for newcomers and the number of ESL sites in Labrador, which represents the fastest growing region in the province for immigration.

This work is all part of The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On March 24, 2017, the Provincial Government released The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• In 2017, the number of individuals supported through provincial immigration programs increased by 25 per cent, compared to 2016. This represents significant progress toward the 2022 goal of welcoming 1,700 newcomers to NL annually.
• The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM) increased its staffing capacity by creating an additional two Immigration Program Development Officers, and by the addition of two managers (Manager of International Student Engagement and Manager of Labour Attraction) to the division.
• The OIM is currently making efforts to enhance application service standards, including through the development of an online application system and streamlining of application processes. The first phase of the online application system for the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program is now complete. This means applicants and employers wishing to hire immigrants for their workforce needs may avail of an online application system that streamlines the process. Paper applications will continue to be accepted until the implementation of the online system is completed.
• The OIM announced $567,000 on April 24, 2018 to support a WelcomeNL Initiative in partnership with MunicipalitiesNL (MNL) to promote the integration and retention of newcomers to the province, with individuals and organizations working together to provide services and supports to help them feel at home. By promoting diversity and multiculturalism, these communities aim to attract and retain new residents, encouraging social, cultural, and economic growth.
• In 2017-18, the OIM partnered with the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women to build an understanding of promising practices in the area of employment mentorship and leadership for immigrant women.
• The provincial government also approved a project led by Memorial University’s Genesis Centre, to explore ways to increase entrepreneurship among women and immigrants in the technology sector.
• In 2018-19, the Provincial Government provided over $500,000 in settlement and integration funding to support newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the provision of English as a Second Language classes, supports for newcomers in community integration, French-language settlement services, intercultural competency training, and promotion of human and workplace rights to newcomers in the province.
• The Provincial Government has provided $150,000 to Memorial University’s English as a Second Language Programs to create eight online learning modules for the delivery of technology-mediated language learning.
• The OIM also partnered with College of North Atlantic, as part of a public Call for Proposals for demonstration projects to support the labour market integration of refugees. The partnership will result in the development of blended delivery English language courses for academic purposes, with a focus on the labour market integration of refugees in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Assisted the Multicultural Women’s Organization of NL and the Bethesda Pentecostal Church to offer informal English conversation classes.
• In May 2018, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development recruited a Program Development Specialist for Multiculturalism.
• The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provided allocations for six additional English as a Second Language and Literacy Enrichment and Academic Readiness for Newcomers (LEARN) teachers as part of Budget 2018. ESL and LEARN programs will be expanded to two additional high schools beginning in September 2019.
• A Multiculturalism Advisory Committee has been formed and is working to develop a provincial multicultural education framework, which is anticipated to be completed in December 2019.
• On December 20, the Provincial Government released application guides for two new business immigration categories under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) which will facilitate pathways to permanent residency for international entrepreneurs who wish to move to or remain in Newfoundland and Labrador and operate their business in the province:
  • The International Graduate Entrepreneur – open to graduates of Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic who wish to create or co-own and manage a business in the province; and,
  • The International Entrepreneur – open to prospective immigrants who wish to settle in the province and be engaged in the daily operation of a business they create, join or take over.
• On January 9, 2019, the Provincial Government provided $75,000 in funding for the YWCA to deliver a Newcomer Women’s Leadership and Employment Mentorship Project. The project will help improve confidence and leadership skills, ensuring newcomer women are better able to join the workforce.
• On April 9, 2019, the Provincial Government announced 24 new Immigration Action Plan initiatives which aim to increase newcomer attraction and retention through concerted action by all levels of government, employers, communities, and residents.

News Releases:

Changes to Corporations Act Support Immigration and Economic Growth

Minister Hawkins Highlights Expansion of Welcoming Communities Initiative

Engagement, Collaboration, and Partnerships Drive Immigration Action Plan

Minister Hawkins Highlights Success of Recent International Immigrant Recruitment

Provincial Government Announces Pilot Employment Programs for International Students

Proposals Sought to Help Integrate Refugees into the Workforce

Provincial Government Releases Newfoundland and Labrador Guide to Immigration

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and Service NL Enter into a Driver’s Licence Reciprocity Agreement

New Immigration Categories Enable Newcomers to Establish Businesses, Create Jobs

Provincial Government Announces New Initiatives for Newcomer Settlement and Integration

Minister’s Roundtable on Immigration Focuses on New Initiatives for Newcomer Retention, Economic Growth

Provincial Government Releases Application Guides for Business Immigration Categories

Minister Davis Announces Support for YWCA Mentorship Program that Helps Newcomer Women Join the Workforce

Provincial Government to Welcome Second Round of Expressions of Interest for International Entrepreneurs

New Initiatives Enhance Efforts to Increase Immigration, Retention

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of wind, hydro and tidal energy resources that have not been fully developed. Surrounded by water and with significant amounts of unoccupied Crown land, this province is a prime location for harnessing the potential of renewable energy. We have the space, resources and environmental conditions, as well as the experience and expertise in the energy sector that we can leverage to supply the cleaner, greener energy of tomorrow. Our government will work with industry and other stakeholders in 2018-19 to develop a renewable energy plan that is focused on creating employment opportunities and further positioning the province as an energy hub.

As governments and industries across Canada and around the world lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste and conserve energy, there is an opportunity to stimulate clean economic growth and create jobs by driving innovation in clean technology. In 2018-19, our government will work with its partners to find opportunities to develop and deploy clean technologies and leverage federal funding. This work builds on our commitment to grow the technology sector, as outlined in The Way Forward on Technology, a collaborative work plan developed with industry.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Natural Resources (NR) has developed an outline for the process and identified membership for the advisory council. The first meeting is planned for April, followed by public engagement.
• NR is in the process of gathering and preparing information, including undertaking a jurisdictional analysis prior to engaging industry stakeholders on the development of the Renewable Energy Strategy. It is expected that opportunities for engagement on the strategy will begin in Winter 2019.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Recognizing that Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic make valuable social and economic contributions to our province, our government will use the Independent Appointments Commission process to appoint a committee of experts to undertake a review of the province’s public post-secondary education system. The committee will explore how our system compares to other jurisdictions and will recommend options to achieve better outcomes in post-secondary education in a more cost-efficient manner. Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic will play key roles in this review.

Further, in 2018-19, the Council on Higher Education, which has a mandate to facilitate collaboration and make recommendations on public post-secondary institutions, will identify opportunities for College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University to pool applied research resources to support the growth of priority sectors. The Council will also identify ways to facilitate and further support the transfer of students between the two institutions, thus supporting academic mobility, non-duplication of effort and cost-efficiency.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The three-year Activity Plan for September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2020 for the Council on Higher Education was tabled December 2017.
• Advisory Committee and working groups have been established to:
  • Determine applied research priorities, and
  • Facilitate and further support the transfer of students between the two institutions.
• Following preliminary discussions with members of the leadership and student organizations of the province’s public post-secondary institutions, input on a draft Terms of Reference for a review of the post-secondary education system was sought from Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and post-secondary student unions. These institutions completed their own consultation processes with their respective communities and provided feedback to further inform the Terms of Reference. The final Terms of Reference for the Independent Review of the Public Post-Secondary Education System were released on March 7, 2019.
• In addition, the Public Service Commission conducted a merit-based recruitment through the Independent Appointments Commission process, for members to an independent Committee of Experts which is leading the review. The committee is chaired by Karen Kennedy and includes Dr. Kevin Keough and Dr. Doreen Neville.
• The committee is guided by the Terms of Reference and will also consider The Way Forward in the development of a strategic vision of public post-secondary education for the next decade.

News Releases:

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Post-Secondary Education Review

Provincial Government Announces Terms of Reference, Committee of Experts for Independent Public Post-Secondary Education Review

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our province has rich forest resources. Yet, our forestry sector has faced challenges in recent years with the rising cost of transportation, a decline in the global demand for newsprint and other print materials, and recent protectionist decisions by the United States. In 2018-19, in collaboration with the recently formed Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and other stakeholders, our government will develop a plan for diversifying the province’s forestry sector. By 2020, we are targeting a 20 per cent increase in timber allocations and harvest levels over the previous five-year period.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The first meeting of the newly formed Forestry Sector steering Committee was held on May 31, 2018 in St. John’s
• A new Timber Allocation Policy was unveiled March 23, 2018 with implementation commencing January 1, 2019 that provides a clear process for the renewal of commercial cutting permits, resulting in the increased harvest and improved resource usage necessary to foster more opportunities for industry growth.
• Timber Sale Agreements were released through a public tendering process on March 23, 2018, which will enable qualifying businesses new access to the provincial Annual Allowable Cut on Crown land through an open, fair, and competitive bidding process.
• Five-year commercial cutting permits were offered by March 31, 2018 to provide long-term security and improved resource access to qualifying forest operators, which encourages industry investment and growth.
• The first Timber Sale Agreement was issued for Red Indian Lake to harvest 15,567m³ of softwood and hardwood for local firewood and saw log markets.
• Two five-year commercial cutting permits have been approved. The first in District 9 in Springdale and Baie Verte and the second in District 18 in Roddickton.
• The Provincial Government has issued two five-year commercial cutting permits to Timberlands International (Newfoundland and Labrador) Inc., totalling 100,000 m³ annually (500,000 m³ over five years) in Districts 17 and 18 on the Great Northern Peninsula.
  • The permits will support operation of a $19.7 million-wood pellet plant to be constructed in Hawke’s Bay.
  • The project is expected to create at least 25 full-time positions associated with plant operations, and 30-50 positions in harvesting and trucking.
• Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can apply online for Domestic Cutting Permits beginning January 2, 2019. Beginning in 2019, permits will also be available via email to make this service more efficient and convenient for users.
• The Provincial Government, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and forest sector stakeholders, launched the Forestry Sector Work Plan – a roadmap of 32 actions intended to diversify the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, strengthen the provincial economy and support job creation – on January 28, 2019.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Announces New Measures Aimed at Increasing Timber Allocations and Harvest Levels

Province Taking Measures to Increase Timber Allocations and Harvest Levels

Measures Scheduled for New Year Aimed at Increasing Timber Allocations and Harvest Levels

Provincial Government Committed to Revitalizing Forest Sector on Great Northern Peninsula

Public Advisory: Domestic Cutting Permits Available Via Email Beginning in 2019

Provincial Government and Forest Industry Partners Launch Plan to Diversify Forest Sector

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The oil and gas industry is very important to our province’s economy, making up 25 per cent of our GDP and accounting for 41 per cent of our exports over the past 20 years. Through Advance 2030: The Way Forward on Oil and Gas, our government is working with oil and gas partners to promote the development, competitiveness and sustainability of the industry in this province. We have set a number of long-term targets, including the direct employment of at least 7,500 people in operations and the drilling of over 100 new exploration wells by 2030.

Our government knows the potential of our undiscovered and undeveloped oil and gas reserves. We will leverage our globally competitive position and our highly competent and professional workforce to double production to over 650,000 barrels of oil per day by 2030. To support the achievement of this goal, in 2018-19, our government is transitioning the oil and gas subsidiary of Nalcor Energy to a stand-alone Crown corporation with a mandate to accelerate the growth of the oil and gas industry.

Our government will also enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s regulatory framework by implementing a Generic Offshore Oil Royalty Regime and regulations.

Our government will also complete an assessment of the province’s benefits and equity arrangements to align with vision goals by March 31, 2018. Also in 2018, we will complete a review of international regulatory standards to identify opportunities for enhancement.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Chaired by the Minister of Natural Resources, the Oil and Gas Industry Development Council was appointed on December 21, 2016. Since then, the Council has held regular meetings, provided strategic advice and has been involved in stakeholder consultations to develop a vision, set goals and identify key focus areas, actions and timelines.
• On February 19, 2018, the Provincial Government launched The Way Forward on Oil and Gas: Advance 2030. The 17 immediate, mid-term and long-term actions areas outlined in the plan focus on accelerating exploration drilling and fostering a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship that will increase our global competitiveness, drive innovation and supplier development capabilities, and reduce the time from prospectivity to production. Implementation of the actions is progressing with oversight from the Oil and Gas Development Council.
• Government has also approved implementation of the Generic Oil Royalty Regime (GORR) and regulations. These regulations were published in the Gazette on November 1, 2017 and apply to future offshore oil developments. The new regime provides fiscal certainty, transparency, predictability and stability to companies looking to invest in offshore exploration and development and provides an appropriate balance of risk between developer and province as resource owner. It also provides future developments with a simplified approach to royalty calculations, a more progressive system that accounts for changes in costs and oil prices, and reduced legal and audit costs.
• On July 26, 2018, the Provincial Government signed a framework agreement with Equinor for the development of the Bay du Nord project  with first oil anticipated in 2025. The project holds reserves of nearly 300 million barrels of oil and opens a new basin offshore NL – the Flemish Pass. It also represents our first offshore project in deepwater with R&D/E&T expenditure commitments to position the province as a centre of excellence for deepwater oil and gas development. Key economic benefits during construction and operations include: 11,000 person years of employment, $3.5 billion in government revenues (royalties, taxes and 10% equity) and $14 billion in economic activity. The project holds reserves of nearly 300 million barrels of oil and opens a new basin offshore NL – the Flemish Pass. This is the first project to be negotiated under Newfoundland and Labrador’s generic oil royalty regulations.
• On September 19, 2018, the Provincial Government launched the Innovation and Business Development Fund (IBDF). The IBDF will provide $60 million in funding over 10 years to strengthen and diversify NL’s oil and gas supply and service capabilities.
• On October 16, 2018, the Provincial Government signed an MOU with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to further our respective oil and gas industries.
• On October 26, 2018, the Department of Natural Resources launched a Virtual Data Room to provide information on the province’s prospectivity to offshore oil and gas explorers.
• On November 8, 2018, a record $1.38 billion in exploration licence bids were received including a record single bid of $621 million from BHP Billiton, a new entrant in the NL offshore.
• Strategic investments in offshore petroleum geoscience continues to attract exploration investment. In November 2018, the CNLOPB received record bids of $1.38 billion and a record single bid of $621 million. In total, more than 650 leads and prospects have been identified and more than 20 basins mapped. There have been eight new entrants in the past three years and outstanding work commitments total $3.9 billion with significant drilling planned over the coming years.
• A Request for Proposals is currently being developed to conduct studies regarding international standards/best practices regarding fallow field initiatives and third-party access to infrastructure.
• On March 11, 2019, the Provincial Government introduced legislation to establish a new corporation focused on maximizing opportunities for growth in the province’s offshore oil and gas industry. The introduction of a separate oil and gas corporation will enable Nalcor Energy to focus on its core business.

News Releases:

Oil and Gas Industry Development Council Appointments Announced

Provincial Government Releases Advance 2030 – A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry

Province Releases International Competitiveness Review of Oil and Gas Industry

Premier Ball Marks First Step into New Frontier for Oil and Gas Industry

Government Launches Virtual Data Room for Oil and Gas Industry

Provincial Government to Introduce Legislation to Establish a New Oil and Gas Corporation

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government has committed to increase the province’s food self-sufficiency to at least 20 per cent and is working with farmers and other partners as part of The Way Forward on Agriculture to achieve this goal. In 2018-19, our government will implement a pilot project to serve locally farmed products in public health facilities. This coming year, we will also supply producers with at-cost fruit and vegetable seedlings for priority crops. To do this, we will leverage the newly formed provincial Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale to pilot a project that identifies the inputs and practices necessary for optimal transplant production. Our government will also identify a way to provide abattoir services to producers in Labrador to support the establishment of viable local livestock operations.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• An ‘agri-truck’ and promotional booth have been created serve as a travelling pavilion. Together, these products function to increase public awareness of our local agriculture industry, and demonstrate opportunities and supports that exist for prospective, new and existing farmers in this province.
• Agricultural Industry Facilitators have been identified to provide consultative and advisory support for crop and livestock development. The facilitators consist of both agrologists and Agriculture Development Officers.
• On October 23, 2017, FLR launched the Agriculture Sector Workplan which includes 43 actions to support increased agriculture growth, food security and food self-sufficiency.
• The newly formed Center for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale was established on October 23, 2017.
• Access and approval improvements have been made to Crown lands designated for agricultural use including prioritization of agricultural use applications, a new online Land Use Inquiry Map, implementation of a toll free dedicated line and email, a 90 day business service standard and a commitment to eliminate Crown land application backlogs and the launch of an online fillable PDF application form. We are meeting the 90 day service standard for the majority of applications. The only exception to this is where applications are more complicated and require additional planning or review. An example of this is applications that trigger Environmental Assessment or require additional review due to sensitivities related to competing land uses.
• A pilot project to undertake large-scale land development with a focus on new agriculture sector entrants was announced on February 1, 2018 with considerable interest expressed by new entrants. Premier Ball announced the successful candidate on May 10, 2018. FLR’s second land development project was advertised on December 11, 2018 and the selection meeting was held on January 23, 2019 to review the applications. The successful applicants were announced by Minster Byrne at the Federation of Agriculture Annual General Meeting held on January 30, 2019 in Gander. Angela Richardson and Michael Alexander are the successful new entrants and have been offered to lease approximately 19.9 acres of agricultural land, located on Pine Avenue, Cormack, NL.
• A review of existing funding programs to create more opportunities to support new entrants in entering the agriculture sector was completed and the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program (PAAP) funding for new entrants was increased from $5,000 to $20,000 for 2018-19.
• A regulatory review of all Agriculture legislation has commenced.
• Three potential projects for red meat slaughter facilities have been identified.
• Agricultural land has been identified for expansion in Labrador and a consultation process is occurring for new entrants and existing farmers to make use of this land.
• A resource listing of all agricultural financial and sector supports has been developed.
• Workforce Innovation Centre project funding was provided to the Association for New Canadians, in partnership with Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus, to develop and implement a program connecting refugees to employment opportunities in the province’s agriculture sector.
  • The Bridging the Divide Project aims to connect skilled newcomers (refugees) to opportunities in the province’s agriculture and secondary processing industries over the course of a three year period. Thirty refugee participants from five countries are enrolled in the pilot, with an average of 14 years of agriculture experience. A total of 23 farms have been engaged in the project to date.
  • In the first phase of the project, the Association for New Canadians conducted an assessment of needs of farmers and processors across the province, and the assessment of existing skills amongst refugee participants was gathered to support skills matching for the pilot and preparatory training. In the next phase, participants will undergo a tailored pre-employment training program before moving into job placements.
• On July 27, 2018, the Provincial Government announced that it is making six additional Agriculture Areas of Interest – totaling approximately 5,800 hectares – available to ensure prime agricultural land continues to be protected and secured for long-term use. Properties are now available in the Gander area, Roberts Arm, South Brook, Cormack and Crabbes River, bringing the total area of land available in the province to commercial farmers, part-time commercial farmers or new farmers to approximately 50,000 hectares.
• On April 10, 2019, the Provincial Government launched the Community Garden Support Program to help community groups, municipalities and local service districts “get growing” with support from annual grants. Applications are now available online and proponents of new gardens must provide details on their development plans. The deadline for applications is May 8, 2019.
• The 2019 Vegetable Transplant Program provided 1.7 million vegetable transplants to 54 commercial farmers at cost. This is an increase of the 255,800 transplants distributed to 25 farmers in 2018. The program is expected to result in approximately $1.6 million in combined revenues for proponents.

News Releases

$3.25 Million Committed to Provincial Agrifoods Program

Growing Forward 2 Contributes Millions to Agriculture Industry

Research Project on Viability of Growing Malting Barley Underway in Cormack

New Canadian Agricultural Partnership Provides $3 Billion to Further Grow Industry

Premier Ball Calls for Support in Advancing Food Security for Northern Communities Across Canada

Government Moving Forward with Second Beef Cattle Project

Agriculture Industry and Provincial Government Fostering Fertile Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Continues to Support Food Sustainability

Additional Land for Agriculture Development Now Available

Agriculture Land Development Pilot Project Launched in Western Region

Minister Byrne Unveils Initiatives to Improve Services within Crown Lands Division

Newfoundland and Labrador a Leader in Ensuring Land is Available for Farming

Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program Will Help Advance Industry Development

Canadian Agricultural Partnership to Grow Industry and Promote Food Self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador

Ensuring Agricultural Land for is Used for Agriculture: Six Additional Areas of Interest Secured for Future Farming

Minister Byrne Discusses Agriculture Research Activities, Views Wheat Harvest

Celebration of Agriculture Industry Focus of Several Province-wide Fall Festivals and Events

Provincial, Federal Governments Committed to Help the Agricultural Sector

Minister Byrne Meets with Professional Foresters, Tours Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development

Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Welcome New Entrants to Agriculture Industry

Minister Talks Future, Partnerships and Getting the Job Done at Federation of Agriculture AGM

Community Garden Support Program Aims to Increase Food Self-Sufficiency

Vegetable Transplant Program Continues to Support Food Self Sufficiency Goals

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Almost ten years ago, a target was set with industry to double resident and non-resident tourism spending to $1.6 billion by 2020. Our government remains committed to this target. In 2016, combined resident and non-resident visitor spending was $1.13 billion and 2017 saw the highest non-resident visitor spending our province has ever seen, at an estimated $575 million.

In 2018-19, our government will continue its creative and award-winning tourism marketing campaigns. Under the Atlantic Growth Strategy, we are also working with the Maritime Provinces and the federal government on a new market focus in China and Germany.

Building on the actions of the Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan released in 2017, our government will implement initiatives aimed at creating new tourism experiences and business opportunities. In 2018-19, we will partner with tourism stakeholders to connect prospective and existing tourism businesses with the tourism growth opportunities available throughout the province using Tourism Opportunities Sessions.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The NL Tourism Board established a research working group, led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) Sector Research team and comprised of tourism sector representatives.
• TCII released results of the 2016 Provincial Visitor Exit Survey. In 2016, non-resident visitors spent $562 million in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents made nearly four million trips within the province and spent more than $560 million. As a result, total tourism spending was over $1.13 billion. Estimates show that in 2017 we welcomed over 553,000 visitors for the first time – an increase of three per cent over 2016. Non-resident visitor spending reached an estimated $575 million in 2017, an increase of two per cent over the previous year. This is the highest non-resident spending the province has ever seen. Compared to 2015, non-resident visitation increased eight per cent and spending 11 per cent. Based on the 2016 exit survey results, TCII completed additional research to develop detailed traveller profiles to support targeted marketing activities and experience development. In addition due to the growing interest in shoulder season, TCII developed specific traveller profiles of the spring and fall shoulder season traveler.
• A Wi-Fi identifier logo has been released online as of March 27, 2017. To enhance visitor services, the Provincial Government aims to improve awareness of public Wi-Fi locations through the use of an universal identifier. A simple, easy to display decal has been designed for distribution to locations throughout the province offering public access to Wi-Fi service. Decals can be easily adhered to establishment’s windows, doors or signage.
• In partnership with Target Marketing and Communications, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism launched the Find Yourself campaign in 2006, and it has become one of the most successful and recognized tourism campaigns in the country, receiving 323 regional, national and international awards to date. In 2018, prestigious honours such as Best of Show at Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards;  Best of Show at the Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise (ICE) Advertising Awards; Silver at the Canadian Marketing Awards (CMA); and, Bronze at Strategy Magazine’s Marketing Awards were added. The Best in Show is HSMAI’s highest honour and is selected from platinum winners in the advertising, digital marketing and public relations categories. This is the second time Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism and Target Marketing and Communications has received this honour.
• On June 6, 2018, the Provincial Government announced significant new features and enhancements to IcebergFinder.com, the leading online channel for tracking icebergs off of Newfoundland and Labrador. Enhanced features include a responsive design that allows travellers to access the site on mobile devices and upload photographs of icebergs using #IcebergsNL in real-time, sharing viewing location with other users.
• In December 2018, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism launched the NL Tourism Operators Portal, a new online service designed for provincial tourism operators to self-manage important information about their businesses, in order to participate in promotions with Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism. The new NL Tourism Operator Portal enhances service delivery using the “digital-by-design” concept introduced in The Way Forward Vision‎.
• TCII partnered with Destination Canada on the 2017 Canadian Millennial Campaign to increase marketing activities targeting the millennial market in Canada. The Campaign was launched in April 2017 for Canada’s 150 Celebrations, and content developed is used more broadly in Destination Canada’s Millennial campaigns in Europe and parts of Asia.
• Far and Wide was part of the Millennial Travel Campaign, which ran from July 1 , 2016 – July 1, 2017 and reached 89 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34 and boosted this demographics’ interest in Canadian travel by 16 per cent.
• Aligning with Canada 150, TCII wanted millennials to develop a sense of pride that comes from a deeply personal experience of Canada’s people, geography, and history. Our Millennial Travel Program aimed to make millennial Canadians become lifetime ambassadors for Canada both at home and abroad.
• On July 19, 2018, the Provincial Government announced $71,000 for nine Regional Visitor Information Centres located around the province. This funding will help facilitate the development of tourism experiences, services and attractions across Newfoundland and Labrador.
• In 2018, TCII parnered with Destination Canada on the 2018 Connecting America Program. To October 2018, this program has had total online content views of 9.9 Million with an engagement rate of 2 per cent.
• In partnership with regional DMO’s, TCII has hosted 19 Tourism Opportunities Sessions throughout NL. Sessions were held in Red Bay, L’Anse au Clair, St. Anthony, Port au Choix, Norris Point, Corner Brook, Deer Lake, Port au Port, Isle au Mort, St. John’s, Grand Bank, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Springdale, Baie Verte, Gambo, and Conne Rive, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander.

