Community & Business Resource Centre

Resources for your business.

The LNCC continues to listen intently to its members and has been advocating strongly on behalf of employers for meaningful dialogue as the community seeks support and solution-based discussions. We are not only committed to sharing pertinent information to our membership and business community, we understand the value in providing you an opportunity to ask your questions to our government leaders. We encourage you to contact us at any time with questions or concerns.

Below is a timeline and list of resources and tools:

Timeline

• November 9, 2022: LNCC staff and board members met with Minister John Hogan and the Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety, the RCMP Commanding Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador, Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper, Mayor George Andrews and Town Manager of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to discuss the growing safety concerns in the community.
• November 29, 2022: the Chamber presented to the Acute Response Team in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. With support from members of the Board, the LNCC CEO presented the impacts on businesses in the region, the need for meaningful consultation with the community, and expressed the Chamber’s eagerness and willingness to help identify immediate solutions.
• January 11, 2023: the LNCC hosted an information session led by Minister Lisa Dempster of Labrador Affairs and Minister John Abbott with responsibilities for portfolios including housing and social development. Information and plans to address Indigenous homelessness were provided by Nunatsiavut Government and Innu Round Table Secretariat. Current Community Supports were described by representatives of the Housing Hub, the Innu Round Table Secretariat and NL Housing. Information on Harm Reduction programs was provided by the provincial department of Health and Community Services and Labrador Grenfell Health. NL Housing also provided an update on plans for the proposed new facility to be built in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to provide Integrated Health, Housing and Social Supports.
• March 1, 2023: Virtual meeting with Minister Lisa Dempster, Minister John Abbott and LNCC member surrounding the increased rates and seriousness of illegal and criminal behavior in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and need for immediate supports for local businesses. An update on the proposed facility was also discussed.
• March 2-3, 2023: The LNCC hosted two hybrid sessions with Workplacenl.ca to offer employers the tools necessary to complete a four-step workplace risk assessment with the aim of eliminating the risk of violence to workers. Specific topics include working with the public, providing service, care, advice or education, working alone or in small numbers, working late at night, amongst other factors. This session is relevant to many businesses across the province and is by request by local employers. View WorkplaceNL Workbook
• July 12, 2023: LNCC staff and Board members met with Minister Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland & Labrador Housing Corporation and Julia Mullaley to receive an update on plans for the Integrated Housing Hub to be constructed in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Our Commitment

The LNCC has committed to the following actions:

• Continued dialogue with Town Council, RCMP, businesses, Nunatsiavut Government and others;
• Advocacy for funds to be allocated to regional organizations who are closely linked to systems and people who are vulnerable;
• Provide practical and relevant training opportunities for businesses in consultation with the NL Liquor Corporation (December 2022) and WorkplaceNL (March 2023) surrounding workplace safety;
• Host presentations for businesses from NL Housing, Nunatsiavut Government, and mental health and addictions professionals (January 2023);
• Connect with other Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in other jurisdictions who have or are experiencing similar community challenges to seek solutions;
• Offer cultural training opportunities for employers facilitated by Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation;
• Offer opportunities for agency representatives to visit Chamber member premises to appreciate the impact of criminal behaviour and threats to public safety (ongoing);
• Seek security support opportunities for businesses who continue to incur significant expenses relating to vandalism and theft (ongoing);
• Ensure opportunities for the community and employers to engage in meaningful consultation and dialogue (ongoing);
• Continuation of a doors-open policy for all members of the business community

Important Contacts

• 911 – always call 911 in a medical emergency (including mental health substance abuse, or addiction emergency)
• 811 HealthLine – talk to a professional about medical advice, health information, mental health and healthy eating
• Doorways – a walk-in counselling service at the Labrador Health Centre
• Opioid Treatment Centre – call the Labrador Health Centre at (709) 897-2343
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Program – a program that helps people learn more skills, re-build their lives, and make life worth living again. Call (709) 897-2343
• Mobile Crisis Response Team – mental health and addictions and police officers are trained to deliver crisis intervention services. Call (709) 896-3383
• Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Teams – professionals work together to provide treatment of illness, hands-on assistance with daily living activities, and recovery support for people who deal with mental illness. Help is available at (709) 897-2116.
• Bridge the gApp – Access content that can provide advice, inspiration, assurance, direction and supports from a computer, tablet or smartphone. The mental wellness resource for adults and youth includes a chat feature and links to services and supports. Visit www.nl.bridgethegapp.ca.

Contact

Julianne Griffin
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@chamberlabrador.com
(709) 896-8787