Newly-elected Prime Minister Outlines Liberal government’s Priorities
Newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined the priorities for his minority government, promising to cut the GST on new homes selling at prices of at or up to $1 million, and reducing the tax on homes between $1 and 1.25 million. He also vows to maintain the dental care, pharmacare and $10 dollar a day child care programs.
He also announced the addition of a “middle-class” tax cut to be implemented by Canada Day, “saving two-income families up to $825 a year.”
Carney says tax measures alone won’t address housing affordability, that’s why a push will be made on building new homes.
He says his government will address failures in the housing markets “head on” by “unleashing the power of public-private cooperation at a scale not seen in generations.”
Carney also addressed public safety concerns.
“We’ll build a stronger Canadian Armed Forces to protect Canadians, defend our sovereignty, and support our allies” says Carney. He promised to strengthen border security with “a thousand more CBSA officers as well as scores of dog teams, drones and scanners to fight the traffic of guns and drugs.”
He announced the federal government’s intention to hire another thousand RCMP officers and “giving law enforcement more tools to fight crime.” Carney says his government will also “toughen the Criminal Code, and bail laws for those threatening the safety of Canadians, including making bail harder to get for those charged with stealing cars, with home invasion, human trafficking and smuggling.”
72-year-old Arrested for Impaired and Driving While Prohibited
Burin Peninsula RCMP have arrested a 72-year-old man on a charge of driving while prohibited.
Police had received a report that Alvin Roff of Mortier who was prohibited from driving because of a previous impaired driving conviction, had been seen behind the wheel.
According to police, they were on their way to Roff’s home to investigate the complaint when a vehicle pulled into the driveway, and Roff stepped out of the driver’s side door.
RCMP arrested Roff for driving while prohibited and noticed signs of impaired driving. Police say Roff refused to provide a roadside breath sample and his vehicle was seized and impounded.
He’s been charged with prohibited driving and refusing to provide a breath sample, and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Alberta MP Steps Aside, Allowing Conservative Leader to Run in By-election
The MP-elect for the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot has decided to step down to allow Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre run.
Poilievre lost his own seat in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton in Monday’s election, but indicated that he did not intend to step down as leader of the party.
In a release issued today, Damien Kurek, who won his seat by a significant margin, says he has decided to step aside to allow the party leader to run in a by-election.
He believes the move is what’s best for Canada, and what’s best for his riding which he has represented since 2019.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will call the by-election, as necessary, without delay.
Royal Astronomical Society Celebrating World Astronomy Day at Geo Centre Saturday
Tomorrow is World Astronomy Day and the Royal Astronomical Society is hosting a special event to mark the occasion.
Astronomers will be on site at the Johnson Geo Centre on Signal Hill from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with special solar telescopes to view the Sun.
All telescopic viewing will be dependent on clear skies, but if the weather doesn’t co-operate, the event will move to Sunday.
Opposition Leader Expects New Prime Minister to Uphold Election Promises to NL
The leader of the Opposition believes the Trump factor came to the fore in this week’s federal election.
The Liberals returned to the governing side of the House of Commons, just three seats short of a majority.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham says on a provincial level, he’ll be making sure that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government live up to promises made to Newfoundland and Labrador.
That, says Wakeham, includes Carney’s commitment to cut Marine Atlantic ferry rates in half.
“He also talked about an energy corridor,” says Wakeham. He believes that if an energy corridor is developed for oil and gas to move east-to-west, then a similar corridor should be created to move hydro electricity east to west.
Gros Morne Mountain Trail Closed to Protect Newborn Wildlife
The main trail on Gros Morne Mountain is now closed for the next month or so to ensure that local wildlife is not disturbed at a very important time of year.
Springtime is when many newly-born animals are at their most vulnerable, and officials from Parks Canada close the trails for a period to ensure they have the peace and space to grow up undisturbed.
Parks Canada says rock ptarmigan chicks for instance, can scatter if disturbed, leaving them vulnerable to the cold, and wet conditions.
