• Established the new Department of Business, with Premier as Minister Responsible. reporting to the Premier. Chief Information Officer for the department announced November 2.
  
  
• Government is mid-way through its Program Renewal, with a view to strengthening and modernizing those programs and services most valued by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  
  
• A Rural Secretariat has been established to promote the well-being of rural Newfoundland and Labrador through a comprehensive approach aimed at integrating economic, social and cultural aspects of rural and regional development.
  
  
• Premier succeeded in negotiating an agreement with the federal government and the other Canadian provinces and territories entitled "A Ten-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care" at the First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) held in Ottawa in September. Over the next six years, the province will receive approximately an additional $293 million for health care.
  
  
• At the September FMM meeting, Premier Williams, with the support attained from other premiers, successfully secured a commitment from the federal government for funding for medical transportation costs of Labrador.
  
  
• Successfully partnered with ACOA to fund a pre-feasability study of a fixed link cross the Strait of Belle Isle.
  
  
• On Atlantic Accord, Premier Williams has actively pursed the federal government to allow Newfoundland and Labrador to receive 100 per cent of the provincial revenues from offshore oil and gas. Early this year, Premier Williams garnered support of other premiers for the province’s position. The Premier also secured commitments from leaders of main national political parties. Following the federal election, he successfully got the Prime Minister’s reaffirmation of his earlier commitment to the province on the Atlantic Accord. Premier Williams will continue to press the Prime Minister to meet the commitment made on June 5.
  
  
• Appointed Bill Rowe to head Newfoundland and Labrador’s new official office in Ottawa.
  
  
• Premier announced new inland fisheries enforcement program. Premier Williams also raised fisheries enforcement issues with other premiers, in an effort to bring national attention to the issue.
  
  
• Premier announced funding to extend support for two community constable positions in Makkovik for a three-month period.
  
  
• Premier took an active lead role in profiling, promoting and seeking opportunities for 5 Wing Goose Bay, including:
  
  
  • Meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence
    
    
  • Instrumental in arranging a meeting of the Concerned Citizens Coalition with the Prime Minister
    
    
  • With Department of National Defence, participated in a trip to Europe in May for ILA air show in Berlin. Met with defence officials in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
    
    
• Premier (and INTRD) worked with SmartLabrador to ensure that critical services were not interrupted when the organization had funding problems.
  
  
• Announced an extension to the end of this fiscal year of the Contribution Agreement between federal and provincial governments for the Benefit of the Inuit Communities of Labrador.

• Successfully consolidated nine of the province’s school boards to three in time for the 2004-05 school year, resulting in an overall streamlining of the education delivery system from 11 boards to five.
  
  
• Expanded distance education services to students in 2004 to include 35 high school courses offered at 95 schools with more than 1,500 student registrations. Introduced on-line tutorials for public exam courses.
  
  
• Early Childhood Education Grants totaling $195,000, were announced in May, 2004. Adult literacy funding totaling $301,000 was announced in September.
  
  
• Hired six new behaviour support specialists who will work with school districts across the province to provide support in schools where students with severe emotional-behavioural disorders have been identified.
  
  
• Provided anti-bullying resources for students in Grades 8-12.
  
  
• Piloting high school physical education courses designed to increase physical activity and the overall health of students.
  
  
• Implemented a tuition freeze for Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic students for the 2004-05 academic year.
  
  
• Launched the White Paper on Post-Secondary Education which will examine post-secondary concerns, affordability and accessibility, and identify initiatives that will enhance the employment prospects of graduates.

• Signed in June a new Canada-Wide Standard for Dioxins and Furans from Conical Waste Incinerators, making Newfoundland and Labrador the first province in Canada to officially sign the new national standard, which included the commitment to phase out teepee incinerators by 2008.
• Introduced a new disabled angler program for the province.
  
  
• Conducted public consultations on new drinking water quality standards for institutional and commercial facilities that have a private water supply.
  
