The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs has expressed her approval with the decision to relocate the air ambulance.
The provincial government has made the decision to move the service from St. Anthony to Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Patty Pottle is the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
She says the government is absolutely right in their decision to move the air ambulance.
An independent study has shown that the move makes more sense logistically.
Pottle says the move will provide much better access to health care for residents of Northern Labrador.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Fire Scare at the Piguttuk Family Resource Centre
Staff of the Piguttuk Family Resource Centre had quite a scare this morning.
Tabea Solomon is the bookkeeper for the Centre.
She says she noticed water flowing into a basement hatch located on the side of the building.
When she went to inspect the situation, Solomon smelled smoke coming from the basement.
After a few quick calls, a number of residents rushed to the scene.
About 25 people quickly moved the contents of the building outside.
While this was happening, the volunteer fire brigade arrived on the scene.
George Lyall is the deputy fire chief with the brigade.
He says that he inspected the situation and gave the ok to start moving the contents of the building back into the center.
He believes the fire was started when the water came into contact with one of the electrical appliances in the basement.
Lyall says the fire caused very little damage to the center.
But the flooding of the basement caused quite a bit of damage.
He says there was about a foot of water in the basement.
Rose Brown is the Coordinator for the center.
She says that the important items from the building have been saved.
Brown says they are currently without power and heat in the center.
Town workers are heading to the center today to pump the water from the basement.
There are also people constructing a trench to direct the water away from the building.
Brown says that until power is restored, programming will be cancelled for the center.
The staff also has to do an inventory on all the center’s items.
She says she’s extremely grateful for the quick response of community members.
And that it was a great show of community spirit.
Tabea Solomon is the bookkeeper for the Centre.
She says she noticed water flowing into a basement hatch located on the side of the building.
When she went to inspect the situation, Solomon smelled smoke coming from the basement.
After a few quick calls, a number of residents rushed to the scene.
About 25 people quickly moved the contents of the building outside.
While this was happening, the volunteer fire brigade arrived on the scene.
George Lyall is the deputy fire chief with the brigade.
He says that he inspected the situation and gave the ok to start moving the contents of the building back into the center.
He believes the fire was started when the water came into contact with one of the electrical appliances in the basement.
Lyall says the fire caused very little damage to the center.
But the flooding of the basement caused quite a bit of damage.
He says there was about a foot of water in the basement.
Rose Brown is the Coordinator for the center.
She says that the important items from the building have been saved.
Brown says they are currently without power and heat in the center.
Town workers are heading to the center today to pump the water from the basement.
There are also people constructing a trench to direct the water away from the building.
Brown says that until power is restored, programming will be cancelled for the center.
The staff also has to do an inventory on all the center’s items.
She says she’s extremely grateful for the quick response of community members.
And that it was a great show of community spirit.
LIDC General Manager Resigns
The LIDC is now without a General Manager.
Henry Lyall is the office manager for LIDC in Nain.
He says Brian Vincent handed in his resignation this month.
It became effective April 27.
Vincent is the third person to resign from the position since 2005.
Lyall says a decision will be made by the LIDC’s board of trustees as to what to do about the position.
Henry Lyall is the office manager for LIDC in Nain.
He says Brian Vincent handed in his resignation this month.
It became effective April 27.
Vincent is the third person to resign from the position since 2005.
Lyall says a decision will be made by the LIDC’s board of trustees as to what to do about the position.
Grants for Seniors
A new funding program to help seniors has been started.
The new Senior’s Community Recreation Grant Program came from the Provincial Government.
The funds for the program will be used to purchase fitness and walking equipment for elderly in their communities.
The community of Postville has recently received $3,000 under this program.
Patty Pottle, MHA for Torngat Mountains District is pleased that the recreation committee applied for the funding.
She hopes that other communities will also apply for funding for their seniors.
More than 100 province-wide grants have been provided through the program.
The grants have totaled three hundred and eighty seven thousand, two hundred dollars.
The new Senior’s Community Recreation Grant Program came from the Provincial Government.
The funds for the program will be used to purchase fitness and walking equipment for elderly in their communities.
The community of Postville has recently received $3,000 under this program.
