Executive Council
Health and Community Services
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
October 29, 2015

Supporting Families and Communities

Premier Announces $30 Million for Community Initiatives

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $30 million investment in four significant community initiatives. The funding was provided through amendments made by the Provincial Government to the Voisey's Bay Development Agreement, which included a $30 million commitment for community initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The $30 million will be invested in the following projects:

• $12 million for supportive housing and health supports for vulnerable populations across the province;
• $11 million for a new wellness centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• $4.5 million for a new pool in Placentia; and,
• $2.5 million in funding for a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre.

"Today's announcement is very significant for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the $30 million commitment from Vale, we are now able to move ahead on these important community initiatives. These investments will play a pivotal role in addressing the growing need for supportive housing in Newfoundland and Labrador for some of our most vulnerable people, and will enhance care for cardiac patients in the province as well. Funding will also support two new facilities for the residents of Happy Valley Goose-Bay and Placentia-both great outlets to encourage increased physical activity and involvement in recreational programming. We thank Vale for their commitment to the province and to sustaining economic and employment benefits for many years to come."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Approximately $12 million is being provided to begin a new Housing for Health grant application program. Through an annual investment of $4 million over three years, the program will play a pivotal role in addressing the need for supportive housing and health supports for vulnerable populations, such as those living with mental health and addictions. As well, an investment of $2.5 million will be provided to support the development of a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre. This operating room will provide state-of-the-art care for patients by combining traditional diagnostic functions of a cardiac catheter lab with the surgical functions of an operating room for improved and less invasive surgical care.

"Our government continues to work to enhance the health and well-being of the people of our province and this announcement today comes as a result of that commitment. This funding from Vale will make a very real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents in need of crucial housing and health supports, as well as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in need of specialized cardiac care at the Health Sciences Centre."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is proposing to a construct a wellness center in partnership with the YMCA. Phase one will include aquatics facilities, gymnasium, walking track, fitness center, and child care spaces for 60 children.

"Today's investments in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Placentia continue to demonstrate that our government recognizes what is important to residents and families in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Both projects will contribute to the sustainability of these communities and provide greater access to sports programming and healthy, physical activity for residents."
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Vale was supportive of today's announcement.

"We are pleased to be lending support for important community development initiatives both in Labrador and throughout the Island of Newfoundland, particularly those which support health related initiatives and organizations."
- Stuart Macnaughton, Vice-President of Vale's Newfoundland and Labrador Operations

The mayor of the Town of Placentia spoke at today's announcement.

"The community is excited about the significant investment being made in recreational infrastructure today. The addition of an aquatic centre to our recreation complex will be an amenity that will help us continue to build a healthy and active community. Thank you to the Provincial Government for their commitment to this project."
- Wayne Power, Mayor of the Town of Placentia

The mayor of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay was appreciative of the investment being made.

"This contribution to the Labrador wellness centre project represents the most significant recreational investment the Provincial Government has ever made in the municipality's wellness infrastructure. Today's funding announcement is the result of hard work, determination and collaboration with our community, the municipality and the Provincial and Federal Governments."
- Jamie Snook, Mayor of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

The Provincial Government is committed to responsible investments which support families and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

QUICK FACTS:

• The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $30 million investment in four significant community initiatives.
• The funding was provided through amendments made by the Provincial Government to the Voisey's Bay Development Agreement, which included a $30 million commitment for community initiatives in the province.
• The $30 million will be invested in the following projects: $12 million for supportive housing and health supports for vulnerable populations across the province; $11 million for a new wellness centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; $4.5 million for a new pool in Placentia; and $2.5 million in funding for a cardiovascular hybrid operating room at the Health Sciences Centre.

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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
Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Kevin Guest Director of Communications Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinguest@gov.nl.ca
Bob Carter Manager Corporate Affairs Vale 709-758-8895 bob.carter@vale.com	Naomi Sharpe Public Relations and Special Events Manager Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay 709-896-3254 publicrelations@happyvalley-goosebay.com
Wayne Power Mayor Town of Placentia 709-227 2151, Ext. 229 townofplacentia@placentia.ca

2015 10 29                              10:35 a.m.