  
• Conducted public consultations on proposed changes to the Pesticide Control Regulations that will strengthen the regulations and improve the proper handling and environmentally responsible use of pesticides.
  
  
• Approved a new strategic plan for Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, and appointed a new full-time Chair and CEO.
  
  
• Revised the funding criteria for the Newfoundland and Labrador Waste Management Fund resulting in a more direct focus on all regional waste management. (Spring 2004)
• Awarded a new contract for processing beverage containers in the province with significant savings from previous contract.
  
  
• Proclaimed new Air Pollution Control Regulations for the province that will help reduce air pollution and improve air quality in the province.
  
  
• Implemented a new Registry of Water Rights online and made available to the public.
  
  
• Provided $1.5 million in Budget 2004 for environmental clean-up at the former military site in St. Anthony. Awarded a contract, valued at almost $800,000, to Matrix Environmental of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for Phase I of the clean-up.
  
  
• Implemented an enhanced coyote management plan and new coyote harvest for the province, which has strengthened our management options in addressing a number of concerns related to coyotes, such as predation on livestock and our wildlife populations, particularly big game.
  
  
• Announced withdrawal of Newfoundland Envirotire Shreds from the used tire recycling program and interim responsibility for the program given to MMSB.
  
  
• Introduced major changes to the province’s big game licence quotas for the 2004-05 hunting season because of decline in big game populations.
  
  
• Released Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) from the environmental assessment (EA) process, subject to certain terms and conditions, allowing the construction and operation of the Phase III project to proceed in an environmentally acceptable manner.
  
  
• Released in August a recovery strategy for three boreal woodland caribou herds in Labrador.

• Government adopted a two-pronged approach to address serious fiscal challenges – spending control and stronger economic growth. Necessary actions have been taken to lower the deficit and to generate economic development.
  
  
• Budget 2004 provided a strategic integrated approach to restoring the fiscal health of the province.
  
  
• Introduced a $250 home heating fuel rebate for low-income individuals and families, exceeding a commitment outlined in Our Blueprint for the Future.

• Endorsed the Dunne Report as the basis for a renewed fish processing policy.
  
  
• Initiated work to update legislation and to develop a licensing board so that fish processing licensing proposals receive more balanced evaluation.
  
  
• Examining the benefits of auction systems for price setting, and established an electronic system for possible future use.
  
  
• Positive collective agreements reached between harvesters and processors on shrimp and crab fisheries, resulting in a timely fishery.
  
  
• Successfully attracted the attention of the Prime Minister on the foreign overfishing issue. The Prime Minister has responded with signals of action on the province’s call for the federal government to get tough on offending nations and seek alternatives to NAFO.
• Invested in the fishery in our rural areas, such as:
  
  
  •  $3.5 million investment to preserve the province’s control over enterprise allocations for groundfish associated with the Arnold’s Cove fish plant and to preserve hundreds of area jobs.
    
    
  • Investments in fisheries diversification projects in rural areas, such as jellyfish development, research on shrimp and sea cucumber, and technology.
    
    
• Investments in the Quality Assurance Program to help improve product value, including the recruitment of new fisheries inspection officers in rural areas.
  
  
• We have strengthened the aquaculture industry:
  
  
  • Funded a new initiative -- The Aquaculture Working Capital Loan Guarantee Initiative -- to promote the continued development of the province’s salmonid aquaculture industry by facilitating access for qualified companies to working capital to continue their development.
    
    
  • Funding extended to organizations involved with the farming of mussels, cod, trout, and salmon to evaluate and adopt technology, investigate and establish new markets, and to improve human resource capabilities.
    
    
  • Are updating environment sustainable development policies and participating in investment prospecting initiatives.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

• Government has lived up to its commitment to deliver meaningful savings to people on their auto insurance bills, and to embark on a process to review all forms of insurance to ensure insurance coverage is available at a reasonable rate:
  
  
  • In March, government froze auto insurance rates for one year while the Public Utilities Board hearings into all forms of insurance in underway.
    
