CBC Newfoundland Morning

An apology is one thing, but now the NDP wants to see action. Last week, provincial Justice Minister John Hogan was in the spotlight for comments he made in March about the treatment of sexual assault survivors in the criminal justice system. Hogan had said it was "impossible" for lawyers to re-traumatize sexual assault victims in the courtroom. He was responding to a petition presented by New Democratic Party MHA Lela Evans, asking for changes in how lawyers interact with witnesses in sexual assault cases. Minister Hogan has since apologized for his comments and has acknowledged that aspects of the justice system – including lawyers' behavior – can cause additional harm to survivors. The NDP says it wants to see the Minister use his position to make changes to the system, and Evans spoke with us.

The provincial government has given the official go-ahead for the massive wind-to-electricity-to-hydrogen proposal for western Newfoundland, The plan includes the construction of more than 300 huge wind turbines, as tall as 200 metres each. We heard three perspectives. Provincial Environment Minister Bernard Davis (0:25 mark) delivered the news yesterday, releasing World Energy GH2 from further environmental assessment. John Risley (3:05), the chair of World Energy GH2 says the decision was necessary to solidify NL's position as a global leader in renewable green energy production. Then, Nick Mercer (3:28), an expert on renewable energy and an executive of Envirowatch NL, weighed in on the government's decision.

The Change Islands Heritage Committee has been working hard for the past year and a half, providing programs, workshops, and events to local residents. The group was formed to keep the community's history and its traditional skills and knowledge alive. Paula Flood is Change Island's mayor and the heritage committee's co-founder and she spoke with the CBC's Hillary Johnson.

Going back to school to get your high school diploma can be a major life decision. Sure, it'll likely have an incredibly positive impact, but it's still a stressful choice. The Discovery Centre has been offering the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in this province since 1993. Right now, they're hosting a Facebook Live series aimed at easing some of the anxieties of going back to school. Jennifer Murrin is an admissions officer with the Centre.

Meghan Allen is a recent ABE graduate, currently enrolled in the pharmacy tech program at Keyin College.

Today's the big day, eclipse lovers! A total solar eclipse is expected to pass over North America today, and parts of this province are in its path. People are heading to areas around Gander and Bonavista to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Garry Dymond is a past president and current member of the St. John's Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, as well as an eclipse chaser.

People from all over the province are heading to Gander to catch this evening's total eclipse of the sun. The town is right in the middle of the "path of totality" and was expected to have some of the best views of the event. In case the sky is clear enough for a good view, optometrist Sarah Hutchings explained how to watch the eclipse safely.

Voters in the districts of Fogo Island-Cape Freels and Baie Verte-Green Bay will soon be voting in byelections. Running elections and byelections isn't cheap, so donors will play a big role in supporting candidates. But in Newfoundland and Labrador, there are no limits on corporate or union donations, and Democracy Watch says that's a problem.

Benoit First Nation was scheduled to unveil carved wooden statues of their founding mother and father, Desiree and Michael Benoit today. The celebration was planned for the Mi’kmaw Centre in Degrau. Chief Jasen Benwah of Benoit First Nation spoke with us.

On Thursday's show, NL Justice Minister John Hogan said he’s sorry for comments he made last month, regarding how survivors of sexual assault are treated in the criminal justice system. At the time, he said it was “impossible” for lawyers to re-traumatize sexual assault survivors in the court system. Hogan walked that statement back yesterday, saying in part that he was drawing on his own time spent in courtrooms as a lawyer.

Former Crown Attorney Mike Murray spent 25 years as a lawyer with the crown, before retiring last year.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is set to launch on May 1. The federal program is designed to ease financial barriers to people who want to get dental care. Anyone over the age of 70 can apply. Nicole Kielly is a dental hygienist who works independently in NL. She also volunteers with public outreach for the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Hygienist Association.