2024 a year of milestones and cultural celebrations for ‘the Rock’: Senator Petten
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It has been a remarkable year for Newfoundland and Labrador. We celebrated the Year of the Arts and brought our province’s unique culture, resilience and stories from “the Rock” to the halls of Ottawa. I had the privilege of representing the interests and values of my home province in the Senate, and this year was especially meaningful as we marked the 75th anniversary of joining Confederation — a milestone that highlights our ongoing contributions to Canada’s rich tapestry.
Newfoundland and Labrador made waves in the Senate this year, especially during debates on a federal bill to expand the mandates of offshore boards in Atlantic Canada. I had the privilege of sponsoring this legislation, known as Bill C-49, which amended several acts to allow for the existing offshore regulatory regime to cover renewable energy projects. Adopted in October, this new law will benefit the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia by underscoring our leadership in energy and resource management and by setting the tone for future economic opportunities.
The Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, of which I am a proud member, released a report in 2024 called Sealing the Future: A Call to Action. The report calls for the better management of Canada’s seal populations and enhanced research to address gaps in scientific knowledge about this resource. It emphasizes the importance of the seal harvest for Indigenous and coastal communities while recommending targeted actions to reinvigorate the industry and ensure ecological balance.
The Shed Party, featuring folk music group Rum Ragged, brought the energy of a true Newfoundland gathering to the national stage in November, and served as another joyous reminder of our musical and cultural heritage. It was a fitting conclusion for the 2024 Year of the Arts, which has shone a spotlight on the creativity of our people and enriched the national conversation about our province.
On December 6, my hometown of Port de Grave held its boat-lighting ceremony. This event is a cherished annual tradition that illuminates the harbour with the spirit of the season. My Senate holiday cards showcased a piece entitled , by local artist Gary Kennedy, which reflects the beauty of our province and the talent we nurture. My 2023 holiday card celebrated the iconic crab pot Christmas tree, also found in my hometown of Port de Grave, and yet another example of the artistry that makes our province unique.
Finally, December 12 marked a potentially historic milestone for the province and a significant step forward for the federation. The critical importance of the Churchill River resource, highlighted in the province’s The Big Reset report, has led to a long-awaited breakthrough in repricing the 1969 Upper Churchill power contract beginning in 2025 — rather than in 2041 — as well as a proposal for Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec to collaborate on the development of Gull Island, one of North America’s last major green energy projects.
While full details are still emerging, it appears that part of the new revenue stream from the repricing of the power contract will be allocated toward my province’s equity contribution to the Upper Churchill expansion. In addition, the Gull Island project will be managed by Hydro-Québec, which will shoulder any cost overruns, while the full participation of the Innu Nation ensures that Indigenous communities and local residents benefit from employment and economic opportunities.
This achievement is meaningful for me, personally, as I had the privilege of serving as a member of the 2019 Premier’s Economic Recovery Team chaired by Dame Moya Greene. The Big Reset highlighted the importance of this transformative opportunity and to see it brought to fruition will be a source of personal satisfaction. Immense credit is due to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Quebec Premier François Legault and their respective teams for their skill and courage in advancing this pivotal part of the reset needed for my province to thrive. This is a wonderful way to end 2024, showcasing Canada at its finest.
From Bill C-49 to seal reports, to celebrating our ties with the rest of Canada, 2024 has been an exciting and productive year to be a senator for Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to representing our shared values and carrying our stories forward into the new year.
Senator Iris G. Petten represents Newfoundland and Labrador in the Senate.
This article was published in The Hill Times on December 31, 2024.
It has been a remarkable year for Newfoundland and Labrador. We celebrated the Year of the Arts and brought our province’s unique culture, resilience and stories from “the Rock” to the halls of Ottawa. I had the privilege of representing the interests and values of my home province in the Senate, and this year was especially meaningful as we marked the 75th anniversary of joining Confederation — a milestone that highlights our ongoing contributions to Canada’s rich tapestry.
Newfoundland and Labrador made waves in the Senate this year, especially during debates on a federal bill to expand the mandates of offshore boards in Atlantic Canada. I had the privilege of sponsoring this legislation, known as Bill C-49, which amended several acts to allow for the existing offshore regulatory regime to cover renewable energy projects. Adopted in October, this new law will benefit the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia by underscoring our leadership in energy and resource management and by setting the tone for future economic opportunities.
The Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, of which I am a proud member, released a report in 2024 called Sealing the Future: A Call to Action. The report calls for the better management of Canada’s seal populations and enhanced research to address gaps in scientific knowledge about this resource. It emphasizes the importance of the seal harvest for Indigenous and coastal communities while recommending targeted actions to reinvigorate the industry and ensure ecological balance.
The Shed Party, featuring folk music group Rum Ragged, brought the energy of a true Newfoundland gathering to the national stage in November, and served as another joyous reminder of our musical and cultural heritage. It was a fitting conclusion for the 2024 Year of the Arts, which has shone a spotlight on the creativity of our people and enriched the national conversation about our province.
On December 6, my hometown of Port de Grave held its boat-lighting ceremony. This event is a cherished annual tradition that illuminates the harbour with the spirit of the season. My Senate holiday cards showcased a piece entitled , by local artist Gary Kennedy, which reflects the beauty of our province and the talent we nurture. My 2023 holiday card celebrated the iconic crab pot Christmas tree, also found in my hometown of Port de Grave, and yet another example of the artistry that makes our province unique.
Finally, December 12 marked a potentially historic milestone for the province and a significant step forward for the federation. The critical importance of the Churchill River resource, highlighted in the province’s The Big Reset report, has led to a long-awaited breakthrough in repricing the 1969 Upper Churchill power contract beginning in 2025 — rather than in 2041 — as well as a proposal for Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec to collaborate on the development of Gull Island, one of North America’s last major green energy projects.
While full details are still emerging, it appears that part of the new revenue stream from the repricing of the power contract will be allocated toward my province’s equity contribution to the Upper Churchill expansion. In addition, the Gull Island project will be managed by Hydro-Québec, which will shoulder any cost overruns, while the full participation of the Innu Nation ensures that Indigenous communities and local residents benefit from employment and economic opportunities.
This achievement is meaningful for me, personally, as I had the privilege of serving as a member of the 2019 Premier’s Economic Recovery Team chaired by Dame Moya Greene. The Big Reset highlighted the importance of this transformative opportunity and to see it brought to fruition will be a source of personal satisfaction. Immense credit is due to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Quebec Premier François Legault and their respective teams for their skill and courage in advancing this pivotal part of the reset needed for my province to thrive. This is a wonderful way to end 2024, showcasing Canada at its finest.
From Bill C-49 to seal reports, to celebrating our ties with the rest of Canada, 2024 has been an exciting and productive year to be a senator for Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to representing our shared values and carrying our stories forward into the new year.
Senator Iris G. Petten represents Newfoundland and Labrador in the Senate.
This article was published in The Hill Times on December 31, 2024.