    
  • Auto insurance rebates and notice of premium changes were in the mail within 10 months of government taking office, resulting in average savings of 15 per cent off consumers’ auto insurance bills.
    
    
  • The PUB review and public hearings will form the basis of the future direction of insurance in this province.
    
    
  • An updated closed claims study will provide the most recent information on the cost of automobile accident claims to the industry and be part of the Public Utilities Board review into automobile, homeowner, commercial and marine insurance.
    
    
  • Government has appointed a new consumer advocate to represent the interests of the people of the province in the insurance hearings.
    
    
• Fulfilling commitment to safety on the province’s highways, in the workplace and when it comes to the proper use of ATVs.
  
  
• Restructured the Petroleum Products Pricing Commission to bring fuel price regulation under the Public Utilities Board to improve efficiency and reduce the costs charged back to the petroleum industry and ultimately onto the consumer.
  
  
• Increased stop work orders issued to companies for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by 74 per cent. Have cracked down on the fraudulent use of Official Inspection Station Certificates and on commercial carriers violating the National Safety Code. Have given the people of the province the information they need to protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft.
  
  
• In living up to the commitment to bring greater accountability and independence to the tendering and purchasing decisions of government, announced that the Government Purchasing Agency will operate independently from government to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the public, not for political reasons.

• Awarded tender for MRI machine for Corner Brook. This second MRI for the province greatly enhances the healthcare services offered in western region and its impact will be felt provincially as it relieves some of the pressure on the MRI located in St. John’s.
  
  
• Invested an additional $8.6 million in the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Drug Program (NLPDP) to meet the growing demands on the program.
  
  
• Made a significant commitment to the health of children between the ages of six months and two years. During fall 2004, this group of children will receive free influenza vaccinations.
  
  
• Acted quickly and decisively to begin addressing the problem of abuse of OxyContin by setting up a task force. Responded quickly to implement many of the recommendations of the task force report, including implementation of tamper-resistant prescription pads.
  
  
• An investigation into the sudden deaths of Norman Reid and Darryl Power revealed a need to increase our efforts in the area of mental health. As a result, $1 million was invested into community mental health to enhance services and supports for persons living with severe mental illnesses.
  
  
• Plans are being finalized for the creation of a new Division of Aging and Seniors, and the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, and a Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors. A public announcement will be made soon.
  
  
• Unveiled a new health administrative structure, transforming 14 provincial health boards into four Regional Integrated Health Authorities (RIHAs). The new governance model implements government’s Blue Book and provincial Budget commitment to avoid unnecessary costs and create more efficient, smaller administrative structures while maintaining front-line services.

• Introduced a $90 benefit for pregnant women eligible for the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement (MBNS). The new benefit will be provided at the time of the birth of their children.
  
  
• Effective July 1, 2004 the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB) Rate was indexed to the Provincial Consumer Price index. In addition, the rate for the first child was increased. Currently, approximately 18,500 families with 29,000 children receive the NLCB.
  
  
• Invested an additional $400,000 to expand the Supported Employment Program which helps individuals with developmental disabilities find and maintain employment.
  
  
• Provided funding for Hope Haven, a new shelter and resource facility in Labrador City for women and children who are escaping domestic abuse and violence.
  
  
• Approved approximately $6.5 million in support of youth employment and career development programs.
  
  
• Created approximately 1,200 student employment positions this past summer under the Student Work and Service Program (SWASP). The department provides $1.5 million for SWASP.
  
  
• Distributed, or in the process of distributing, just over $2 million in support of youth programming through community agencies, primarily targeting youth with higher levels of need.
  
  
• Made considerable progress on improvements in the delivery of Income Support and Employment and Career Services. Changes are gradually being introduced across the province that will allow clients to access the income support program in a manner that is less-intrusive and protects their personal privacy.
  
  
• Developed regulations in support of the new Income and Employment Support Act in preparation for a November 30 proclamation.
  
  
• In early 2004 government created the Labour Relations Agency dedicated to fostering a positive labour-management climate in the province through the provision of conciliation, facilitation and mediation services. The new agency has had many successes, and has assisted with the resolution of more than 45 collective agreements in the province without a move to strikes or lockouts.

