Atlantic NationTalk

Public Accounts for 2022-23

27 September 2023

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has released consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

“This year’s financial results are reflective of a growing population and strong economic recovery,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “We will continue to take a responsible and disciplined approach in managing the province’s finances, along with being prudent with taxpayers’ money, while focusing on areas of greatest need.”

Steeves said unprecedented revenue improvements combined with strong population and income growth in recent years have contributed to a surplus of $1 billion for the 2022-23 fiscal year; this is $150 million higher than the surplus projected at third quarter.

Total revenues were $38 million higher than third-quarter projections while expenses were $112 million lower.

New Brunswick’s net debt was $12.4 billion as of March 31, a decrease of $359.2 compared to the previous year; the net debt-to-GDP ratio decreased to 26.8 per cent from 30.0 per cent. The province’s net debt now includes $422 million in estimated asset retirement costs due to the adoption of a new accounting standard.

“The annual surplus is a key measure used in evaluating performance at a point in time,” said Steeves. “It indicates that annual revenues were sufficient to cover the year’s operating costs and helps to support investments in capital infrastructure. While the surplus does not represent cash on hand, it reduces deficits accumulated in previous years when operations were financed through borrowings, provides for added financial flexibility on a go-forward basis, and informs the discussion on future tax and spending decisions.”

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by the Office of the Comptroller and comprise government departments, as well as other organizations such as NB Power, school districts, health authorities and not-for-profit nursing homes.

The statements were independently audited by the Office of the Auditor General, who provided an unmodified opinion for the fiscal year.

The 2022-23 consolidated financial statements are available online.

NT6

New Brunswick’s Pride In Education, a teacher-led queer and trans support group, earns Human Rights Award – Saltwire

St. Thomas University alumnus Sydona Chandon presented the Youth Human Rights Award

At a moment when the debate surrounding gay and trans rights has reached the boiling point, especially involving New Brunswick schools, an educator-led group was recognized for its efforts to protect the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Pride In Education, the only provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ support group comprised solely of past and current educators, received the prestigious 2023 NB Human Rights Award during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20, at Government House.

Lt. Governor Brenda L. Murphy presented co-chairs Christina Barrington and Gail Costello with the award.

The ceremony also included the Youth Human Rights Award presentation to STU alumnus Sydona Chandon for her work in multiple areas of social justice, including with international and racialized students.

PIE’s interim communications director, Richard Blaquiere, a retired Woodstock High School teacher, explained Pride in Education (PIE) was founded by a small group of educators determined to address the issues facing queer and trans youth, their families and friends in the schools and communities of New Brunswick.

Provincial Government Announces Plans for Fall Vaccination Campaign

September 26, 2023

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the Provincial Government’s fall vaccination plan for influenza and COVID-19, which will commence on Monday, October 16, 2023.

The Provincial Government is stressing the importance of residents keeping their vaccinations up-to-date, and will be providing vaccines that target the latest strains of COVID-19 and influenza. Individuals six months of age and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, if it has been six months since their last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

Those at high risk for severe disease are strongly recommended to get the vaccine when eligible, including:

Adults 65 years of age and older;
Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
Individuals who are pregnant and
Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Influenza vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. It is strongly recommended that those who are higher risk for severe influenza get the vaccine this fall, including:

Children aged six months to five years of age;
Adults 65 years of age and older;
Residents in seniors congregate living;
Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
Individuals who are pregnant; and
Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Vaccination clinics will begin Monday, October 16. Appointments can be booked online starting October 10 through regional health zone clinics by visiting the Time For the Shot website. Additionally, appointments can also be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Individuals may need to check periodically for availability at any of these vaccine sites, as appointments are continually being added as vaccine supply is received.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccine to people six months and older this fall.

It is expected that COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses will be circulating in our communities this fall and winter. To minimize the impact of these viruses this season, public health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

Both vaccines are proven safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Public Health would also like to remind all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to stay home when sick, and to practice good hygiene measures.