News Releases

Provincial Government Investing in Destination Management Organizations

Provincial Government Invests in Season Extension Program

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Launches Inflight Content Channel on Air Canada

Provincial Tourism Campaign Big Winner at 2017 Adrian Awards

Provincial Government Launches Enhanced Iceberg Finder Tool

Supporting Regional Visitor Information Centres Across the Province

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In November 2016, our Government will launch a new municipal leasing program that will allow municipalities to access Crown Lands within their municipal planning boundaries for economic development purposes through long-term leases with flexible payment options, including payment deferral until the development is generating revenue. In 2018, our Government will provide Crown Lands applications online and will have implemented new, publicly available, streamlined approval processes.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Launched a new Municipal Leasing Program for Crown Lands.
• A new policy for municipalities regarding lease-to-own arrangements for Crown Lands was announced on November 30, 2016.
• The new policy enables municipalities to access Crown Lands within their municipal planning boundaries for economic development purposes.
• Municipalities can qualify for long-term leases with flexible payment options, including payment deferral until the development is generating revenue.
• Continuous improvement initiatives to increase access and shorten approval times for Crown lands were released on February 14, 2018. Improvements include access to a new Land Use Inquiry Map, implementation of a toll free dedicated line and email, a 90-business day service standard and a commitment to eliminate backlog, and the launch of an online fillable PDF application form.
• On March 14, 2019, a proposed amendment to the Forestry Act went through second reading in the House of Assembly that will exempt holders of agricultural Crown land leases from requiring cutting permits to clear land, unless they intend to sell or trade harvested timber. The exemption is intended to simplify the land development process for farmers accessing Crown land.
• On July 29, 2019, the Provincial Government announced a new feature to the Crown lands application process that allows applications to be completed and submitted online to ensure faster, more efficient processing.
• The application processes for Crown land now feature:
  • 1-800 line upgraded to an Automatic Call Distribution System to support increased telephone calls;
  • step-by-step process to complete an application online with assistance available through the Inquiries Line, dedicated email, group information sessions, or one-on-one assistance by in-person office appointment, skype or telephone;
  • applicants can also access an application in a fillable PDF format, and submit the document via email; and the,
  • new online payment option allows for greater security and protection of personal and financial information, and provides enhanced self-service options in the application process.

News Releases

Premier Announces Enhanced Access to Crown Lands for Municipalities

Proposed Amendment to Forestry Act Would Reduce Red Tape for Farmers and Ensure Level Playing Field for Forest Harvesters

Crown Lands Continuing Improvements Now Include Online Application, Updated Inquiries Line

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government recently announced the creation of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation. The former Department’s structure placed each sector of the economy into a separate silo. The new Departmental structure eliminates these silos and instead focuses on addressing key challenges that firms operating in all sectors of the economy face when entering new markets and expanding their operations.

To enhance sector diversification efforts, beginning in 2017-18, our Government will implement an evidence-based framework for the identification of target sectors, using an industry partnership approach. This approach will require engagement of various industry partners and the use of research tools, such as asset mapping, to complete gap analysis, assess regional demand and capacity of a sector to fulfill that demand, and determine levels of competitiveness.

Also in 2017-18, our Government will commence the development of a comprehensive human resource plan to support sector diversification and the development of a productive and knowledge-intensive economy. This plan will be informed by forecasted labour market opportunities and enhanced labour market information products to assist in workforce planning for individuals and businesses. Further, by March 31, 2018, our Government will have collaborated with sector associations and industry groups to better respond to their private sector labour market needs and support industry diversification. This work will include working with priority sectors, including the agriculture, aquaculture, and oil and gas industries.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Through leveraging of federal labour market funding, the Provincial Government is actively supporting sector associations and industry groups across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, aquaculture, agriculture and technology, to undertake research to better respond to private sector labour market needs, forecast labour market opportunities, and to support industry diversification.
• This work is informing the development of enhanced labour market information products and a Comprehensive Human Resource Plan for the province.
• As part of the Agriculture, Aquaculture, Technology and Forestry Work Plans, industry stakeholders and government are working collaboratively to address established human resource work plan priorities that will support sector growth and diversification through the following activities:
  • The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture has been approved for funding through the Labour Market Partnership to study the labour market recruitment, retention needs of the industry including the emerging training needs and develop labour market information for the Agriculture and Agrifood sector;
  • The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association has been provided funding through the Labour Market Partnership to analyze the labour supply and demand of the Aquaculture Industry, including a review of training capacity and to develop an Aquaculture Attraction and Retention Strategy to address employment issues, strengthen the human resource capacity and undertake attraction and retention strategies;
  • Our government has developed a process to prioritize employers from the Agriculture, Aquaculture and Technology sectors applying under the Provincial Nominee Program; and
  • In 2018-19, the Technology Industry has committed to work with government and industry stakeholders to address employment issues, strengthen human resource capacity and undertake new initiatives to attract and retain workers.
  • In 2019-20, the Forestry Industry will work with government and stakeholders to address labour issues, strengthen human resource capacity and undertake new initiatives to attract and retain workers.

News Releases

Minister Byrne Announces Funding for the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Competitive taxation is a key contributor to attracting investment. In August 2017, our government announced a review of the province’s tax system. To guide the review, an independent five-person committee of members with backgrounds in economics, taxation and public policy was appointed. The main objectives of the independent tax review are to:

• Ensure the province’s tax system is competitive and fair;
• Identify ways to simplify the tax system;
• Reduce costs for both government and tax payers; and
• Consider the progressivity of the tax system and whether the appropriate tax mix is applied to taxpayers.

The Independent Tax Review Committee has been mandated to complete its review and submit a final report to the Minister of Finance in 2018-19.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Competitive taxation is a key contributor to attracting investment. In August 2017, government announced an independent review of the province’s tax system. To guide the review, an independent five-person committee of members with backgrounds in economics, taxation, social and labour sectors and public policy was appointed.
• The Tax Review Committee Report was delivered in December 2018. Overall, the committee found that Newfoundland and Labrador has a progressive and fair taxation system. In considering total taxation in the province, including both provincial taxes and local/municipal taxes and fees, the Committee determined that the total tax burden in the province is generally in line with other jurisdictions. While the committee suggested the province is not yet in a position to reduce taxes, it concluded that changes to the tax mix could further improve the system.

News Releases

Review of Provincial Tax System and Plan to Eliminate Book Tax Announced

Independent Tax Review Committee Report Released

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

By March 31, 2018, our Government will explore opportunities to introduce International Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur categories under the Provincial Nominee Program. In 2017-18, we will explore including these new categories with the Government of Canada, as the final decision to introduce these categories rests with the federal government. The International Graduate Entrepreneur category has the potential to enable international graduates from our post-secondary institutions, who decide to go on to start businesses in our province, to remain here and create economic opportunities for themselves and their employees.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On December 20, the Provincial Government released application guides for two new business immigration categories under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) which will facilitate pathways to permanent residency for international entrepreneurs who wish to move to or remain in Newfoundland and Labrador and operate their business in the province:
  • The International Graduate Entrepreneur – open to graduates of Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic who wish to create or co-own and manage a business in the province; and,
  • The International Entrepreneur – open to prospective immigrants who wish to settle in the province and be engaged in the daily operation of a business they create, join or take over.
• An Expression of Interest process for the International Graduate Entrepreneur category opened on January 16, 2019 and is open to interested graduate entrepreneurs on an ongoing basis. The application guide and forms are available here.
• The fourth Expression of Interest process for the International Entrepreneur category will be open from August 9 – 15, 2019. Further information on the Expression of Interest process, including the application guide and forms are available here.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Releases Application Guides for Business Immigration Categories

Provincial Government to Welcome Third Round of Expressions of Interest for International Entrepreneurs

Provincial Government to Welcome Fourth Round of Expressions of Interest for International Entrepreneurs

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Mining presents a strong opportunity to grow the province’s economy. Already a major economic contributor, mining is forecasted in 2018 to employ 6,000 people and generate $3.4 billion in mineral shipments. As evidenced by our world-class publicly available geoscience, significant potential exists for further exploration and development of vast mineral deposits, particularly in Labrador and in Central Newfoundland’s gold opportunities.

Minerals and metals are essential ingredients of a green and technologically advanced economy. Our government intends to seize this opportunity. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles and other new technologies that require metals such as nickel, copper and cobalt, which our province has in abundance, there is even greater potential for growth in our mining industry.

In 2018-19, in collaboration with the mining industry and community stakeholders, we will develop a strategic framework for growing the provincial mining sector in a manner that is responsible, sustainable, competitive and supportive of private-sector investments and job growth in our rural areas.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On March 23, 2018, the Provincial Government and Mining Industry NL announced a Way Forward initiative to develop a provincial mineral strategy – a responsible, sustainable and competitive framework for exploration and mining growth.
• Over the past several months, there has been much discussion with stakeholders in the mining industry, including workshops in six locations throughout the province – Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. John’s, Springdale and Marystown and Stephenville.
• On November 2, 2018, the Provincial Government released Mining the Future 2030: A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Mining Industry. This industry development plan,  created in collaboration with Mining Industry NL, outlines 35 immediate (19), mid- (11) and long-term (5) actions with goal of strategically positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a globally competitive, top tier jurisdiction for mineral exploration and development.
• Mining the Future 2030 recognizes four areas of focus for future actions:
  • Being competitive, with clear and efficient regulatory processes;
  • Advancing targeted public geoscience, marketing and education;
  • Promoting effective Indigenous and community engagement; and,
  • Pursuing innovation and emerging technologies.
• On March 8, 2019, the Provincial Government announced the reopening of the Beaver Brook Antimony Mine in central Newfoundland – creating approximately 100 new jobs for the people in the province. Some 160,000 tonnes of antimony ore per year will be mined at full production and processed into concentrate.

News Releases:

Building for Our Future: Premier Ball Announces Next Industry Sectors to be Developed in Phase Three of The Way Forward

Premier Ball Releases Mining the Future 2030 – A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Mining Industry

Premier Ball Welcomes Reopening of the Beaver Brook Mine and Creation of Jobs in Central Newfoundland

https://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2019/nr/0703n02.aspx

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Women are greatly under-represented in all types of leadership roles, including managerial positions, in politics and on boards. The province loses an opportunity for valuable insight and expertise when women do not meaningfully participate in, or are excluded from, leadership opportunities. In 2018-19, to address this important issue, our government will:

• Implement a government-community leadership initiative that seeks to increase the number of women in leadership roles; and
• Host a conference on the status of women in Newfoundland and Labrador that facilitates knowledge sharing and mentorship.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Over the past several months, in collaboration with the Public Engagement Division, the Women’s Policy Office has undertaken a series of engagement sessions with a number of stakeholders in the community as a means to inform the next steps in women in leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador. The engagement was inclusive in design and targeted a broad range of stakeholders including those from community, business, labour, youth, as well as representatives from Indigenous Governments and Organizations. Feedback is being used to inform an initiative which aims to increase women in leadership roles in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Planning is underway for a women in leadership-related event to be held in the coming months. Details will be released as they are confirmed.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

A viable commercial fishing industry is important to the development and sustainability of our economy, in particular in rural communities where the fishery is often a main employer. In 2018-19, our government will engage industry stakeholders, the federal government and other provincial and territorial governments to seek market access and value-added opportunities for fish and seafood products to increase employment and the economic benefits of available fish resources. We will also hold a focus group with representatives of the fishing industry to discuss the opportunities presented by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On December 5, 2018, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, joined by provincial and territorial partners launched the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, a new cost-shared fund (70% federal and 30% provincial territorial) to promote market access and development for the fish and seafood industry. The fund will enable provinces and territories to support their industries’ priority projects and help Canadians working in the fish and seafood sector by creating jobs and developing more opportunities for Canadian products.
• The $42.85 million program will support the fish and seafood sectors in all participating provinces and territories by encouraging industry collaboration to promote high quality products.
• On December 5, 2018, the Provincial Government announced, in partnership with the Government of Canada, funding to support the fish and seafood sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.
• More than $18 million will fund investments and innovation in harvesting and handling technologies, seafood processing automation and modernization, and sustainable aquaculture production. The funding will also support fisheries research to increase our understanding of the impact of climate change on the productivity of our fisheries; including:
  • $3.7 million for the harvesting sector (54 projects) – new technology to improve on-board handling, harvesting efficiencies and quality;
  • $4.6 million for the processing sector (five projects) – new technology to improve product yield, quality and processing efficiencies;
  • $1.5 million for the aquaculture sector (four projects) – new technology for the shellfish sector and research for the salmonid sector;
  • $4.5 million innovation R&D (Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation – CCFI) – a three year commitment to support CCFI’s organizational infrastructure to engage with industry and develop and manage R&D projects to improve industry’s competitiveness, operational capabilities, efficiency and sustainability; and
  • $4.35 million science partnerships (Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research – CFER) – a five year commitment to improve stock assessment methodologies as well as research the implications of ecosystem changes for the province’s fisheries.  This will support decision-making processes with respect to the sustainable management of our fisheries resources, including the incorporation of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.  It will also support industry’s efforts in achieving and retaining fisheries eco-certification.

News Releases:

The Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador fund projects to boost sustainability in the fish and seafood sector

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Tourism product development includes the delivery of travel experiences that are desired by travelers and that highlight the unique aspects of a region to draw travelers to the destination. Our Government will lead the implementation of a new Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan that is based on research, industry input and the province’s core experience categories of nature and wilderness; people and culture; and, history and heritage.

In addition to the Provincial Plan, announced in Phase 1, our Government is also working with industry partners to implement five regional destination development plans. Our Government is preparing to release a Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan.

In 2017-18, our Government will:

• Continue implementation of the priorities of the regional Destination Development Plans;
• Establish brand experiences and tourism market readiness guidelines; and,
• Establish task teams and networks, and provide development/market readiness sessions for strategic experience categories (such as anchor attractions, festivals and events, craft, artistic experiences, food and winter tourism).

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Consultations were held with industry partners, including Hospitality NL and the five Regional Destination Management Organizations to develop the Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan.
• The Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan was released on May 1, 2017, with a goal of increasing the number of tourism experiences available in the province.
• Tourism Opportunities Sessions to provide Experience Development mentoring and guidance have been held with regional tourism stakeholders, including businesses, municipalities, non-profit organizations. As a result, the number of packages/experiences listed on Newfoundlandlabrador.com grew from 122 in 2016-17 to 236 in 2017-18.
• Regional Destination Development Implementation Committees have been formed and are implementing activities for priority initiatives in each of the five regions.
• Experience Networks and Task Teams have been established including the three UNESCO’s working group, Geological Treasures, Craft and Tourism Task Team, Artistic Experiences Network, Cultural Attractions Network; Music and Food Network, Winter Tourism stakeholders group, and Festivals and Events.
• Market-Readiness Guidelines have been developed for Destination Trails, Attractions, Food tourism experiences and Sense of Arrival. These guidelines are actively guiding tourism and business investments.
• Supports such as facilitation and coordination of priorities and opportunity management for five regional destination development plans are included (Labrador, Western, Central, Eastern and Northeast Avalon).
• In 2018, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation partnered with tourism stakeholders to offer tourism opportunities sessions. These meetings helped connect prospective and existing tourism businesses with growth opportunities throughout the province. The department and partners will continue to offer mentoring and training opportunities sessions in 2019.

News Releases

Experiences, Culture, and People Energize Provincial Tourism Product Development Plan

Provincial Government Investing in Destination Management Organizations

Provincial Government Invests in Season Extension Program

Governments Support Modernization and Growth of Tourism Business

Connecting to Grow Tourism Experiences and Opportunities

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

A co-operative is a business or other organization that is run jointly by its members. In many jurisdictions, co-operatives have proven to be incredibly important in driving business and economic activity and delivering key services. Co-operatives enable businesses and individuals to come together to satisfy market demands, create new opportunities and address sustainability.

There is significant opportunity to continue to grow the use of the co-op model by citizens in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our Government and the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives (NLFC) have a formal partnership established to advance co-operative development. The key priority of this partnership is to enhance the development and promotion of the co-operative model to support business growth in rural communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This partnership expires in 2017, and Government will work to develop a renewed memorandum of understanding with NLFC by September 30, 2017. The new memorandum of understanding will include activities targeting credit unions that have a desire to participate.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A renewed memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on September 30, 2017. A joint work plan for the next year was developed and is currently being implementing.
• The MOU renews a working relationship between Government and NLFC, focuses on the engagement of more government staff in co-op development, encourages opportunities for co-ops and credit unions to become more engaged in the development of new co-op initiatives in their communities, and places a greater emphasis on targeted research and opportunity identification in sectors with high potential for co-op development.

News Releases

Provincial Government Signs New Partnership Agreement with Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

By June 30, 2018, our Government will invest $200,000 in an enhanced revolving loan program with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) to provide micro loans to young entrepreneurs. To ensure access for entrepreneurs at various stages of business development, this will include short term businesses, such as a summer operation, as well as long term business proposals. The fund will provide youth with access to loans from very small amounts up to a new level in the range of $5,000 – $10,000. This increased level is intended to be a catalyst for advancing innovative business ideas, succession planning opportunities and developing entrepreneurial leaders. The fund will provide financing to youth who would otherwise not receive support because of age, risk or stage of business, and will be designed as a launching point for access to services from various sources. This includes business counselling and access to other seed capital opportunities. A strategic effort will be made to increase promotion of the fund to youth in all regions of the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• This program was launched with CBDCs in June 9, 2017.
• Since the announcement of the Drive program administered by the CBDCs, and as part of TCII’s overall commitment of $425,000 for this project, 36 loans have been issued to young entrepreneurs totalling $344,000 (including 31 start-ups and five expansions).
• A total of 49 full time positions and 12 part time positions have been maintained or created, as reported by the businesses.

News Releases

Provincial Government Supports Young Entrepreneurs

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

To enhance regional innovation potential and competitiveness, our Government will coordinate and facilitate five Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects. The Regional Innovation Systems pilots will foster and support regional cooperation, build networks to support innovation, advance regional opportunities and promote and facilitate information sharing and collective action. The pilots do not include more operational structures, but rather a better way of advancing economic development through more formal cooperative approaches among existing players. Building on the work announced in Phase 1, by September 30, 2017, our Government will begin implementation of the five Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects located in:

• Southern Labrador and Great Northern Peninsula related to fisheries and tourism;
• Corner Brook and surrounding area related to forestry and agriculture;
• Gander and surrounding area related to aerospace and defence;
• Burin Peninsula with connections to Clarenville and area related to industrial technology development; and,
• Avalon region related to ocean technology.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation completed detailed research about Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) models, consulted various stakeholders, and developed an implementation framework.
• Information sessions were delivered, which focused on education and awareness about an RIS model for the pilot projects. More than 200 people participated.
• A Steering Committee is established for each pilot. Each Committee will explore challenges and opportunities for existing and new technologies that are driven by innovation, research, development and strategic partnerships.
• Over 80 steering committee members, including 35 businesses, are participating in the pilot projects, with representation from Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and ACOA on each pilot.
• The goal of each committee is to identify two to four common and attainable initiatives that will lead to innovation in the sector/region.

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

For different reasons, some adults did not have the opportunity to build a strong educational foundation early in their lives. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians must be supported to acquire new skills throughout their lives in order to obtain and maintain employment. Literacy supports are therefore essential to building a strong and inclusive workforce. In 2018-19, our government will develop a new Adult Literacy Action Plan. Our approach will consider how to build an even more empowered, skilled and ready workforce for our increasingly knowledge-based economy.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Five public consultation sessions were held throughout the province in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and St. John’s.
• Discussions were also held with adult learners, education and training facilities, public libraries, community organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, technology firms, and unions and organizations representing labour and employers.
• Submissions and comments were received from over 50 organizations.
• In total, almost 300 individuals participated in a consultation or submitted their input in writing.
• A review of feedback and comments from consultations has been completed.
• Jurisdictional research of adult literacy initiatives throughout Canada has been completed.
• On October 17, 2019, the Provincial Government launched The Way Forward on Adult Literacy, a five-year action plan to help adult Newfoundlanders and Labradorians get the literacy skills they need to lead healthier, more productive lives and fully participate in the province’s economy.
• Supported by $60 million in funding over five years, the Adult Literacy Plan identifies 30 actions the Provincial Government and its partners will take to provide adult learners with increased opportunities to strengthen their literacy skills by improving the province’s adult literacy system. These actions will:
  • Raise awareness about adult literacy programs and services;
  • Increase access to adult literacy programs and services;
  • Enhance programs and services for adult literacy;
  • Improve employability of persons with literacy challenges; and,
  • Measure progress of provincial adult literacy.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Provides Update on Development of Adult Literacy Action Plan
Provincial Government Launches The Way Forward on Adult Literacy

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

A sense of arrival is the welcome and warmth that visitors feel once they have reached their destination. Ideally, this sense of arrival is in keeping with the perceptions generated through the promotional activities and in meeting expectations of the vacation experience in the mind of the visitor prior to the trip.

By March 31, 2018, our Government will collaborate with tourism operators, municipalities and transportation organizations at major entry points, gateways, hubs and attractions to establish common sense of arrival goals and priorities and initiate partnership activities. This collaboration will include developing market-readiness guidelines that outline best practices for welcome, beautification opportunities, wayfinding, signage and other visitor services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government collaborated with industry partners and tourism stakeholders to establish a standard sense of arrival goals, priorities and initiate partnership activities.
• Sense of Arrival Market-Readiness Guidelines were developed to guide tourism and business investments. It is anticipated these guidelines will be available to the public in early 2019.

News Releases

Provincial Government Investing in Destination Management Organizations

Provincial Government Invests in Season Extension Program

Improving the Sense of Arrival to Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Launches Inflight Content Channel on Air Canada

 

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

The JobsNL Wage Subsidy Program provides funding to private-sector and non-profit employers to create long-term or seasonal employment opportunities, particularly for those who have recently graduated from a post-secondary program, who live with a disability, or who receive Income Support. In 2018-19, our government will announce improvements to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy to ensure that the program better meets the needs of new and small to medium-sized businesses and those seeking employment.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Budget 2018 allocates $196,000 for the Student Mentorship Program, which is supported by federal funding, and was developed in response to discussions with stakeholders at industry summits held throughout the province.
• The employer-driven program will support summer career development opportunities in the agriculture, aquaculture, technology, and oil and gas sectors. The Provincial Government made these sectors a focus for development as part of The Way Forward, which included commitments to help residents explore careers in these fields.
• The Student Mentorship program will be expanded to all seven priority sectors for 2019-20 with an increased budget of $240,000.
• $500,000 was announced at the Forestry Summit on January 28, 2019, for a new pilot program, the Employment Enhancement Program. The new program is designed to increase employment opportunities for the forestry, aquaculture, agriculture and fishing sectors for employers engaged in value-added secondary processing. The program will provide a 60% wage subsidy up to $12/hr. for a duration of up to 28 weeks plus a $3,000 training allowance.
• On March 11, 2019, the Provincial Government announced changes to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program through which employers across the province will have the benefit of choosing between two subsidy options.
  • For the first time under the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program, a completion bonus will be available to both the employer and employee if the employee is still employed ten weeks after the subsidy period ends.
  • The enhancements to the JobsNL Wage Subsidy program are designed to encourage job creation and long-term attachment to the workforce for individuals hired through the program.
  • The program will be open to applications on April 1, 2019.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Now Accepting Applications for New Student Mentorship Program

Provincial Government Enhances JobsNL Wage Subsidy Program

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

Women’s Employment Plans are designed to improve the participation of women in employment on commercial and industrial projects. These Plans support our Government’s commitment to reduce the gender wage gap by increasing women’s access to a wider range of employment, particularly in trades and technical occupations. Our Government will establish requirements for Women’s Employment Plans on infrastructure projects within the province and will commence implementation in 2017-18.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Corner Brook Long Term Care project included a requirement for a Women’s Employment Plan. The contract has been awarded and the plan is now being finalized in consultation with the Women’s Policy Office.
• The Corner Brook Acute Care Hospital project and the Central Long Term Care project, are both in active procurement and will include a requirement for a Women’s Employment Plan.

