On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

Service Standards:

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Education and Early Childhood Development

Finance

Fisheries and Land Resources

Health and Community Services

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Property Environmental Search Application

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Pesticide Licensing

Municipal Affairs and Environment – Municipal Planning

Natural Resources

Service NL

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Transportation and Works

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

Significant Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

Automobile Insurance Review

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

Payday Loans

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

Food Safety Training

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

Real Estate Trading Act

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

Consumer Alerts

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

News Releases and Other Publications

Provincial Government Introduces Legislation to Regulate Payday Loans

Provincial Government Finalizes Terms of Reference for Automobile Insurance Review

Provincial Government Appoints Consumer Advocate for Automobile Insurance

Provincial Government Begins Consultations on the Real Estate Trading Act

Provincial Government Begins Consultations on Automobile Insurance

Free E-Learning Tools Increase Employability and Productivity

New Webpage Helps Consumers Make Informed Decisions

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

Independent Review of Automobile Insurance System Complete

Provincial Government Releases Results of Public Consultations on Automobile Insurance

Payday Loan Legislation Enhances Consumer Protection

Results of Real Estate Trading Act Consultation Available Online

Payday Loan Legislation Now in Effect

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

Changes to Automobile Insurance Legislation Provide Better Value for Consumers

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

Working Together to Help Stabilize Insurance Rates

Amendments Aim to Improve Province’s Real Estate Environment

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases:

Premier Ball Announces Investment in Innovative Software Company

Provincial Government Announces Support for Accelerated Growth Company

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

Premier Ball Welcomes Reopening of Fluorspar Mine

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

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

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

Minister Gambin-Walsh Recognizes June as Seniors Month

Provincial Government Announces Age-Friendly Transportation Grants

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

The six areas of focus are:

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases:

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

New Driver’s Licences to Have Significantly Enhanced Security Features

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

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

Motor Registration Division Supports Clients in Accessing Services Online

Motor Registration Division Expands Online Service Pilot Project

Provincial Government Launches Digital MyGovNL Pilot for Motor Registration Division

Provincial Government Announces Launch of Online Lottery Licence Applications

MyGovNL Now Available to all Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

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

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

Provincial Government Meeting Commitment to Support Individuals with Complex Needs

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

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

Public Advisory: Night Time Road Construction Beginning This Evening

Significant Improvements Made to Bridges, Roads and Highways in 2017

Minister Crocker Updates Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan

Update Provided on Road Work for 2018 Construction Season

Provincial Government Supporting Road Improvements in Stephenville Region

Minister Crocker Provides Update on Five-Year Provincial Roads Plan

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

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

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases:

Premier Ball Announces $38.8 Million for Municipal Infrastructure

Premier’s Forum Leads to Valuable Discussions on Regional Government

Provincial Government Releases Results of Regional Government Consultations

Premier Ball Announces $555.9 Million Agreement for Community Infrastructure

Delegates of Premier’s Forum Contribute to Municipal Legislative Review

Premier Ball Announces New Cost Share Ratios for Municipal Infrastructure Projects

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

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

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Consultations Set to Begin

Provincial Government Invests Funding to Help Prevent and End Homelessness

Completed

Way Forward Commitment:

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

What We’ve Accomplished:

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

News Releases:

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

Enhanced Vehicle Registrations Increase Security