Patty Pottle, MHA for Torngat Mountains District is pleased that the recreation committee applied for the funding.
She hopes that other communities will also apply for funding for their seniors.
More than 100 province-wide grants have been provided through the program.
The grants have totaled three hundred and eighty seven thousand, two hundred dollars.
2010-U-Rock Volunteer Award
Last Saturday evening in St. John’s, a special award was handed out to a young Nunatsiavut beneficiary.
Andrea Andersen of Makkovik was given the URock Volunteer Award.
Donna Stokes is the Executive Assistant for Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Patty Pottle.
Stokes says Andersen’s mother and Minister Pottle were there to for the special occasion.
The award recognizes important roles young people play in making their communities healthier and happier.
It is made possible by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Stokes congratulates Andersen and encourages everyone to support and reward young people.
For further details, you can visit the website, www.urockvolunteerawards.ca
Andrea Andersen of Makkovik was given the URock Volunteer Award.
Donna Stokes is the Executive Assistant for Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Patty Pottle.
Stokes says Andersen’s mother and Minister Pottle were there to for the special occasion.
The award recognizes important roles young people play in making their communities healthier and happier.
It is made possible by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Stokes congratulates Andersen and encourages everyone to support and reward young people.
For further details, you can visit the website, www.urockvolunteerawards.ca
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Projects offered through the Sivunivut Inuit Community Corporation Incorporated
Sivunivut Inuit Community Corporation Incorporated in North West River has quite a few programs on the go.
Ed Tuttauk is the Chairperson.
He says some of the programs include teaching musical instruments such as the fiddle and accordion.
Tuttauk says Sivunivut will also be involved in conducting research projects involving climate change in their community.
Ed Tuttauk is the Chairperson.
He says some of the programs include teaching musical instruments such as the fiddle and accordion.
Tuttauk says Sivunivut will also be involved in conducting research projects involving climate change in their community.
Aurora Energy Resources Inc. To Partake In 17th Annual Youth Symposium
Aurora Energy will be participating in the 17th Annual Youth Symposium in Nain.
The symposium is scheduled for May 3rd to 8th.
Andrea Marshall is the Media Relations Contact for Aurora.
She says 3 Aurora Energy representatives will attend the symposium.
They are: Waylon Williams the Manager of Community Relations in Goose Bay.
Zena Sheppard the Community Relations Officer in Postville.
And Kelley Power is the Communications Advisor in St. John’s.
Marshall says Power will be there to answer any questions.
Williams will provide an overview of the Michelin project
As well as talk about Aurora and its community work.
Sheppard will represent their booth.
And chat with youth about potential job opportunities with Aurora.
The symposium is scheduled for May 3rd to 8th.
Andrea Marshall is the Media Relations Contact for Aurora.
She says 3 Aurora Energy representatives will attend the symposium.
They are: Waylon Williams the Manager of Community Relations in Goose Bay.
Zena Sheppard the Community Relations Officer in Postville.
And Kelley Power is the Communications Advisor in St. John’s.
Marshall says Power will be there to answer any questions.
Williams will provide an overview of the Michelin project
As well as talk about Aurora and its community work.
Sheppard will represent their booth.
And chat with youth about potential job opportunities with Aurora.
Martin Martin Group Home Expands Its Staffing
Last week, the Martin Martin Group Home in Nain just expanded its work force.
Margie Fox is the Group Home Coordinator.
She says last Friday; they hired 2 more Casual Call-in workers.
The home now employs 16 people.
Of those, 4 are Full Time workers.
Fox says the Group Home currently cares for 2 residents.
However they can unexpectedly receive more clients at any given time.
She also says some of their staff just finished a FASD training course.
And within the next few months, all staff will be required to take 3 more mandatory training courses.
They are: First Aid, Non Violence Crisis Intervention workshop and a Suicide Intervention workshop.
Fox says no dates have been set for those training courses.
Margie Fox is the Group Home Coordinator.
She says last Friday; they hired 2 more Casual Call-in workers.
The home now employs 16 people.
Of those, 4 are Full Time workers.
Fox says the Group Home currently cares for 2 residents.
However they can unexpectedly receive more clients at any given time.