News Releases:

Corner Brook Long-Term Care Project Moves to Request for Proposals Stage

Provincial Government Recognizes International Women’s Day

Building for Our Future

 

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will assess and promote new areas of mineral resources to stimulate increased activity in the mining sector. This will include increasing exploration and development through targeted promotional activities and development of a core digitization process (electronic format) to allow broader sharing of the province’s core sample information to companies worldwide. We will also complete an assessment of mineral exploration potential based on regional and economic development considerations to identify priority areas for resource data collection and promotion. In 2017-18, the core digitization process will be initiated and priority resource assessments will be undertaken.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government continues to work toward increasing the amount of photography of bedrock core that is available.
• The core storage program is also acquiring photo-manipulation software to enhance the quality and consistency of the photography in terms of its effectiveness as reference information for mineral exploration work; other methods are also being explored to generate photographic data.
• The Department of Natural Resources has consulted with the members of the Office of Applied Research at College of the North Atlantic, and has provided access to the core storage facilities, as development and testing of digital core photography automation processes for use in mineral exploration continue. College of the North Atlantic, in partnership with Memorial University, have completed an ACOA Atlantic Innovation Fund proposal to develop a Hyperspectral Scanning Unit (HSU) to support mineral exploration, drill core digitization and ore processing optimization. Budget 2019 outlined provincial support for this HSU.
• The next step is to develop a plan to allow direct access to the core storage database via the Geoscience Atlas.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will increase revenue generated from international education in the K-12 system. A review of options to expand our province’s K-12 International Education Program will include the feasibility of working with other jurisdictions to establish Newfoundland and Labrador-administered schools abroad, selling or licensing the use of our K-12 education curriculum to other jurisdictions, developing e-learning education services for access by international students and increasing the number of international students studying in our K-12 schools. By March 31, 2018, Government will have determined a model for governing the delivery of the province’s K-12 International Education Program.

Further, K-12 students who graduate with a high school diploma based on our provincial curriculum may choose to later study at one of our province’s post-secondary institutions, as this is a natural pathway. As an important source of potential future residents for the province, international post-secondary students present a real economic opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador. Post-secondary institutions attract talent and provide a gateway to our province for many motivated, innovative and entrepreneurial individuals from around the world. We will work with Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic and private post-secondary institutions in the province to assist in enhancing post-secondary institutions’ efforts to attract and retain international students and graduates in Newfoundland and Labrador, and explore opportunities to provide international students with easier pathways for immigrating to our province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Government has made significant progress in determining the feasibility of implementing a model for governing the delivery of a K-12 International Education Program and is currently reviewing options.
• The Department has engaged with the NL English School District (NLESD) to expand its current International Student Program by up to 30 per cent with changes to be implemented in September 2019.
• In December, Government announced approximately $392,000 in funding through the Labour Market Partnerships Program to support two pilot employment programs for international students and graduates: the Student Internship Pilot, and My First Job in Newfoundland and Labrador Pilot. These programs are being delivered by the Association for New Canadians and will help international students secure employment and expand their professional networks, which will support their pathways to permanent residency and retention in Newfoundland and Labrador.

News Releases

Provincial Government Announces Pilot Employment Programs for International Students

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

To increase the number of social enterprises in Newfoundland and Labrador and enhance services for existing social enterprises, our Government will develop a Social Enterprise Action Plan, including long-term strategic goals supported by an annual work plan. Social enterprise development is another innovation tool for advancing regional growth opportunities to benefit the economy, support rural sustainability and encourage entrepreneurial governance models and service delivery. Our Government will release a social enterprise action plan by May 31, 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) completed a public engagement process and identified areas where trends emerged in the document, “What We Heard: Social Enterprise,” released in November 2017.
• A total of 129 stakeholders participated and provided input on ways to address social enterprise development.
• The Social Enterprise Action Plan was released on May 30, 2018 and outlines 25 actions to be implemented over the next three years.
• TCII has worked with existing partners to ensure a collaborative approach to training and development. For example, TCII has helped to support Smallwood Crescent Community Centre Inc. with its capacity building and marketing goals. This support demonstrates how effective partnerships can assist organizations in achieving their social enterprise developmental needs in a systematic and deliberate way.
• TCII has increased awareness of the provincial research activities and invested in skills and development training sessions for social enterprise through TCII’s Community Capacity Building Program. For example, TCII partnered with Shorefast Foundation to support a workshop on Fogo Island that focused on social enterprise development in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
• TCII has worked with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives to implement the delivery of joint co-operative/ social enterprise development training. This has included training sessions in Corner Brook and Port aux Basques in October 2018 and upcoming sessions in St. John’s, Clarenville, and Gander.
• TCII has increased awareness of existing financing available for social enterprises and demonstrate how it meets the needs of social enterprise. TCII has partnered with other lending organizations such as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency  to support social enterprises. Through the Regional Development Fund, TCII has invested in a number of social enterprises such as O’Brien Farm Foundation Inc., SmartICE Inc., TheGreenRock.ca, Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Smallwood Crescent Community Centre, St. John’s Farmers Market, and Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre.
• TCII has connected with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ad Hoc Working Group on Social Innovation. This will assist in the overall goal of working with partners to help social enterprises explore new approaches to financing, specifically Action 4 “Access to Financing and Capital” pillar. TCII will continue to monitor and explore commonalities, opportunities, barriers and solutions as it relates to the new Federal fund.

News Releases

Supporting Social Enterprise Development

Provincial Government Releases Social Enterprise Action Plan

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

Currently, our Government uses a Vendor of Record model that is comprised of partner organizations which have been approved to manage the majority of Government IT contracts. Accordingly, this model limits availability of related Government IT work to other interested companies. The new model will allow more companies to bid on Government IT work, thereby increasing competition and choice of vendor. By 2017-18, our Government will implement a Managed Service Provider approach, which will expand opportunities for local vendors to conduct work on public sector IT initiatives.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A three-year agreement with Flextrack Inc. was signed on November 4, 2016 to implement a new Managed Service Provider (MSP) model. This new model allows more vendors to bid on public sector Information Technology and Information Management initiatives.
• Since implementation, 82 vendors have registered to compete for Information Technology professional services opportunities.Prior to introducing the MSP model, only three consortia representing nine companies were able to bid on IT professional services opportunities.
• The number of new companies that have been successful in doing business with the OCIO is 39.

Way Forward Commitment:

Building on our commitment from Phase 1, our Government has modernized the public procurement framework and expanded opportunities for local businesses. Our Government introduced public procurement legislation last fall, which provides increased transparency, consistency and flexibility within our procurement practices and ensures an open and competitive bidding process. In 2017-18, our Government will introduce regulations under the new Public Procurement Act that will increase bidding thresholds to align with trade agreement commitments. An increase in thresholds will provide greater opportunity for acquisitions below this value to be sourced locally within Newfoundland and Labrador. Local suppliers will also realize benefits through increased opportunities to bid on Government services that were once excluded from procurement legislation. This new legislation will build demand for the products and services of local businesses.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Public Procurement Act received Royal Assent on December 14, 2016 and was proclaimed on March 24, 2018; additional provisions related to supplier debriefs, complaints and supplier performance came into effect September 24, 2018.
• Most professional services previously not included in the Public Tender Act are subjected to greater oversight.
• The Act shifts the focus from getting the best price to the best value for money.
• Regulations have been published in the NL Gazette.
• On July 29, the Provincial Government announced that a contract has been awarded to Merx Network Inc. to implement and manage an electronic procurement solution for e-bidding. The new e-procurement system, which is expected to be implemented by March 2020, supports the ability to build, view, respond and evaluate public tenders online. The system will be a “one-stop” single site of procurement opportunities in the public sector by improving access to other opportunities that are posted outside government departments.

News Releases

Minister Introduces New Act Respecting Procurement by Public Bodies

New Public Procurement Act to be Proclaimed Next Month

New Procurement Act Now in Effect

Additional Provisions of Public Procurement Act Now in Effect

Key Milestone Achieved in Procurement Modernization

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

By March 31, 2018, our Government will develop and launch a pilot project to improve recycling and utilization of non-renewable resources such as road base and sub-base, concrete, asphalt and mine tailings for use in various other applications. In particular, these non-renewable resources will be repurposed for quarry applications, such as use as quarry material and/or to support the rehabilitation of abandoned quarry sites. As part of this pilot, we will identify a priority list of sites requiring rehabilitation and coordinate work efforts with residents/companies to implement recycling initiatives. The results of the pilot project will be used to establish criteria for future program development.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Natural Resources (NR) has worked with a company and the Environmental Assessment Division of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment (MAE) on a plan to repurpose kelp derived from St. Bride’s Harbour in a quarry permit authorized by NR. The project was registered for environmental assessment and two NR staff supported the company through participation on an environmental preview committee to determine the impact of using kelp for the rehabilitation of quarries. NR will be involved in any monitoring of the quarry rehabilitation as it progresses.
• NR is currently partnering with the MAE and a local company to develop a project that involves using remediated soils for rehabilitation in a local quarry area and diverting the soil from the local approved landfill. The soil will be used to backfill a portion of a road reservation that connects several individual quarry sites.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

To improve the economic landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador, our Government will take a whole-of-government approach to creating the conditions necessary for new private sector job creation and economic growth. Building a sustainable economy is our top priority. Our Government’s primary focus is encouraging conditions that support private sector job creation and economic sustainability through private sector growth and entrepreneurship.

To oversee this process, our Government is immediately mandating a new Cabinet Committee on Jobs to lead our province’s economic recovery efforts. This committee of Ministers will serve as a forum to identify new whole-of-government opportunities to support private sector employment and economic growth. The Cabinet Committee on Jobs will seek the advice of provincial leaders, including private sector labour representatives and members of the province’s business community.

Further, each Minister and Government department will be expected to report on how their actions help create stronger conditions for economic and private sector job growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. This will encourage decision-making that places our economic future at the centre of all decisions.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Cabinet Committee on Jobs (CCOJ) was formally announced on May 9, 2017.
• To date, over 140 organizations have been engaged by the CCOJ to support targeted employment growth in the agriculture, aquaculture, technology and forestry sectors.
• As a result of these collaborative partnerships, since fall 2017, the agriculture sector has had 105 new agriculture entrant inquiries and 54 agriculture related Crown Land applications, and the aquaculture sector has freed up 462.3 hectares of water for new aquaculture development and have established many new collaboration opportunities.
• On March 23, 2018, new collaborative partnerships were announced to encourage growth and diversification in the mining and forestry sectors, and support the economic contributions of the community sector. Also on March 23, an initiative to increase the number of women in leadership positions was announced.
• On August 3, 2018, the Provincial Government signed agreements with the Government of Canada that will see Canada provide the province with over $900 million over six years to invest in their workers. This includes the province’s nearly $80 million share of the additional investments announced in Budget 2017. This increase means an estimated 13,000 more workers in Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit over the six years.
• On January 28, 2019, the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and forest sector stakeholders, launched the Forestry Sector Work Plan which contains 32 actions intended to diversify the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, strengthen the provincial economy and support job creation.

News Releases

Unprecedented Partnerships with Industry to Drive Jobs and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

Cabinet Committee on Jobs to Drive Economic Growth with the Provincial Technology Sector

Industry and Government Partnering to Realize the Potential of Sustainable Aquaculture Growth

Agriculture Industry and Provincial Government Fostering Fertile Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Working with Technology Sector to Outline Path for Further Growth

Building for Our Future: Premier Ball Announces Next Industry Sectors to be Developed in Phase Three of The Way Forward

Provincial Government Now Accepting Applications for New Student Mentorship Program

Federal and Provincial Governments Announce Agreement to Give Workers the Tools They Need to Find and Keep Good Jobs

Premier Ball Releases Mining the Future 2030 – A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Mining Industry

Provincial Government and Forest Industry Partners Launch Plan to Diversify Forest Sector

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

In order to grow the economy and retain our workforce, it is important that we have access to reliable and up-to-date labour market information that allows us to predict the job opportunities, training needs and skills gaps of the future. In 2018-19, our government will develop a Comprehensive Human Resource Plan guided by labour market analysis to forecast future job opportunities. This plan will consider the needs of Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, youth, older workers, women and newcomers to the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government, via the Labour Market Partnership program, Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, is presently working with the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association-NOIA (via the Petroleum Industry Human Resource Committee – PIHRC), the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association-NAIA, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture-NLFA to study sector human resources needs and demands.  Research studies are examining the current and potential needs for each sector, engaging with employers and other stakeholders on topics including skills and training gaps.
• In the near future, both the Technology (including the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries-NATI, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association-NEIA, Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defense Association-ACADA, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (NL)-CME) and Forestry (Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association) sectors are anticipated to also begin exploring their human resource needs.
• Provincial sector research will help in developing more informed and targeted labour market information for use both by government, sectors and training institutions. Using research results allows for a better understanding of the ongoing and potential human resource sector needs while enabling industry, government and training to develop products and services based upon evidence and industry engagement. Outcomes will take the form of new labour market information products such as occupational profiles, influencing post-secondary training delivery, and enhancing how supports are provided to job seekers.
• The above work, as well as engagement and collaboration with a number of other priority sector associations, industry and stakeholder groups, will inform the development of the Comprehensive Human Resource Plan.  The Comprehensive Human Resource Plan will be based upon understanding the Newfoundland and Labrador labour market and assessment and analysis of labour demand, labour supply, training and skills, and labour market information (LMI). From there, actions and outcomes will be identified for industry, government, and academia stakeholders.
• On November 15, 2019, the Provincial Government released The Way Forward on Workforce Development – a 36-action plan for strengthening the province’s workforce and supporting a productive, knowledge-based economy.
  • Supported by approximately $25 million in government funding, the plan provides an understanding of current labour demands and identifies potential skills gaps and future opportunities for economic growth. It also considers the unique employment needs of Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, youth, older workers, women and newcomers to the province.
  • The plan aims to better prepare individuals for skills and training needs, better inform and share labour market information, and better support workers and employers to create matches to meet the skills demands of the labour market.

News Releases:

Federal and Provincial Governments Announce Agreement to Give Workers the Tools They Need to Find and Keep Good Jobs

Provincial Government and Aquaculture Industry Take Action to Support Sustainable Aquaculture Growth

Provincial Government Launches The Way Forward on Workforce Development

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Artists in Newfoundland and Labrador bring high levels of technical proficiency to their disciplines and collaborate with a community of global artists at the top levels of their fields. In 2017, our government introduced the Status of the Artist Act, which recognizes the contributions that artists make to our province’s economic and social well-being, as well as our collective health, culture and quality of life. The Status of the Artist Act will recognize and support professional artists and ensure fair compensation. The Act encourages everyone, with government departments and agencies leading by example, to pay artists fairly and equitably based on existing industry pay scales for their genre (i.e., visual artists, writers, musicians).

It is important to support professional artists and to maximize the benefits from this economic activity that employs nearly 5,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Through a collaborative effort with interested professional artists, in 2018-19 our government will pilot an Arts Accelerator Program to assist emerging and established professional artists in evaluating their market presence and to introduce new tools in managing, promoting and developing their artistic practice. In doing so, the hope is that artists can expand their audience, engage in future planning, and ultimately allow for sustainable creative processes.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Status of the Artist Act is intended to enhance the recognition and support of professional artists and to ensure fair compensation.
• The Act encourages everyone, with government departments and agencies leading by example, to pay artists fairly and equitably based on existing industry pay scales for their genre (i.e., visual artists, writers, musicians).
• The Status of the Artist Act was assented to December 7, 2017.

News Releases:

Provincial Government to Implement Status of the Artist Legislation

Provincial Government Engages Arts Community on Status of the Artist Legislation

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

The recent government-industry partnerships used to create employment, growth and diversification plans for the agriculture, aquaculture and technology sectors are examples of our government’s commitment to collaboration to diversify the economy. Supporting and working with the private sector is, however, only one part of the picture – the community sector also generates significant employment and its members, both paid and volunteer, are helping to build healthy, dynamic and prosperous communities.

In 2018-19, our government will lead a process to recognize the social and economic contribution of the community sector through a work plan process in collaboration with the Community Sector Council and community organizations throughout our province. Also in 2018-19, our government will deliver on its commitment to begin implementation of multi-year core funding for community groups. Multi-year grants will eliminate the burden of applying for funding on an annual basis and will allow community groups to focus more on what they do best – serving the diverse needs and interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On April 25, 2017, our Government announced phase 1 of the multi-year approach.
• Twenty-two community groups representing a broad cross-section of society have been selected to participate in phase one of multi-year funding. Multi-year funding will deliver funding for three years, up to $20 million maximum per year in total, to the selected community groups.
• Accountability requirements and an evaluation plan will be developed, which will help to determine if decisions made by selected community groups are fiscally responsible and are meeting the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
• A diverse Steering Committee comprising of over 25 representatives from Provincial and Federal Government departments, post-secondary institutions and community sector organizations from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador was brought together to inform the development of a collaborative work plan on the community sector’s economic contributions.
• A comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement process was carried out to identify issues, as well as related actions and opportunities, facing community sector organizations. This process reached about 275 individuals and included nine in-person sessions (St. John’s, Flat Bay, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Trinity, Marystown, Carbonear, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Wabush), two targeted-group sessions and an online component through EngageNL.
• On April 16, 2019, the Provincial Government released The Way Forward with Community: A Sector Work Plan to Advance the Social and Economic Contribution of Community Organizations. The joint plan contains 31 actions and was developed in collaboration with the Community Sector Council NL and other community sector partners.
• On October 28, 2019, Premier Ball, Ministers Dempster, Haggie, Mitchelmore and Davis, and Parliamentary Secretary Stoodley attended the Community Sector Council Summit where they participated in a series of panel discussions with community-led organizations.
• On October 29, 2019, the Provincial Government began consultations seeking input from community organizations including current recipients, the broader sector and the general public, to help inform next steps on one-window, multi-year funding. The online questionnaire will be available until November 22, 2019

News Releases

Core Funding for Community Groups Maintained in 2017-18

Community Groups Selected for Phase One of Multi-Year Funding

Provincial Government Announces Core Funding for Community Grants in 2019-20 and Provides Update on Multi-Year Approach

Provincial Government Releases Work Plan to Advance the Social and Economic Contribution of the Community Sector

Media Advisory: Premier Ball, Ministers to Join Community Organizations at Sector Summit

Provincial Government Seeks Feedback on Multi-Year Funding for Community Sector

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In the 2016 Speech from the Throne, our Government committed to resetting the provincial innovation agenda by developing a long-term approach to expand the pool and capacity of the province’s economic wealth generators, innovation and growth-focused businesses. Through the new Business Innovation Agenda, our Government is aiming to create the conditions that enable the province’s innovation-driven businesses to grow and diversify. Our Government will ensure that information technology is recognized as an enabling platform across all sectors. The Business Innovation Agenda is one component of an enhanced economic development approach that will include:

• Refocused trade activity, such as trade missions which are more sector focused and firm centric;
• The development of a Regional Trade Network; and,
• Working with local firms to identify opportunities and challenges arising from new trade agreements.

A Regional Trade Network will be established by May 31, 2017 and target sectors will be identified in summer 2017. Also in summer 2017, our Government will release the Business Innovation Agenda.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Business Innovation Agenda was released on November 8, 2017.
• The goal of the Agenda is to expand the pool and capacity of innovation and growth-focused businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Agenda has four focus areas: Product Development and Commercialization; Productivity; Growth and Internationalization; and, Workforce Skills and Talent.
• The plan sets targets to accelerate the business growth of eleven firms; and, collaborate with the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and technology businesses to scale 20 technology firms annually.
• The Innovation and Business Investment Corporation continues to work with the Provincial Government and its partners to implement the Business Innovation Agenda and identify priorities to advance innovation in NL.
• A Regional Trade Network was established on October 17, 2017 and meets quarterly to share information, identify gaps and opportunities to support firms and to help improve communication and collaboration among all resource and support providers.
• Target industry sectors identified comprise the netowkr’s constituted membership that includes representation from the following industry/sectors:
  • ICT
  • Ocean Technology
  • Environmental Industries
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Oil & Gas
  • Mining
  • Fisheries and Seafood
  • Manufacturing
• In addition to the above target industry sectors, advancing Women in International Business is a priority for the group.

News Releases

Provincial Government Establishes Regional Trade Network

Provincial Government Launches Business Innovation Agenda

 

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government is committed to improved efficiencies and services with respect to its public facing and internal business processes while ensuring the highest standards for environmental protection and land use planning. In 2017-18, we will review a number of key existing regulatory and legislative permitting and licensing processes in an effort to better align with Lean best practices and process improvement tools. The review process will support more timely approvals for clients and stakeholders, including municipalities, individuals and companies seeking zoning changes within protected road zones and individuals, companies and industry involved in development, technology and business ventures requiring permits or approvals from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment. This review will examine regulatory and legislative requirements associated with specific permits and licenses, business processes, timelines, IT infrastructure, public interfaces and service standards across Government.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In 2017-18, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment reviewed a number of key existing regulatory and legislative permitting and licensing processes related to land use planning and water resource management to better align with Lean best practices and process improvement tools. This review examined regulatory and legislative requirements associated with specific permits and licenses, business processes, timelines, IT infrastructure, public interfaces and service standards across Government. As a result a number of recommendations to improve business process efficiencies and service delivery were developed.
• In an effort to improve timely approvals, tangible deliverables have included: increased delegated authorities for various matters under the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000, including registration of municipal plans and amendments to protected road zone plans; and elimination of the policy that requires municipalities to enter into Limit of Service Agreements with the province for infrastructure investment. Enhancements to the water resources permitting information management systems have been identified. The permitting system has been streamlined and work is ongoing to improve the ENTRACK (Environmental Permits Tracking System). The department is working with the Office of the Chief Information Officer to accomplish this initiative, which will continue in 2019.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Eliminating Limit of Service Agreements for Municipalities

Provincial Government Invested in Safe and Sustainable Communities in 2017

 

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The objective of the environmental assessment process is to ensure that development proceeds in an environmentally acceptable manner. The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, in partnership with the appropriate regulatory and economic development departments, will conduct a review of Part X of the Environmental Protection Act and the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2003 in 2017-18. The last review of this process occurred in 2002. The review will begin with a jurisdictional scan of relevant legislation, business processes and best practices across Canada.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Throughout 2018-19, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment (MAE) worked towards initiating public consultations on the environmental assessment review.
• An advisory committee comprised of the Public Engagement Division of the Communications and Public Engagement Branch, the Environmental Assessment Division, and Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association (NEIA) was established to support and guide the consultation process.
• An interdepartmental working group, comprised of key regulatory and economic development departments, completed a preliminary report on the results of a jurisdictional scan and best practices and a review of the current approach in comparison with the approach of other jurisdictions in key areas of the environmental assessment process.
• Officials are actively participating and engaged in the federal environment assessment review process. The provincial review process is giving careful consideration to the federal process and associated outcomes as its work continues.
• On April 4, 2019, MAE launched public consultations on the provincial environmental assessment processes and regulations. Data gathered will be used to modernize environmental assessments in a way that ensures environmental protection and effective industry regulation. An online discussion document and questionnaire has been made available on the engageNL platform and the department is also accepting written submissions by email and regular mail. The general public, as well as businesses, environmental, community, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to the consultations process. These consultations build on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents.

News Releases:

Consultations Begin on Provincial Environmental Assessment

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural sector is a significant part of our province’s economy, both in terms of output and employment. Arts and heritage are helping to build vibrant communities and regions throughout the province and contribute significantly to the province’s tourism product. The existing cultural plan is now ten years old. Our Government will engage arts, heritage and tourism stakeholders to launch a renewed plan for culture, including: examining accomplishments and gaps, cultural policy and programs, export development to enhance access to markets and develop a better understanding of the impact of the digital transformation on culture to address challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. Consultations will commence by March 31, 2018. By January 31, 2019, our Government will release a new Cultural Plan to support arts and heritage in the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Cultural Action Plan was released on April 17, 2019. It reflects the importance of culture to the provincial economy.
• Developed with input from stakeholders throughout the province, the action plan is a guide for cultural collaboration over the next five years.
• Actions outlined in the plan will be implemented using a phased approach. Seven actions will commence immediately with an aim to be completed by March 2020. The remaining actions will be completed by March 2024.
• Through this plan, the Provincial Government will continue its core support for the protection, development, promotion, and celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant culture.

News Releases:

Engaging Stakeholders on Development of a New Cultural Action Plan

Provincial Government Releases Cultural Action Plan

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is looking for entrepreneurs and creative thinkers who are interested in coming up with new ways to solve problems. Innovation challenges are a creative and increasingly common use of public funding that calls on individuals, businesses and community partners to enter competitions to design new solutions to old problems. Innovation challenges encourage outside-the-box thinking to address social, economic or technological problems, where no solution exists or where current solutions are inadequate. To help drive innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador, our government will launch its first innovation challenge in 2018-19 through the Newfoundland and Labrador Innovation Council. Innovation challenges have the potential to spur new business activity and investment.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• TCII has established an internal working group to prepare program guidelines and determine the innovation challenges for the 2018-19 workplan. The first Innovation Challenge will be issued in Spring 2019.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is strategically targeting sectors of our economy to support growth and diversification, including mining, forestry, oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and technology. We have taken steps to attract more investment activity in these sectors. In the agriculture sector, for example, we have made more than 64,000 hectares of new Crown land available for farming, which provides strategic opportunities for investment.

Further, the recent favourable private-sector response to a Request for Proposals to lease the Bull Arm fabrication site points to the interest in, and potential of, targeted and strategic investment attraction activities. In 2018-19, our government will align resources to target key sectors and identify priority business opportunities and markets to advance economic development in our province.

