LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Laws

Oct 9: Newfoundland/Labrador finalized an agreement with Ottawa to simplify and accelerate regulatory review of projects subject to both federal and provincial law. The agreement provides for a “one project, one review” system of environmental regulatory assessment. Translation: Proponents of projects subject to both provincial and environmental laws will need only one approval and not have to go through duplicative environmental assessment.

New Laws

Sep 24: Newfoundland/Labrador launched a new online MyGovNL service to make it easier renew driver’s licence photos. Residents will receive a reminder 90 days before their photo is due to expire explaining how to use the new service. After signing in to their MyGovNL account, they’ll be able to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera to complete the renewal process.

New Laws

Oct 1: Newfoundland/Labrador and the federal government announced a joint investment of over $3.9 million to support upgrades to the sanitary sewer system in Nain. The project includes replacement of damaged sanitary sewer mains and manholes, installation of inflow protectors, and surface grading.

Health & Safety

Oct 19: Newfoundland/Labrador launched its free influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program for the season. Residents can book vaccination appointments through timefortheshot.ca and should check with their primary care doctor or local pharmacy on vaccine availability.
Action Point: Find out how to create a legally and clinically sound workplace Exposure Control Plan to protect your employees against seasonal respiratory viruses and other infectious illnesses.

Health & Safety

Sep 2: The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is replacing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure students and staff who see someone in cardiac arrest can take action to help. The Department estimates that more than 100 AEDs are at or nearing their operational effectiveness date and need to be replaced.
Action Point: Find out how to save lives by implementing an AEDs Program at your workplace.

Health & Safety

Sep 24: Newfoundland/Labrador revised its OHS regulations to clarify that PPE must be: i. Selected and used in accordance with “recognized standards”; ii. Properly fitted to the worker; iii. Compatible so that one item of PPE doesn’t compromise the effectiveness of the other; and iv. Kept in sanitary and good working order.
Action Point: Find out about OHS employer PPE and safety equipment payment requirements across Canada.

Health & Safety

Sep 24: Amended OHS Regulations require employers to that fit testing is performed on tight-fitting respirators to ensure that the respirator’s style and size is correct for the worker and that it forms a secure seal against the worker’s face. Employers must also ensure that workers perform a user seal check before each use.