Quotes

“As we head into flu season, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones. We take this time to remind residents of Newfoundland and Labrador the importance of staying home when sick and keeping up to date on vaccinations.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza is a safe and effective way to reduce the spread of these infections, prevent severe disease, and protect our communities and health system. I encourage all eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get their fall vaccinations.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald,
Chief Medical Officer of Health

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NT4

‘Now, we’re at the table’: Seven New Brunswick First Nations strike historic deal on nuclear power – Saltwire

North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council pens equity deal with with Moltex Energy Canada and ARC Clean Technology for the development of small modular nuclear reactors

Seven Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick and the tribal organization that represents them are investing in two companies that want to build small nuclear reactors in the province, a controversial decision not all Indigenous leaders support.

The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and the seven First Nations whose communities hug New Brunswick’s northern and eastern shores are making financial investments in both Moltex Energy Canada and ARC Clean Technology, via separate agreements.

One will see them receiving $2 million in share value from Moltex, and the other $1 million in share value from ARC.

Indigenous leaders who gathered with company officials at the Saint John Arts Centre on Monday morning said they had struck the historic, unprecedented deal to help avert a global warming crisis and to create jobs for young First Nations people, along with renewed economic activity in their communities.

First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre to receive Canada Post Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Grant – NTV

September 27, 2023

Over $1 million in grants has been awarded this year by the Canada Post Community Foundation to 84 organizations across the country. These grants, raised through funds from our post offices and Community Foundation stamp sales, support the organizations’ efforts to improve the lives of Canadian children and youth.

Among these recipients is First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, which will be receiving the Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant of $50,000. Introduced in 2022, the grant is available to Indigenous regional or local organizations that offer children’s programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation. A cheque will be presented to the organization and spokespeople from the First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre

First Light is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services rooted in the revitalization, strengthening and celebration of Indigenous cultures and languages in the spirit of trust, respect and friendship. In 2019, First Light launched what became First Voice, an urban Indigenous coalition dedicated to advancing truth and reconciliation in St. John’s. The grant will be used to promote community participation in the coalition’s 42 Calls for Change.

CBRM mayor denies anti-Indigenous sentiment at city hall following resignations of fire chief, L’nu adviser – Saltwire

Sep 26 2023

SYDNEY, N.S. — The mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality is denying the resignations of the regional fire chief and a municipal L’nu adviser within the same year both have any connection to alleged anti-Indigenous sentiment at city hall.

Michael Seth announced last Wednesday in a social media post that he was stepping down as chief of the Cape Breton Regional Fire Services.

Though Seth would not speak directly with the Cape Breton Post on the matter, a CBC report surfaced that his decision was partly because of strained relations with some CBRM councillors — mainly stemming from a complaint he made that led to a report which found four councillors in violation of CBRM’s harassment policy.

Earlier this year, former L’nu adviser Tanya Johnson-MacVicar quit her post over allegations that she faced outburst after outburst from Mayor Amanda McDougall-Merrill over several issues, as well as an incident during a social gala fundraiser that took place in December at the Joan Harriss Pavilion.

Call for Nominations for 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards

September 26, 2023

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is inviting the public to submit nominations for the 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards.

The commission presents awards annually to acknowledge the courageous work of Nova Scotians who advance human rights in the province.

People can nominate individual Nova Scotians and groups who have demonstrated excellence in this area until November 3.

Award categories are:

Youth (up to age 20) – for work that promotes equity and inclusion, advances understanding of human rights and its importance in empowering youth to advocate for themselves, their peers and their communities
Individual (age 21 and older) – someone who demonstrates leadership and whose work has contributed to change in their community by advancing equity, inclusion, and the value in promoting and protecting human rights
Group/Organization – its collective action serves to protect dignity, advance equity, promote inclusion, and raise awareness of human rights in Nova Scotia
Dr. Burnley Allan (Rocky) Jones Award – presented to an individual of African descent whose work reflects and builds upon his legacy of championing racial equality, advancing justice and fostering socio-economic empowerment
Wel’lukwen Award – presented to an L’nu individual (youth or adult), group or organization whose work advances the rights of Mi’kmaq/Indigenous people while creating a just, equitable and inclusive society.