(Gros Morne National Park/Facebook)
Caribou calves also need a quiet environment to gain strength and mobility to avoid predators.
The Approach Trail from the trailhead to the Ferry Gulch Brook bridge will remain open, but the Summit Trail is closed from now to June 27.
New MUN President Hoping to Restore Trust in Administration
Memorial University’s newly-selected president says she hopes to build and restore trust in the institution and its administration in her new role.
Dr. Janet Morrison, who will take over as President and Vice-Chancellor on August 11th, most recently served as President of Ontario’s Sheridan College.
The university community went through a tumultuous period under former President Vianne Timmons who resigned following a series of controversies.
Morrison hopes that she can rebuild trust.
“I think the cultivation of trust, a sense of confidence in where collectively we’re going, and a really strong sense of shared purpose in navigating those challenges, you should be able to see that within the next year.”
MUNFA welcomes new President
Meanwhile, the Memorial University Faculty Association is welcoming the appointment of Dr. Janet Morrison as the next President and Vice-Chancellor of MUN.
MUNFA says it is committed to working collaboratively with Morrison to help strengthen the institution, and they’re hopeful that her leadership will be marked by transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement.
Energy NL Hopeful Carney Will Make Good on Commitments to Energy Sector
The CEO of Energy NL says Prime Minister Mark Carney sent “positive signals” to the energy sector during his election campaign, and Charlene Johnson is hoping those commitments come to fruition.
She says the Liberals talk about the development of “conventional oil” lower-carbon products, building pipelines and a one-window approval process are all very “positive signs” says Johnson.
The big issue the local oil industry still wants addressed is a commitment to remove the emissions cap.
They’ve been told that there will be an opportunity for further discussion on the emissions cap. “I really think there’s a positive solution there, where we can continue to focus on lowering emissions, but at the same time ensuring that we do not cap production.”
Anglican Cathedral Holding Event to Mark World Labyrinth Day
The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is inviting people to drop by tomorrow as they celebrate World Labyrinth Day.
A labyrinth is a space for people to walk and follow a pathway to get to the center.
The event is held every year on the first Saturday in May, and invites people to walk in labyrinths as a form of meditation.
The day involves inviting people to “walk as one” at 1p.m. local time, creating a “rolling wave of peaceful energy” that continues across different time zones throughout the day.
Laura Cowan, rector’s warden at the church, says there are many benefits to walking a labyrinth.
She says it is a place for people to go and think about what they need at a particular point in time – including spiritual thoughts, contemplation, health, and creativity.
The event is taking place from 1 to 3 p.m., with doors opening at 12:30.
Furey Reflects on Lessons Learned During Time as Premier
Premier Andrew Furey is reflecting on what he calls the “incredibly steep learning curve” he faced upon entering politics five years ago.
Furey’s time as Premier comes to a close tomorrow when the party will elect either John Abbott or John Hogan as his successor.
While he grew up around politics, Furey had never been a politician until he became premier.
Andrew Furey makes his way up the steps at Confederation Building for the first time hours after winning the leadership in August 2020. (VOCM News)
As such, he admits that there were some “serious lessons learned” during his first year in office.
Furey says his administration learned from some early mistakes, and he believes they had a better tenure because of it.
Premier Andrew Furey addresses Liberal supporters during the annual Dinner With the Premier fundraiser in 2024 (VOCM News)
He says he learned that there needs to be a balance between the agenda they wish to pursue, and understanding how it impacts people at the local and personal level.
For example, he says that during the rate mitigation process they didn’t engage the Innu in the way that they should have. Furey says that wasn’t done by design, but he takes responsibility for that and he has been trying to rebuild that relationship ever since, noting that the Innu Nation played a key role in Churchill Falls.
Goose Bay Airport CEO Claims Province Ignored Suggestions to Improve Air Service for Labrador
The Goose Bay Airport Corporation and other towns and organizations in the region say their concerns about affordable air service to and from Labrador have once again been ignored.
The corporation has been joined by the towns of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, North West River, the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce in saying they were shocked to hear that the province had reached an agreement with PAL Airlines to provide an interconnected loop between Deer Lake, Gander and St. John’s, with no similar agreement for Labrador.
Airport CEO Rex Goudie says they’ve made repeated suggestions to the province about enhancing service and affordability in Labrador “but, to no avail.”
(Goose Bay Airport)
Goudie says the province contends that federally-imposed fees are the issue, but he says those same fees apply to all airports and if they’re a barrier in Labrador, they should also be a barrier on the island.
The province says it is continuing to explore options with Labrador airport partners on ways to improve air access for those traveling to, or from, Labrador. Those options include federal fees, charges and other taxes that put an added strain on passengers, airlines and airports.
Premier Doesn’t Believe Parsons is Done With Political Life for Good
Premier Andrew Furey doesn’t think that we have seen the last—politically speaking—of his former colleague Andrew Parsons.
Parsons, a cabinet minister and the MHA for Burgeo-La Poile, walked away from public life yesterday. He had already made it known that his name would not be on the ballot in the next election.
Premier Furey says they were good friends even before he became premier.
He says Newfoundland and Labrador is better off with Parsons having chosen to serve the public.
Local Sculptor Weighs in on Bold Theft of Amelia Earhart Statue
A well-known sculptor is calling the recent theft of the statue of Amelia Earhart from Harbour Grace a “tragedy.”
Morgan MacDonald has cast a number of well-known public sculptures including the likeness of Demasduit in Botwood and Ron Hynes on George Street.
He says a statue the size of the one stolen last week could take up to a year to make.
The platform where Earhart’s bronze likeness once stood, along with commemorative plaques, sit empty after being stolen in late April 2025. (Town of Harbour Grace/Facebook)
The town is still trying to figure out where it is, and whether it’s still intact.
MacDonald says melting down the statue, which is made of copper alloy, wouldn’t be easy.
“The alloy of statuary is a very specific alloy. If you’re found with something like that in your possession, you’re going to have a few pointed questions that you’re going to have to answer because it’s a very unique, special thing. So, I don’t think it’s worth the effort,” he said.
Residents Under Shelter in Place Yesterday Criticizing RNC’s Efforts to Communicate Advisory
One person was taken into custody in the centre city yesterday following a police operation that resulted in the latest public advisory to shelter-in-place.
A number of people were removed from a property on Cookstown Road, and one person was arrested with charges pending.
The RNC say there were no serious injuries. The order to stay indoors, which lasted several hours, involved a wide area including Cookstown Road, Boncloddy Street and part of Pennywell Road.
(VOCM News)
A resident of Pennywell Road says RNC have to use a better method to inform residents of shelter in place orders than to simply post on social media.
Jessica Wyatt, who works from home, lives at the top of Boncloddy Street. She says she had no idea there was a shelter in place affecting her neighbourhood until she went outside to walk her dog.
“I opened my front door and five houses down from me there’s a police officer with a rifle, and police cruiser everywhere.”
She even witnessed a school bus dropping off students while the police operation was underway.
(VOCM News)
“3:30 in the afternoon a school bus actually came by and dropped off a dozen-plus children in front of all of the police cruisers, like, right at the top of Boncloddy right in the middle of where the shelter in place was centered.”
Wyatt suggests that instead of relying on social media, that RNC should use the emergency notification system.
VOCM News received numerous calls from residents of the neighbourhood who say they had no idea the shelter in place order had been issued until they were notified by family and friends.
Man Arrested on Fraud Charges in Goulds
Metro police rushed to the Goulds late last night after calls came in about a dodgy character in the area possibly being up to no good.
They arrested a 29-year-old man at the scene who was wanted on several fronts.
He now faces several charges of fraud. He was held at the lockup for court today.
Town Office in St. George’s Reopens Following Incident on Tuesday
The town council office in St. George’s is open once again after an unusual incident forced its temporary closure earlier this week.
RCMP received a call Tuesday afternoon alleging that an armed robbery had just occurred. Responding officers determined that the armed robbery never happened. The 61-year-old town clerk was subsequently arrested and charged with mischief and theft over $5,000.
The town says all funds have been recovered.
The town council is taking a sympathetic tone, saying that their thoughts are with the person involved and that they hope the necessary support and care is provided to address “any health or stress-related challenges.”
Repeat Offender Caught Shoplifting from Centre City Store
A man with kleptomaniac tendencies has been arrested by the RNC.
Officers went to a business in the centre city at about 6:00 last night but the shoplifter had already left the scene.
A 46-year-old man has been charged with theft and several breaches of court orders.
No Major Changes to Prices at Pumps
Fuel prices are roughly the same today as yesterday.
Diesel and furnace oil went down by about half a cent per litre but gasoline increased by fractions of a penny.
The most significant change had to do with propane, which increased by a cent-and-a-half.
New Statue Commissioned to Honour Wartime Legacy of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
The province is commissioning a new statue to pay homage to the province’s wartime legacy.
The statue will be placed at the foot of the steps of Confederation Building, alongside the ones of Demasduit and her family, and John Cabot.
Morgan MacDonald has been commissioned to create the statue—the artistic concept for which was unveiled at Confederation Building this afternoon.
It has been argued that Newfoundland and Labrador was forever changed after losing a generation of bright young men in WWI. Despite that loss, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians signed up without hesitation to fight in WWII and the Korean Conflict.
The duty to serve continued through the 1990s and 2000s with many local soldiers serving in the Gulf War and Afghanistan.
Andrew Furey says he hopes remembrance will be seen as a big part of his legacy as premier.
“I can’t think of a better announcement to be my last” Furey told reporters on Thursday. “The Unknown Soldier was such an important part of my tenure…and to have a commemorative statue on the front steps of Confederation Building, it’s a nice way to finish” his time as premier says Furey.
The provincial government also set aside $1 million to expand the Trail of the Caribou Commemoration Program to ensure that young residents remember the sacrifices of those who came before them.
Chambers of Commerce to Attend ‘B7’ Summit Ahead of G7 Meeting in Alberta
Chambers of Commerce from across the country will meet in Ottawa later this month to discuss their priorities on a national and international stage.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is hosting the B7 Summit from May 14th to the 17th.
Rhonda Tulk Lane, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber, says that event will be important because it will feed into the G7 summit that is happening in Alberta one month later, noting that they will be presenting the business priorities that they would like to see talked about.
She says there will be over 600 business leaders at the event, and she believes there will be a focus on global supply chains, infrastructure, and critical minerals.
MHA Calling for Government to Follow Through on Commitment to Review Mining Dust Study in Lab West
The MHA for Labrador West says now is the time for the provincial government to make good on its commitment to conduct a review on the dust produced in the province’s mining hub.
The health impacts of inhaling dust from the mining industry are well known, but wind direction, temperature and precipitation levels all impact mitigation efforts.
Lab City and Wabush have seen a number of instances in recent years when mining dust has enveloped the community and darkened skies.
Jordan Brown (VOCM News)
The last dust control study was conducted in 2015 and the province had previously committed to reviewing the situation every decade or so, but MHA Jordan Brown says, he has yet to receive an update from government on a review this season.
“We can’t control everything that comes off the mine site,” says Brown, “shifting winds, climate change, these all affect how the dust moves throughout the region and this is what we need to find out; the data on what is the best way to make sure that we’re keeping dust low.”
Next Leader Must Press Ottawa on Province’s Oil and Gas says Outgoing Premier
Premier Andrew Furey says his successor as party leader and premier has to make sure that the federal government finds ways to support oil and gas in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Furey says the federal Liberals are a “strong minority,” and he expects Prime Minister Mark Carney to work with the short-handed NDPs in the next parliament.
Carney has already committed to working on green energy initiatives but his plan for oil and gas in this province are less clear.
Furey says next leader of the provincial Liberals will need to ensure this province’s voice is heard by those in parliament.
“For the message for the next Premier, make sure regardless of political stripe, that you stand up for what people in Newfoundland and Labrador value, what they believe in, and what will make us better, including things like our offshore oil and gas product, making sure that is top of mind. Too often it’s seen as a secondary thought.”
Furey says the fishery and equalization will be critical conversations for the next premier and Carney.
John Abbott and John Hogan are vying for the provincial Liberal leadership, with a decision coming on Saturday.
One in Custody After Police Operation in St. John’s
Update as of 5:10 p.m.
Police have confirmed that one person is in custody after the police operation.
The shelter in place has since been lifited.
There’s no word on what charges are pending against the individual.
Update as of 4:00 p.m.
Four people have been taken into custody as part of a police operation that has resulted in a shelter in place order affecting a large part of the centre city area.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary issued a shelter in place advisory via social media shortly after 2:00 p.m. for Cookstown Road, Lemarchant Road, Boncloddy Street and Pennywell Road.
A dozen or more police cars are on the scene and the Tactical Unit arrived just before 4:00 p.m.
Still, people are coming out to have a look. RNC are asking others to stay away from the area until the operation is concluded.
Update as of 3:00 p.m.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is asking residents in the area of Cookstown Road in the capital city to shelter in place while they respond to an unfolding incident.
The order has been put in place for people in living on Cookstown Road, Lemarchant Road, Boncloddy Street, and Pennywell Road.
All others are being asked to avoid the area and obey police direction.
About a dozen police cars are on the scene, focusing on a house on Cookstown near Freshwater Road. One person was seen being placed in the back of a police car just before 3:00, but there is no official word on possible arrests or charges.
Earlier story
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is asking residents in the area of Cookstown Road in the capital city to shelter in place while they respond to an unfolding incident.
The order has been put in place for people in living on Cookstown Road, Lemarchant Road, Boncloddy Street, and Pennywell Road.
All others are being asked to avoid the area and obey police direction.
There are no other details at this time.
VOCM News is tracking the story and will have more information as it becomes available.
Bronze Plaque to Commemorate ‘Lucky 7’ to be Established in New-Wes-Valley
A marine rescue off Newfoundland which serves as a testament to the belief that miracles do happen will be enshrined permanently.
The crew of the Elite Navigator spent some 48 hours bobbing in a life raft after their fishing boat burned and sank in July of 2024 about 250 km off Fogo Island. A large-scale search was launched but rain and dense fog hampered the effort. Hope was fading, but the weather broke, and the seven crewmembers were located safe and sound.
An escort of local boats speed to shore behind a fast rescue craft carrying the ‘Lucky 7’ crew of the Elite Navigator in Valleyfield, Bonavista Bay this afternoon. (Courtesy Maritime NL)
Eugene Carter, David Tiller, Toby Peddle, Harold Howell, Andy Hunt, Jordan Lee King and Robbie Firmage were met with a hero’s welcome when they returned in a flotilla to New-Wes-Valley.
Premier Andrew Furey says a bronze plaque will be installed in the town to forever mark the return of “The Lucky 7.” Designed by artist Keisha Mercer, the plaque will be bronzed by sculptor Morgan MacDonald.
Premier Furey says he and the entire province, will never forget that day.
Mayor Mike Tiller says you would never believe it possible that they would have survived.
Long-Time Cabinet Minister Andrew Parsons Announces Resignation
A long-time and high-profile cabinet minister has announced his resignation, effective today.
Andrew Parsons previously indicated that he would not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election but that he would stay on until an election was called.
Parsons, the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology and the member for Burgeo-Lapoile, posted on his personal Facebook page today that he is stepping down.
“It’s been a hell of a ride” says Parsons, “but every good adventure has to come to an end at some point.”
The timing of the announcement is interesting, given the Liberal leadership convention scheduled for this weekend and the house scheduled to resume sitting mid-month.
Among Parsons’ last acts as minister was to announce funding for a St. Anthony-based company to manufacture and construct modular homes and buildings.
Rose’s Concrete and Construction specializes in residential, commercial and industrial concrete work. The company was approached about building modular units for both storage, and housing.
The $90,000 loan, provided thought the Business Investment Program will be used to purchase and upgrade property in St. Anthony and the equipment needed to build the homes.
The company will use a digital platform to design and showcase the buildings, making it easier for customers to see and customize the final product.
Young NL Hockey Team Heads to Europe for Tournament and WWI Memorial Tour
A team of young hockey players from this province is heading to Europe tomorrow on what will be the experience of a lifetime.
Head coach Steve Hodder says the call went out among high school hockey players who didn’t make the cut for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Memorial High School Hockey Tournament to gauge interest in a series of exhibition games and tour of WWI memorials in Europe – and the response was overwhelming.
Hodder says the team is made up of three players from St. Anthony, two from Twillingate, and the rest from schools across the metro region.
The Newfoundland Trail of the Caribou team will play a tournament in Brussels involving teams from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria and France, as well as three exhibition games.
(A caribou statue stands in Gueudecourt, France, as part of the Trail of the Caribou. Photo courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada.)
Each of the players has been paired with a Newfoundland Regimental soldier who died in WWI, and they will be visiting the graves.
Hodder says they have an exhibition game against the Fog Devils this afternoon at 3:30 at Twin Rinks and are hoping to see a good crowd before they leave for Europe.
“We’ve got the President of the Royal Canadian Legion in Kelligrews, he’s going to come out and do the opening ceremony. We’re going to sing Oh Canada! and the Ode to Newfoundland, so if anybody is in the area and they’re interested…and want to bring their kids out, it will be 3:30 at the Twin Rinks.”
42-Year-Old Woman Arrested, Cocaine Seized in Deer Lake Traffic Stop
RCMP seized a quantity of cocaine and arrested a 42-year-old woman following a traffic stop in Deer Lake this week.
Police stopped the vehicle on Middle Road around 3:30 on Monday. The woman was arrested, and more than an ounce of cocaine was seized along with other items.
The accused is set to appear in court at a later date on a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
The investigation continues.
Labour Organizations Holding May Day Rally Downtown
Labour organizations will gather in downtown St. John’s this afternoon for a rally marking May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day.
The day is celebrated each year on May 1 to both highlight workers’ contributions to society, and their ongoing struggles.
Representatives from the NL Federation of Labour, UNIFOR, and representatives from the MUN Campus Coalition will be in attendance.
People will be gathering at the Sheraton Hotel at 3 p.m. and then marching to Harbourside Park for the rally.
Furey Congratulates MUN Presidential Search Committee on Selection of Dr. Janet Morrison
Premier Andrew Furey is offering his congratulations to Memorial University’s presidential search committee in choosing Dr. Janet Morrison as the new President and Vice-Chancellor.
Furey calls Morrison an “excellent candidate” for the position.
He says she brings a degree of energy, compassion and empathy for students, while understanding the important role that Memorial, in particular, plays in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hospitality NL Pleased With New Intraprovincial Seasonal Offerings via PAL Airlines
Hospitality NL is applauding a new intraprovincial air “loop” connecting St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake.
CEO Craig Foley says air access is important, and he sees the new PAL routes as a help to anyone arriving in the province from across the country—or across the pond—to get where they want to go.
“Access continues to be our greatest challenge in the tourism industry,” says Foley. “Access to, from and around the province is necessary for people to enjoy our offerings and enjoy what we promise in our ads and our brands. So, any way that we can enhance transportation and movement of people, we see that as very positive.”
The province announced this week that it has reached a new agreement with PAL Airlines for a seasonal service route connecting St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake.
The routes will run from June 15 to September 20, four days per week.
