Newfoundland and Labrador News

1. Cruising toward increased economic growth for Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism sector

   Newfoundland and Labrador’s cruise ship industry continues to ride the wave of success thanks to a significant boost from federal and provincial governments. With strategic investments charting a course for growth, this dynamic sector is set to welcome even more visitors, showcase this province’s world-renowned coastline, and fuel local economies across the province.

2. Backgrounder: Federal, provincial, and municipal governments invest in Holyrood water upgrades and 18 other infrastructure projects

   The federal government is investing $7,120,370 in these 19 projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $6,658,097, and local municipal governments are contributing a total of $3,083,429.

3. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments invest in Holyrood water upgrades and 18 other infrastructure projects

   The Town of Holyrood and 10 other municipalities around Conception Bay received a total infrastructure investment of over $16.8 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments.

4. Cruising toward increased economic growth: Government investments boost province’s cruise ship industry

   The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will be joined by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, to announce a significant investment for Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador.

5. Miawpukek First Nation improves fire safety with new $5 million fire hall in the community

   First Nations are more at risk of fire incidents in their communities than anywhere else in Canada.

6. Federal government invests in new wheelchair-accessible bus for the Town of Clarenville and surrounding areas

   A new wheelchair-accessible bus will be on the road serving the Clarenville region after an investment of $260,000 from the federal government and the Town of Clarenville.

7. Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador, providing $25 million to Home Support Workers

   Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable John Hogan, K.C., Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Health and Community Services announced over $47 million in federal investments as part of two bilateral agreements to support the health of people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

8. Personal Support Worker Amendment – Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement

   The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador signed an amendment to the Aging with Dignity Agreement, providing Newfoundland and Labrador access to more than $25 million in new funding to support Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and related professions. This funding is being provided over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29), extending the existing Aging with Dignity (AWD) Agreement by one year.

9. Drugs for Rare Diseases – Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement

   Today, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador signed the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease (DRD) agreement to invest a total amount of over $22 million over three years to improve access to new drugs for rare diseases for its residents and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases.

10. Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to make an important health care announcement

    The Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Canada’s Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Rural Economic Development, along with the Honourable John Hogan, K.C., Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Health and Community Services, will make an announcement on improving health care for people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

11. Let the games begin! Federal investments making the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s happen

    Excitement is building as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, prepares to host the 2025 Canada Games from August 8-25, 2025. The largest domestic multi-sport event in Canada will bring together more than 4,800 participants from all 13 provinces and territories to compete in 19 different sports.

12. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Clarenville

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity, His Worship John Pickett, Mayor of Clarenville, and Larry Reid, Chairperson of the Random Age-Friendly Communities Board.

13. Government of Canada invests in 2025 Canada Games

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding support for the 2025 Canada Games. Minister Hutchings will also make an announcement on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity.

14. Federal government invests to prevent and reduce Veteran homelessness in St. John’s

    The federal government is partnering with End Homelessness St. John’s and investing more than $218,000 to support new homelessness reduction and outreach solutions for Veterans in St. John’s.

15. Media Advisory: Veterans Homelessness Program Announcement in St. John’s

    Members of the media are invited to attend an announcement with Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, and Abigail Sheppard, Manager of Systems Coordination, End Homelessness St. John’s.

16. Empowering entrepreneurship and fueling local business growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

    The Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the growth and development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural, coastal, and remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

17. Backgrounder: Empowering entrepreneurship and fueling local business growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

    The Government of Canada is providing a total of $3,236,295 under its Community Futures Program to 15 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in Newfoundland and Labrador for 2024-2025. The funding will be used to implement business plans that support economic development and the growth of small businesses throughout the province, as well as achieve Community Futures program objectives.

18. Federal government to announce major support for CBDCs across the province

    Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador, will announce a significant investment for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC). This announcement will be made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

19. Tourism offers a taste of Newfoundland and Labrador

    From fresh seafood caught from the Atlantic Ocean to foraged ingredients found along coastal trails to incredible protein and produce from local farms, Newfoundland and Labrador offers visitors a unique and immersive culinary experience. The Government of Canada, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is investing to help expand and promote the region’s culinary tourism offerings.

20. Celebrating the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland

    Today marked the ceremonial opening of Ne’ata’q Place, a shelter for Indigenous women and children in Newfoundland.

21. Governments of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador to announce support for culinary tourism industry

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding the culinary tourism industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and Minister esponsible for Francophone Affairs, will also make an announcement on behalf of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

22. Supporting culture and tourism growth in western Newfoundland

    Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are making significant investments to support projects that will further enhance the visitor experience in the region.

23. Backgrounder: Western Newfoundland region receives support for tourism-related projects

    Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,075,973 to support projects that will bolster the visitor experience in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing a total of $376,145.

24. Federal government to announce funding for multiple western NL tourism projects

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will announce investments for 10 tourism-related projects on province’s west coast.

25. Federal government transfers more than $16 million through the Canada Community-Building Fund to Newfoundland and Labrador

    The federal government has transferred more than $16 million to Newfoundland and Labrador under the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) for the first payment of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This will help communities across the province invest in their local infrastructure priorities.

