As announced in Budget 2021, our government is undertaking a number of measures to address the deficit and debt, and to transform and modernize government. Through this work, we look to improve and enhance the quality of service delivery to citizens while at the same time doing it in a cost effective manner, removing duplication, and striving for clear and measurable outcomes.
New Transformations and Modernization
Government will use the Health Accord NL’s work to reimagine the health system.
One Provincial Health Authority
One provincial health authority will ensure consistency and collaboration across the province. Improved decision making with streamlined processes, effective reporting structures, data management and accountability mechanisms will work to ensure better health structures and improved outcomes. This will be supported by regional and community involvement.
Air and Road Ambulance
Work will begin to modernize and integrate the air and road ambulance system with centralized medical dispatch for the province.
One Health Faculty
To ensure the efficient and effective education and training of health care professionals, one health faculty will be developed. The faculty will integrate medicine, nursing, pharmacy and others to provide cross functional knowledge and support. Funding will be specific to the outcome of this faculty to ensure the right skills and people are available in our health care system.
Community Sector
Community groups provide incredible service and supports across the province. From violence prevention, mental health, youth services, literacy, advocacy and housing organizations provide value to their communities. Government invests more than $100 million to support the community sector. This year, a new application and assessment process will be implemented for core funding. An additional $5 million is also added to the funds available.
Ongoing Transformation
Newfoundland and Labrador’s connectivity strategy has three pillars – invest, partner, optimize – with associated actions to advance connectivity to households, businesses and communities in the province by continued leveraging with industry and community partners.
Regionalization
A report by a joint working group on regionalization has been released. A thorough review and analysis of the recommendations is being undertaken with the goal of finalizing a comprehensive plan for regionalization.
Market Sounding for Joint Solutions for Ferry Services
Through outreach and collaboration with communities, businesses, unions, and social enterprises, we are exploring ideas and opportunities to improve the ferry services.
Review of Provincial Assets
We have engaged Rothschild & Co. to provide the province with an independent, strategic review of assets and consideration of potential opportunities. This is the first comprehensive review of assets in the province’s history and will inform how government might optimize assets for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This is a broad review and no decisions have been made at this point.
Changes to the Education System
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District is being integrated into the Department of Education. Our approach prioritizes investments in the classroom over administration. We have already changed the district’s governance structure, appointing a new board and a transition team that report to the Minister of Education. These groups are tasked with overseeing a transition that prioritizes the needs of students and will put our K-12 system in the best position to succeed.
Nalcor Energy Operations Moved Under Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
NL Hydro will evolve to a steady-state utility operation focused on cost reduction while providing safe, reliable electricity, and will focus on maximizing the economic potential of its energy portfolio.
Review of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information (NLCHI)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, which delivers digital health solutions and provides quality health information and data analytics, is being reviewed to ensure it is well-positioned to meet the needs of the provincial health system and pursue the tremendous opportunities of digital technology in health care.
NL 911 to Become Part of Core Government
The goal is to streamline and improve service while we modernize the system.
Accountability Framework
Focused on departments, agencies, boards, commissions, as well as the not-for-profit sector and those that receive public monies.
Balanced Budget Legislation
We are advancing balanced budget legislation to ensure this and future governments spend within their means.
Future Fund Legislation
We are advancing future fund legislation that will help ensure prosperity for future generations, help with the debt and make strategic investments to capitalize on the future economy.