• Making impressive strides with plans to enhance economic development in this province.
  
  
• Investing a total of $1.5 million over five years to help implement an aggressive marine technology development strategy for the province.
  
  
• Provided funding support to numerous Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, organizations and associations, such as The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) International Program, Junior Achievement, AbbeyShot Clothiers, Burnt Cape Cabins, Newfoundland Firewood, provincial craft industry, Cabot Granite Fabricator Inc., Metal-Manu Works, Nordic Economic Development Corporation, The Excite Corporation, Humber Valley Net Inc., SmartLabrador and Anne’s Bakery.
  
  
• The department is helping companies become export ready, and enter new, international markets. INTRD has participated, organized and/or contributed funding towards various trade missions and trade shows.
  
  
• Provided $477,000 for four broadband projects throughout the province, complementing funding from the federal government under the Broadband and Rural and Northern Development (BRAND) initiative.
  
  
• With a recent Request for Proposals, progressing with the development of an innovation strategy that takes into account all regions of the province, that is developed in co-operation with all key stakeholders, and that will help stimulate innovation in all sectors of the economy.
  
  
• Announced new projects under the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund initiative.
  
  
• In July 2004, Premier Williams and Minister Dunderdale visited Ireland and re-established economic ties between Ireland and our province. As a result:
  
  
  • Funding to the Ireland Business Partnerships has been increased to $300,000 annually, an increase of $200,000.
    
    
  • The Memorandum of Understanding was renewed, partnerships in the ocean sciences technology sector between Irish and NL companies were developed, and a partnership with Enterprise Ireland on a technology transfer pilot project was formed.

• Eight adult custody facilities in the province became tobacco-free and fully compliant May 3, 2004 following a three-month education and transitional period.
  
  
• An external review of the Victim Services Program was released which highlighted a quality, valued resource program to victims of crime.
  
  
• A new police officers training program with Memorial University was announced to recruit, train and introduce a total of 75 new police officers to the RNC over a three-year period.
  
  
• More than $500,000 was allocated for improvements in the RCMP radio telecommunications system for the Avalon, Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas.
  
  
• Provided an additional four RCMP officers for Labrador for the priority area identified by the RCMP.
  
  
• Provided new financial support for the RNC, including approximately $625,000 for the purchase of new vehicles, $200,000 for equipment including tasers and collapsible batons as recommended by Judge Luther, and $240,000 for training opportunities.
  
  
• Joint federal/provincial announcement of $2.7 million of federal support to the province as part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy.
  
  
• Video conferencing opportunities at the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in Happy Valley Goose Bay were introduced.
  
  
• Thomas J. Johnson, Q.C. was appointed to the position of consumer advocate and will represent the province in the remaining issues arising from the Hydro General Rate Application.
  
  
• Temporary funding announced to value of $17,500 to extend support for two community constable positions in Makkovik for a three-month period
  
  
• We announced a new fee structure for Small Claims Court. The monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court increased from $3,000 to $5,000.
  
  
• Announced the establishment of a Court Advisory Board.

• Premier Williams has taken a lead role in addressing 5 Wing Goose Bay concerns, including meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, attending the Berlin air show, and meeting with the U.S. Ambassador.
  
  
• Proceeding with Expressions of Interest process on Lower Churchill development.
  
  
• The Northern Agrifoods Development Strategy was released.
  
  
• Investment of $165,000 was made in the Lake Melville Agricultural Association.
  
  
• The Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs is fulfilling Voisey’s Bay Monitor function in eastern Labrador.
  
  
• Approximately $90,000 was allocated for silviculture in Lake Melville and for Labrador West, with another $56,000 for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair silviculture.
  
  
• At the First Ministers’ Meeting in September, Premier Williams, with the support attained from other premiers, successfully secured a commitment from the federal government for funding for medical transportation costs of Labrador.
  
