The Nunatsiavut Government has received numerous reports of possible abuse of programs and initiatives aimed at assisting Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement deal with impacts associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

There have been reports of some individuals selling fuel and goods such as diapers, formula, etc. to purchase alcohol and/or drugs, or other non-essential items. As well, the Nunatsiavut Government has learned of individuals and/or families providing false information regarding income levels when applying for assistance.

Such activity will not be tolerated. Those determined to be abusing any of the COVID-19 response programs will be denied further assistance.

Click here when First Minister Tyler Edmunds gives you more details on the abuse of the Covid-19 emergency programs.

Notice to the Public

Vale Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a Shipping Notice to the Public for May 20, 2020.

The MV UMIAK 1 is scheduled to arrive at Edward’s Cove May 23, 2020 at 16:00 (4 pm).

All people in the vicinity of the ships track should exercise extreme caution.

The pontoon bridges are deployed at Taktok and Tabor Island and will be re-deployed after the ship passes.

The health, safety and well-being of our employees remains our propriety and we continue to take preventative measures to ensure your safety. As the M/V Umiak 1 arrives in and departs from port at Voisey’s Bay, we are taking every precaution for everyone’s safety in relation to COVID-19. The Captain will personally supervise the operations to ensure that his crew follow all preventative measures while our shore crew are on board. Any questions or concerns, please email vnl.info@vale.com

Further shipping information will be available through the Information Phone Number:
1-877-922-SHIP (7447), the Vale Shipping Information Number: 709-922-4437, or the Vale website: www.vale.com/canada

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is benefits for loss of Employment due to COVID-19.

CERB is taxable, even on reserve.

It clearly states when applying that if found “Ineligible” repayment is required.

If they are found to be ineligible “later” they will have to repay the money. Unfortunately, people are applying and getting the money even though they don’t qualify.

Paying it back, if you do not qualify:

Those who are collecting CERB who do not qualify, risk having to pay it all back and CRA will take money from their sources such as GST and Child Tax if money is owing.

The Premier says its “lucky number 13.”

As of yesterday, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 13th consecutive day.

The total number of cases in the province stands at 260, with four active cases.

Three people remain in the hospital.

Premier Dwight Ball says difficult decisions have been made, but they have been made with the wellbeing of this province’s residents in mind.

To date, 10,841 people have been tested for COVID-19 in this province. That number does not include re-tests.

Of those, 7,904 people have been tested in the Eastern Health region, 966 in Central, 1,467 in Western, and 504 in Labrador-Grenfell Health.

Of the province’s 260 identified cases, 242 were identified in the Eastern Health region alone.

Lela Evans, MHA for Torngat Mountains District, had this update from Bell Aliant on her Facebook status this morning, regarding the upgrade of the broadband internet on the North Coast:

Bell Aliant Update for Thursday:

There will be interruptions to Nain, Voisey’s Bay, and Natuashish phone and internet service today.

In the morning- interruption for about 1 hour (work at Maryfield tower)

In afternoon- interruption for about 1 hour (work at Natuashish tower)

These interruptions are due to Bell Aliant crew doing upgrades to the system.

16 Grad students from the Jens Haven Memorial School graduated this year.

Jacob Larkin is the principal; he has been the principal now for 18 years.

He says they held a small get together with each student outside of their home on Saturday, May 16.

Because of the social distancing, students did not have the chance to hold their prom this year due to the pandemic.

But the grad students had a small visit from the principal to celebrate their memorable day.

Larkin would also like to announce his retirement.

Click here to hear Larkin give you more information on the JHMS grad.

The Youth Division along with the Department of Health and Social Development has a Youth Inspirational Photo contest out.

This contest is to show appreciation for activities you may enjoy if its sports, drama, choir, out on the land, or a significant person that positively impacted your daily life i.e. a coach or teacher.

Attach a picture with a brief description about the photo on how the activities/person positively impacted your life.

1st chance to win an ASUS laptop.

5 chances to win Beats headphones.

12 photos will be chosen for a calendar for the 2021 year.

This contest is open to all Inuit Youth (Nunatsiavut) between the ages 13-30 and the deadline is June 1st, 2020.

You will also be required to fill out photograph/video release form
EMAIL Photos to:
Mike Mitsuk (Hopedale): micheal.mitsuk@nunatsiavut.com
Crystal Allen (Nain): crystal.allen@nunatsiavut.com

The province’s goal should be to live with COVID-19 says Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Dr Janice Fitzgerald says the main goal is to reduce the spread of the virus as much as possible with few people being infected and little strain on the health care system.

She says those things are going to have to be the main goals until a vaccine is available.

Once a vaccine is available, she says the goal will be to vaccinate as many as they can and then hopefully get back to a more normal way of living.

Courtesy VOCM news.

Yesterday, May 19th, for 12 straight days there have been ZERO new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Health officials say the provincial total remains at 260.

Three people are in hospital due to the virus, one person is in intensive care.

To date, 250 people have recovered.

By region, there are 242 cases in Eastern Health, eight cases in Central Health, six cases in Labrador-Grenfell Health and four cases in Western Health.

10, 747 people have been tested.

The Nunatsiavut Government would like to inform beneficiaries that they are still in operations.

Gerald Asivak is the Minister of Health and Social Development and the ordinary member for Upper Lake Melville.

He would like to remind our beneficiaries to keep your distance from others as we are still on Alert level 4.

Asivak also would like to remind beneficiaries that the Nunatsiavut Government mental health offices and services are still available.

Click here when Asivak tells you more.