Executive Council
April 2, 2015

Premier Meets with Denominational Leaders

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, yesterday, met with leader representatives of the provincial Christian denominations. The purpose of the discussion was to seek guidance on the matter of flying a religious flag during Holy Week on the courtesy flagpole on Confederation Complex Grounds.

Current government policy states that the courtesy flagpole on Confederation Complex Grounds may be used to display the flags of international organizations or to recognize occasions or events of provincial, national or international significance, subject to established guidelines. Requests are considered on a first come, first served basis.

�I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Christian faith leaders and discuss the notion of flying a religious flag during Holy Week. I fully respect the views and values expressed by these individuals.�
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

It was agreed that government would continue to adhere to the current practices that are in place. Premier Davis committed to a review of the current courtesy flagpole policy.

Premier Davis was joined by the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement; the Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child Youth and Family Services; and leaders representing the Roman Catholic, Anglican, United, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, Salvation Army, Pentecostal, and Presbyterian faiths in Newfoundland and Labrador.

- 30 -

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, yesterday, met with leader representatives of the provincial Christian denominations. The purpose of the discussion was to seek guidance on the matter of flying a religious flag during Holy Week on the courtesy flagpole on Confederation Complex Grounds.

Media contacts:

Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3581
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3551
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca

2015 04 02                             2:45 p.m.