She also says some of their staff just finished a FASD training course.
And within the next few months, all staff will be required to take 3 more mandatory training courses.
They are: First Aid, Non Violence Crisis Intervention workshop and a Suicide Intervention workshop.
Fox says no dates have been set for those training courses.
Driving The Trans Labrador Highway Extension - Cartwright to Goose Bay
The trans-Labrador highway has provided an opportunity for Labrador residents to cut their traveling time drastically.
For the first time, people are able to drive directly to Labrador cutting out the extensive route through Quebec.
Janice Webb recently traveled the newly finished extension of the highway from Cartwright to Goose Bay.
She says that condition of the highway was relatively good with the exception of a few kilometers.
The department of transportation and works is advising travelers not to drive by car or minivan.
Webb says that she made the drive in a U-Haul.
She arrived in Goose Bay Tuesday just before midnight.
Webb says the condition of the road had drastically increased her traveling time.
She says at one point she had traveled about 5 km per hour because of the road conditions.
Despite the state of the highway Webb says the drive was beautiful.
For the first time, people are able to drive directly to Labrador cutting out the extensive route through Quebec.
Janice Webb recently traveled the newly finished extension of the highway from Cartwright to Goose Bay.
She says that condition of the highway was relatively good with the exception of a few kilometers.
The department of transportation and works is advising travelers not to drive by car or minivan.
Webb says that she made the drive in a U-Haul.
She arrived in Goose Bay Tuesday just before midnight.
Webb says the condition of the road had drastically increased her traveling time.
She says at one point she had traveled about 5 km per hour because of the road conditions.
Despite the state of the highway Webb says the drive was beautiful.
Nunatsiavut Youth Engagement in the 2010 General Election
Candidates in the upcoming election have realized the potential of Facebook as a campaign tool.
A Facebook group has given candidates and voters the ability to discuss the issues directly.
Josh Pamak is an administrator for the group “Nunatsiavut Youth Engagement in the 2010 General Election.”
He says the group gives undecided voters the ability to contact the candidates in the upcoming election.
Pamak says that candidates and youth alike have been actively participating.
The group provides a platform for the candidates to discuss their campaign.
Youth are able to question the candidates in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
A Facebook group has given candidates and voters the ability to discuss the issues directly.
Josh Pamak is an administrator for the group “Nunatsiavut Youth Engagement in the 2010 General Election.”
He says the group gives undecided voters the ability to contact the candidates in the upcoming election.
Pamak says that candidates and youth alike have been actively participating.
The group provides a platform for the candidates to discuss their campaign.
Youth are able to question the candidates in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
Advanced Polls Submitted - Ordinary Member Elections
An advance poll took place for Ordinary Members for the Nunatsiavut Assembly on Monday, April 26th.
This advancement is for beneficiaries who won’t be home on the day of the vote cast their vote.
Jack Shiwak of Rigolet is the Nunatsiavut Electoral Officer.
He says the results of the ballot for each of the communities are:
Goose Bay received 81, North West River had 17, Rigolet with 11, Postville got 19, Makkovik receiving 16, Hopedale 12 and 13 for Nain.
For the 2 communities of Goose Bay and Nain that have 2 candidates to be voted in for Ordinary Member.
Shiwak says beneficiaries have the option of making a single vote and not spoil the ballot.
He also says if a beneficiary happens to cast a vote for three candidates, than it would be considered a spoiled ballot.
One member will be selected in the other towns in Nunatsiavut.
The ordinary polling day is Tuesday, May 4th.
This advancement is for beneficiaries who won’t be home on the day of the vote cast their vote.
Jack Shiwak of Rigolet is the Nunatsiavut Electoral Officer.
He says the results of the ballot for each of the communities are:
Goose Bay received 81, North West River had 17, Rigolet with 11, Postville got 19, Makkovik receiving 16, Hopedale 12 and 13 for Nain.
For the 2 communities of Goose Bay and Nain that have 2 candidates to be voted in for Ordinary Member.
Shiwak says beneficiaries have the option of making a single vote and not spoil the ballot.
He also says if a beneficiary happens to cast a vote for three candidates, than it would be considered a spoiled ballot.