Way Forward Commitment:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced priority sectors for economic growth and job creation. These sectors include mining, forestry, oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, community, social enterprises, aquaculture and technology (information technology, aerospace and defence, environmental industries and manufacturing).
• The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources (FLR) is currently working on a report to identify potential gaps in the Aquaculture Services and Supply Sector.
• In 2018-19 FLR entered into a new FPT Agriculture Framework Agreement, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, to invest $37 million over five years for the NL agriculture and agrifoods industry.  Investment will support new entrants, secondary processing, economic growth, and food self-sufficiency.
• The Provincial Government, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and forest sector stakeholders, launched the Forestry Sector Work Plan – a roadmap of 32 actions intended to diversify the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, strengthen the provincial economy and support job creation, on January 28, 2019.
• The Department of Natural Resources (NR) has launched Mining the Future 2030. An initiative of The Way Forward, this industry development plan was created through collaboration with Mining Industry NL, with the goal of strategically positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a globally competitive, top tier jurisdiction for mineral exploration and development.
•  In January 2017, the Oil and Gas Industry Development Council was established to create a long-term vision for the province’s oil and gas industry, with a focus on promoting development, competitiveness and sustainability. The council began to discuss opportunities and actions required to grow the oil and gas industry, with a vision that is driven by an innovative, sustainable, local industry that is globally competitive, environmentally responsible, and maximizes benefits to the people of the province. In February 2018, the Provincial Government released Advance 2030 – A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industry.
• In a globally competitive, capital-intensive industry where jurisdictions around the world compete for investment Newfoundland and Labrador supported the development of the national Canada Minerals Metals Plan with an anticipated launch at the upcoming 2019 Prospectors and Developer Association of Canada (PDAC) conference to align a number of priority initiatives to advance our sector competitiveness.
• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation supported the Invest NL conference, with attendance of 135 people, including 20 speakers, over 25 startups and students, 20+ pitchers, and 20+ investors both local and from off the island.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Embarks on New Economic Growth Strategy Through The Way Forward

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

We are positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a strategic and straightforward place to do business. One key step that we have taken in this regard is the streamlining of business and innovation supports for companies. By making it easier to avail of provincial services, we are helping to attract new firms to our province and retain those already doing business here.

In 2017, our government launched InnovateNL, a single-window service delivery approach to innovation programs. In 2018-19, we will pilot a streamlined application process for innovation supports that will reduce administrative burden for established clients.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation is currently working to integrate and renew policies associated with its business and innovation programming. This includes a client-centric approach to improving internal business processes and further simplified access for clients.
• The Departments of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Natural Resources are co-administering the Innovation and Business Development Fund, ensuring coordination with the programs of the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation.

News Releases:

Premier Ball Welcomes Proposals for the Innovation and Business Development Fund

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017-18, our Government will work with existing training providers to pilot the development and delivery of online learning for select block training to ensure apprentices have the option to continue to work while participating in required training. Five trades with a high number of registered apprentices have been selected for the pilot: plumber, construction electrician, welder, automotive service technician and carpenter.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• As committed in The Way Forward, the department strengthened apprenticeship training through more flexible delivery models that included transferring in-class block training to an online format. This was achieved in collaboration with Academy Canada and CNA. Online training in each of the five trades was developed in 2017-18 and will be available during the next training year, offered in addition to the existing in-class training options. The five trades with online content are
  • Plumber, Construction Electrician, Welder and Carpenter at College of the North Atlantic; and
  • Automotive Service Technician at Academy Canada.
• The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division has finalized its training schedule for 2018-19. Course offerings include online delivery for the five trades selected for online delivery.
• Through an investment of $1,743,000, all five trades selected for online delivery will have two blocks of curriculum transferred to online learning formats. This will provide an opportunity for apprentices to continue to work while completing the in-class portion of their block training.
• All five courses are underway, with a total of 40 students participating to-date:
  • Plumber: Jan 7, 2018 to May 10, 2019 – six students
  • Construction Electrician: Nov. 5, 2018 to April 5, 2018 – nine students
  • Carpenter: Nov. 5, 2018 to April 5, 2019 – nine students
  • Welder: Jan. 21, 2019 to June 14, 2019 – 11 Students
  • Automotive Service Technician: Sept 22, 2018 – Feb. 15, 2019 – five students
• The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour has allocated additional funding to continue to support the transfer of apprenticeship in-class curriculum to an online format for 2019-20.

News Releases

Provincial Government Develops Online Training for Apprentices

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Technology presents significant employment and business growth opportunities for our province. In 2018-19, our government will capitalize on the potential of technology to create jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by positioning the province for technological excellence and innovation. Our government will continue implementing The Way Forward on Technology through actions such as prioritizing the technology sector for Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program supports, and providing supports for unemployed skilled trade workers to retrain for technology-related occupations.

In 2018-19, we will also work in partnership with industry and academia to seize local opportunities flowing from the recent federal announcement on the establishment of an Oceans Supercluster in the Atlantic region.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government, in partnership with NATI, NEIA, CME, ACADA, NOIA and OceansAdvance, has established a methodology to define and measure technology sector development and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  As of 2017, the Newfoundland and Labrador technology sector includes 591 businesses employing 8, 739 employees.
• Since November 2017, seven individuals have been nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program, and an additional ten individuals through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, in technology-related occupations. These individuals were accompanied by 19 family members.
• On April 16, 2018, the Provincial Government announced $250,000 to support a partnership with Brilliant Labs to provide youth in grades K-12 with hands-on participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused activities.
• On April 16, 2018, the Provincial Government also provided $150,000 for professional learning and resources for schools and two itinerant teaching units to support Brilliant Labs work.
• On May 15, 2018, the Provincial Government announced support for Quorum Information Systems to develop a customer-facing tool that allows for a full auto purchasing process online. This will result in the creation of four new full-time positions.
• The Skills Development Program under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement provides financial supports for EI-eligible individuals who are seeking full-time post-secondary training in areas including technology-related occupations. Through the Skills Development Program, 101 individuals are presently enrolled in technology-related training.
• TCII is engaged with the Ocean Supercluster entity and partners to determine linkages to provincial priorities and opportunities.
• TCII is working with pan-Atlantic partners to develop international market opportunities for the region’s ocean technology sector under the collaborative federal-provincial Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement.
• On September 25, 2019, the Provincial Government announced the release of modernized aquaculture policies and procedures, including updated policies that set the stage for effectively managing our growing industry to become a world leader in environmentally sustainable aquaculture development. Highlights of the updates include:
  • policies that focus on industry accountability, environmental stewardship, and best practices that adhere to, or exceed, industry standards;
  • a strong, public reporting policy that enhances industry accountability and public trust;
  • clearer expectations around the selling and buying of licenses and sub-leasing processes; and
  • security bonding for any environmental remediation resulting from aquaculture activity.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Announces Support for Accelerated Growth Company
Premier Ball Announces Investment in Innovative Software Company
Fostering Youth Innovation through Coding and Technology
Refining Productivity through Innovative Methods
Ensuring Marine Safety with Innovative Solutions
Enhancing Sea Safety with Innovative Solutions
Provincial Government Working with Technology Sector to Outline Path for Further Growth
Modernized Aquaculture Policy and Procedures Established to Meet Needs of Growing Industry

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2015, the aquaculture industry produced 22,815 metric tonnes (MT) valued at over $161 million and employed over 400 people. In 2016 there were 137 aquaculture-related licenses issued and active in the Newfoundland and Labrador licensing system; however, there were over 50 applications that were in the system for over four years (“stale” applications). These stale licenses were limiting areas for development for both existing and new entrants to the industry. Our government has committed to help the mussel sector grow to 10,750 metric tonnes and our salmonid sector to 50,000 metric tonnes in annual output. Achieving this goal will result in an increase in direct and indirect jobs across the province by 1,100 person-years.  In 2017-2018, our Government has taken measures to keep applications active and free up water area for aquaculture development. In addition, our Government is establishing rigorous criteria that companies must meet in order to maintain site applications and licenses in the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture licensing system.

In 2018-19, we will provide funding for technology innovation, research and infrastructure to support mussel and salmonid sector growth. We will work with our counterparts to identify an allocation under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund for this purpose.

Further, in 2018-19 our government will shift from an annual to a multi-year aquaculture licensing process. This shift will offer our aquaculture industry the benefit of longer-term focus, greater predictability and more time to devote to business growth, market development, job creation and safe product supply by reducing administrative burden. These actions will advance The Way Forward on Aquaculture.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• To date, 21 stale aquaculture applications (462 Ha) have been cancelled freeing up water area available for new aquaculture development. A policy and procedure review to establish rigorous criteria for site applications is underway.
• The Department of Fisheries and Land Resources (FLR) requested production plans for all inactive salmonid sites, including intentions for these sites for the next three years, how the sites fit into the rotation cycle, full details of contingency plans, and demonstration of the companies commitments to expand operations. The production plans are under review.
• A review of the Site Utilization Policy was completed.  The review investigated options to incorporate a more rigorous “use it or lose it” model for licensed aquaculture sites. Based upon of the results of the stale licenses policy a new policy was developed and communicated to stakeholders.  FLR met with salmonid companies in December 2017 and notified the companies of requirements to maintain licenses.
• FLR reviewed its “site hold policy” in line with its focus on “use it or lose it” policies; and as a result, FLR has cancelled its site hold policy.  As such, “site holds” will not hinder access for future interests.
• On September 14, 2018, the Provincial Government announced support of a $250 million Grieg NL aquaculture project with repayable financial assistance, following the project’s release from a comprehensive environmental assessment process. Some 15 conditions have been put in place to ensure the project proceeds in an environmentally-sustainable manner. This project is expected to help the province reach its growth target for aquaculture production to 50,000 metric tonnes, and generate more than 800 new jobs.
• On September 26, the Provincial Government announced, through the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA), an investment of just over $588,000 to develop labour market information tools and products for the province’s aquaculture industry. The initiative builds on over $396,000 provided to NAIA to support the development of an Aquaculture Recruitment and Retention Strategy. Both actions were identified in the Aquaculture Sector Work Plan, a partnership between government and industry, through the Cabinet Committee on Jobs, to accelerate growth in aquaculture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• On December 5, 2018, the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, funding to support the fish and seafood sectors through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. Funding included more than $1.5 million for four projects focused on improved technology and increasing aquaculture research to improve sustainability.
• The funding – a total contribution of more than $18 million—will see investments and innovation in harvesting and handling technologies, seafood processing automation and modernization, and sustainable aquaculture production. The funding will also support fisheries research to increase our understanding of the impact of climate change on the productivity of our fisheries. More specifically we are making investments in:
  • Harvesting Sector – More than $3.7 million for 54 projects throughout the province, targeting all three cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador that support commercial and stewardship fisheries. Projects are focused on improving quality of landings through adoption of harvesting and on-board handling technologies for inshore groundfish fisheries.
  • Processing Sector – Over $4.6 million for five projects throughout the province. Projects focus on cutting-edge technology, automation, and improving quality and productivity in the processing sector.
  • Aquaculture Sector – More than $1.5 million for four projects focused on improved technology and increasing aquaculture research to improve sustainability.
  • Science Partnerships – Over $4.3 million for a five-year scientific research project focused on filling key knowledge gaps to improve stock assessments, contribute to fisheries certification, and inform strategies for managing the impacts of climate and productivity changes.
  • Innovation/Research and Development – $4.5 million for a multi-year applied research and development project focused on driving innovation in the seafood sector by linking the demands of industry to the capacities of universities.

News Releases

Industry and Government Partnering to Realize the Potential of Sustainable Aquaculture Growth

Minister Mitchelmore Announces Investment to Support Aquaculture Growth

New Aquaculture Project to Create Hundreds of Jobs on the Burin Peninsula

Minister Byrne Proclaims Aquaculture Week in Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government and Aquaculture Industry Take Action to Support Sustainable Aquaculture Growth

The Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador fund projects to boost sustainability in the fish and seafood sector

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017-18, our Government will collaborate with Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador (WISE NL) and other industry partners to implement a new entrepreneurship initiative focused on increasing the involvement of women scientists, engineers and technologists in new business development. Through increased networking, training and mentoring, women will be supported in the development of knowledge-based firms in the fields of science, technology and engineering. This collaboration will ensure connectivity to other entrepreneurial supports such as financing, business counselling, networking for knowledge-based firms and opportunities for international graduate students.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) has engaged WISE NL to discuss challenges, gaps and opportunities for business development by women working in the field of science, technology, engineering and math.
• TCII supported WISE NL as it celebrated it’s 30th anniversary on November 21, 2018 with an event that included a panel on women in science, technology, engineering and math in business.  Minister Mitchelmore spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of women in leadership positions.
• As a result of ongoing work with WISE NL and other stakeholders, a planning and opportunity management process will take place in February/March 2019. Partners will identify joint deliverables and an implementation plan.

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government will continue to implement its multi-year infrastructure plans. A longer-term approach to infrastructure development provides certainty for investors, who often consider local, regional and provincial infrastructure development when making business decisions. Multi-year planning also creates more certainty for related industries, such as the construction industry, which enhances their ability to plan their human resource needs and create job opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In 2018-19, our multi-year infrastructure plan will provide almost $620 million for infrastructure and economic stimulus, including:

• Memorial University’s Core Science Facility in St. John’s;
• The Centre of Excellence for Heavy Equipment Industrial Trades at College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville;
• The continued development of the new regional hospital in Corner Brook;
• The replacement of the Waterford Hospital and the expansion of community-based mental health services;
• The development of the Green Bay Health Centre in Springdale;
• The construction of the Labrador Wellness Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• The construction of new schools in Paradise and Coley’s Point, as well as repairs and maintenance of many existing schools;
• Paving projects on the Trans Labrador Highway and for the Provincial Roads Program; and
• Vessel refits and the maintenance of ferries, ferry terminals and wharves.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The 2017 edition of The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure Investments was released on March 17, 2017. The multi-year plan outlined commitments to education, health, buildings, roads, and municipal infrastructure from 2017-18 to 2021-22.
• The second edition of the plan was released in spring 2018, allocating $619.7 million in 2018-19 and $2.5 billion from 2018-19 to 2022-23, including leveraged federal funding.
• The 2019 edition of The Way Forward: A Multi-Year Plan for Infrastructure Investments was released in Budget 2019 and outlined approved projects and planned spending, by sector, from 2019-20 to 2023-24. In 2019-20, $594.3 million will be invested in new and existing infrastructure, over $3 billion invested over the next five years. This will help grow our economy and is expected to generate an average of $580 million in annual GDP and 5,100 person years of employment per year.
• The following are some of the projects covered in the plan:
  • Construction of the Centre of Excellence for Heavy Equipment Industrial Trades at College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville. Completion is expected in fall 2019.
  • Replacement of the Waterford Hospital. On July 30, 2019, a Request for Proposals to design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) the new facility was issued to three short-listed proponents. Proposals are due in early 2020 and it is expected that the successful proponent will be announced in June 2020, with construction starting in the months following. 
  • New regional hospital in Corner Brook. In June 2019, Corner Brook Health Partnership was selected as DBFM contractor for the new hospital. Site excavation is scheduled to begin in September 2019 with construction expected to be completed by 2023.
  • New schools in Paradise and Bay Roberts. Construction began in 2019 with completion of both expected in 2021.
  • Paving projects on the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH). By the end of 2019, paving will be completed for Phase 2: Red Bay to Cartwright Junction. It is anticipated that the final paving tenders for the TLH will be issued before the end of 2019-20.
  • Paving projects for the Provincial Roads Program. The 2019 edition of the Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan was released in January 2019, allocating $77.2 million to provincial road projects for the third year in a row.
  • New long-term care beds in the Central Health Authority region. NL Healthcare Partners was selected in April 2019 as the DBFM contractor for new long-term care homes in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. Construction started at both sites during summer 2019 with completion expected in 2021. In addition, a construction tender was awarded in August 2019 for a new protective care extension at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood. Construction is anticipated to start in September 2019 with completion expected in late 2020.
• This plan will continue to be updated to reflect emerging priorities and released annually.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In February 2017, our Government announced the establishment of a new Workforce Innovation Centre at College of the North Atlantic’s Corner Brook campus. This Centre will support and fund labour market activities, research and projects that demonstrate innovation and identify methods to better assist individuals prepare for, find, return to or maintain sustainable employment.

Reflecting our Government’s commitment to diversify the economy through innovation, the Centre will partner with business, labour and community groups and agencies to foster and find innovative approaches to address local labour market needs and improve employment and training outcomes. An inaugural call for proposals will occur by June 30, 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Workforce Innovation Centre was established at College of the North Atlantic February 2017.
• The Centre’s goal is to support research, testing, and sharing of ideas and models of innovation in workforce development that will positively impact employability, entrepreneurship, and attachment to the workforce In Newfoundland and Labrador.
• During 2017-18, the Workforce Innovation Centre issued it’s inaugural call for proposals and funded eight multiyear projects totaling over $3.1 million to support applied research projects that test innovative approaches to address labour market issues and improve employment outcomes.
  • Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) – $588,000 over three years to support rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who wish to transition to work in the tourism sector;
  • Genesis Centre, Memorial University – $497,417 over three years to explore ways to increase entrepreneurship among women and immigrants in the technology sector;
  • Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) – $361,616 over two years to develop and deliver an innovative training model for entry-level occupations in the aquaculture industry;
  • The Association of New Canadians (ANC) – $292,680 over 3 years to develop and implement a program connecting refugees to employment opportunities in the province’s agriculture sector, in partnership with Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus;
  • Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC) – $230,650 over two years to evaluate the short and long term Impacts of WRDC’s Employment Assistance Services and Career Development Programming;
  • Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) – $129,220 over two years for Pathways to Work: Co-designing Improved Employment Pathways for Inuit Youth in Nunatsiavut;
  • Collective Interchange Cooperative and Canadian Career Development Foundation – $314,732 over three years for Evidence for Community Employment Services: A Collaborative Regional Approach; and,
  • College of the North Atlantic – $756,886 over three years for Alternate Admissions Academic Readiness Assessment Processes and Tools for Indigenous Peoples.
• In July 2018, the Workforce Innovation Centre issued a second call for proposals to spark ideas for research and innovation in workforce development and approved more than $2.27 million in funding for an additional six projects:
  • Stella’s Circle – $687,269 to explore the use and impact of mobile technology in a work-based employment program for adults who face employment barriers;
  • Eastern Health – $443,000 to undertake a pilot project to test approaches to improving mental health and safety through technology-based support;
  • NL Forest Industry Association – $334,017 to explore knowledge-based production and use of biological resources to provide products, processes, and services across all sectors of the provincial economy;
  • Laubach Literary Council – $287,131 to help rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians acquire the skills to succeed in online learning;
  • Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT) – $280,851 to enhance the WinSETT Leadership Program in Newfoundland and Labrador; and,
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences – $238,932 to investigate the attitudes of employers in the province toward hiring newcomers, temporary foreign workers, and international students.
• In summer 2019, also stemming from the second call for proposals, the following additional six projects were announced for a total of $2.22 million:
  • Community Education Network Southwestern NL – $248,535 to facilitate evidence-based research and analysis, and to disseminate resources and practical tools that encourage and support social enterprise growth in the Province aimed at addressing workforce challenges, supporting rural sustainability, encouraging small business enterprise, and building a stronger economic foundation for the future;
  • Academy Canada – $227,211 to determine the soft skills gaps within the Province’s labour supply and to evaluate the impact of a specially designed soft skills development workshop series on the employability of its participants;
  • Choices for Youth – $616,866 to analyze options for education, training and work; combining an employment first approach with social enterprise development; to gain a stronger understanding of how to improve economic and social conditions for marginalized youth and emerging adults in the Province;
  • Corner Brook Status of Women Council – $74,525 to explore the conditions necessary for the success of a social enterprise in the Crestview area of Corner Brook;
  • YMCA of Western Newfoundland – $824,493 to explore best practices in the delivery of employment programs, services and supports for at risk youth and young adults aged 15-40; and,
  • St. John’s Board of Trade – $229,705 to explore barriers that currently exist for older workers that want to remain in the workforce, to examine their potential contribution to the labour market, to gain understanding of employer attitudes towards older workers and to develop recommendations to remove barriers and increase older worker participation in the workforce.
• Projects funded for the Association for New Canadians, Genesis Centre, and Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences support key priorities in The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador , which identifies action items on employment mentorship and leadership among immigrant women, the delivery of labour market integration programming for refugees, and identification of solutions to mitigate barriers to employment for newcomers, temporary foreign workers, and international students.

News Releases

New Research Projects to Benefit Youth, Women, and Social Enterprise in Western Newfoundland

Provincial Government Funds New Research Projects, Through Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, to Support Under-Represented Sectors

College of the North Atlantic to Host Province’s Workforce Innovation Centre

First Projects Announced for College of the North Atlantic’s Workforce Innovation Centre

New Projects through Workforce Innovation Centre to Support Rural Residents, Women, Newcomers

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

The provincial fishing industry is currently experiencing a transition in resource availability, with expectations of greater activity in the groundfish sector in the coming years. Harvesters and processors will require supports to develop a competitive world-class groundfish sector that can provide top quality products to discerning markets in Canada and internationally. Building on the support delivered through the new Seafood Innovation and Transition Program announced during Budget 2016, our Government has established a Fisheries Advisory Council. An Independent Chairperson for the Council has been announced and the membership and terms of reference for the Council was finalized in summer 2017.

By March 2018, our Government will have worked with the Fisheries Advisory Council on an action plan for cod revitalization. This will include actions that support all stages of the value chain, including harvesting, processing and marketing to maximize the value of available resources to the province. These actions will be supported by programming secured through the new Federal Atlantic Fisheries Fund and the Federal Ocean Protection Plan.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Mr. William Wells was appointed as the independent chairperson of the new Fisheries Advisory Council through a merit-based process on March 9, 2017.
• The Council has been providing input on the province’s fishing industry and will assist the seafood industry to move forward and adapt to current changes.
• Members of the Fisheries Advisory were appointed by the Independent Appointments Commission on July 7, 2017.
• The Council has provided advice to the Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, which supports adjacency as an important principle in securing access to resources that ensure the long-term viability of the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Council continues to be active in reviewing policies and programs to inform their advice on optimizing the value of the province’s fish resources as the industry transitions to ground fish.

News Releases

Provincial Government Announces Funding to Support Innovation, Transition to Groundfish in Seafood Industry

Members of Fisheries Advisory Council Appointed

William Wells Named as Chair to the new Fisheries Advisory Council

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

We are living in the age of analytics where data is the renewable resource of the future. Government agencies are the holders of considerable public data that has the potential to be used by researchers and the private sector to develop new products, services and solutions while also creating business and job opportunities. We will help unlock the potential of data by initiating the development of a regulatory framework in 2019 for the commercial use of health and genetics data that is respectful of existing privacy legislation and ensures a scientific and financial return to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Throughout the world, health data is also being used to analyze population health and disease patterns, predict risk and negative events and, ultimately, improve patient experience and care. In 2018-19, our government will launch, under the leadership of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, an online Provincial Health Data Lab to provide researchers and entrepreneurs with secure access to health data, such as laboratory test results.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Funding has been received totaling more than $9 million from ACOA’s Business Development Program for the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI) to lead three new initiatives to improve clinical care and healthcare outcomes, and help foster growth in the province’s life sciences sector.
  • A Provincial Health Data Lab which will catalogue and store health data;
  • A pilot project to enhance telehealth in rural areas; and
  • An improved system to electronically order medical processes and procedures.
• The Provincial Health Data Lab is currently under development. A phased approach to operationalization is planned with a targeted launch of April 1, 2020.

News Releases:

Supporting Healthcare Innovation to Benefit Residents and Create Economic Opportunities

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government is intent on continuing to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to create the conditions for continued success. To this end, in 2017-18, our Government will continue to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Federal Government towards advancing and finalizing self-government agreements and towards advancing and finalizing land claims in the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Innu Nation and the Federal Government are continuing negotiations towards a Final Land Claims Agreement, including the legal refinement of agreed text, the mapping of certain land claim areas, and the preparation of an Implementation Plan. The Parties meet monthly to advance negotiations expeditiously. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to concluding the agreement is steadfast, and Government is exerting every effort to bring negotiations to a successful and timely conclusion.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to implementing all 54 recommendations of the All Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions. Responsive and timely service, quality care, the breakdown of stigmas, and better health outcomes permeate our short, medium and long-term goals. Together, these actions will transform our mental health and addictions system into one that starts with the needs of the person and works towards recovery for individuals and their families. Our government’s approach is based on a stepped-care service delivery model that provides a continuum of services as alternatives to hospitalization.

In 2018, our government will release a Year One Progress Report and better enable Regional Health Authorities and community agencies to deliver critical services through increased provincial funding and $73 million over 10 years leveraged from the federal government under the new Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Health Funding bilateral agreement. Our government is committed to increasing spending on mental health and addictions to nine per cent of total annual health care spending, up from a starting point of 5.7 per cent, by 2022.

