This section outlines the actions our Government will take to improve outcomes.

• Advance and Finalize Land Claims and Self-Government Agreements

  On-going

  Our Government is intent on continuing to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to create the conditions for continued success. To this end, in 2017-18, our Government will continue to work with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and the Federal Government towards advancing and finalizing self-government agreements and towards advancing and finalizing land claims in the province.

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• Continue to Improve Mental Health and Addictions Services

  On-going

  Our government is committed to implementing all 54 recommendations of the All Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions. Responsive and timely service, quality care, the breakdown of stigmas, and better health outcomes permeate our short, medium and long-term goals. Together, these actions will transform our mental health and addictions system into one that starts with the needs of the person and works towards recovery for individuals and their families. Our government’s approach is based on a stepped-care service delivery model that provides a continuum of services as alternatives to hospitalization.

  In 2018, our government will release a Year One Progress Report and better enable Regional Health Authorities and community agencies to deliver critical services through increased provincial funding and $73 million over 10 years leveraged from the federal government under the new Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Health Funding bilateral agreement. Our government is committed to increasing spending on mental health and addictions to nine per cent of total annual health care spending, up from a starting point of 5.7 per cent, by 2022.

  In 2018-19, our government’s investments in mental health and addictions services will provide community agencies with funding to expand peer support services and harm reduction initiatives, including the availability of more Naloxone take-home kits and needle exchange kits. Our government will double the capacity of the Strongest Families program to 500 families while expanding the Therapist Assisted Online program – launched here before anywhere else in Canada – from 15 to 30 clinics throughout the province.

  In the coming year, our government will improve wait times by expanding walk-in clinics and after-hours services. Addictions services will be enhanced with increased access to Suboxone and other addiction treatment services.

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• Create Better Health Outcomes through Innovation

  On-going

  Nowhere is the need for better outcomes more important than in the health care sector. Health care makes up approximately 40 per cent of the provincial budget and it is our greatest area of expenditure; yet, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the poorest health outcomes in the country. Our government is committed to stabilizing spending on health care – which has seen a 130 per cent increase since 2001 and is the highest in the country on a per capita basis – through the adoption of better management practices and a focus on sustainability, value and prevention.

  We have set a number of targets aimed at improving health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and at bringing indicators more in line with Canadian averages by 2025. These targets are to:

  • Increase the breastfeeding initiation rate by seven per cent;
  • Reduce the obesity rate by five per cent;
  • Reduce the smoking rate by four per cent;
  • Increase the physical activity rate by seven per cent; and
  • Increase the rate of vegetable and fruit consumption by five per cent. Building on the momentum of recent investments in e-health infrastructure in this province, in 2018-19 our government will launch a Health Innovation Action Plan. This action plan will mobilize key stakeholders across the health and community services system and the life sciences sector, including government, industry and academia, to improve partnerships and to strengthen innovation. By encouraging the adoption of new processes and improved technologies, the Health Innovation Action Plan will help lower costs, improve services, and provide better care for residents while helping to stimulate investment and employment opportunities in the life sciences sector.
  • Our government has adopted the Triple Aim framework for health care: better care, better health and better value. Implementing this framework will require the integration of technology to lower costs and improve services, patient experience and – most importantly – health outcomes.

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• Create Communities that Support Healthy Living

  Completed

  In 2017-18, our Government will support municipalities to implement policies and practices that support health outcomes in municipal plans and to implement policies and/or practices to support healthy eating and breastfeeding.

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• Develop a Model for the Design of Student Services

  Progress

  Our government is committed to better engaging students in their learning and improving learning outcomes. This commitment is a key component of our response to the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes. It requires a model for delivering services to students that better allows for small-group instruction, keeps students in school for the full day, and integrates the needs of students with special needs or exceptionalities.

  In 2018-19, our government, in partnership with school districts and early childhood educators, will draft, pilot and begin evaluating a new policy and procedures guide for student services, as well as related professional learning. We will also purchase a new Special Education Case Management System to assist in the delivery of student services by providing accurate student information to guide programming.