One member will be selected in the other towns in Nunatsiavut.
The ordinary polling day is Tuesday, May 4th.
Nunatsiavut To See Early Price Fuel Lift?
Residents of the north coast may see a change in the price at the pumps earlier this year.
The unseasonably warm temperatures may cause the date of the price freeze on fuels to be lifted sooner than in past years.
David Hillier is a Research Analyst with the Petroleum Pricing Office (PPO).
He says the PPO is monitoring the ice conditions earlier than it normally would.
It has already begun consultations with suppliers and the Department of Transportation.
It is doing so in anticipation of the possibility of an earlier ice break up.
For residents of the region, the anticipation lies in the price change that comes with the lift.
Hillier says that he cannot offer any predictions as to the price of fuel when the freeze has lifted.
He says the problem with making predictions is the unpredictability of global fuel prices.
Last year the price freeze was lifted on July 02, 2009.
The unseasonably warm temperatures may cause the date of the price freeze on fuels to be lifted sooner than in past years.
David Hillier is a Research Analyst with the Petroleum Pricing Office (PPO).
He says the PPO is monitoring the ice conditions earlier than it normally would.
It has already begun consultations with suppliers and the Department of Transportation.
It is doing so in anticipation of the possibility of an earlier ice break up.
For residents of the region, the anticipation lies in the price change that comes with the lift.
Hillier says that he cannot offer any predictions as to the price of fuel when the freeze has lifted.
He says the problem with making predictions is the unpredictability of global fuel prices.
Last year the price freeze was lifted on July 02, 2009.
More Housing Units For Nain
Earlier this month, MHA Patty Pottle made a few announcements for Labrador from Provincial Budget.
One was that the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will receive the funds to build new apartments in Nain.
So we contacted NLHC for confirmation and more information.
Glenn Goss is the Executive Director of Engineering and Human Resources for NLHC.
He says 1.2 million dollars was provided to build four new units in Nain.
And right now they’re working with the Community Government to find land to build the units.
Once that is complete, tenders will go out for contractors.
Goss says the plan is to build a quadra-plex, with two bedrooms in each unit.
But, that all depends on the land they are to build on.
He adds that construction probably won’t start until the summer of 2011.
We will continue to track this story, so keep tuning in for further details.
One was that the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will receive the funds to build new apartments in Nain.
So we contacted NLHC for confirmation and more information.
Glenn Goss is the Executive Director of Engineering and Human Resources for NLHC.
He says 1.2 million dollars was provided to build four new units in Nain.
And right now they’re working with the Community Government to find land to build the units.
Once that is complete, tenders will go out for contractors.
Goss says the plan is to build a quadra-plex, with two bedrooms in each unit.
But, that all depends on the land they are to build on.
He adds that construction probably won’t start until the summer of 2011.
We will continue to track this story, so keep tuning in for further details.
TRHA Housing Selections Begin
This is the time of year that nervous applicants for new Torngat Housing wait patiently for good news.
The news came a little quicker in Postville.
Wilfred Lane is the Chairperson for the Postville Local Housing Committee.
He says Bradley Sheppard was chosen to occupy a 1 Bedroom House.
That unit was previously occupied by Jennifer Jacque and Tim Poole.
Jacque and Poole are going to move into a 3 bedroom home that was formally occupied by Janelle Gear.
Lane said because Jacque and Poole’s family has grown, a single bedroom home is inadequate.
He says Betty Vincent and Jonathan Edmunds were selected for a new house for this construction season.
Both were informed last week of the news from William Lucy, the Coordinator of the Torngat Regional Housing Association.
At 10:32am on Friday, April 23rd, Vincent updated her facebook status with the huge news.
Keep tuning in as we unravel the next chain of events surrounding Torngat Housing selections along the coast.
The news came a little quicker in Postville.
Wilfred Lane is the Chairperson for the Postville Local Housing Committee.
He says Bradley Sheppard was chosen to occupy a 1 Bedroom House.
That unit was previously occupied by Jennifer Jacque and Tim Poole.
Jacque and Poole are going to move into a 3 bedroom home that was formally occupied by Janelle Gear.
Lane said because Jacque and Poole’s family has grown, a single bedroom home is inadequate.
He says Betty Vincent and Jonathan Edmunds were selected for a new house for this construction season.
Both were informed last week of the news from William Lucy, the Coordinator of the Torngat Regional Housing Association.
At 10:32am on Friday, April 23rd, Vincent updated her facebook status with the huge news.
Keep tuning in as we unravel the next chain of events surrounding Torngat Housing selections along the coast.
Game Show 'Jeopardy' features Nunatsiavut
The popular game show Jeopardy featured Labrador as a topic on last night’s show.
The quiz show is hosted by Canadian, Alex Trebek.
In the double jeopardy round, Labrador was the fifth topic introduced.
Not only was Labrador featured but Nunatsiavut as well!
The $800 answer was: ‘In 2005 these native people created a regional government called Nunatsiavut to preserve their culture’.
The question ‘Who was Inuit’.
And the contestant got it right.
For the $1600 the answer: ‘Found on the coast, opalescent specimens of feldspar known as labradorite are sold under this “lunar” name’.
Once again, the contestant was right, with the question ‘What is moon eyes’, otherwise known as anorthosite.
Unfortunately, time ran out for the round and the last answer for Labrador was not given.
The quiz show is hosted by Canadian, Alex Trebek.
In the double jeopardy round, Labrador was the fifth topic introduced.
Not only was Labrador featured but Nunatsiavut as well!
The $800 answer was: ‘In 2005 these native people created a regional government called Nunatsiavut to preserve their culture’.
The question ‘Who was Inuit’.
And the contestant got it right.
For the $1600 the answer: ‘Found on the coast, opalescent specimens of feldspar known as labradorite are sold under this “lunar” name’.
Once again, the contestant was right, with the question ‘What is moon eyes’, otherwise known as anorthosite.
Unfortunately, time ran out for the round and the last answer for Labrador was not given.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
NLHC Apartments
Earlier this month, MHA Patty Pottle announced that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing would receive the funds to build new apartments in Nain.
We called NLHC for confirmation and more information.
Glenn Goss is the Executive Director of Engineering and Human Resources for NLHC.
He says 1.2 million dollars was provided to build four new units in Nain.
Right now, NLHC is working with the Community Government to find land to build the units.
After that is done, tenders will go out for contractors.
The plan is to build a quadra-plex, with two bedrooms in each unit.
But, that all depends on the kind of land they are to build on.
He adds that construction probably won’t start until the summer of 2011.
We will continue to track this story, so keep tuning in for further details.
We called NLHC for confirmation and more information.
Glenn Goss is the Executive Director of Engineering and Human Resources for NLHC.
He says 1.2 million dollars was provided to build four new units in Nain.
Right now, NLHC is working with the Community Government to find land to build the units.
After that is done, tenders will go out for contractors.
The plan is to build a quadra-plex, with two bedrooms in each unit.
But, that all depends on the kind of land they are to build on.
He adds that construction probably won’t start until the summer of 2011.
We will continue to track this story, so keep tuning in for further details.
Fuel Prices
Residents of the north coast may see a change in the price at the pumps earlier this year.
The unseasonably warm temperatures may cause the date of the price freeze on fuels to be lifted sooner than in past years.
David Hillier is a Research Analyst with the Petroleum Pricing Office (PPO).
He says the PPO is monitoring the ice conditions earlier than it normally would.
It has already begun consultations with suppliers and the Department of Transportation.
It is doing so in anticipation of the possibility of an earlier ice break up.
For residents of the region, the anticipation lies in the price change that comes with the lift.
Hillier says that he cannot offer any predictions as to the price of fuel when the freeze has lifted.
He says the problem with making predictions is the unpredictability of global fuel prices.
Last year the price freeze was lifted on July 02, 2009.
The unseasonably warm temperatures may cause the date of the price freeze on fuels to be lifted sooner than in past years.
David Hillier is a Research Analyst with the Petroleum Pricing Office (PPO).
He says the PPO is monitoring the ice conditions earlier than it normally would.
It has already begun consultations with suppliers and the Department of Transportation.