In 2018-19, our government’s investments in mental health and addictions services will provide community agencies with funding to expand peer support services and harm reduction initiatives, including the availability of more Naloxone take-home kits and needle exchange kits. Our government will double the capacity of the Strongest Families program to 500 families while expanding the Therapist Assisted Online program – launched here before anywhere else in Canada – from 15 to 30 clinics throughout the province.

In the coming year, our government will improve wait times by expanding walk-in clinics and after-hours services. Addictions services will be enhanced with increased access to Suboxone and other addiction treatment services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• As part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to increasing access to Suboxone, special authorization is no longer required for this medication for clients of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug program or employees and retirees under government’s group insurance program.
• As of March 31, 2019, spending on mental health and addictions is now at 6.6 per cent.
• Funding for community agencies and regional health authorities has been increased to expand harm reduction initiatives, including safe needle exchange and Naloxone Take Home Kits, and new peer support services.
• Since its introduction, over 1,200 families in Newfoundland and Labrador have completed the Strongest Families program, of which 92 per cent of those families have reported that the program addressed their presenting issues.
• Funding has increased for Strongest Families, allowing the program to double its capacity to approximately over 450 families and expand to youth and emerging adult population.
• DoorWays is now available in over 50 sites throughout the province, including all correctional settings, with additional sites to follow.
• On April 25, 2018, the Provincial Government provided multi-year funding for 22 community groups, including: Aids Committee of NL, Canadian Mental Health Association, Choices for Youth, CHANNAL and Stella’s Circle.
• On June 29, 2018, the Provincial Government was the first province to sign a bilateral agreement under the Government of Canada’s new Emergency Treatment Fund. This agreement will result in an investment of more than $4 million – $2.7 million from the province and $1.6 million from the Government of Canada in 2018-19 – to improve access to opioid dependency treatment in the province using multi-disciplinary teams, case managers, primary care providers and telemedicine.
• Since the implementation of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, there has been a significant reduction in the number of people waiting for mental health and addictions counselling services across the province.
  • Wait times have gone from 21 months to 24 days in the centre city area of St. John’s.
  • The number of people waiting for counselling has decreased from 1,057 to 280 in St. John’s area.
  • The number of people waiting for counselling has decreased from 192 to 17 in Corner Brook.
• Of the 54 recommendations in Towards Recovery, 28 have been completed. This includes the 18 short-term, eight medium-term and two long-term recommendations.
• The primary health care team on the Burin Peninsula has eliminated the waitlist for mental health and addictions counseling services, as well as eliminated the no-show and cancellation rates of appointments. Redesigning health care delivery through a team approach has enabled access to same-day, walk-in services whereas people previously waited up to eight months for service.
• On September 24, 2018, the Provincial Government announced that it has eliminated the wait list for mental health and addictions counselling services at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. In partnership with the Community Coalition for Mental Health and Addictions, Labrador-Grenfell Health was able to transition from an appointment-based counselling service to a walk-in service.
• The I CAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) program was launched on October 12, 2018, which assists those ages 18 to 30 in dealing with anxiety.
• The Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) program is now available province-wide in both English and French.
• The Department of Health and Community Services worked with the Public Engagement Division to launch an online questionnaire on engageNL to gather input from youth and young adults (aged 12-25) about their experiences accessing mental health and addictions services. The questionnaire was launched on October 10, 2018 and ran until November 15, 2018. In total, 2,737 questionnaires were completed.
• On April 1, 2019, an opioid dependency treatment clinic opened at the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre on Bell Island. Operated by Eastern Health, the clinic will serve both new clients and those currently receiving treatment at another location. This new clinic will offer the first comprehensive mental health and addictions support program on Bell Island. It will include a physician and a nurse practitioner, pharmacy services, as well as addictions counselling services five days per week.
• The provincial Centre of Excellence for Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) is now established and their main focus is building the capacity for an ODT network in the province.  This includes knowledge exchange, training opportunities, and consultation with health care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, etc.).
• The implementation of the Provincial ODT Hub and Spoke model is ongoing. ODT Hubs have been established in St. John’s, Gander and Corner Brook. Hubs will also be established in Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• The new hub and spoke ODT model, including the Provincial Centre of Excellence for ODT and the Provincial Harm Reduction Collective, will provide opportunities for nurse practitioners and physicians to come together for continuing medical education, consultation and mentorship in addictions medicine.

What We’ve Accomplished:

Newfoundland and Labrador Finalizes Agreement with Government of Canada to Strengthen Health Care in the Province

Community Groups Selected for Phase One of Multi-Year Funding

Newfoundland and Labrador First Province to Sign Agreement with Government of Canada to Fund Innovative Treatment Options for Problematic Substance Use

Thirty-five Per Cent Reduction in People Waiting for Services After One Year into the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan

Primary Health Care Team Creating Positive Change on the Burin Peninsula

Wait List for Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Services Eliminated in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Therapy Assistance Online Expanded Province-wide

Minister Haggie Congratulates Eastern Health on Being Recognized Nationally for Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Services on the Burin Peninsula

Opioid Dependency Treatment Clinic to be Offered on Bell Island

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Nowhere is the need for better outcomes more important than in the health care sector. Health care makes up approximately 40 per cent of the provincial budget and it is our greatest area of expenditure; yet, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the poorest health outcomes in the country. Our government is committed to stabilizing spending on health care – which has seen a 130 per cent increase since 2001 and is the highest in the country on a per capita basis – through the adoption of better management practices and a focus on sustainability, value and prevention.

We have set a number of targets aimed at improving health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and at bringing indicators more in line with Canadian averages by 2025. These targets are to:

• Increase the breastfeeding initiation rate by seven per cent;
• Reduce the obesity rate by five per cent;
• Reduce the smoking rate by four per cent;
• Increase the physical activity rate by seven per cent; and
• Increase the rate of vegetable and fruit consumption by five per cent.

Building on the momentum of recent investments in e-health infrastructure in this province, in 2018-19 our government will launch a Health Innovation Action Plan. This action plan will mobilize key stakeholders across the health and community services system and the life sciences sector, including government, industry and academia, to improve partnerships and to strengthen innovation. By encouraging the adoption of new processes and improved technologies, the Health Innovation Action Plan will help lower costs, improve services, and provide better care for residents while helping to stimulate investment and employment opportunities in the life sciences sector.

Our government has adopted the Triple Aim framework for health care: better care, better health and better value. Implementing this framework will require the integration of technology to lower costs and improve services, patient experience and – most importantly – health outcomes.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) was diligent in the 2018-19 budget year in maintaining health care spending at approximately $3 billion despite increasing cost pressures such as new drug therapies, demand for long term care beds and aging infrastructure.
• Work has begun towards creating an Health Innovation Action Plan. HCS has consulted with key stakeholders and it is anticipated that an action plan will be released by the end of 2019.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017-18, our Government will support municipalities to implement policies and practices that support health outcomes in municipal plans and to implement policies and/or practices to support healthy eating and breastfeeding.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Healthy Eating Policies have been implemented in 27 municipalities and by 34 Provincial Sport Organizations. Work is continuing to increase this number.
• Funding in the amount of $25,000 was approved in 2018-19 supporting the Baby-Friendly Council of NL to develop breastfeeding toolkits for municipalities. The toolkit helps municipalities create environments where breastfeeding is promoted and supported as the normal way to feed infants and young children.
• Work is ongoing to support municipalities to create healthier communities using the Healthy Built Environment Linkages Toolkit.
• As part of Budget 2019, $1.79 million has been made available for the Community Healthy Living Fund; applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis up to January 31, 2020.

News Releases:

Government Announces Community Healthy Living Grants and Opens Application Process for 2018-19

Provincial Government Announces Community Healthy Living Fund and Opens Application Process for 2019-20

Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to better engaging students in their learning and improving learning outcomes. This commitment is a key component of our response to the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes. It requires a model for delivering services to students that better allows for small-group instruction, keeps students in school for the full day, and integrates the needs of students with special needs or exceptionalities.

In 2018-19, our government, in partnership with school districts and early childhood educators, will draft, pilot and begin evaluating a new policy and procedures guide for student services, as well as related professional learning. We will also purchase a new Special Education Case Management System to assist in the delivery of student services by providing accurate student information to guide programming.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A Student Support Services Policy Advisory Committee was formed to draft policy, procedures, and associated professional learning for delivery of Student Support Services.
• A draft policy and procedures document, entitled Responsive Teaching and Learning, has been developed and implementation of components of the policy began in schools in Fall 2018 with 40 Phase One Schools. The new policy will be implemented in an additional 40 Phase Two schools in September 2019. Teacher professional learning will continue throughout the 2019-20 school year.
• The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development purchased Special Education Case Management software in 2018-19. Customization is ongoing, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, to configure the software for the province’s K-12 system. Phase 1 implementation will commence in 39 schools in fall 2019.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will provide funding for up to 100 interested schools to action initiatives identified through use of the Healthy School Planner tool, which helps schools create healthier learning environments. The Planner enables schools to assess their current school environment from a health and wellness perspective along with an opportunity to explore specific topics including healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco use and positive mental health and develop a plan to address any identified gaps.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• To date 138 schools have completed the foundational and physical activity modules of the Healthy School Planner and developed action plans based on the results of the planner.
• Schools received Activation Grants (maximum of $3,000 in Newfoundland and $4000 in Labrador) to help address identified physical activity gaps and to action initiatives identified in their action plan.
• Funding supported initiatives such as playground and greenspace development, mountain biking programs, family fun nights and indoor curling.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government has made a commitment to support seniors to lead healthy, productive lives by remaining in their own homes and communities, and avoiding unnecessary entry into acute care or long-term care. Adopting a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential areas of concern for seniors living at home will support seniors to remain at home longer.

In 2018-19, we will adopt guidelines for delivering a Healthy Living Assessments for Seniors program. We will pilot Healthy Living Assessments for Seniors using a single demonstration site and evaluate the program to inform further rollout.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) is currently working with Eastern Health to develop Healthy Living Assessments for Seniors.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Dementia is a condition that significantly affects a person’s memory, cognition and behaviour, and limits a person’s ability to complete essential activities of daily living. As the disease progresses, it can be very challenging for caregivers to cope. Our government will implement a Dementia Care Action Plan that improves access to information, as well as to supports and services that aim to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

Our government will improve client care by enhancing access to community-based dementia care and support, thereby reducing emergency department visits, hospitalizations and premature long-term care placement. To do this, we will enhance the capacity of the 811 HealthLine to provide professional advice and system navigation services by September 2018, and increase access to specialized adult day programs by March 2019. We will also support 100 individuals living with moderate or late-stage dementia to receive care and support at home from a physician or nurse practitioner through remote client-monitoring technology.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador participated in a two-day stakeholder meeting to inform a national dementia strategy. The report prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada on outcomes of the session will be used to guide consultations in the province and to validate local context. The Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) is collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Public Engagement Division to host public consultations regarding the Dementia Care Action Plan. Public consultations will be held fall 2019, and the plan released later in the year.
• Enhancing access to community-based care for people living with dementia is being achieved through the Home First Initiative, which has been implemented with the Regional Health Authorities since December 2017.
• HCS is working with the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that staff are appropriately trained in dementia care and system navigation. In addition, dementia care resources will continue to be added to the Healthline website.
• A committee has been established with Regional Health Authorities and community stakeholders to inform the development of an adult day program to support individuals living with dementia and their families.
• Ministerial approval has been received to commence the Home Dementia Project. Recruitment for Nurse Practitioners is underway, and recruitment of clients in the Eastern Health region will being in February 2019. Federal funding has been secured from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addictions Services Funding Agreement. The program has been established and over 50 clients have enrolled in the program to date.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

As we deliver health care services more efficiently through innovative and technology-based approaches, it is essential that the quality and availability of health care services not deteriorate. Having a service delivery model that ensures maximum impact per dollar spent is critical. With this in mind, in 2018-19 our government will expand its efforts to improve population health through a primary health care-based approach that:

• Increases collaboration among health care providers;
• Enables better access to community-based services;
• Results in fewer costly hospitalizations, surgeries and emergency department visits; and
• Leads to better service delivery and access for under-served individuals or those living with complex needs, which is critical given the prevalence of chronic illnesses in our population and the growing demand for mental health and addictions services. Our approach to primary health care will also include the establishment of programs for community paramedicine and family practice nursing.

A key component of the increased focus of primary health care services is expanding the number of inter-disciplinary primary health care teams throughout the province. In 2018, our government will expand this work to nine sites: Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Connaigre Peninsula, Burin Peninsula, Bell Island, Northeast Avalon, and the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area (including North West River and Sheshatshiu). By early 2019, our government will identify five additional sites.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Active Community Advisory Committees (CACs) are in place in Botwood, Connaigre, Burin, Bonavista, Grand Bank, Corner Brook, Deer Lake/White Bay, Stephenville and Clarenville. CACs are in progress in the Northwest Avalon and Bell Island. CACs engage residents to identify the needs of the community and involve them in the re-design of services.
• Primary health care teams have been formed and began service-delivery re-design and implementation in Bonavista, Burin Peninsula, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Botwood, Connaigre Peninsula, Happy Valley-Goose Bay/Northwest River, Corner Brook, Sheshatshiu and Downtown St. John’s. We have identified, and are working to establish teams in, Stephenville, Bell Island, Northeast Avalon, Deer Lake/White Bay, and St. Anthony.
• An after-hours urgent primary care clinic has been set up at Major’s Path for patients of participating family physicians who need immediate care for non-emergency illnesses and injuries. This clinic will help avoid unnecessary trips to emergency departments and provide an alternate option to those requiring timely care.
• Since primary health care transformation work has begun, the Department of Health and Community Services has seen shift in patterns of access and utilization.  In Bonavista, the primary health care re-design has resulted in fewer costly emergency department visits for less-urgent and non-urgent care. On the Burin Penninsula and in Labrador, the establishment of walk-in and on-demand services for primary health care and, specifically, mental health and addictions has fully eliminated waitlists.
• A community paramedicine project for palliative care is initiated in Eastern Health. HCS is working with community operators to explore opportunities to expand an initial pilot project in Western Health.
• The Family Practice Renewal Program is working on the development of a Family Practice Nursing Program to support the integration of more Registered Nurses into Family Practice.

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017, our Government will expand the number of primary health care teams throughout the province to provide timely access to primary health care supports for individuals to help them achieve optimal health and well-being. We will work with communities and health care providers to expand inter-disciplinary teams to ensure more individuals can access an appropriate primary health care provider within their region and close to their communities. Our Government will establish these health care teams in Corner Brook and on the Burin Peninsula and identify additional sites across the province. We will work with other communities and the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to identify additional opportunities to expand the use of primary health care teams throughout the province.

In 2017, our Government will work with RHAs and communities to identify sites for inter-disciplinary health care teams to be implemented, using an evidence-based approach. Also in 2017, our Government, as part of the Family Practice Renewal Program, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, will introduce new fee codes and supports to enable increased coordination and collaboration between family physicians and other health care providers.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Health and Community Services (HCS) is supporting work to strengthen the province’s first collaborative primary health care teams on the Burin Peninsula, Bonavista, Botwood, and downtown St. John’s. HCS have also initiated work to develop an additional nine collaborative primary health care teams in areas including Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and surrounding areas, Stephenville, Gander, and the Connaigre Peninsula. The work initiated by teams in several of these sites has already produced positive outcomes. For example:
  • In Corner Brook, a new interdisciplinary clinic is being established to serve patients without access to a family physician. A new physician is expected to be in place in May 2018 and a prevention practitioner has been trained to provide chronic disease screening and management services.
  • In Bonavista, diabetes management has improved, inappropriate use of the Emergency Department has been reduced and overall access to primary health care has been strengthened in collaboration with the Community Advisory Committee;
  • On the Burin Peninsula, wait times for mental health and addictions services have been eliminated and/or significantly reduced, access to same day services has improved for those requiring immediate attention, a new single session mental health counseling service has been established, and a new suicide prevention program has been introduced; and
  • Botwood is the first site in the province to provide same day access to mental health counselors via telehealth. This model improves the efficiency of offering on demand services in rural communities with limited capacity/demand.
• To advance the provincial government’s primary health care agenda, two new physician fee codes are being implemented in Spring 2018. As referenced in the current MOU with NL Medical Association (NLMA), these include a telephone management code and a collaborative care code. The MOU also established the Family Practice Renewal Program to focus on team-based care in family practice. Additionally, HCS is working on the development of a Family Practice Nursing Program to support the integration of more Registered Nurses into Family Practice.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The social, physical and emotional development of children is best assured within the framework of a safe and supportive family environment and, as such, children in care who are placed in adoption will experience better outcomes. To increase the number of children in care who are placed for adoption, in 2018 our government will begin piloting a project that will increase the number of dedicated caseworkers assigned to adoptions.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has identified a range of strategies to address program growth in children’s protection and in care services, including:
  • Dedicated resources over the next two years to develop adoption profiles for children and youth and to help complete the matching and approval process; and
  • Introduced policy changes to increase efficiency in the foster parent adoption process.
• New legislation to promote the safety and well-being of children and youth received Royal Assent on May 31, 2018. The new Children, Youth and Families Act, which replaces the Children and Youth Care and Protection Act, came into effect June 28, 2019.
  • The new act is child and youth-centred, family-focused and culturally responsive and contains significant updates aimed at strengthening service delivery to Indigenous children, youth and their families by recognizing the importance of preserving an Indigenous child or youth’s cultural identity, and providing for the involvement of Indigenous governments and organizations in decisions that will keep children safe, and where possible, at home with their families and culture.

News Releases:

New Children, Youth and Families Act Protects Children and Youth and Supports Families

New Children, Youth and Families Act Becomes Law

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The creation of a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre was recommended in a 2013 review of the Provincial Ambulance Program as the critical first step towards an integrated emergency response system. Implementation of Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre will enable the program to respond to changing demand and reallocate resources in a timely and efficient manner based on need. Implementation of a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre also allows for collection of data necessary for the future design of a revised Emergency Management Services (EMS) system.

In 2017-18, our Government will define the requirements for a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre for the Provincial Ambulance Program, after which time the Centre will be established.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Health and Community Services engaged Fitch and Associates and other industry experts around the appropriate design for a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre. As a first step, Eastern Health has consolidated dispatch for their region in a single centre and implemented a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Eastern Health is finalizing the implementation of a pilot project to incorporate the dispatch requirements for Carbonear General Hospital into their St. John’s-based Medical Communications Centre.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will begin implementation of a health risk assessment tool for school-aged children, beginning in kindergarten, to monitor healthy child development. We will immediately begin comprehensive research to inform the development of a child health risk assessment tool. The assessment tool will complement the Healthy School Planner as healthy living plans are developed for school-aged children. By September 2019, our Government will have implemented a health assessment tool to measure health and well-being for school aged children.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government has completed jurisdictional scans of approaches taken in other provinces, nationally and internationally. Research has been conducted on recommendations and best practices for screening and assessing health of school-aged children. As a result of this research, the province will implement a health risk assessment to monitor the health and well-being of children. The provincial government conducted an evaluation of the province’s childhood screening and pre-school health check programs. The final evaluation report has been received and is currently under review by the Department of Health and Community Services and its stakeholders.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government, in partnership with community stakeholders, will implement justice and public safety measures that are responsive to the public’s needs, including establishing a Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program and piloting a Drug Treatment Court.  The Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program will provide victims of sexual assault with free and independent legal advice to improve a victim’s understanding of the court process and allow for better preparation and access to justice. Drug Treatment Courts exist to address the underlying causes of certain non-violent, drug-motivated crimes and to reduce the number of crimes committed to support drug addictions. Our government has completed a feasibility study for the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court. Following on the recommendations of that study, in 2018-19 our government will pilot a new Drug Treatment Court in St. John’s. As this is a pilot project, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court and the feasibility of expanding it to other areas of the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On June 19, 2018, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with federal support and in collaboration with community stakeholders, launched the Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program to help break down the barriers victims may face when encountering the justice system. People who have experienced sexual violence can contact trained staff who will assess and work with the individual’s particular needs and experiences and can provide supportive referrals to a trauma-informed lawyer.
• As part of this program, the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre (NLSACPC) have recruited 21 lawyers throughout the province to provide legal advice to survivors referred by this program. Lawyers have completed training on working with survivors through a trauma-informed lens, and have been assessed and screened by PLIAN and NLSACPC.
• The Drug Treatment Court feasibility study was completed and the recommendations were assessed. With federal support, the pilot Drug Treatment Court is expected to be implemented in fall 2018. The Drug Treatment Court Pilot is intended for offenders with serious drug addictions who commit non-violent, drug motivated offences and aim to reduce the number of crimes committed to support drug addictions. The court will bring together treatment services for substance abuse and the criminal justice system to deal more effectively with the drug-addicted offender.
• Budget 2018 includes $200,000 to establish a pilot Drug Treatment Court.
• On November 22, the Provincial Government announced the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court in St. John’s that will commence hearing matters on November 30, 2018.

News Releases:

Federal and Newfoundland and Labrador Governments Reach Agreement to Study New Approach to Addiction-related Crime

Feasibility Study Continues on Drug Treatment Court

Minister Parsons Announces Drug Treatment Court for St. John’s

Provincial Government Partners with Community Groups to Support Victims of Sexual Violence

Legal Support Now Available to Survivors of Sexual Violence

New Drug Treatment Court to Begin Accepting Cases

Survivors of Sexual Violence Receiving Much Needed Legal Support

Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Access to quality and affordable child care is a pressing issue for many families in this province. Quality early learning and child care sets the stage for life-long learning, provides children with a solid foundation for acquiring skills, and supports more holistic mental, emotional and physical growth. Further, parents who can access affordable and quality child care services are better able to avail of employment, training and educational opportunities.

Our government will increase access to more affordable child care by adding 180 licensed child care spaces to the Operating Grant Program in 2018-19. We will also introduce two programs that support quality child care. The Quality Improvement Program will allow any regulated child care centre to consult with a dedicated child care quality consultant. Based on these consultations, the Quality Enhancement Grant Program will help child care centres participating in the Operating Grant Program address the cost of improving services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In December 2017, the Provincial and Federal Governments signed a three-year bilateral agreement on early learning and child care.
  • The agreement allocated just over $22 million, over three years, to Newfoundland and Labrador for early learning and child care investments.
  • The funding assists in the development and implementation of innovative approaches to address early learning and child care challenges through subsidies, grants, bursaries and professional learning opportunities.
• As of April 2018, the additional 180 space target for the Operating Grant Program was achieved. Under the Operating Grant Program, there has been an increase of approximately 1,000 more affordable child care spaces province-wide. The Program now includes 65 per cent of child care centres.
• Under the Child Care Capacity Initiative, we have:
  • Provided $905,000 in funding for the Early Childhood Development Association in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to support the construction of a child care centre with a total capacity of 92 affordable spaces for both child care and afterschool programs.
  • Provided $195,922 for Labrador West Child Care Centre to create 36 new preschool child care spaces, increasing the centre’s capacity to 93 children.
  • Provided $305,235 in funding, for the Growing Our Future Child Care Cooperative project in Channel-Port aux Basques to develop a new 38-space child care centre for infant, toddler and pre-school children.
• The Capital Renovation Grant Program assisted regulated child care service providers in making improvements to meet requirements under the new Child Care Act and Regulations, which were implemented in July 2017. These improvements include the addition of commercial grade outdoor play equipment or completion of renovations to a child care building. The final date for submissions of applications was December 31, 2018.
• As of April 2019, $6.5 million in Capital Renovation Grants were allocated to 59 child care service providers.

News Releases:

Provincial and Federal Governments Sign Bilateral Agreement on Early Learning and Child Care

Premier Ball Announces Funding for Child Care Initiative in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Capital Renovation Grants Assist Child Care Providers in Making Quality Improvements

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Providing services to an aging population in small, rural – and sometimes remote – communities increases costs and affects health outcomes. To improve outcomes, in 2018-19 our government will expand the use of the Health at Home program, which uses remote patient monitoring technology, to 1,200 more people. For the first time, this program will be offered across the province. Health at Home reduces the need for travel by allowing patients and their families to remain in their homes to check, record and transmit their personal health indicators such as blood pressure, oxygen or blood sugar levels. This can reduce visits to health care facilities and the need for costly acute care services.

In 2018-19, our government will also improve the delivery of health care services by collaborating with the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information to develop e-ordering processes for diagnostic imaging procedures. We will work to expand telehealth services into new settings, such as the homes of patients and long-term care facilities. This means patients will be able to see health care providers from the comfort of their own homes, when appropriate.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Currently 2,071 patients across the province are enrolled in Remote Patient Monitoring, with 1,090 new patients enrolled since March 2018.
• The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI),  in partnership with Eastern Health and Memorial University, is leading an e-ordering project funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) which will improve the effective and efficient utilization of the provincial healthcare system, and contribute to safe and quality patient care.
• MyCCath, a web-based referral system for cardiac catheterization services, has been implemented in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the Health Sciences Centre and deployed provincially. Work also continues on an e-ordering solution in HEALTHe NL, the provincial electronic health record, for diagnostic services available through the Vascular Lab at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. The solution has been developed and is currently being tested with provincial deployment targeted for early fall 2019.
• In May 2018, ACOA awarded the NLCHI with $9 million to support three new initiatives to improve clinical care and healthcare outcomes, one of which includes enhancements to the current Telehealth system. To date, enhanced infrastructure is in place, including a secure network to allow virtual scheduling of at-home Telehealth appointments between providers and patients. Telehealth system enhancements are currently being tested by the Regional Health Authorities. It is anticipated that both the pilot Telehealth testing in provider offices and patient homes will be concluded by March 31, 2019.
• Testing of Telehealth system enhancements has been completed by the Regional Health Authorities, and testing continues in private practice clinics. Testing to connect Telehealth into a patient’s home is also underway.

Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Math and reading skills are the cornerstones for all other types of learning. To support our government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, we will improve student achievement outcomes in reading and math through a number of initiatives by 2020-21. In 2018-19, our government will provide supports and allocations in the K-12 system for:

• Reading Specialists, Learning Resource Teachers and Teaching and Learning Assistants;
• Professional learning for teachers;
• Learning resources and school libraries; and
• Bursaries for K-6 teachers to upgrade their knowledge of math pedagogy.

These investments in math and reading also support our government’s commitment to prepare students for emerging skills requirements, as evidenced by the announcement in April 2018 that we are increasing the exposure of K-12 students to coding and other experiences with technology.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Provincial Government announced a partnership with Brilliant Labs to provide youth in grades K-12 with hands-on participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused activities (e.g., coding, maker spaces).
• Brilliant Labs has support staff in place to assist schools with project specific activities related to Coding and STEM. Brilliant Labs has received 231 proposals from 116 schools, installed 20 maker spaces, and conducted 120 professional learning sessions with school staff.
• Recent and ongoing curriculum renewal in Technology Education has a focus on coding.
• The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development launched the Math Bursary program in Spring 2018 for Grades K-6 teachers to enhance capacity within the school system to teach Mathematics. To date, 29 teachers have received funding under the program and an additional 97 teachers have been pre-approved for funding.
• Reading and Mathematics Advisory Committees and Working Groups have been established.
• Implementation of the five-year Education Action Plan is moving swiftly with 31 of 82 actions already completed or underway. Key actions undertaken to date include:
  • Twenty-one reading specialists were hired and learning resources provided to support children’s reading development in the primary grades. This will increase to 104 over the next two years.
  • A new position, teaching and learning assistant, supports teachers in primary and elementary schools. Fifty-four teaching and learning assistants have already been hired with a plan to hire another 146 over the next two years.
  • Funding was provided to school districts as part of Budget 2018 for Learning Commons. 13.5 Teacher-Librarians have been hired this year, increasing to 39 over the next two years.
  • Six permanent K-6 mathematics program specialists with qualifications in mathematics, mathematics education, and where possible, qualifications in primary/elementary education.
  • Five permanent program specialists with expertise in reading instruction to provide leadership and curriculum support to the school-based reading specialists.

News Releases:

Fostering Youth Innovation through Coding and Technology

K-6 Mathematics Bursary Program Supports Professional Development for Teachers

Premier Ball Marks Progress on Education Action Plan

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Mathematics Bursary Program

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Snowmobile travel is an important and necessary mode of transportation for communities in Labrador. However, not all isolated communities benefit from the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy. In order to provide residents of Nain and Natuashish with safe access to the nearest service centres during the long winter months, our government will expand the Grooming Subsidy program to these communities. To enhance the safety of the traveling public, we will construct safety shelters, place reflective trail markings and provide annual ice-checking services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Budget 2018 allocated $68,000 for the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy (LTGS) to enhance the safety of the traveling public and expand access to residents of Nain and Natuashish.
• The Labrador Affairs Secretariat worked with the service providers in Hopedale and Nain on the administration of the program for the upcoming 2018/19 grooming season.
• A part of the extension to Nain, a one-time budget allocation of $143,000 was used for the construction of emergency shelters and reflective trail markers. The trail expansion was completed for the 2018/19 season with reflective markers placed on the trails. The four emergency shelters have been constructed and will be in place for the 2019/20 winter season
• The trail from Hopedale to Natuashish has been marked as of February 8, 2019.

News Releases:

Building for Our Future

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will implement and utilize multiple technologies to improve and maintain the quality of health services by enabling access to health information for providers, clients and managers of health services.

In 2017-18, our Government will link all pharmacies in the province to the Pharmacy Network and all laboratory data will be linked to the Electronic Health Record. Also in 2017-18, we will offer enrollment to a minimum of 300 fee-for-service physicians in e-DOCSNL (the province’s electronic medical record system).

In keeping with our commitment to increase Government’s digital presence, in 2018, we will develop an online health services portal which will include a health services directory for community based services. Also, in 2017-18, we will develop a Chronic Disease Registry which will inform community based program and services planning.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• All pharmacies in the province are now connected to the Pharmacy Network and all Regional Health Authorities Labs were to have been connected to the provincial Electronic Health Record in February 2018.
• Preliminary work on the health services directory for community based services has been initiated, as we work towards developing a Health Services Locator to provide relevant health information on a single searchable platform available online, on mobile devices, or through the province’s 811 HealthLine.
• The recent completion of the Chronic Disease Registry will help health care providers, researchers, and administers to better understand the health care needs of the population by creating an accurate record of individuals living with specific health care challenges. It will ensure more complete collection of data from a variety of sources, allowing detailed analysis to provide a clear picture of chronic disease in our communities and allow the health system to proactively invite individuals to participate in programs and services, such as cancer screening and self-management supports.
• In 2017-18, the Provincial Government offered enrollment to 300 fee-for-service physicians in e-DOCSNL, the province’s electronic medical record system.
  • As of February 2019, 233 fee-for-service physicians were enrolled in e-DOCSNL.
  • An additional 26 salaried physicians, 12 nurse practitioners, 72 nurses and 12 allied health staff such as physiotherapists and dietitians were enrolled for a total of 355 clinical users.
  • The program is currently exceeding its adoption targets.

News Releases

Minister Haggie Announces Investments in Home Dialysis Program and New Kidney Care Centre

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

To support healthy living, in 2017-18, our Government will encourage increased use of Carrot Rewards (a free mobile app that rewards individuals for living healthier lives) with the goal of reaching 10,000 users. We will also encourage parents and children to make physical activity a priority in daily life in Newfoundland and Labrador, and ensure the expansion of the recently launched Eastern Health Veggie and Fruit Campaign to reach parents and families of young children throughout the province.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• At the height of its use, Carrot Rewards had over 45,000 app users in Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunately, the app was discontinued in 2019, as the developer discontinued operations.
• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided $200,000 to ParticipACTION in 2017-18 to develop and disseminate tools and resources around physical activity
• In 2017, the Veggie and Fruit awareness campaign was delivered in all four Regional Health Authorities. The campaign targeted parents with messages around increasing their family’s consumption of vegetables and fruit. The campaign emphasized two key messages: (a) Fresh. Frozen. Canned. All Good Options! (b) Enjoy Veggies & Fruit with every meal and snack. The campaign included a number of elements and focused on effective, practical strategies to incorporate vegetables and fruit in family meals and snacks. It also included information on picky eating and parental role modeling.

News Releases

Premier Ball Announces Carrot Rewards Milestone

Provincial Government Advises Carrot Rewards App Ending

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2018-19, our government will ensure targeted justice-sector workers receive cultural sensitivity training to ensure a better understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions, challenge common misconceptions about Indigenous people, and improve the interactions and experiences of Indigenous people with the justice system.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Throughout 2018-19, the Department of Justice and Public Safety has continued to build upon efforts to provide cultural sensitivity training to justice sector workers.
  • In 2018-19, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Intercultural Competency Workshop and Intercultural Competency Workshop (Intermediate) were successfully completed by staff in the following areas: Supreme Court, including the Unified Family Court and the Court of Appeal; Provincial Court; Court Security; Family Justice Services; RNC (Patrol Division; Labrador West; Corner Brook); Victim Services; Corrections (Her Majesty’s Penitentiary; Bishop’s Falls Correctional Centre; West Coast Correctional Centre; Labrador Correctional Centre; Corner Brook Lock-up); Adult Probation; Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; Civil Law; Executive; and Policy and Strategic Planning.
  • Additionally, staff from Victim Services, RNC, RCMP, Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Centre, Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, Adult Probation, Executive, and Policy and Strategic Planning completed Indigenous Cultural Diversity Training provided by First Light in February 2019. The last two classes of Sheriff’s Officers have also received training from First Light, and new Correctional Officer recruits are also receiving training.
  • This builds upon training successfully completed by justice sector workers in the last few years, including training provided to all Crown Attorneys through the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre in September 2017, and training completed by Victim Services and the Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth Centre.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to making progress in addressing climate change. We will release a new Climate Change Action Plan in 2018 and conclude a bilateral agreement with the federal government that will provide for up to $89.4 million in combined provincial investments and federal funding through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund over the next four fiscal years.

Through strategic investments, our government will collaborate with the federal government, communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, non-profit organizations and the private sector to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time creating jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In December 2017, the Provincial Government released a full progress report on actions undertaken over a five-year period to implement the 2011 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans.
• Government undertook a comprehensive public and stakeholder consultation process to inform the development of the new plan. This process included four public in-person sessions, seven virtual sessions using teleconferencing technology, and over 20 stakeholder sessions with industry, municipal, non-profit, youth, academic and Indigenous governments and organizations. Over 200 people attended consultation sessions and 43 individuals and organizations provided written feedback. A What We Heard document summarizing feedback received during the consultation process was released.
• The Province committed $2 million and $1.5 million to the Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) and the Energy Efficiency Loan Program (EELP) in 2018-19. The HESP, which is delivered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and is targeted at electrically heated homes, provides up to $5,000 in grant funding for energy efficiency upgrades in low income households. The EELP, which is delivered by Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro through a pay-as-you save program, provides up to $10,000 in low interest financing to purchase and install heat pumps and basement and attic insulation, and/or to have a home energy assessment conducted by a qualified professional.
• In Winter 2018, Government undertook consultations with large industry and Indigenous governments and organizations on the development of regulations to fully implement the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act which was amended in the Fall session of the House of Assembly. Reporting regulations were brought into effect in March 2017 and large industrial facilities started reporting greenhouse gas data to the Provincial Government for the first time. On December 21, 2018, the Management of Greenhouse Gas Regulations under the authority of section 30 of the Act were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette bringing the remaining sections of the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act into force. At the same time, amendments to the Regulations and Opted-in Facilities Regulations were published in the Gazette. Separately, Revenue Administration Act Regulations to bring the federally mandated carbon tax elements of the system into effect were published in the Gazette on December 28, 2018.
• Given the Federal Government’s requirement that carbon pricing be introduced across Canada, the Province introduced a “made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador” approach to carbon pricing that is consistent with minimum federal requirements, effective January 1, 2019, ensuring that they system was tailored to the Province’s economic, social and fiscal realities, rather than be subject to the Federal system.
• On January 25, 2019, the provincial and federal governments announced the $89.4 million joint funding agreement for the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s climate action programs. This agreement comprises $44.7 million leveraged from the federal government and $44.7 million in matching funding from the Provincial Government. The first two LCELF programs were also launched. These are an expansion of the Home Energy Savings Program to provide grants for energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households on oil heating, and the Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program to upgrade government-owned and operated buildings.
• On March 1, 2019, the Provincial Government launched its climate change action plan: The Way Forward on Climate Change. The Way Forward on Climate Change contains actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate clean innovation and growth, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. In order to accomplish this work, the plan contains a total of 45 commitments to action.
• A three year collaborative project between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEG-NL), Engineers Canada and Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador secured $120,000 of funding through Natural Resources Canada’s Adaptation Fund. It will increase capacity among professional engineers, planners, and other professionals to integrate climate change considerations into public infrastructure decisions. The initiative kicked off in March 2018, with a two-day in-person training workshop attended by 75 participants including provincial, municipal and Indigenous representatives, consulting engineers and planners, university faculty and graduate students.
• The Provincial Government is also working to leverage further funding from the Federal Government to advance multi-year projects to build capacity to adapt to climate change impacts across key economic sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador. In September 2018, the Province secured $25,000 from the Federal Government to support this work.

News Releases

Governments Make Good Progress on Climate Change and Air Quality

Public Consultations to Inform Climate Change Action

Provincial Government Releases Federally-Approved Made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador Approach to Carbon Pricing

Over $89 Million in Joint Funding Announced for Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Provincial Government Launches Climate Change Action Plan

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. Homes are more than shelter – they provide secure spaces for individuals and families to focus on their futures. To help Newfoundland and Labrador build a stronger economic outlook, our government will make it easier to buy a home. Through the new Home Purchase Program, we will provide grants of $3,000 toward the down payment of a newly constructed or never-before-purchased home valued up to $400,000 (including HST) to the first 330 homebuyers who qualify.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On March 26, 2018, government announced new programs to make it easier for new home buyers to purchase their first home:
  1. Home Purchase Program – provides grants of $3,000 to individuals and families to go toward the down payment of newly constructed or existing new homes never sold or occupied that are valued under $400,000 including HST. The 330 grants provided in 2018-19 will be issued to the first home buyers who apply and qualify. In 2018-19, 183 applicants have qualified and received grants under this program.
  2. First-time Homebuyers Program – goal to ensure home ownership is more accessible for first-time homebuyers. The program will be extended to March 31, 2019, with available funding of $1.25 million, and will assist an estimated 100 households to secure home ownership. In 2018-19, 149 applicants have qualified and received grants under this program.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Announces New Home Purchase Programs

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will leverage federal programs and policies to ensure that the related funding is applicable and suitable to Newfoundland and Labrador. We will complete a review of federal program, policy and funding initiatives currently in place and potentially available to the province by June 30, 2017. In the longer-term, our Government will aim to increase the level of federal funding to the province and the number of federal-provincial programs and initiatives in which Newfoundland and Labrador is participating.

In 2018-19, our government will continue to build intergovernmental partnerships that create opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize provincial benefit from federal programs and other funding sources.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Approximately 42 intergovernmental agreements have been signed since April 1, 2018, including federal investments of:
  • Approximately $555.8 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for public transit; green infrastructure; community, culture, and recreation infrastructure; and, rural and northern communities infrastructure;
  • Approximately $22.2 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to grow industry and promote food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • Approximately $1.6 million for the development and delivery of treatment services for to improve access to opioid dependency treatment in the province; and,
  • Approximately $44.7 million through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund to support programs and projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the province.

News Releases

Government Funding Paves the Way for Better Mobility and Economic Growth in Labrador

Provincial Government Announces New Municipal Infrastructure Program

Provincial Government Participates in Funding Announcement for New Water Treatment Plant in Pouch Cove

Premier Ball Announces Funding for Infrastructure Investments in Badger

Investments Announced in Labrador West for Recreation, Tourism and Business Support

Provincial Government to Invest $1.7 Million in Infrastructure for Communities in Humber – Gros Morne Region

Provincial Government Invests In Infrastructure Projects in Millertown

Artists, Performers and Audiences to Benefit from Improvements to LSPU Hall

Provincial Government Supporting Infrastructure in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Premier Ball Announces Support for Easter Seals Inclusive Playground

Provincial and Federal Governments Announce $3.3 Million to Develop Communities in Humber-Bay of Islands and Corner Brook

Provincial and Federal Governments Sign Bilateral Agreement on Early Learning and Child Care

Canadian Agricultural Partnership to Grow Industry and Promote Food Self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador First Province to Sign Agreement with Government of Canada to Fund Innovative Treatment Options for Problematic Substance Use

Premier Ball Announces $555.9 Million Agreement for Community Infrastructure

Over $89 Million in Joint Funding Announced for Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure programs and services reflect their needs. Our Government wants Indigenous leaders to know there are real opportunities to work together to make positive change, and through the annual Leaders Roundtable with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, we will shape an agenda together, as stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples is part of building for our future. Each year, the Premier will invite leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations, including Native Friendship Centres and Indigenous Women’s Organizations, to meet and establish priority actions. We will invite Indigenous leaders to participate in the first meeting by June 30, 2017.

In 2017, our government convened the province’s first Indigenous Leaders Roundtable to discuss and advance goals shared with Indigenous communities. The National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, mental health and addictions, and the repatriation of Beothuk remains from Scotland were among the issues discussed.

In 2018, our government will convene the second Indigenous Leaders Roundtable to identify and initiate new areas of collaboration.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The first annual Leaders Roundtable meeting occurred on May 26, 2017. The Roundtable provided a forum for discussing common interests and shared goals across Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the province. Progress was made in the following areas:
  • Engagement with Indigenous Governments and Organizations around the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls;
  • Discussion of recommendations from the All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions with respect to Indigenous people and communities; and
  • Discussion of progress to date on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
• In addition, the Roundtable discussed the status of the Province’s request for the repatriation of the remains of Beothuk individuals held by National Museums Scotland, and a May 2017 Declaration signed by Nunatsiavut Government, Innu Nation, NunatuKavut Community Council, Miawpukek First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation, indicating their support for the repatriation.
• Indigenous Governments and Organizations will be invited by the Provincial Government to engage in the second annual Indigenous Leaders Roundtable meeting in 2018. Government continues to engage bilaterally with Indigenous Governments and Organizations in the province, and views the Roundtable as a valuable opportunity to collectively discuss and advance common interests and shared goals.
• The second annual Indigenous Leaders Roundtable was held in Corner Brook on June 8, 2018.
• Building upon the progress achieved in last year’s inaugural meeting, the second roundtable included discussions involving:
  • Next steps towards the repatriation of Beothuk remains held by National Museums Scotland;
  • An update and discussion with respect to Indigenous people and communities on Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador; and
  • An open discussion with the leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations on the Provincial Government’s Cultural Action Plan.

News Releases:

First Indigenous Leaders Roundtable Advances Mutual Goals of Indigenous Communities and Provincial Government

Indigenous Leaders Roundtable Provides Forum for Discussion on Matters of Common Interest

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

College of the North Atlantic’s network of campuses throughout the province holds significant potential for enhanced roles as centres for entrepreneurship, innovation, research and development, community access and capacity building. Our Government will enhance the College’s ability to serve as local and regional economic generators and community hubs. Details of a review of College of the North Atlantic will be announced in the coming weeks. College of the North Atlantic will continue to identify further areas for review, including distance education, with the goal of enhancing and maximizing its use in program delivery.

Further, to support collaborative economic development activities and reduce silos, our Government, in collaboration with College of the North Atlantic, will co-locate some economic development practitioners from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation to select campuses in 2017-18. In addition to improving our Government’s ability to identify connections between business clients and the College’s applied research and industry capabilities, this co-location will provide positive impacts for implementation of Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects and entrepreneurial supports for College faculty and staff. Co-location also has the benefit of supporting other Way Forward initiatives, such as supports for entrepreneurship.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A review of College of the North Atlantic, entitled CNA Modernization Plan 2019, was released by the College on April 28, 2017.

• The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour received CNA’s semi-annual reports for September 30, 2017, March 31, 2018 and September 2018. CNA’s reports indicated that all actions in its Modernization Plan 2019 were on track. Progress to date includes:

• • Examined and optimized bandwidth;
  • Trained Lean champions;
  • Modernized enrolment through a centralized enrolment management system;
  • Modernized residence services and supports;
  • Modernized academic planning processes;
  • Developed a balanced budget;
  • Completed review of international fees;
  • Accelerated recruitment of key positions; and,
  • Established a centralized enrolment management system.

News Releases

Provincial Government Issues Public Tender for CNA Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence

Provincial Government Awards Tender for CNA Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence

Provincial Government Awards Tender Associated with CNA Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence

Provincial Government Issues Public Tender for CNA Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence

Employment Assistance Services Expanding to College of the North Atlantic

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, will enhance digital health in partnership with Canada Health Infoway and the Maritime Provinces. For example, we will improve health outcomes by providing individuals with direct access to their personal health information and digital health services, including services focused on mental health and addictions.

In 2018-19, our government will also commence the development of a Health Services Locator that empowers individuals and their families everywhere in the province to more quickly find the primary health care, mental health care, community supports and hospital services they need through a searchable online platform, mobile devices and the existing 811 HealthLine.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is currently working with the Atlantic provinces and Canada Health Infoway towards enhancing digital health. Project planning is currently underway by NLCHI and Infoway senior officials.
• The provincial telehealth program is expanding to allow for telehealth access from an individual’s home or local health facility.
• Remote patient monitoring is being expanded to new clinical areas such as home dialysis and palliative care.
• The provincial Electronic Medical Records program is being implemented in fee-for-service physician offices and RHA-based primary health care sites. The program is exceeding adoption targets.
• Preliminary work on the health services directory for community-based services has been initiated, as we work towards developing a Health Services Locator to provide relevant health information on a single searchable platform available online, on mobile devices, or through the province’s 811 HealthLine.

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government, through work to be completed by the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, will focus on better engaging students in learning and improving student outcomes. The Task Force will provide a picture of our strengths and areas to improve. The Task Force will review priority areas that include early learning, mathematics, reading/literacy, inclusive education, student mental health and wellness, multicultural education, Indigenous education, cooperative education, and teacher education and professional development.

The Premier’s Task Force recently completed provincial public consultations to gather input on the priority areas identified in their mandate. Their analysis and the work on recommendations to be delivered to Government is ongoing and is expected in late spring 2017. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will work through the various recommendations once received to develop a comprehensive Education Action Plan to better engage children and youth in learning and to foster development of skills and competencies. The implementation of recommendations will commence in the 2018 school year.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Premier’s Task Force concluded consultations with parents, students, educators and other key stakeholders as of March 20, 2017.
• In July 2017, the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes released its final report, Now is the Time: The Next Chapter in Education in Newfoundland and Labrador, for the consideration of Government. In Budget 2018, Government has begun to implement changes in response to that report.
• In Budget 2018, the Provincial Government allocated $6.955 million in funding, along with funding allocated for Early Childhood Development by the province and through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, which provided the means to release an Education Action Plan and commence implementation of a number of priority task force recommendations, including:

• • A new Student Support Services Policy designed to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to appropriate programs, interventions, learning environments, and other services;
  • Reading Specialists for schools and school districts and, Teaching and Learning Assistants in K-12 education;
  • Early identification and intervention programs for reading in K-3, and new learning resources for reading assessment and instruction;
  • Additional Learning Resource Teachers and additional library resources to support students’ reading;
  • Professional learning for teachers to support the new Student Support Services Policy, new initiatives in reading, working collaboratively with the new teaching and learning assistants, the use of assistive technology and other areas;
  • A bursary program to support K-6 teachers to upgrade their knowledge of math pedagogy through additional university courses;
  • A new Special Education Case Management System to assist in the delivery of student services by providing accurate student information to guide programming for students with special needs or exceptionalities;
  • New initiatives to provide experiential learning opportunities for high school students (e.g., youth apprenticeship, cooperative education);
  • Increased access to high quality early learning and child care programs through enhancements to the Operating Grant Program, the Child Care Capacity Initiative, and the Child Care Services Subsidy program; and
  • Improved access to post-secondary education programs and professional learning opportunities for early childhood educators, and incentives for early childhood educators to increase their professional credentials through enhancements to bursaries and grants.
• On July 13, 2018, the Provincial Government released the Education Action Plan. The plan guides actions to implement the recommendations from the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes.
• The Provincial Government is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Schools Act, 1997. While a number of amendments have been made to the act since 1997, an overall review will ensure legislation is current and reflects The Way Forward commitment and the Education Action Plan to improve outcomes for students. Public consultations were launched on February 27, 2019 and concluded on March 29, 2019.
  
• In keeping with a recommendation of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes and the Education Action Plan, the Provincial Government commenced consultations in March 2019 to inform the development of a guiding document and phased-in implementation plan for Junior Kindergarten.
  

News Releases

Premier Opens Application Process for Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes

Premier Announces Appointments to Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes

Premier Ball Releases Final Report of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes

Premier’s Task Force on Educational Outcomes Launches Consultations

Positive Progress Being Made on Premier’s Task Force on Educational Outcomes

Newfoundland and Labrador Improves Ranking in Canadian Early Childhood Education Report

Council on Higher Education Continues Its Work

Premier Ball Releases Education Action Plan

Provincial Government Invites Input as Part of Review of Schools Act, 1997

Government Invites Input on Junior Kindergarten

Minister Hawkins Highlights Progress Through the Education Action Plan

Minister Hawkins Provides Update on Review of Schools Act

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Individuals living with autism, as well as their families and caregivers, face unique challenges in accessing autism-related services, due in part to the fact that these services are delivered by a number of different government departments. In 2018, our government will develop and implement a new whole-of-government approach to treating autism that ensures more integrated autism-related services for children and adults.