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• Engage Schools to Create Settings that Support Healthy Living and Learning

  Completed

  Our Government will provide funding for up to 100 interested schools to action initiatives identified through use of the Healthy School Planner tool, which helps schools create healthier learning environments. The Planner enables schools to assess their current school environment from a health and wellness perspective along with an opportunity to explore specific topics including healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco use and positive mental health and develop a plan to address any identified gaps.

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• Enhance Healthy Living for Seniors

  On-going

  Our government has made a commitment to support seniors to lead healthy, productive lives by remaining in their own homes and communities, and avoiding unnecessary entry into acute care or long-term care. Adopting a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential areas of concern for seniors living at home will support seniors to remain at home longer.

  In 2018-19, we will adopt guidelines for delivering a Healthy Living Assessments for Seniors program. We will pilot Healthy Living Assessments for Seniors using a single demonstration site and evaluate the program to inform further rollout.

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• Enhance Support for Persons Living with Dementia

  On-going

  Dementia is a condition that significantly affects a person’s memory, cognition and behaviour, and limits a person’s ability to complete essential activities of daily living. As the disease progresses, it can be very challenging for caregivers to cope. Our government will implement a Dementia Care Action Plan that improves access to information, as well as to supports and services that aim to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

  Our government will improve client care by enhancing access to community-based dementia care and support, thereby reducing emergency department visits, hospitalizations and premature long-term care placement. To do this, we will enhance the capacity of the 811 HealthLine to provide professional advice and system navigation services by September 2018, and increase access to specialized adult day programs by March 2019. We will also support 100 individuals living with moderate or late-stage dementia to receive care and support at home from a physician or nurse practitioner through remote client-monitoring technology.

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• Expand Primary Health Care Delivery

  On-going

  As we deliver health care services more efficiently through innovative and technology-based approaches, it is essential that the quality and availability of health care services not deteriorate. Having a service delivery model that ensures maximum impact per dollar spent is critical. With this in mind, in 2018-19 our government will expand its efforts to improve population health through a primary health care-based approach that:

  • Increases collaboration among health care providers;
  • Enables better access to community-based services;
  • Results in fewer costly hospitalizations, surgeries and emergency department visits; and
  • Leads to better service delivery and access for under-served individuals or those living with complex needs, which is critical given the prevalence of chronic illnesses in our population and the growing demand for mental health and addictions services. Our approach to primary health care will also include the establishment of programs for community paramedicine and family practice nursing.

  A key component of the increased focus of primary health care services is expanding the number of inter-disciplinary primary health care teams throughout the province. In 2018, our government will expand this work to nine sites: Corner Brook, Stephenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Connaigre Peninsula, Burin Peninsula, Bell Island, Northeast Avalon, and the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area (including North West River and Sheshatshiu). By early 2019, our government will identify five additional sites.

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• Expand Primary Health Care Teams

  Completed

  In 2017, our Government will expand the number of primary health care teams throughout the province to provide timely access to primary health care supports for individuals to help them achieve optimal health and well-being. We will work with communities and health care providers to expand inter-disciplinary teams to ensure more individuals can access an appropriate primary health care provider within their region and close to their communities. Our Government will establish these health care teams in Corner Brook and on the Burin Peninsula and identify additional sites across the province. We will work with other communities and the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) to identify additional opportunities to expand the use of primary health care teams throughout the province.

  In 2017, our Government will work with RHAs and communities to identify sites for inter-disciplinary health care teams to be implemented, using an evidence-based approach. Also in 2017, our Government, as part of the Family Practice Renewal Program, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, will introduce new fee codes and supports to enable increased coordination and collaboration between family physicians and other health care providers.

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• Find Homes for Children in Care

  On-going

  The social, physical and emotional development of children is best assured within the framework of a safe and supportive family environment and, as such, children in care who are placed in adoption will experience better outcomes. To increase the number of children in care who are placed for adoption, in 2018 our government will begin piloting a project that will increase the number of dedicated caseworkers assigned to adoptions.

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• Implement a Centralized Ambulance Dispatch Centre

  On-going

  The creation of a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre was recommended in a 2013 review of the Provincial Ambulance Program as the critical first step towards an integrated emergency response system. Implementation of Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre will enable the program to respond to changing demand and reallocate resources in a timely and efficient manner based on need. Implementation of a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre also allows for collection of data necessary for the future design of a revised Emergency Management Services (EMS) system.