It is doing so in anticipation of the possibility of an earlier ice break up.
For residents of the region, the anticipation lies in the price change that comes with the lift.
Hillier says that he cannot offer any predictions as to the price of fuel when the freeze has lifted.
He says the problem with making predictions is the unpredictability of global fuel prices.
Last year the price freeze was lifted on July 02, 2009.
TRHA Housing Selections
This is the time of year that nervous applicants for new Torngat Housing wait patiently for good news.
The news came a little quicker in Postville.
Wilfred Lane is the Chairperson for the Postville Local Housing Committee.
He says Bradley Sheppard was chosen to occupy a 1 Bedroom House.
That unit was previously occupied by Jennifer Jacque and Tim Poole.
Jacque and Poole are going to move into a 3 bedroom home that was formally occupied by Janelle Gear.
Lane said because Jacque and Poole’s family has grown, a single bedroom home is inadequate.
He says Betty Vincent and Jonathan Edmunds were selected for a new house for this construction season.
Both were informed last week of the news from William Lucy, the Coordinator of the Torngat Regional Housing Association.
At 10:32am on Friday, April 23rd, Vincent updated her facebook status with the huge news.
Keep tuning in as we unravel the next chain of events surrounding Torngat Housing selections along the coast.
The news came a little quicker in Postville.
Wilfred Lane is the Chairperson for the Postville Local Housing Committee.
He says Bradley Sheppard was chosen to occupy a 1 Bedroom House.
That unit was previously occupied by Jennifer Jacque and Tim Poole.
Jacque and Poole are going to move into a 3 bedroom home that was formally occupied by Janelle Gear.
Lane said because Jacque and Poole’s family has grown, a single bedroom home is inadequate.
He says Betty Vincent and Jonathan Edmunds were selected for a new house for this construction season.
Both were informed last week of the news from William Lucy, the Coordinator of the Torngat Regional Housing Association.
At 10:32am on Friday, April 23rd, Vincent updated her facebook status with the huge news.
Keep tuning in as we unravel the next chain of events surrounding Torngat Housing selections along the coast.
Nunatsiavut on Jeopardy
The popular game show Jeopardy featured Labrador as a topic on last night’s show.
The quiz show is hosted by Canadian, Alex Trebek.
In the double jeopardy round, Labrador was the fifth topic introduced.
Not only was Labrador featured but Nunatsiavut as well!
The $800 question was ‘In 2005 these native people created a regional government called Nunatsiavut to preserve their culture’.
The answer was Inuit!
And the contestant got it right.
For $1600 the question was ‘Found on the coast, opalescent specimens of a feldspar known as labradorite are sold under this “lunar” name’.
Once again, the contestant was right, with the answer ‘moon eyes’, otherwise known as anorthosite.
Unfortunately, time ran out for the round and the last clue for Labrador was not given.
The quiz show is hosted by Canadian, Alex Trebek.
In the double jeopardy round, Labrador was the fifth topic introduced.
Not only was Labrador featured but Nunatsiavut as well!
The $800 question was ‘In 2005 these native people created a regional government called Nunatsiavut to preserve their culture’.
The answer was Inuit!
And the contestant got it right.
For $1600 the question was ‘Found on the coast, opalescent specimens of a feldspar known as labradorite are sold under this “lunar” name’.
Once again, the contestant was right, with the answer ‘moon eyes’, otherwise known as anorthosite.
Unfortunately, time ran out for the round and the last clue for Labrador was not given.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tony Andersen's Platform
The Nunatsiavut Government elections are just over a week away.
OKalaKatiget radio has been collecting speeches from the candidates.
Tony Andersen is running as an Ordinary Member for Nain.
He says in the past three and a –half years he has worked hard as the First Minister for Nunatsiavut.
He will continue to keep issues such as housing, transportation, health care and assistance for seniors in the forefront.
OKalaKatiget radio has been collecting speeches from the candidates.
Tony Andersen is running as an Ordinary Member for Nain.
He says in the past three and a –half years he has worked hard as the First Minister for Nunatsiavut.
He will continue to keep issues such as housing, transportation, health care and assistance for seniors in the forefront.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)