  
• Funding was allocated to the Health Labrador Corporation for an additional six social worker positions, in recognition of the Deloitte and Touche Operational Review. Federal funding was secured for medical transportation costs. Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be the headquarters of the new Labrador/Grenfell Health Authority.
  
  
• Investment of $24 million was made to complete Phase II and commence Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway.
  
  
• Road improvements have been announced for Lake Melville ($542,000) and Labrador West ($1.4 million), for bridge improvements in Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair ($300,000), and the province agreed to four long term contracts for road maintenance in Labrador.
  
  
• The Labrador Coastal Marine Service was reconfigured, investments were made in the maintenance and upgrades of ferry terminals in Labrador, and improvements were made to the MV Sir Robert Bond ferry (increased passenger allocation, implemented deposit system) and M/V Northen Ranger (added a cooler so that retailers can transport perishables).
  
  
• The interim Air Food Lift Subsidy Program received a $20,000 extension and a $300,000 annual grant was confirmed in the 2004-05 Budget. A shipment of fuel was made into the community of Rigolet, which also received assistance to purchase new fuel tanks and a gas pump.
• Transitional funding was provided for SmartLabrador.
  
  
• Provided an additional four RCMP officers for Labrador for the priority area identified by the RCMP.
  
  
• Government is close to ratifying, through legislation, the last outstanding Inuit Land Claim Agreement in Canada. This historic agreement will provide Labrador Inuit with the necessary tools to shape their own futures.
  
  
• Government continues to move quickly to conclude a land transfer agreement with the Miawpukek First Nation and the Government of Canada. This agreement will see the expansion of the Mi’kmaq Reserve at Conne River by approximately 11 square miles.
  
  
• Government reached a two-year agreement with the Labrador Métis Nation (LMN) outlining the participation of the LMN in forest ecosystem management planning in Labrador. Funding of $200,000 will be provided in each of the two years of the agreement to assist the LMN achieve its forest management goals and objectives.
  
  
• Premier Williams announced funding to extend support for two community constable positions in Makkovik for a three-month period.
  
  
• Announced an extension to the end of this fiscal year of the Contribution Agreement between federal and provincial governments for the Benefit of the Inuit Communities of Labrador.

• Provided $9 million for the Debt Relief Program.
  
  
• Introduced a $4.25 million Job Creation Program.
  
  
• Maintained the level of municipal capital works funding of $66 million, and rolled out capital works initiatives for districts throughout the province.
  
  
• Upon the request of residents, announced the relocation of Big Brook. The last resident moved out August 31.
  
  
• Proclaimed the Regional Service Boards Act that gives municipalities the option of working together to share common services as a means of remaining viable.
  
  
• Upon the request of the towns, announced the amalgamation of the towns of Catalina, Port Union and Melrose.
  
  
• At the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Firefighters AGM, the Minister delivered funding of $50,000 for the Learn Not to Burn program, and $30,000 for their annual operating grant. Committed to follow through on finding funding for additional trucks and training trailers.

• Secured commitments of close to $1 billion for exploration work offshore to help identify new opportunities for development.
  
  
• Government will improve and strengthen its effort to ensure Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company’s compliance with its adjacency principle.
  
  
• A five-year new agreement was reached with Hydro Quebec for the sale of the 130 MW recall power available from the Upper Churchill, providing significant improved benefits, including revenues of $230 million over the five years of the new agreement -- an increase of 64 per cent over the previous contract. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will still have full flexibility to provide electrical energy to meet demand in Labrador West and the Upper Lake Melville area.
  
  
• The government is forging ahead to explore possible development opportunities for the Lower Churchill hydroelectric resource through a soon-to-be announced call for an Expression of Interest in which any party can communicate their proposals to government.
  
  
• This government has made a commitment to retain Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro as a Crown corporation with a new mandate to support the development of the province’s energy sector.
  
  
• Government recognized the potential of the mineral industry by investing $1.6 million into the Mineral Incentive Program which assists companies and individual prospectors in their exploration efforts.
  
  
• Through government’s partnership with prospectors and exploration companies, more than $3 million will be spent in Newfoundland and Labrador this year on mineral prospecting and exploration.
  
  
• Investment of $7.3 million towards the provincial silviculture program this year.
  
  
• Investment of $3.5 million towards construction of resource roads to ensure access to timber supply.
  
  
• The growth of the agriculture industry is being assisted this year with an investment of $7.5 million through the five-year $32.5 million federal provincial agreement - the Agricultural Policy Framework Agreement.
  
  
• Government is also investing $500,000 this year in land development to ensure the continued growth.
  
  
• Government initiated an Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program this year out of concern for the state of our natural resources, particularly the Atlantic salmon (also referenced under Executive Council). This measure was in response to the federal government’s failure to carry out its responsibility for enforcement and conservation of our inland waters.

• Increased the tourism marketing budget by $1 million in Budget 2004, bringing the total tourism marketing budget to $7 million.
  
  
• Launched a new resident marketing campaign (print, radio and television) for the spring, summer and fall seasons to encourage residents to travel in the province rather than vacationing elsewhere. A winter campaign will also be undertaken.
  
  
• Continued representation to the federal government on issues of concern regarding the tourism industry, including road infrastructure and Marine Atlantic ferry rates.
  
  
• Allocated more than $2.5 million in Budget 2004 to encourage and support the continued success and growth of creative artists and cultural industries in the province.
  
  
• Government remains strongly committed to the recognition and promotion of culture and heritage in the province and to opening The Rooms next summer.
  
  
• Successfully co-ordinated the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Marystown. More than 1,400 athletes, coaches and managers participated in the week long event, representing all regions of the province.
  
  
• Government continues to support athletes through its Athlete Assistance Program, providing almost $50,000 in financial support for 67 athletes in 27 sports, an increase of 20 per cent over last year.
  
  
• A new sport bilateral agreement with Sport Canada will provide additional opportunities for youth to participate in organized sport. The three-year, $1.126 million program, will specifically support athlete travel and the hosting of regional games in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  
  
• Strongly supports the province’s film industry, including a $500,000 investment toward the production of the 13-episode TV series Life with Derek.

• Budget 2004 allocated $30 million to the Provincial Roads Improvement Program – a $7 million increase over the previous year.
  
  
• Awarded nearly 40 contracts for road work in 39 electoral districts under the Provincial Roads Program.
  
  
• Awarded three contracts valued at more than $35 million for the Trans Labrador Highway in September.
  
  
• Reconfigured the Labrador Marine Service in April to bring more stability to the service.
  
  
• In recognition of the unique challenges facing our residents on the north coast of Labrador, added a cooler to the MV Northern Ranger in July, to improve the overall level of service and provide ample capacity for carrying fresh produce and milk to local businesses.
  
  
• Government is developing an infrastructure strategy to guide investment in a manner that promotes growth.
  
  
• Government is developing a multi-year roads program to ensure that resources are allocated based on a hierarchy of need.

• Undertook several initiatives related to violence prevention. For example:
  
  
  • Released a date rape drug brochure produced in partnership with Health and Community Services and students from Memorial University’s School of Social Work and updated the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) website.
    
    
  • Hired a support person from the Opening Doors program and posted two positions to support training and community work related to Violence Prevention Initiative.
    
    
  • Participated on a national committee that developed an action plan to reduce violence against women.
    
    
• The WPO also sat on a national committee and prepared an action plan on reducing violence against Aboriginal women which was presented to the FPT meeting of Minister’s Responsible for the Status of Women.
  
  
• Worked to finalize a women’s employment plan with Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company, and will deliver a gender training program for VBNC managers and human resource staff.
  
  
• Worked with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to develop and implement a women’s employment plan for new recruits.
  
  
• Working with Husky Oil and its contractors to monitor progress in achieving targets and goals set out in their Women’s Employment Plan.
  
  
• Increased funding to the eight Women’s Centres in the province by $5,000 each.
  
  
• Provided an additional $40,000 to the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

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