Lori Hovey

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics such as the External Auditor's Report, Audited Financial Statements, Modular Training Unit, Employee Experience, Strategic Plan 2023-2026 Update, Strategic Plan 2026-2029 Process Review, and Academic Plan 2026-2027. The board also reviewed reports from the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Quality Committee, and Governance Committee. Additionally, there was an in-camera session and confirmation of upcoming board meetings.

The meeting included updates from the Board Chair and President, a presentation on student enrollment for 2025-2026, and a presentation on Strategic Enrollment Management. There was also an update on the Strategic Plan for 2023-2026, reports from the Executive, Finance, and Quality Committees, and a discussion on Policy GP-F-401 Contractual Agreements. The Board moved to an in-camera session and confirmed upcoming meeting dates.

This five-year fiscal recovery plan, introduced with Budget 2015, aims to fundamentally transform government operations and achieve a budget surplus by 2021. Key strategies include cost management, long-term infrastructure spending plans, and addressing program growth pressures, including collective agreements and inflationary costs in health and education. The plan focuses on making adjustments in public sector spending to ensure sustainable programs and services for the future.

The 2022-2026 Tourism Vision and Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador serves as a roadmap to guide the province's tourism industry through recovery and sustainable growth. It establishes a regenerative tourism leadership approach, prioritizing places, economics, and the well-being of people and communities, in alignment with UN sustainable development goals. The strategy is implemented through three phases: Transition (2022-2023) to build capacity and restore pre-pandemic visitation, Transformation (2024-2026) for sustainable growth, and Thrive (Beyond 2026) for continuous adaptation. Key objectives include accelerating sector growth, enhancing resilience for tourism operators, creating exceptional experiences, driving innovation in the digital economy, and expanding the tourism season to a year-round destination.

The update included information on the current COVID-19 situation, emphasizing the importance of public health measures such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing. Expanded testing criteria were announced, and there was a discussion on the appropriate use of testing resources. Financial supports for residents and businesses, including electricity bill credits and interest waivers, were highlighted. Additionally, federal support for the fishing industry was announced, including a fish harvesters benefit and changes to employment insurance rules.