We will also explore clinical assessment models that support better allocation of resources for individuals living with developmental disabilities, including autism, and more informed decision making regarding eligibility for services and supports. This work will culminate with the release of a comprehensive Autism Action Plan in fall 2018.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• An Autism Action Council consisting of persons with lived experience, community agencies, and representatives from the Departments of Health and Community Services; Education and Early Childhood Development; Children, Seniors and Social Development; Advanced Education, Skills and Labour; and, Justice and Public Safety, community agencies and persons with lived experience has been established. Feedback from this group was solicited throughout the development of the Autism Action Plan and the council will continue to oversee and monitor the implementation of the actions.
• On April 17, 2019, the Provincial Government released the Autism Action Plan which contains 46 actions which will be completed over the short, medium and long-term.
• The plan will provide increased services and supports for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder. Budget 2019 – Building Towards a Brighter Future includes $2.5 million for plan implementation.

News Releases:

Ministers Release Autism Action Plan

Ministers Congratulate Educators on Completion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Training

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Quebec is the only jurisdiction with which Newfoundland and Labrador shares a land border. It therefore makes sense that we work together to develop resources that straddle our border and to support the movement of residents, goods and services between provinces. Our governments have entered into an agreement on the development of mining in the Labrador Trough and the improvement and extension of road infrastructure. This partnership will foster the growth of economic opportunities for businesses and communities that benefit both provinces.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec are working together to grow their respective economies by developing the Labrador Trough and improving road infrastructure.
• The two provinces will also work together to improve transportation infrastructure, further developing an economic corridor that links Newfoundland and Labrador to Québec.
• With respect to the Labrador Trough, this agreement provides for the following joint works aimed at enhancing collaboration in the following areas of shared interest:
  • Geotechnical information and land use planning;
  • Infrastructure for the mining sector;
  • Labour and skills;
  • Telecommunications development; and,
  • Enhancements to government processes and business supports.

News Releases:

Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec partner to develop the Labrador Trough and enhance road infrastructure

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

A key step in transforming the province’s mental health and addictions system is ensuring people are closer to the services they need. As an outdated psychiatric facility located in St. John’s and built for acute and long-term care, the Waterford Hospital has outlived its usefulness and only provides care to between two and three per cent of those who need mental health services. Our government will replace the Waterford Hospital with a new, smaller mental health and addictions facility that is supported by a network of small residential facilities and community-based services located where people need them – closer to home. Through this approach, we will reduce the number and duration of hospitalizations and improve patients’ quality of care and quality of life through a range of community-based programs focused on peer support, evidence-based case management, housing and home support, awareness and prevention.

In 2018-19, our government will proceed with the procurement of a new facility to replace the Waterford Hospital, issue a Request for Proposals to assess need related to community-based stabilization services such as community crisis beds, and introduce additional mobile crisis response units in Central and Western regions, as well as additional walk-in clinics under all Regional Health Authorities.

Our government’s approach to improving mental health and addictions outcomes will add new dedicated mental health acute care beds and community crisis beds in Labrador and provide responses specific to the needs of Indigenous people.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On March 29, 2018, the Provincial Government announced the replacement of the Waterford Hospital with a new 102-bed, state-of-the-art mental health and addictions facility to be built in St. John’s. The new facility will be built on the Health Sciences Centre campus and will be connected to the existing hospital with site work expected to begin in summer 2019.
• After further consultation with psychiatrists, the number of beds for the facility has increased from 94 to 102. It will be constructed as an extension of the Health Sciences Centre, and also include a parking garage with a minimum of 500 additional parking spaces.
• The Provincial Government has identified Atlantic Healthcare Group, Avalon Healthcare Partnership, and NL Healthcare Partnership as the three teams of businesses that will now compete to design, build, finance and maintain the new adult mental health and addictions facility in St. John’s. A Request for Proposals will be issued to the three teams this spring.
• A series of community-based services will be expanded to communities throughout the province. These services will include assertive community treatment (ACT) and flexible ACT teams, community crisis beds, 24/7 supervised living arrangements and mobile crisis response teams.
• On May 16, 2018, the Department of Health and Community Services released a Request for Proposals to assess need for Community Crisis Beds throughout the province.
• In late August 2018, the Department of Health and Community Services hired an external consulting firm (Lennika Consulting Inc.) to conduct a needs assessment of community crisis stabilization services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The final report has been received by the Department and is currently under review.
• Walk-in clinics, also known as DoorWays, are now available in over 50 sites throughout the province, including correctional settings, with additional sites to follow.
• A Value-for-Money assessment completed by EY has recommended that the Provincial Government partner with the business community to procure the new facility with a design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) approach and would result in 12.3 per cent in cost savings over 30 years compared to the traditional design-build methods.
• On November 14, 2018, the Department of Transportation and Works released a Request for Qualifications to establish an industry short list to solicit proposals from DBFM proponents. Contracts have been awarded to engage external procurement/technical/fairness advisors for the project.
• On November 26, 2018, the Department of Transportation and Works released a Request for Proposals to procure a Consulting Team to develop the Design-Bid-Build tender package for a six-bed Mental Health Care Unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• A contract has been awarded for the design of a new six-bed mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Fougere Menchenton Architecture Incorporated. A tender for construction will be issued later this year with the project expected to be completed in 2022.
• Mobile crisis response teams have been established in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Labrador West, with additional teams to follow.
• Two new permanent psychiatrists have been hired for the Labrador-Grenfell Health region. One will work within the region from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The other is providing telepsychiatry services dedicated solely to Labrador from St. John’s. A third psychiatrist is being recruited for Labrador.

News Releases:

Premier Ball Announces Plan for New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility and Expanded Community-Based Services

Provincial Government to Partner with Private Sector on New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility

Procurement Begins on New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

On the release and review of the recommendations of the All Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, our Government will transform the way mental health and addictions services are delivered. This will involve enhancing access to community-based services and improving access to acute care services, when and where they are required across the province. We are preparing to respond to the recommendations of the All Party Committee to address gaps in our system, strengthen existing programs and services, and break down the barriers of stigma and timely access. By June 30, 2017, our Government will present a multi-year plan to support implementation of the All Party Committee’s recommendations.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The All Party Committee’s Report on Mental Health and Addictions was released on March 24, 2017. 255 residents and 65 stakeholder groups participated in the 15 consultation sessions held by the Committee throughout the province. The Committee’s recommendations address system gaps, strengthening existing programs and services, and breaking down the barriers of stigma and timely access.
• On June 27, 2017, the Provincial Government released Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador a multi-year action plan to implement the Committee’s recommendations on June 27, 2017. The Multi-year plan sets out short, medium and long-term goals to ensure implementation of all 54 recommendations contained in the All Party Committee Report on Mental Health and Addictions. The Action Plan includes a number of initiatives aimed at redesigning the current provincial mental health and addictions system into one that is person-centered, recovery-oriented, and responsive to individuals and families when and where needed.
• On December 20, 2017, the Provincial Government released its six-month update of the Towards Recovery Action Plan.
• Over the past year, the following actions have been taken:
  • On February 21, 2018, the Department of Health and Community Services hosted a general education session on Seniors Mental Health with representation from government policy makers, regional health authorities, and community agencies. The education session included topics on the understanding of aging and mental health, stigma and ageism.
  • On March 15, 2018, the Provincial Government launched a new version of Bridge the gApp, a responsive website that assists individuals to navigate mental health and addictions programs and services. Webinars were held to promote the new website to the Towards Recovery Network membership, which includes but is not limited to, primary healthcare providers, regional health authorities, teachers and guidance counselors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
  • On March 15 and 16, 2018, the Department of Health and Community Services hosted LGBTQ2S workshops with representation from government policy makers, Regional Health Authorities, and community agencies.
  • On March 29, 2018, the Provincial Government announced the plan for the replacement of the Waterford Hospital as well as new community-based services located throughout the province. The new 94-bed, state-of-the-art mental health and addictions facility will be built on the Health Sciences Centre campus and will be connected to the existing hospital with site work expected to begin in summer 2019. The new facility will be home to a redesigned mental health and addictions program with in-patient services offered such as: short stay treatment; adult acute care; geriatric assessment and treatment; treatment for those with eating disorders; and, forensic mental health assessment and treatment. In addition to the new facility in St. John’s, a six-bed mental health unit will be established in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and two new permanent psychiatrists will be recruited for that region. A series of community-based services will also be expanded to communities throughout the province. These services include assertive community treatment (ACT) and flexible ACT teams, community crisis beds, 24/7 supervised living arrangements, and mobile crisis response teams. A Request for Proposals for the community crisis beds will be issued in April 2018 to engage a consultant to complete a needs assessment for each region of the province. Budget 2018 allocated $6.1M towards the replacement of the Waterford Hospital and to expand mental health community support services.

News Releases

All-Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions Releases Report and Recommendations

Community Mental Health Partners Receive Investment of $200,000

Government Releases Action Plan to Transform Mental Health and Addictions Care

Minister Haggie Provides Update Mental Health Project Teams and Recovery Council

Tender to be Issued for New Eating Disorder Treatment Unit

Minister Haggie Welcomes the Release of a Common Statement of Principles with the Federal Government

Department Hosts Canadian and International Health Care Experts for Best Brains Exchange

Provincial Government Releases Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan Six-Month Update

Newfoundland and Labrador Becomes First Province in Canada to Advance National Suicide Prevention Project

Newfoundland and Labrador Finalizes Agreement with Government of Canada to Strengthen Health Care in the Province

Newfoundland and Labrador First in Canada to Launch Innovative e-Health Technology for Mental Health

Single-Session Walk-in Mental Health and Addictions Service Available Province-Wide

Provincial Government Recognizes Bell Let’s Talk Day

Funding Provided to Support of Mental Health Training for Paramedics

Premier Ball Announces Plan for New Adult Mental Health and Addictions Facility and Expanded Community-Based Services

New Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams in St. John’s and Labrador West

Newfoundland and Labrador First in Canada to Launch New e-Health Technology for Mental Health

 

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government will review the 2005 Atlantic Accord arrangement with the Government of Canada, as per its terms. This review will consider the extent to which Newfoundland and Labrador has been the principal beneficiary of its offshore resources, and whether the province has realized lasting fiscal and economic gains from its offshore petroleum resource revenues. The review will also consider the fiscal disparities between our province and others. This is timely in light of the fiscal challenges facing our province, and our misnomer as a have province under the current Equalization framework. In 2018-19, our government will engage the Government of Canada in this review.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On April 1, 2019, federal-provincial review of the Atlantic Accord concluded with the announcement of an agreement ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the principal beneficiaries of their offshore resources, while strengthening the joint management of those resources. The agreement includes:
  • A new and guaranteed revenue stream that will deliver $2.5 billion to the province.
    • This revenue stream will immediately reduce the Provincial net debt by $2.5 billion, or by approximately $5,000 for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian. In total, the Provincial net debt decreases by 16 per cent, and savings on interest will be worth approximately $100 million by 2056.
    • Cash installments starting this year until 2056 have no restrictions on the use of the funds and are “front loaded,” with approximately $1.9 billion, or 60 per cent, being received by 2030.
    • The revenue stream is from the federal government’s equity interest in the Hibernia project; and
  • A federal commitment to strengthen the joint management of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore development in areas such as land tenure, worker safety, regulatory efficiency, and regulator modernization.
• Through this agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to receive 100 per cent of its offshore resource revenues as if these resources were on land. The agreement also included a federal commitment to further engage with Newfoundland and Labrador to expeditiously examine the financial structure of the Muskrat Falls Project, so that the province can achieve rate mitigation.

News Releases:

Landmark Atlantic Accord Agreement Achieved

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will streamline the financial assessment process for community support services and residential long-term care services to make the application and eligibility process more transparent and client-friendly. Currently the processes are resource intensive with multiple assessment tools to determine the amount, if any, a client must contribute towards the cost of these services. The processes are also burdensome, invasive and often not easily understood by the client. As such, our Government will implement streamlined processes, incorporating a single, income-based, financial assessment tool which will improve Regional Health Authority efficiencies and make the application and financial assessment processes easier for clients. By March 31, 2018, our Government will have streamlined administrative processes for financial assessment.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• An extensive cross-jurisdictional scan has been completed by the Department of Health and Community Services, as well as consultations with the Regional Health Authorities, to inform the proposed changes to the current financial assessment process.
• Starting November 1, 2018, people applying for long-term care and community supports no longer have to provide proof of their liquid assets.
• As of February 1, 2019, the needs test for specific programs has been eliminated and income testing is being used in all long-term care and community support services offered by the regional health authorities. Eligibility will be determined through one single test, the Income Test.
• Some clients already in the long-term care and community support service system may have a higher contribution when they go through the Income Test. To help minimize the impact on those clients, they will be grandfathered while in the current program and will not see an increase in their personal contribution until they receive services from another program area.
• A financial hardship policy is available for both new and existing clients. This will allow the health authorities to have some flexibility to adjust or waive the client contribution when clients show that significant financial hardship would occur due to the contribution calculated with the income test.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Introduces New Financial Assessment Process for Long-Term Care and Community Support Services

Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Youth who do not finish school will have more difficulty finding employment, especially as the economy becomes more global, knowledge-based and skills-intensive. The high school drop-out rate in Newfoundland and Labrador was 5.7 per cent (987 students) in 2015-16. Our government is committed to reducing this number by 10 per cent, or approximately 100 fewer drop-outs, by 2020. We have created an advisory committee that includes external partners such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association, Choices for Youth and Thrive to advise on drop-out reduction. In 2018, this committee will develop strategies to keep students in school, provide alternative opportunities for those who leave school before graduating, and support those who return to school.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In 2017-18, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD) provided funding to the Murphy Centre to develop and implement the Adult GED Preparation Program. EECD continues to allocate funding ($75,000 in 2018-19) to support this ongoing program.
• Budget 2018 allocated $112,900 for the establishment of experiential learning programs. EECD continues to allocate funding ($75,000 in 2018-19) to support this ongoing program.
• An Advisory Committee for School Early Leaving Prevention was established in January 2018. The Committee is composed of representatives from six different government departments, school districts, school principals, NL Teachers’ Association and community youth organizations. The Committee’s mandate is to develop strategies aimed at reducing the number of students leaving school before graduation, providing supports to students who return to school to complete education, and providing alternate opportunities for students who do not return to school before graduating to complete their education. These strategies will be initiated by 2020.
• EECD staff and school district staff have developed strategies for improving the recording and monitoring of attendance. Detailed information will be provided to schools about the necessary strategies needed to ensuring accurate attendance data is collected. EECD staff will be monitoring attendance data throughout the 2019-20 school year.
• Consultations took place in 2018 with community groups, other departments, school district staff, school administrators, teachers, and former students. These consultations concluded in December 2018.
• EECD has worked to identify strategies aimed at reducing the number of students leaving school before graduation, providing supports to students who return to school to complete their education, and providing alternate opportunities for students who do not return to school before graduating to complete their education.
• The Chronic Absenteeism Steering Committee will use the identified strategies as an important resource to develop an action plan for meeting the recommendations of the Child and Youth Advocate Report on Chronic Absenteeism (January 2019).

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to maintaining a sustainable workplace injury system for both workers and employers. To that end, we are implementing a new five-year injury prevention plan, Advancing a Strong Safety Culture in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we have increased the income replacement rate for injured workers from 80 to 85 per cent. Our government worked collaboratively with WorkplaceNL to modernize policies for mental stress coverage recognizing that workplace-based mental stress may be caused by exposure to multiple traumatic events that are an inherent part of certain occupations, such as when first responders witness fatalities. Workers diagnosed with a specific mental stress issue will now be assessed to determine if they qualify for benefits under the workers’ compensation system. Our government also approved legislative changes to recognize that firefighters would be covered if exposed to cancer-causing agents. Now, firefighters have access to presumptive cancer coverage.

In 2018-19, WorkplaceNL will continue its review of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) coverage with a view to providing options regarding our workplace injury system and supports for those affected by work-related mental stress.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On February 20, 2018, the Injury Prevention Strategy was released and is being implemented by WorkplaceNL and Service NL.
• WorkplaceNL reviewed PTSD coverage in other jurisdictions and accepted submissions from interested parties to inform the research.
• On March 15, 2018, WorkplaceNL announced it has modernized its mental stress policy to recognize that work-related mental health issues may be caused by exposure to multiple traumatic events. The policy also now includes events that are an inherent part of an occupation, such as first responders witnessing fatalities.
• On December 5, 2018 an amendment to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act received Royal Assent. The Amendment provides presumptive coverage for work-related PTSD for all workers covered under the Act. This amendment is effective July 1, 2019.

News Releases:

Amendments Will Increase Income Replacement Rate for Injured Workers in Province

Presumptive Coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for All Workers Covered by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act

Presumptive Coverage for PTSD Available July 1

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

The attainment of good health is impacted by many factors including income level, education and the built environment. Our Government will build health impact considerations into all policy decisions, from infrastructure planning to labour market supports. This Health-in-All Policies approach will enable our Government to make all decisions in a manner that strengthens focus on measurable improvements in our health status. This will help prevent illness and create the healthy environments needed to support and promote not only healthy people, but also a healthy economy with improved outcomes in such areas as education, employment and crime prevention. Over the longer term, this approach will assist in reducing health care costs. This approach has also been successful in improving health outcomes in other jurisdictions.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A Health-in-All-Policies Unit within Executive Council that works closely with government departments to integrate health considerations into policy development with the long-term goal of improving health outcomes for the people of the province.
• Implementation is ongoing to raise awareness of the social determinants of health with policy makers and to build capacity in departments to understand the influence and impact their policies and programs can have on health outcomes. Current activities of the Health-in-All Policies Unit include:
  • Supporting the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to coordinate implementation of Now is the Time recommendations by working with youth serving departments on recommendations requiring interdepartmental collaboration. The Education Action Plan Secretariat has been struck with the Health in All Policies Unit taking a leadership role provides guidance, advice, and oversight.  In February, the Secretariat was instrumental in coordinating a forum with officials from New Brunswick on their Integrated Service Delivery Model for Children and Youth to government departments, school districts, regional health authorities, and community agencies.
  • Partnering with the Department of Health and Community Services to develop new public health legislation for Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Partnering with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development on the development of a Healthy Living Action Plan.
  • Working with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment as it undertakes reviews of municipal legislation and environmental assessment legislation.
  • Supporting Service NL to develop policy to inform on social, economic, and environmental priorities for government procurement.
  • Consulting with other jurisdictions including South Australia, New Brunswick, and British Columbia on their approaches to improving the social determinants of health.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Following on our commitment to set standards for the delivery of major programs, including all business and economic development programs, Crown lands, student loans, and employment and training programs, we will continue to develop and publish service standards for additional programs in 2018-19. We will also begin to create standards for internal department-to-department functions, such as application referrals, and will deliver targeted Lean continuous improvement training to program-specific teams. We will assess residents’ level of satisfaction with a wide range of Provincial Government services by undertaking an annual service delivery satisfaction survey.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A number of Lean process improvement projects are currently on-going. Projects have been initiated in the following areas:
  • Crown Lands – this project has substantially reduced the backlog of applications;
  • Summer Road Line Painting – in 2017-18, Transportation and Works almost doubled its completion rate for line painting projects on the Avalon from the previous year;
  • Internal Accounts Payable and Supplier Processes – the supplier setup process is complete with streamlined processes achieved, the Internal Accounts Payable project is still on-going;
  • Canada-NL Job Grant – a Lean assessment was completed that eliminated 44 actions in the application-to-approval process;
  • Housing Application Processes and Vacancy Turnaround – data collection for maintenance and rent supplement process is currently on-going. This process will identify areas with the greatest potential of improvement; and,
  • Royal Newfoundland Constabulary – operational process improvements for patrol services are being examined
• In March 2017 and 2018, residents throughout the province were randomly surveyed on their most recent service interaction and future service delivery expectations.  In 2018, survey participants told us the following regarding their experience receiving services from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador:
  • 83 per cent of participants were satisfied to very satisfied with their experience in accessing information;
  • 82 per cent of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience receiving social or employment services;
  • 89 per cent of participants were satisfied to very satisfied with their experience receiving a license or permit;
  • 81 per cent of participants were satisfied to very satisfied  with the experience of applying for funding, certification or contracting opportunities; and,
  • Overall, 94 per cent of participants stated that they got what they needed from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador  and 91 per cent of participants were satisfied with the overall quality of the service delivery they received.
• More information about the 2018 Service Delivery Satisfaction Survey can be found here: Service Delivery Survey 2018.
• Service Standards have been identified for eleven Government Departments and Entities. Service Standards can be found on departmental websites or by following the links below:

Service Standards:

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Education and Early Childhood Development

Finance

Fisheries and Land Resources

Health and Community Services

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Property Environmental Search Application

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Pesticide Licensing

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Municipal Planning

Natural Resources

Service NL

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Transportation and Works

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will designate officials to be facilitators for early stage proponents within the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. These individuals will liaise with operators and companies in early stages of exploration and development to guide them through the provincial policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as liaise with government departments to ensure a streamlined response. This will reduce barriers to access and entry and help companies navigate through the various support and regulatory functions for operation in the province. By March 31, 2017, Industry Facilitators will be designated and the Provincial Government website will be updated with contact information.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Natural Resources has designated Industry Facilitators to assist early stage proponents within the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors.
• Facilitators liaise with operators and companies in early stages of exploration and development providing guidance with provincial policy and regulatory frameworks and coordination supports when engaging with other government departments.
• There have been 45 inquires to the department since April 2017.
  • A small percentage of those inquires were directly related to investment in mining and/or petroleum development resulting in an ongoing contact.
  • In the majority of cases, information on the department, our mandate, etc. has been offered in addition to referrals where appropriate.
• There have been a number of inquiries to the four Industry Liaison delegates within the Department of Natural Resources. Some inquiries have resulted in referrals and consultations in the department or in other departments. Other inquiries have been more general questions that were addressed directly by the Industry Liaison delegates.
• The Department of Natural Resources has developed an internal tracking mechanism for this initiative and will ensure timely responses.

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Beginning in 2017, our Government will commence implementing a series of new consumer protection measures to protect consumers against fraud or bad business practices. These measures will be fully implemented by 2020.

By December 31, 2017, our Government will proclaim legislation and implement regulations for payday loans. Also by December 31, 2017, our Government will implement food safety training requirements for food service workers employed in commercial food service establishments. Additionally, in 2017-18, we will initiate an auto insurance review with the goal of modernizing the system to provide greater benefits and better value to residents of the province. One of the things this review will explore is practices in other jurisdictions on applying a cap to automobile insurance claims for minor injury non-economic loss claims.

In 2018, our Government will identify opportunities to alert consumers about bad business practices through such means as an online searchable database. In 2020, our Government will introduce legislative amendments concerning auto insurance and real estate trading and will also post online convictions made under provincial consumer protection legislation.

What We’ve Accomplished:

Automobile Insurance Review

• The Provincial Government requested the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to conduct a review and provide a report on automobile insurance in the province.
• A Consumer Advocate for Automobile Insurance was also appointed by Government.
• The Public Utilities Board (PUB) completed hearings on September 27, 2018.  The PUB’s deadline for receipt of written submissions was October 12, 2018.
• The Provincial Government released the PUB’s comprehensive report on January 31, 2019.
• In addition to the review being carried out by the Public Utilities Board, on April 9, 2018, Service NL initiated a public consultation to review automobile insurance, which ran until May 31, 2018.
• On February 25, 2019, the Provincial Government released a ‘What We Heard Document‘ outlining the feedback received from the public as a result of the public consultations.
• Changes to the Automobile Insurance Act and the Insurance Companies Act received Royal Assent on April 17, 2019 and some of the reforms came into effect on August 1, 2019.  The changes are intended to help stabilize insurance rates while enhancing consumer protection to benefit the people of the province.
• Budget 2019 announced the elimination of the remaining Retail Sales Tax on automobile insurance. This change will be implemented by early July and will be retroactive to April 16, 2019.

Payday Loans

• Amendments to the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act were made in 2016 to enable Government to provide protections for users of payday loans. New Regulations were drafted in 2017.
• Government required an exemption from the application of Section 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada, the criminal interest rate provision, as it relates to payday loan agreements. An Order-in-Council dated August 1, 2017, authorized the request for an exemption.
• On December 12, 2018, the Federal Government published an exemption in the Canada Gazette. With the granting of the exemption, the province moved forward with gazetting the associated regulations and proclaiming the legislation.
• On March 1, 2019, new Payday Loans Regulations and Payday Loans Licensing Regulations, under the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act, were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.
• The new Regulations came into force on April 1, 2019, when the Act to Amend the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act came into force.

Food Safety Training

• On October 1, 2018, the Provincial Government launched the first SkillsPass NL training courses for workers in the food service industry. The first two courses were Getting off the Ground and What to Expect When We’re Inspecting. They were developed for prospective and current owners and managers of food premises, and will explain the application, licensing and inspection processes along with the applicable standards.
• On November 15, 2018, the Food Safety Basic Course, consisting of 15 short food safety training modules, was added to Skills Pass.
• Three additional food safety courses were added in January 2019.
• These e-learning courses are available free of charge to anyone interested.
• Participants’ training records will be available to them electronically.