The 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards will be presented in Halifax on Friday, December 8, in recognition of the United Nations International Human Rights Day on December 10.

More information about the awards and the nomination form are available at: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/awards

Beginning this year, nominations for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards will be open year-round, with a public call issued in early autumn.

Quotes:

As identity politics are weaponized and disparities across equity-deserving communities intensify and divide us, it is critical that we celebrate our human rights champions and the qualities that we cherish as Nova Scotians. We must lead by example and champion those among us whose work unites us, leading the way toward a more just, inclusive and equitable society for all.
– Joseph Fraser, Director and CEO, Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

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NT6

Seven First Nations strike historic deal on nuclear power – Yahoo Sports

September 26, 2023

Seven Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick and the tribal organization that represents them are investing in two companies that want to build small nuclear reactors in the province, a controversial decision not all Indigenous leaders support.

The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and the seven First Nations whose communities hug New Brunswick’s northern and eastern shores are making financial investments in both Moltex and ARC, via separate agreements.

One will see them receiving $2 million in share value from Moltex, and the other $1 million in share value from ARC.

Indigenous leaders who gathered with company officials at the Saint John Arts Centre on Monday morning said they had struck the historic, unprecedented deal to help avert a global warming crisis and to create jobs for young First Nations people, along with renewed economic activity in their communities.

“As a wise elder once told me, for many years, we’ve watched industry pass us by,” said Terry Richardson, the chief of Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau First Nation). “We’ve watched the trucks pass by our communities hauling minerals, hauling stuff, but no benefit for First Nations. Now, we’re at the table. We’re having benefit. And it will create wealth.”

Wasisok ‘Ciw Wasisok (Children for Children) Event

September 25th, 2023

Wasisok ‘Ciw Wasisok (Children for Children) Event

NT5

Provincial Government Observing a Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 25, 2023

September 30 is being observed as a Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador to honour survivors and raise awareness about the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada, including this province.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take the time to learn about residential schools and reflect on the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous Governments and Organization are planning ceremonies and events to commemorate this day.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. The significance of wearing orange honours the children who attended residential schools and recognizes the traumatic experience of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away from her on the first day she attended a residential school.

Confederation Building will be lit in orange on the evening of September 30 to commemorate all those affected by residential schools. Flags at all provincial buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home. The Survivor’s Flag for the Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be flown on the courtesy pole at Confederation Building.

The observance of a day dedicated to honouring the survivors, families and communities who were deeply impacted by residential schools, and children and youth who did not return home, was a Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In keeping with the spirit and intent of the Call to Action, governments across the country are observing this day.

Quote
“A Day for Truth and Reconciliation places responsibility on all of us to remember and honour the survivors, families and communities of the residential school system. As they carry the burden of the painful memories, we as individuals and society must educate ourselves about this dark past and resolve to stand as one to ensure these tragedies never happen again.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Learn more
Orange Shirt Day

Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador

Federal Government Statutory Holiday

NT5

Public Accounts for 2022-23

New Brunswick’s Pride In Education, a teacher-led queer and trans support group, earns Human Rights Award – Saltwire

Provincial Government Announces Plans for Fall Vaccination Campaign

‘Now, we’re at the table’: Seven New Brunswick First Nations strike historic deal on nuclear power – Saltwire

First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre to receive Canada Post Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Grant – NTV

CBRM mayor denies anti-Indigenous sentiment at city hall following resignations of fire chief, L’nu adviser – Saltwire

Call for Nominations for 2023 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards

Seven First Nations strike historic deal on nuclear power – Yahoo Sports

Wasisok ‘Ciw Wasisok (Children for Children) Event

Provincial Government Observing a Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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