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.