  In 2017-18, our Government will define the requirements for a Centralized Medical Dispatch Centre for the Provincial Ambulance Program, after which time the Centre will be established.

  Implement Healthy Living Initiatives to Achieve a Healthier Tomorrow

  Our Government will focus on policies, practices and creating environments that are supportive of health and well-being where people live, learn, work, play, commute and access health services.

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• Implement Child Health Risk Assessments for School-Aged Children

  On-going

  Our Government will begin implementation of a health risk assessment tool for school-aged children, beginning in kindergarten, to monitor healthy child development. We will immediately begin comprehensive research to inform the development of a child health risk assessment tool. The assessment tool will complement the Healthy School Planner as healthy living plans are developed for school-aged children. By September 2019, our Government will have implemented a health assessment tool to measure health and well-being for school aged children.

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• Implement Responsive Justice and Public Safety Measures

  Significant Progress

  Our Government, in partnership with community stakeholders, will implement justice and public safety measures that are responsive to the public’s needs, including establishing a Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program and piloting a Drug Treatment Court.  The Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program will provide victims of sexual assault with free and independent legal advice to improve a victim’s understanding of the court process and allow for better preparation and access to justice. Drug Treatment Courts exist to address the underlying causes of certain non-violent, drug-motivated crimes and to reduce the number of crimes committed to support drug addictions. Our government has completed a feasibility study for the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court. Following on the recommendations of that study, in 2018-19 our government will pilot a new Drug Treatment Court in St. John’s. As this is a pilot project, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the Drug Treatment Court and the feasibility of expanding it to other areas of the province.

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• Improve Child Care Quality and Access

  Progress

  Access to quality and affordable child care is a pressing issue for many families in this province. Quality early learning and child care sets the stage for life-long learning, provides children with a solid foundation for acquiring skills, and supports more holistic mental, emotional and physical growth. Further, parents who can access affordable and quality child care services are better able to avail of employment, training and educational opportunities.

  Our government will increase access to more affordable child care by adding 180 licensed child care spaces to the Operating Grant Program in 2018-19. We will also introduce two programs that support quality child care. The Quality Improvement Program will allow any regulated child care centre to consult with a dedicated child care quality consultant. Based on these consultations, the Quality Enhancement Grant Program will help child care centres participating in the Operating Grant Program address the cost of improving services.

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• Improve Health Outcomes for Those in Rural and Remote Areas

  On-going

  Providing services to an aging population in small, rural – and sometimes remote – communities increases costs and affects health outcomes. To improve outcomes, in 2018-19 our government will expand the use of the Health at Home program, which uses remote patient monitoring technology, to 1,200 more people. For the first time, this program will be offered across the province. Health at Home reduces the need for travel by allowing patients and their families to remain in their homes to check, record and transmit their personal health indicators such as blood pressure, oxygen or blood sugar levels. This can reduce visits to health care facilities and the need for costly acute care services.

  In 2018-19, our government will also improve the delivery of health care services by collaborating with the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information to develop e-ordering processes for diagnostic imaging procedures. We will work to expand telehealth services into new settings, such as the homes of patients and long-term care facilities. This means patients will be able to see health care providers from the comfort of their own homes, when appropriate.

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• Improve Math and Reading Skills among K-12 Students

  Progress

  Math and reading skills are the cornerstones for all other types of learning. To support our government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, we will improve student achievement outcomes in reading and math through a number of initiatives by 2020-21. In 2018-19, our government will provide supports and allocations in the K-12 system for:

  • Reading Specialists, Learning Resource Teachers and Teaching and Learning Assistants;
  • Professional learning for teachers;
  • Learning resources and school libraries; and
  • Bursaries for K-6 teachers to upgrade their knowledge of math pedagogy.

  These investments in math and reading also support our government’s commitment to prepare students for emerging skills requirements, as evidenced by the announcement in April 2018 that we are increasing the exposure of K-12 students to coding and other experiences with technology.