26. Developing tourism on the Bonavista Peninsula

    With its rugged coastlines, rich maritime history, vibrant cultural experiences, and unparalleled opportunities for iceberg, whale, and seabird watching, the Bonavista Peninsula is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier tourism destinations. The Government of Canada, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is investing to help communities build on the region’s tourism potential and improve experiences for residents and tourists alike.

27. Backgrounder: Developing tourism on the Bonavista Peninsula

    The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, are investing more than $3.1 million in the Bonavista Peninsula to help stimulate the local economy, upgrade equipment and infrastructure, increase tourism experiences and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

28. Government of Canada to announce support for Bonavista Peninsula tourism industry

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding seven tourism investments in the Bonavista Peninsula region. Also speaking will be Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity.

29. The Government of Canada takes action to protect aquatic species at risk in Newfoundland and Labrador

    Nature is a key part of Canada’s national identity. The health of our aquatic environment and the wildlife within it supports our culture, well-being and the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Yet some of the species that find their home in the waters, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are at risk and need help to survive. We must continue to take action to protect them.

30. Joint Statement on the Canada Community-Building Fund in Newfoundland and Labrador

    Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Dr. John Haggie, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, released a joint statement.

31. Minister MacAulay to announce investments to help provide more nutritious, local food to Canadians

    The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will announce investments to support school food infrastructure and to improve food security for Canadians of all ages.

32. Minister Ien announces $1.6 million for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in Atlantic Canada

    Today, on the second anniversary of the Action Plan, the federal government acknowledged both the progress made and work to do to support diversity, inclusion and respect for human rights. In support of that work, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.6 million for four 2SLGBTQI+ organizations based in Atlantic Canada.

33. Minister Ien to commemorate the second anniversary of the Federal 2SLGBTI+ Action Plan and announce support for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in Atlantic Canada

    The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, will announce support for 2SLGBTQI+ organizations based in Atlantic Canada in commemoration of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan's second anniversary.

34. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Mary’s Harbour

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence) and Member of Parliament for Labrador; Andy Turnbull, CEO of Nunacor; Todd Russell, NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President; and His Worship Alton Rumbolt, Mayor of Mary’s Harbour.

35. Supporting tourism in Port au Port West

    Helping rural communities seize opportunities to grow their tourism potential strengthens local economies, creates jobs and builds resilience for future generations. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing to help upgrade an important heritage building in Western Newfoundland to improve visitor experience.

36. Battle Harbour receives tourism and infrastructure boost

    Tourism is vital to the Atlantic Canadian economy, bringing people and communities together while contributing to thousands of local jobs. The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing in the Battle Harbour Historic Trust in Labrador to help grow the province’s tourism sector and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

37. Government of Canada invests in tourism development in Port au Port West

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding support for the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee Inc.

38. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Stephenville

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; His Worship Tom Rose, Mayor of the Town of Stephenville; and Cheryl Johnson, Operations Director, Bay St. George YMCA.

39. Governments support safe and reliable four-season tourism experience in western Newfoundland

    Expanding the tourism season in western Newfoundland creates more year-round opportunities to grow the economy and boost the region’s visitor potential. The Government of Canada is helping two not-for-profit organizations develop the region’s tourism product.

40. Major upgrades to electric power infrastructure are coming to the Codroy Valley

    Improvements to electrical infrastructure in rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada are necessary to meet the region’s changing needs, improve services for residents and tourists, and drive economic growth. The Government of Canada is investing to help replace outdated power infrastructure in the Codroy Valley on Newfoundland’s west coast.

41. Minister Hutchings to announce federal support for west coast trail system

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement in Robinsons, NL, regarding support for the Newfoundland T’Railway Council and Tourism Southwest Inc.

42. Government of Canada advances support for seniors in St. John’s

    Canadians deserve to age with dignity. For many seniors, staying connected and active in their community is a big part of that dignity. Every year, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funds community projects that tackle the issues facing Canadian seniors, including loneliness, elder abuse and adapting to an everchanging technological world.

43. Backgrounder – Government of Canada advances support for seniors in St. John’s

    The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to enhance seniors’ social inclusion and ensure they can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities.

44. Minister MacKinnon and MP Thompson to announce support for seniors in St. John’s

    The Minister of Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, will make an announcement about helping seniors in St. John’s be more connected and active through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

45. Minister Petitpas-Taylor to announce support for Atlantic Canadian communities to transition to a net-zero economy

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement about Atlantic Canadian communities’ leadership in the transition to a net-zero economy.

46. The Canadian Coast Guard dedicates the CCGS Barrington Bay into service

    The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in keeping Canadian waters safe and helping mariners in need of assistance.

47. Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador support rural economic development in St. Anthony

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced total investments of $379,089 from the Government of Canada for three community-based projects in St. Anthony. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology (IET), also announced a contribution of $205,472 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

48. Canadian Coast Guard to host dedication ceremony for new Search and Rescue Lifeboat

    Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador – Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will be at the Burin Search and Rescue Station for a dedication ceremony to welcome the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest Search and Rescue Lifeboat, the CCGS Barrington Bay, into service.

49. Canada invests $101 million in Newfoundland and Labrador small craft harbours and search and rescue capacity

    Small craft harbours are the heart of many coastal communities, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians.

50. Newfoundland and Labrador small craft harbours, Budget 2024

    Projects funded by Budget 2024 will be undertaken at the following harbours managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.