Real Estate Trading Act

• Service NL conducted a consultation on potential changes to the Real Estate Trading Act from December 21, 2017 to March 2, 2018.
• The consultation was open to the public and people involved in the real estate industry.
• On March 25, 2019, SNL released a ‘What We Heard Document’ outlining the feedback received from the public as a result of the public consultations.
• Analysis of the consultation results is currently being carried out by Service NL.
• Amendments to modernize the Real Estate Trading Act has gone through second reading in the House of Assembly.

Consumer Alerts

• An internal review was completed of existing disclosure methods at Service NL including consumer alerts/advisories related to illegal investment activity, mortgage brokering, real estate licences, and Occupational Health and Safety.
• The Office of the Chief Information Officer initiated the development of a consumer notification webpage for consumer advisories/alerts, charges and convictions.
• The new Consumer Advisories and Alerts webpage was launched on November 1, 2018.

News Releases and Other Publications

Provincial Government Introduces Legislation to Regulate Payday Loans

Provincial Government Finalizes Terms of Reference for Automobile Insurance Review

Provincial Government Appoints Consumer Advocate for Automobile Insurance

Provincial Government Begins Consultations on the Real Estate Trading Act

Provincial Government Begins Consultations on Automobile Insurance

Free E-Learning Tools Increase Employability and Productivity

New Webpage Helps Consumers Make Informed Decisions

Exemption Granted to Allow Provincial Government to Move Ahead with Payday Loan Legislation

Independent Review of Automobile Insurance System Complete

Provincial Government Releases Results of Public Consultations on Automobile Insurance

Payday Loan Legislation Enhances Consumer Protection

Results of Real Estate Trading Act Consultation Available Online

Payday Loan Legislation Now in Effect

Real Estate Trading Act Amendments Aim to Improve Province’s Real Estate Environment

Changes to Automobile Insurance Legislation Provide Better Value for Consumers

Provincial Government Eliminates the Tax on Automobile Insurance and Supports Consumers Through Budget 2019

Working Together to Help Stabilize Insurance Rates

Amendments Aim to Improve Province’s Real Estate Environment

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

To improve the province’s response to major investment projects, our Government will establish a Major Investment Projects Unit within existing resources. Major investment projects include business development projects that require government investment above a certain threshold. The goal of the Major Investment Projects Unit will be to develop an integrated process that coordinates multiple authorizations and permits, including active tracking and reporting and other monitoring requirements and timelines as outlined in regulatory frameworks and applicable legislation. The unit will assess impacts on the economy throughout the province when projects are being considered, improve internal and external communications regarding projects under review, eliminate duplication and ensure shorter timelines, while guaranteeing regulatory standards, such as environmental assessment and appropriate permits, are maintained or enhanced. A Major Investment Projects Unit will be established in 2017-18.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Major Investment Projects Unit was established within the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII) in 2017-18.
• The Unit overseas the progress of government initiatives that have major fiscal and economic importance for the province and has implemented processes to reduce wait times, improve communications for clients, and streamline decision-making processes for major economic projects. The Unit follows the Service Standards identified by TCII.
• A number of successful deals with significant job creation opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador have been executed with the assistance of the Major Investment Projects Unit.  A sample of these include:
  • $750,000 to help support the development and growth of Quorum Information Systems;
  • Over $5 million will be invested in a four-year partnership with Bluedrop Performance Learning for a demonstration project of SkillsPass NL;
  • $2.25 million over two fiscal years for a forgivable loan to PAL Aerospace to support its Force Multiplier project;
  • A $17 million repayable loan to Canada Fluorspar Inc. to assist with the re-activation of the St. Lawrence fluorspar mine;
  • A $1.225 million investment to S&P Data, which will support the establishment of a 500 person in-bound contact centre in St. John’s; and,
  • Repayable financial assistance up to $30 million to Grieg NL in support of the company’s $250 million aquaculture project in Placentia Bay.

News Releases:

Premier Ball Announces Investment in Innovative Software Company

Provincial Government Announces Support for Accelerated Growth Company

Provincial Government Announces $3 Million of Support for Force Multiplier Research and Development Project

Premier Ball Welcomes Reopening of Fluorspar Mine

New Call Centre to Create up to 500 Jobs in St. John’s

New Aquaculture Project to Create Hundreds of Jobs on the Burin Peninsula

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

To support seniors to live independently in their communities for as long as possible, our Government must ensure seniors can access appropriate, secure and affordable housing and transportation options as they age. Seniors are often challenged to find smaller-sized, affordable and accessible housing. Lack of transportation is a barrier for seniors in accessing services and programs in their communities. Meeting the costs of transportation, household maintenance or rent may be particularly difficult for seniors on a low income.

In 2018, our Government will support individuals to more fully participate in their communities and promote social inclusion through implementation of an Age-Friendly Transportation Program. In addition, in 2018, our Government will implement a plan to ensure a range of affordable housing options and supports are available for people as they age. Meeting the transportation and housing needs of older adults encourages participation in communities, promotes social inclusion and supports healthy independent living.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has implemented and evaluated an Age-Friendly Transportation Program pilot. The Age-Friendly NL Transportation Pilot Program was designed to assist communities in creating age-friendly transportation projects. $1.9 million has been provided to projects in St. John’s, Clarenville, Springdale, Twillingate – New World Island and Bay St. George South. $300,000 is available for projects in 2018/19.
• The Provincial Housing and Homelessness Plan is being created in tandem with the ongoing bi-lateral negotiations with the Government of Canada. The plan will reflect the emerging needs of a number of key population groups, with specific attention to the unique needs of seniors and our ageing population.

News Releases

Minister Gambin-Walsh Recognizes June as Seniors Month

Provincial Government Announces Age-Friendly Transportation Grants

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to reducing manual, paper-based and other less efficient internal processes and improving the experience and satisfaction of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as clients of provincial government services. By 2022, our government will increase the number of services delivered online by 50 per cent. Currently our government offers 43 programs online, which is an increase of ten programs since The Way Forward was launched in November 2016.

Our government has prepared a Digital by Design roadmap identifying six initial areas of service delivery for redesign. Over the next five years, we will invest in the implementation of this new approach to service delivery in order to meet the evolving needs of our clients, create greater efficiencies in how we do business, provide better services and contribute to better outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our vision for this initiative is One Client. One GovNL. One Relationship.

The six areas of focus are:

1. One GovNL Website: Redesign the www.gov.nl.ca website to make it easier to use, search and understand.
2. Smart Applications: Simplify application processes for government services for a more streamlined and personalized client experience.
3. Alerts and Notifications: Send status and informational alerts and notifications to clients to keep them better informed.
4. My GovNL Digital ID: Provide clients with a single user name and password to use in every digital interaction with the GovNL.
5. My GovNL Dashboard: Create a space on the One GovNL website where clients can view a history of their interactions with the GovNL.
6. My GovNL Profile: Create a space on the One GovNL website where clients can view and manage their information and preferences across the GovNL.

In 2018-19, our government will focus human resources and financial supports to implement the first year of this Digital by Design roadmap.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• On April 24, 2018, the Provincial Government released a five-year plan to enhance government services for residents and businesses by making services “digital-by-design”.
• To date, government has increased the number of online services by 10, which is 31 per cent of the committed 50 per cent increase. For example:
  • Motor Registration Division (MRD) in Mount Pearl is now offering enhanced services for clients. Clients are now able to book appointments online in advance for in-person service. Clients who arrive without an appointment can opt to receive a text message alert, allowing them to attend to other tasks and return for service when they receive a text telling them their turn is near. These new services build on a number of recent improvements such as online driver’s licence renewals, and 10 year driver’s licence photo validity. These improvements enhance customer flow at the MRD Mount Pearl location, reducing wait times for all clients.
• A new driver’s licences and Photo ID system went live in December 2017. This system will help protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians against identity theft, fraud and forgery.
• In June 2018, MRD launched a pilot project to encourage clients to avail of eServices and take advantage of online discounts. This new service option will reduce customer wait times and improve efficiency.
• In March 2019, the Provincial Government launched the MyGovNL pilot project for MRD. This is the first publicly available digital service under the five-year plan, and will allow users to manage their licence and vehicle renewals in one combined online platform, replacing several separate online functions. Starting on March 28 approximately 5,000 motorists were invited to take place in the pilot project, and starting in May 2019 an additional approximate 10,000 motorists will be invited to participate each month.
• Diverting clients from regular counter services has an immediate impact on wait-times; this pilot project was successful in diverting 60 to 100 clients daily to online completion of their services.
• In July 2019, the Provincial Government launched MyApplications, an online process for not-for-profit and charitable organizations to more easily apply for a lottery licence. Each year, the Provincial Government receives more than 3,600 ticket lottery requests for fundraising initiatives. The new online application provides step-by-step instructions and lets applicants track the status of their application and allows licence holders to submit their financial reports. The system replaces time-consuming paper applications, reducing the time needed for each application to approximately 15 to 20 minutes. As the Digital Government strategy progresses further smart applications will be added to replace numerous paper applications across government.
• On November 18, 2019, the Provincial Government launched MyGovNL, a platform that provides multiple online services in one convenient, combined location. Residents can easily register by visiting www.gov.nl.ca/digitalgovernment.

News Releases:

Motor Registration Division Mount Pearl Introduces Online Appointment Booking and Text Message Alerts

New Driver’s Licences to Have Significantly Enhanced Security Features

Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Registration Renewal Reminders to be Issued through Email

The Digital Way Forward: Government Unveils Five-Year Plan to Make Service “Digital By Design”

Motor Registration Division Supports Clients in Accessing Services Online

Motor Registration Division Expands Online Service Pilot Project

Provincial Government Launches Digital MyGovNL Pilot for Motor Registration Division

Provincial Government Announces Launch of Online Lottery Licence Applications

MyGovNL Now Available to all Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will develop a new model of funding clients availing of provincial social programs and services. Financial assistance for individuals is currently dispersed over a number of programs offered across several departments with varying application processes and eligibility requirements. Implementation of an individualized funding model will involve a single point of access utilizing current resources. Similar to what already occurs in other jurisdictions, individuals will participate in developing their support plans and will have control over an individualized amount of funding for personalized supports that are responsive to their identified needs.

This new model will reduce duplication of services and administrative costs of providing supports through multiple programs. In addition, reports from other jurisdictions show this approach to be either cost-neutral or cost-saving. Supporting principles will include portability and flexibility across departments, agencies, regions and the client’s life span. Under the model, clients will be able to tailor their funding based on the supports they require to: aid in the development of daily living skills; improve care of self and home; find or maintain suitable housing; support access to recreation and other community resources; and, increase their capacity to undertake paid or volunteer work.

In 2018, our Government will have implemented an individualized support funding model starting with the provision of community support services provided through the Department of Health and Community Services.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In the fall of 2017, a series of public consultations was facilitated by the NL Association of Community Living (NLACL) and Coalition of Persons with Disabilities (COD) NL.
• Individual consumers (clients) from each Regional Health Authority participated in the Individualized Funding Program Design and simultaneously testing an Individualized Funding model for delivery in 2018-19.
• A proposed Individualized Funding model has been developed and a policy is now being developed based on this Model in order to implement a demonstration phase. This demonstration will be monitored and evaluated so additional services and programs can be added as additional departments implement the model.

News Releases

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Envisions Sustainable and Resilient Society for All

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

Some residents in our province face challenges including: insufficient transportation, lack of affordable housing, inadequate access to mental health and addictions services, chronic disease prevention and management support, unemployment and food insecurity. Government will implement client focused interventions to support individuals with complex health and social issues. This initiative will support individuals receiving services from multiple departments, agencies and service providers and will improve program coordination and policy barriers that often lead to fractured and uncoordinated provision of services.

By March 31, 2018, Government will have implemented collaborative and client-focused interventions to improve support to individuals with complex health and social issues.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has implemented a number of actions to improve support to individuals with complex health and social issues and engaged with community partners and individuals with lived experience to explore additional opportunities for improvement in 2018. Examples include:
  • Expanding access to psychiatry services throughout Labrador through locum visits by Eastern Health psychiatrists and telehealth sessions for those in remote communities.
  • Increasing training and awareness with a specific focus on the needs and concerns of LGBTQI2S youth, in partnership with Egale Canada.
  • Establishing a Wait Time Reduction Team to address wait times for access to mental health and addictions services.
  • Providing stable funding for housing support workers through a two-year commitment of funding for 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • Improving support to community centres by funding two social worker positions to work directly with the five community centres in the St. John’s area.
• Feedback received during the complex needs engagement process confirmed the importance of ongoing initiatives by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hearing from people with  lived experience and front line staff enriched government’s understanding of the issues and priorities for individuals with complex needs. The main issues raised were in the areas of mental health and addictions, housing and homelessness, communications and privacy, financial concerns, corrections, home and community supports, and transportation.  This information is informing ongoing work across a variety of departments that impacts individuals with complex needs.

News Releases

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

Provincial Government Meeting Commitment to Support Individuals with Complex Needs

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Beginning in 2017, our Government will implement the Home Support Action Plan, released in August 2016, to transform the Provincial Home Support Program, in support of seniors and persons with disabilities. In addition, our Government will expand the role of personal care homes. These improvements will modernize service delivery of these community support services, support appropriate utilization of health care resources and be more client-centered.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Of the 25 improvement opportunities identified in the Home Support Action Plan, there are several actions that have been achieved to date:
  • A new brochure and client handbook has been developed to promote the Home Support Program and provide residents of the province with more information on what services can be offered and how to contact their local regional health authority for services.
  • There has been significant policy work completed with new standards for clinical assessment and support planning. A person receiving home support services will have an individualized support plan developed in collaboration with the person focusing on their goals and how supports can help them to remain more independent in their home and community.
  • A mentoring pilot project has been completed in the Regional Health Authorities to support clinicians in clinical assessment.
  • An initiative is underway to delegate risk-based clinical reassessment to Licensed Practical Nurses to dedicate nurses to working with more complex cases within their scope of practice.
  • A new intake screening tool was implemented on May 1, 2018 to support a more targeted and timely assessment of a person’s need for home care services to facilitate implementation of supports at home and avoid unnecessary utilization of acute care.
  • A performance management framework has been developed which will improve oversight and accountability of the Home Support Program.
• Other initiatives identified in the Home Support Action Plan are under development and nearing readiness for implementation.

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will take several measures to enhance planning and decision-making for road projects and to improve information sharing with the public and other stakeholders. In the first six months, we will:

• Adopt multi-year planning and early tendering of road work. Release a full list of roads projects for the coming year in January 2017.
• Pilot nighttime road construction. Release a tender for a nighttime road construction project in January 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The first edition of the Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan was released on January 31, 2017 and included a full list of road projects for 2017-18 and a partial list of projects for each year between 2018-19 and 2021-22. Combined with early tendering for road projects, the multi-year approach better enables contractors to plan and prepare for their construction seasons and, ultimately, contributes to more work being completed for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. A total of $77.2 million was allocated for the 2017-18 provincial roads program and, during the year, more than 508 lane kilometres of highway were paved, more than 365 culverts were replaced, and 18 bridges were repaired.
• Among the projects completed in 2017-18 was a pilot project on night-time road construction which consisted of paving various sections of the Trans-Canada Highway from Kenmount Road to Salmonier Line. Once completed, an evaluation of the project was conducted and the findings reported. The results show that undertaking night time paving operations in this province on any measurable scale is more costly. Pursuing day time projects is a better use of funds and will contribute to more priority road work being completed. Night time construction will still be considered, however, for future projects on a case-by-case basis.
• The 2018 edition of the plan was released on February 7, 2018 and included an update on projects completed in 2017-18, a full list of roads projects for 2018-19 and a partial list of projects for 2019-20 to 2022-23. A total of $77.2 million was again allocated for provincial road projects for the upcoming construction season resulting in more than 800 lane kilometres of highway being paved across the province. Work also continued on the Trans-Labrador Highway with projects focused on widening and/or paving several highway sections.
• The 2019 edition of the Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan was released on January 30, 2019, allocating $77.2 million to provincial road projects for the third year in a row. This year’s update includes a complete list of projects for 2019, along with additional projects for the next four years, out to 2023-24. AS in past years, projects were selected based on the ranking of factors such as safety, traffic volume, input from government engineers and feedback from users of provincial roads and highways. A public consultation held in 2018 resulted in 326 submissions.
  Road projects planned for the upcoming season include:
  • Repaving sections of the Trans-Canada Highway in Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gambo;
  • Repaving sections of Salmonier Line, the Southern Shore Highway, the Burgeo Highway, and Lewin Parkway;
  • Rehabilitating the Badger Brook Bridge and replacing Mutton Bay Bridge near Trepassey; and,
  • The completion of climbing lanes and centre line rumble strips on Veterans Memorial Highway.
• The 2019 plan also includes updates on projects for the Trans-Labrador Highway and Team Gushue Highway, as well as other federal-provincial cost-shared projects. In total, investments in road infrastructure for 2019 will exceed $130 million.
• For the Trans-Labrador Highway in particular, more than $40 million will be invested this year. Over the past three years we have invested approximately $85 million and have secured combined federal-provincial investments that will exceed $171 million over the course of the project.
• Full details on the latest plan, including the routes scheduled for repair/upgrade in each year, can be found here.

News Releases

Government Announces Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan Developed through Evidence-based Planning

Public Advisory: Night Time Road Construction Beginning This Evening

Significant Improvements Made to Bridges, Roads and Highways in 2017

Minister Crocker Updates Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan

Update Provided on Road Work for 2018 Construction Season

Provincial Government Supporting Road Improvements in Stephenville Region

Minister Crocker Provides Update on Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

In 2017-18, our Government will begin to explore and pilot opportunities to partner with the community sector to improve service delivery and identify system efficiencies. Pilots will be evaluated and expanded where positive outcomes are identified through means that are cost effective. This approach could lead to an expanded role for the community sector as partners in the delivery of services. While the first actions will focus on enhancing services to children, youth and families involved with child protection and related services, enhancement of the role of community sector providers could be expanded to other areas based on lessons learned.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has implemented and evaluated community sector partnerships with Key Assets and Waypoints, which have shown to be achieving their identified goals at a significant cost-savings. These partnerships have been extended and expanded and Government is exploring additional partnership opportunities.
  • The goal of the Key Asset Family-based pilot is to provide family-based placements and wraparound supports for children and youth with complex needs and/or large sibling groups; and preventing children and youth who can be cared for in family settings from being placed in Level 4 staffed residential placements.
  • The Waypoints Supporting Foster Parents pilot is a collaboration between Waypoints and the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association to provide support and training to foster families, prevent placement breakdown and increase permanency for children, improve foster home retention, and provide foster parents with additional training to care for children and youth. The evaluation showed a number of children and youth, who would have had to be placed in Level 4 staffed residential placements, were able to remain in foster homes.

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Municipalities are responsible for basic and vital services, such as water, sewage, waste collection, snow clearing, road maintenance, and fire and emergency services, as well as recreation, public transit, land use planning, street lighting, animal control and bylaw enforcement.

Our government led an extensive public engagement process in 2017 to inform future decisions regarding regional government and service-sharing models for municipalities, local service districts and unincorporated areas. Using the results of this public engagement process, in 2018-19 we will develop pilot project options to encourage communities to pursue infrastructure improvements and deliver services collaboratively in a manner that still ensures a local voice for all residents.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• In 2017, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment (MAE) undertook extensive public consultations on regional governance and sharing of services. Feedback on potential models was also gathered during the second annual Premier’s Forum on Local Government, held on November 1, 2017. MAE concluded public consultations on regional governance/service sharing in late November 2017 and released a What We Heard document.
• Throughout 2018, input and data from consultations was thoroughly reviewed and analyzed. Insights from this data and cross jurisdictional research have been used to inform recommendations for potential pilot area(s) and model(s), and next steps towards implementation of the pilots. Recommended pilot area(s) and a path forward for implementation will be presented to Government for consideration in the near future.
• An update was recently provided to many municipal leaders during the third annual Premier’s Forum on Local Government held on October 4, 2018.
• A three-year municipal infrastructure program with new cost share ratios for municipal projects was announced on March 13, 2017, by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment. The minister was joined by the President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, who indicated, “This move ensures we will receive all of the significant federal funding available to the sector. In addition to the funding, being able to plan infrastructure investments effectively is critical. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased that the continued multi-year capital works plan and the new step of pre-announcing intake dates for three years on other programs makes planning that much easier for municipalities.”
• Through the new cost-share ratios, projects that support regional collaboration through infrastructure and sharing of services see a decrease in the municipal contribution of 10 per cent, unless the project is eligible for a 90/10 cost-share arrangement.
• Examples of regional projects that the Provincial Government has invested in though its municipal infrastructure program include: The Labrador Wellness Centre in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region and the Easter Seals Inclusive Park (Northeast Avalon region).
• On September 10, 2018, the Provincial Government signed a bilateral agreement under the Investing in Canada Plan that will provide more than $555 million in federal funding over the next decade for community infrastructure projects. Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the Provincial Government has adjusted its cost share ratios for new projects to make it easier for communities to construct roads and community centres.

News Releases:

Premier Ball Announces $38.8 Million for Municipal Infrastructure

Premier’s Forum Leads to Valuable Discussions on Regional Government

Provincial Government Releases Results of Regional Government Consultations

Premier Ball Announces $555.9 Million Agreement for Community Infrastructure

Delegates of Premier’s Forum Contribute to Municipal Legislative Review

Premier Ball Announces New Cost Share Ratios for Municipal Infrastructure Projects

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government will develop and release a five-year plan for marine-related infrastructure, including terminal facilities, access roads, wharves and washrooms. The goal of this integrated marine infrastructure plan is to improve services at ferry terminals for the traveling public, including both residents and tourists. By March 31, 2017, our Government will release a five-year marine infrastructure plan.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• The Five Year Plan for Marine-Related Infrastructure was first released in March 2017 and identified projects for terminal facilities, wharves and access roads.
• The goal of the plan is to improve services at ferry terminals for the travelling public, including residents and tourists, while ensuring the safety of wharf infrastructure.
• The 2019 edition of the plan includes investments of approximately $25 million for the period of 2019-20 and 2023-24.
• Typical projects include wharf assessment/structural evaluation, wharf repair, installation of portable washroom facilities, line painting for vehicle access lanes and parking areas, installation of security cameras, etc.

News Releases

Multi-Year Marine Infrastructure Plan Commits $28 Million for Priority Projects

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

Our Government, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will conduct a review, in consultation with employees, clients and community stakeholders, with an aim to: ensure the mandate of the organization reflects current priorities; optimize the use of federal and provincial funding in the delivery of programs and services; and realize efficiencies, improve services and streamline the organization with no negative impact on clients. This will increase the overall efficiency, effectiveness and affordability of provincially-run social housing programs and will identify the means to reduce complexity and duplication within the system. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will be mandated to provide recommendations by March 31, 2017. An action plan of applicable recommendations will be developed to address priority areas by June 30, 2017.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• Province-wide consultations with community partners, clients and employees to review the corporation’s programs and services occurred between November 2016 and March 2017. A What We Heard document was publicly released on consultations to inform the review of NL Housing Corporation’s programs.
• The purpose of the review was to ensure the mandate of the organization reflects current priorities and to realize efficiencies, improve services, and to streamline the organization.
• A news conference on February 21, 2018, issued details of review initiatives to improve the efficiency and services of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
• In early 2018, the Provincial Government endorsed the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy. We are now positioned to negotiate a final agreement with the Government of Canada to deliver National Housing Strategy investments through our Provincial Housing and Homelessness Plan. Negotiations with the Government of Canada on the bilateral agreement are ongoing and the Province is working to ensure alignment between the bilateral agreement and our provincial housing priorities. Negotiations and a finalized agreement are expected to conclude in the near future. The forthcoming Provincial Housing and Homelessness Plan will reflect alignment between federal and provincial priorities and is expected to be released following the finalization of the bilateral agreement.

News Releases

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Consultations Set to Begin

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

For many services, demand is not constant or uniform throughout the year. In 2018-19, our government will begin to identify and address service areas characterized by fluctuating demand that is both long-term and predictable. To illustrate how peak-demand issues can be addressed, in 2018 our government will change motor vehicle registration renewal from an approach that is based on date of vehicle purchase, where there are peaks at certain times of the year, to one that is based on clients’ birth dates, which are more evenly distributed throughout the year. This new approach will initially apply to all new vehicles.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• To assist the public in adjusting to a paperless approach and serve as a reminder to individuals who do not have email accounts, the Motor Registration Division (MRD) can align the vehicle renewal date with the owner’s month of birth as well, rather than the date of vehicle purchase.
• Effective January 2019, MRD began issuing a new, more secure, vehicle registration document for all future commercial and non-commercial vehicle transactions. In addition, a new feature has been added – the licence plate number will now also be listed on the sticker, reducing the risk of fraud or theft.
  • Customers visiting a Service NL office to perform vehicle transactions such as new vehicle registration, renewals or vehicle transfers, for example, will no longer receive their registration or sticker over the counter. Instead, customers will receive a printed receipt, reducing the wait time for basic renewal transactions by about half.

News Releases:

Driver’s Licence and Vehicle Registration Renewal Reminders to be Issued through Email

Enhanced Vehicle Registrations Increase Security