The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today announced five new appointments and one re-appointment to the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) Board of Directors.
Appointed for three-year terms, the members include:
Current Board member David Loveys was also appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Board. Biographies for the appointed and reappointed members are provided in the backgrounder below.
These appointments were recommended though the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission. Members of the public interested in opportunities to serve on provincial agencies, boards and commissions are encouraged to complete an application at www.iacnl.ca.
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“I’m very pleased to welcome these new members to the Board of Directors of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board and, along with current members, will play an important role in assisting the corporation to effectively serve the housing needs of our vulnerable populations.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of the Appointed and Reappointed Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Board of Directors
George Andrews
George Andrews is currently the Officer In Charge with Labrador Marine Communications and Traffic Services with the Canadian Coast Guard in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Born in Labrador, he has extensive experience through many sectors of the community. Mr. Andrews sits as President of the Board of Directors of Terrington Consumers Cooperative. With his many years of working and managing in an emergency operational environment, he serves on the Provincial 911 Board. In addition, as a sitting member of the Labrador Appeals Board, he often calls on his experience as a former real estate agent, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose. His involvement in many community organizations shows how he enjoys helping others.
Bernard Bromley
Bernard Bromley worked with community newspapers in Newfoundland and Labrador for more than three decades. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Bromley was owner and publisher of the Northern Pen, the weekly newspaper serving the Great Northern Peninsula and Southern Labrador. He has been involved in municipal politics, the St. Anthony and Area Chamber of Commerce and various community groups for many years including the St. Anthony and Area Food Sharing Association, where he served as Chairman for 14 years. Mr. Bromley also served as vice-chairman of St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. for five years. He resides in St. Anthony.
Noreen Careen
Noreen Careen has lived in Labrador West for 46 years and recently retired from 43 years in the workforce. She was Executive Director of the Labrador West Status of Women for 18 years. Ms. Careen was instrumental in construction of Labrador West’s Women Shelter and the opening of Labrador West first Daycare Center and Family Resource Center. She is presently President of the Labrador West Twin Cities 50+ Club, Regional Director with the NL 50+ Federation for Labrador, and board member with the Provincial Advisory Council on Seniors and Aging. She is a member of the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing and Homeless Coalition, the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition, the NL Prevention of Elder Abuse Committee and Vice Chair with Violence Prevention Labrador. In 2019 and 2014, Ms. Careen received the Seniors of Distinction Award from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development Department in 2019 and 2014, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Community Services award in 2014 and a Labradorian of Distinction award in 2017.
David Loveys
David Loveys is a CPA with more than 13 years of experience as a senior level executive. Through his consulting practice, D. R. Loveys & Associates Inc., he is CFO of Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. and has also been the CFO of Aurion Resources Limited, as well as consulting for other organizations. Mr. Loveys currently sits on the boards of WorkplaceNL, Cornerstone Capital, Aurion Resources and Atlantic Light Theatre. He also has past board experience with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the YM-YWCA, Canadian Red Cross and the Historic Sites Association. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University, a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and holds a certificate from the Canadian Securities Course.
Rhonda Neary
Rhonda Neary brings with her a wealth of knowledge and 20 years’ experience in the Construction Sector and Governance Board Environment. The recipient of numerous National Awards, she has been cited for her excellence in communication, leadership and development of activities leading to a higher degree of professionalism in specific fields in addition to being the recipient of many National Association Awards for progress and achievement. Ms. Neary’s past additional accomplishments includes serving two terms as a director of the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board. She is the President and COO of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Industry, a role she has held for 11 years – a smart creative thinker, her role in the association fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, transparency and opportunity.
Liz Palmera-Nunez
Liz Palmera-Nunez is the Manager of Transmission and Distribution Engineering with Newfoundland Power, the primary distribution utility in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Palmera-Nunez holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL). She has strong engineering skills and extensive knowledge of the province’s electricity system. She has over 10 years’ experience in the utility industry, previously working with BC Hydro and Maritime Electric.