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• Improve Snowmobile Safety in Labrador

  Completed

  Snowmobile travel is an important and necessary mode of transportation for communities in Labrador. However, not all isolated communities benefit from the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy. In order to provide residents of Nain and Natuashish with safe access to the nearest service centres during the long winter months, our government will expand the Grooming Subsidy program to these communities. To enhance the safety of the traveling public, we will construct safety shelters, place reflective trail markings and provide annual ice-checking services.

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• Improve the Use of Technology in the Delivery of Quality Health Care

  Completed

  Our Government will implement and utilize multiple technologies to improve and maintain the quality of health services by enabling access to health information for providers, clients and managers of health services.

  In 2017-18, our Government will link all pharmacies in the province to the Pharmacy Network and all laboratory data will be linked to the Electronic Health Record. Also in 2017-18, we will offer enrollment to a minimum of 300 fee-for-service physicians in e-DOCSNL (the province’s electronic medical record system).

  In keeping with our commitment to increase Government’s digital presence, in 2018, we will develop an online health services portal which will include a health services directory for community based services. Also, in 2017-18, we will develop a Chronic Disease Registry which will inform community based program and services planning.

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• Increase Awareness and Engage Individuals to Take Action for Healthy Living

  Completed

  To support healthy living, in 2017-18, our Government will encourage increased use of Carrot Rewards (a free mobile app that rewards individuals for living healthier lives) with the goal of reaching 10,000 users. We will also encourage parents and children to make physical activity a priority in daily life in Newfoundland and Labrador, and ensure the expansion of the recently launched Eastern Health Veggie and Fruit Campaign to reach parents and families of young children throughout the province.

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• Increase Awareness of Indigenous Cultures within the Justice Sector

  Completed

  In 2018-19, our government will ensure targeted justice-sector workers receive cultural sensitivity training to ensure a better understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions, challenge common misconceptions about Indigenous people, and improve the interactions and experiences of Indigenous people with the justice system.

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• Leverage Federal Funding to Implement Climate Change Actions

  On-going

  Our government is committed to making progress in addressing climate change. We will release a new Climate Change Action Plan in 2018 and conclude a bilateral agreement with the federal government that will provide for up to $89.4 million in combined provincial investments and federal funding through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund over the next four fiscal years.

  Through strategic investments, our government will collaborate with the federal government, communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, non-profit organizations and the private sector to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time creating jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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• Make it Easier to Purchase a Home

  Implemented

  Buying a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. Homes are more than shelter – they provide secure spaces for individuals and families to focus on their futures. To help Newfoundland and Labrador build a stronger economic outlook, our government will make it easier to buy a home. Through the new Home Purchase Program, we will provide grants of $3,000 toward the down payment of a newly constructed or never-before-purchased home valued up to $400,000 (including HST) to the first 330 homebuyers who qualify.

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• Maximize Federal Support

  On-going

  Our Government will leverage federal programs and policies to ensure that the related funding is applicable and suitable to Newfoundland and Labrador. We will complete a review of federal program, policy and funding initiatives currently in place and potentially available to the province by June 30, 2017. In the longer-term, our Government will aim to increase the level of federal funding to the province and the number of federal-provincial programs and initiatives in which Newfoundland and Labrador is participating.

  In 2018-19, our government will continue to build intergovernmental partnerships that create opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize provincial benefit from federal programs and other funding sources.

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• Meet with Indigenous Leaders

  Completed

  Our Government is committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure programs and services reflect their needs. Our Government wants Indigenous leaders to know there are real opportunities to work together to make positive change, and through the annual Leaders Roundtable with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, we will shape an agenda together, as stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples is part of building for our future. Each year, the Premier will invite leaders of Indigenous Governments and Organizations, including Native Friendship Centres and Indigenous Women’s Organizations, to meet and establish priority actions. We will invite Indigenous leaders to participate in the first meeting by June 30, 2017.

  In 2017, our government convened the province’s first Indigenous Leaders Roundtable to discuss and advance goals shared with Indigenous communities. The National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, mental health and addictions, and the repatriation of Beothuk remains from Scotland were among the issues discussed.

  In 2018, our government will convene the second Indigenous Leaders Roundtable to identify and initiate new areas of collaboration.

   

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• Modernize College of the North Atlantic

  On-going

  College of the North Atlantic’s network of campuses throughout the province holds significant potential for enhanced roles as centres for entrepreneurship, innovation, research and development, community access and capacity building. Our Government will enhance the College’s ability to serve as local and regional economic generators and community hubs. Details of a review of College of the North Atlantic will be announced in the coming weeks. College of the North Atlantic will continue to identify further areas for review, including distance education, with the goal of enhancing and maximizing its use in program delivery.

  Further, to support collaborative economic development activities and reduce silos, our Government, in collaboration with College of the North Atlantic, will co-locate some economic development practitioners from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation to select campuses in 2017-18. In addition to improving our Government’s ability to identify connections between business clients and the College’s applied research and industry capabilities, this co-location will provide positive impacts for implementation of Regional Innovation Systems pilot projects and entrepreneurial supports for College faculty and staff. Co-location also has the benefit of supporting other Way Forward initiatives, such as supports for entrepreneurship.

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• Personalize the Health Care System

  On-going

  Our government, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information, will enhance digital health in partnership with Canada Health Infoway and the Maritime Provinces. For example, we will improve health outcomes by providing individuals with direct access to their personal health information and digital health services, including services focused on mental health and addictions.

  In 2018-19, our government will also commence the development of a Health Services Locator that empowers individuals and their families everywhere in the province to more quickly find the primary health care, mental health care, community supports and hospital services they need through a searchable online platform, mobile devices and the existing 811 HealthLine.

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• Proceed with the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes

  Our Government, through work to be completed by the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes, will focus on better engaging students in learning and improving student outcomes. The Task Force will provide a picture of our strengths and areas to improve. The Task Force will review priority areas that include early learning, mathematics, reading/literacy, inclusive education, student mental health and wellness, multicultural education, Indigenous education, cooperative education, and teacher education and professional development.

  The Premier’s Task Force recently completed provincial public consultations to gather input on the priority areas identified in their mandate. Their analysis and the work on recommendations to be delivered to Government is ongoing and is expected in late spring 2017. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development will work through the various recommendations once received to develop a comprehensive Education Action Plan to better engage children and youth in learning and to foster development of skills and competencies. The implementation of recommendations will commence in the 2018 school year.

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• Provide Better Services to Persons Living With and Treating Autism

  Completed

  Individuals living with autism, as well as their families and caregivers, face unique challenges in accessing autism-related services, due in part to the fact that these services are delivered by a number of different government departments. In 2018, our government will develop and implement a new whole-of-government approach to treating autism that ensures more integrated autism-related services for children and adults.

  We will also explore clinical assessment models that support better allocation of resources for individuals living with developmental disabilities, including autism, and more informed decision making regarding eligibility for services and supports. This work will culminate with the release of a comprehensive Autism Action Plan in fall 2018.

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• Pursue Greater Collaboration with Quebec

  On-going

  Quebec is the only jurisdiction with which Newfoundland and Labrador shares a land border. It therefore makes sense that we work together to develop resources that straddle our border and to support the movement of residents, goods and services between provinces. Our governments have entered into an agreement on the development of mining in the Labrador Trough and the improvement and extension of road infrastructure. This partnership will foster the growth of economic opportunities for businesses and communities that benefit both provinces.

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• Replace the Waterford Hospital

  On-going

  A key step in transforming the province’s mental health and addictions system is ensuring people are closer to the services they need. As an outdated psychiatric facility located in St. John’s and built for acute and long-term care, the Waterford Hospital has outlived its usefulness and only provides care to between two and three per cent of those who need mental health services. Our government will replace the Waterford Hospital with a new, smaller mental health and addictions facility that is supported by a network of small residential facilities and community-based services located where people need them – closer to home. Through this approach, we will reduce the number and duration of hospitalizations and improve patients’ quality of care and quality of life through a range of community-based programs focused on peer support, evidence-based case management, housing and home support, awareness and prevention.

  In 2018-19, our government will proceed with the procurement of a new facility to replace the Waterford Hospital, issue a Request for Proposals to assess need related to community-based stabilization services such as community crisis beds, and introduce additional mobile crisis response units in Central and Western regions, as well as additional walk-in clinics under all Regional Health Authorities.

  Our government’s approach to improving mental health and addictions outcomes will add new dedicated mental health acute care beds and community crisis beds in Labrador and provide responses specific to the needs of Indigenous people.

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• Respond to Recommendations from the All Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions

  Completed

  On the release and review of the recommendations of the All Party Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, our Government will transform the way mental health and addictions services are delivered. This will involve enhancing access to community-based services and improving access to acute care services, when and where they are required across the province. We are preparing to respond to the recommendations of the All Party Committee to address gaps in our system, strengthen existing programs and services, and break down the barriers of stigma and timely access. By June 30, 2017, our Government will present a multi-year plan to support implementation of the All Party Committee’s recommendations.

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• Review the 2005 Atlantic Accord Arrangement

  Completed

  Our government will review the 2005 Atlantic Accord arrangement with the Government of Canada, as per its terms. This review will consider the extent to which Newfoundland and Labrador has been the principal beneficiary of its offshore resources, and whether the province has realized lasting fiscal and economic gains from its offshore petroleum resource revenues. The review will also consider the fiscal disparities between our province and others. This is timely in light of the fiscal challenges facing our province, and our misnomer as a have province under the current Equalization framework. In 2018-19, our government will engage the Government of Canada in this review.

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• Streamline the Financial Assessment Process for Community Support Services and Residential Long-Term Care Services

  Significant Progress

  Our Government will streamline the financial assessment process for community support services and residential long-term care services to make the application and eligibility process more transparent and client-friendly. Currently the processes are resource intensive with multiple assessment tools to determine the amount, if any, a client must contribute towards the cost of these services. The processes are also burdensome, invasive and often not easily understood by the client. As such, our Government will implement streamlined processes, incorporating a single, income-based, financial assessment tool which will improve Regional Health Authority efficiencies and make the application and financial assessment processes easier for clients. By March 31, 2018, our Government will have streamlined administrative processes for financial assessment.

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• Support Disengaged and At-Risk Youth

  Progress

  Youth who do not finish school will have more difficulty finding employment, especially as the economy becomes more global, knowledge-based and skills-intensive. The high school drop-out rate in Newfoundland and Labrador was 5.7 per cent (987 students) in 2015-16. Our government is committed to reducing this number by 10 per cent, or approximately 100 fewer drop-outs, by 2020. We have created an advisory committee that includes external partners such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association, Choices for Youth and Thrive to advise on drop-out reduction. In 2018, this committee will develop strategies to keep students in school, provide alternative opportunities for those who leave school before graduating, and support those who return to school.

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• Support Injured Workers, Including Those Affected by Work-Related Mental Stress

  Completed

  Our government is committed to maintaining a sustainable workplace injury system for both workers and employers. To that end, we are implementing a new five-year injury prevention plan, Advancing a Strong Safety Culture in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we have increased the income replacement rate for injured workers from 80 to 85 per cent. Our government worked collaboratively with WorkplaceNL to modernize policies for mental stress coverage recognizing that workplace-based mental stress may be caused by exposure to multiple traumatic events that are an inherent part of certain occupations, such as when first responders witness fatalities. Workers diagnosed with a specific mental stress issue will now be assessed to determine if they qualify for benefits under the workers’ compensation system. Our government also approved legislative changes to recognize that firefighters would be covered if exposed to cancer-causing agents. Now, firefighters have access to presumptive cancer coverage.

  In 2018-19, WorkplaceNL will continue its review of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder coverage with a view to providing options regarding our workplace injury system and supports for those affected by work-related mental stress.

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• Take a Health-in-All-Policies Approach

  On-going

  The attainment of good health is impacted by many factors including income level, education and the built environment. Our Government will build health impact considerations into all policy decisions, from infrastructure planning to labour market supports. This Health-in-All Policies approach will enable our Government to make all decisions in a manner that strengthens focus on measurable improvements in our health status. This will help prevent illness and create the healthy environments needed to support and promote not only healthy people, but also a healthy economy with improved outcomes in such areas as education, employment and crime prevention. Over the longer term, this approach will assist in reducing health care costs. This approach has also been successful in improving health outcomes in other jurisdictions.

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