Darlene Spracklin-Reid
Darlene Spracklin-Reid is a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University. She is past chair of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and has served on several boards including the Canadian Engineering Education Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association and the American Concrete Institute. Ms. Spracklin-Reid has received the PEGNL Outstanding Community Service Award, the President’s Award for Exemplary Service to Memorial University, the Fry Family Foundation’s “Top 1% Elite Award” in recognition of commitment to community service and the Memorial University Alumni Award for Community Service.
The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), is recognizing November 22 as National Housing Day.
Each year, National Housing Day acknowledges the important work and commitment of housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing. COVID-19 has significantly impacted our vulnerable populations, highlighting more than ever, the importance of access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
In 2019, the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada signed a nine- year agreement that will provide $270 million in funding to preserve, renew and expand social and community housing in the province and bring new housing solutions to many people in core housing need.
The first of NLHC’s three-year Action Plans required under this agreement was released in March 2020. This plan outlines actions and targets designed to meet outcomes of the National Housing Strategy and address housing and homelessness needs throughout the Province.
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“Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is critical in enhancing individual health and well-being, as well as building healthier more inclusive communities. We will continue to collaboratively work with all levels of government, our Indigenous partners and all community partners to improve access to affordable housing and address homelessness throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why the Governments of Canada and of Newfoundland and Labrador celebrated with two new Habitat for Humanity partner-families today, at a home dedication ceremony held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), attended the event today.
They were joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville and Wally Anderson, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The two, three-bedroom homes represent an equally cost-shared investment of $170,000 through the 2014-19 Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement between the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada. The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay also donated the land for the homes.
Since 1994, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has also contributed land, labour and/or funding toward 58 Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador builds throughout the province.
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“Our government is committed to revitalizing and building stronger neighbourhoods and towns. Today is about more than just building houses; it’s about working in partnership to create new beginnings and to assist families in becoming more self-sufficient through affordable home ownership.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Investments in projects like this one here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay demonstrated that our government is committed to providing access to safe, affordable homes for well-deserving families in all corners of our country.”
Yvonne Jones
Minister of Parliament for Labrador
“Affordable, sustainable housing continues to be an issue across Newfoundland and Labrador. Here at Habitat, we mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent affordable place to live. Today we celebrate the hard work and determination of two families who have realized their dream of homeownership.”
Sandra Whiffen
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
National Housing Strategy
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Jessica Eritou
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
jessica.eritou@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Anne-Marie Coulombe
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
acoulomb@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), today announced $732,000 to fund a temporary low-barrier emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
A low-barrier shelter will provide more access to those in need of a safe place to shelter with an emphasis on accepting individuals as they are and supporting them to secure more stable housing options.
Premier Ball and Minister Dempster announced the funding at The Gathering Place in St. John’s, the site of the interim emergency shelter. This temporary 30-bed shelter which will be open from 8:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. seven days a week shelter will be operational by September 2020 and will support an effective response to any second wave of COVID-19 that may occur.
Meanwhile, work is underway to develop a permanent low-barrier shelter through a request for proposals, which will be issued by NLHC within the coming week.
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“The addition of a low-barrier shelter is a much needed response along the housing continuum that will better serve the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community. Establishment of a temporary shelter at this time is reflective of the many collaborative efforts between government and community partners in responding to the needs of vulnerable persons during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Operating with a harm reduction approach, this low-barrier shelter will draw upon the expertise of the non-profit sector working in partnership with NLHC and Eastern Health to respond to the complex and underlying needs of those experiencing homelessness. This interim shelter will help guide the planning that is underway for the design and programming needs for a permanent low-barrier shelter.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“This pandemic time, beginning in the late winter and early spring, made more visible and more real the need for a low-barrier emergency shelter in St. John’s. We are pleased that, through a truly collaborative relationship including Government, Eastern Health, community partners and The Gathering Place, we are now putting in place a temporary “Out of the Cold” shelter and program.”
Sister Elizabeth Davis, rsm
Chair, The Gathering Place
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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca