Flight Attendants at PAL Airlines File For Conciliation With Federal Labour Board
Flight attendants at PAL Airlines have filed for conciliation with the federal labour board after failing to reach a new contract with their employer.
CUPE Local 5451 President Mark Rice says the key issues remain unresolved: wages, scheduling, working conditions, and work-life balance. The union, which represents roughly 175 flight attendants, has been negotiating with the airline since the spring of 2025.
Once a conciliator is officially appointed, the two sides will have 60 days to reach an agreement.
Prime Minister Visiting Saint Pierre to Meet French President
The Prime Minister, fresh off a visit overseas to strengthen Canada’s relationship with Europe, is scheduled to meet on Sunday with French President Emmanuel Macron on Newfoundland’s doorstep.
It will be the very first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to the French islands of Saint Pierre et Miquelon – just off the tip of the Burin Peninsula.
The islands have a combined population of just under 6,000 people.
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivering a speech to the EU in Strasbourg, France (via Mark Carney)
Mark Carney, who was invited by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to become the EU’s first “associate member,” is meeting with the French president to discuss potential energy and aerospace partnerships.
Senior parliamentary reporter with the Globe and Mail, Steve Chase, says the meeting will be a brief one.
He says they’re expected to announce greater military and Arctic cooperation between Canada and France.
“They will have a working lunch,” says Chase, “and then right back to Canada after a few hours there. They’re, I think, both heading to the U.N. General Assembly this week.”
Car Enthusiasts Denounce Bad Behaviour After Car Meet on Kenmount
Car enthusiasts and club members are denouncing recent incidents following a car meet at the A&W on Kenmount Road Thursday evening.
A 32-year-old man was ticketed for stunting after an RNC officer noticed him pulling out onto Kenmount Road and briefly losing control of his car.
Meanwhile, police are working on identifying a Corvette and its driver that performed doughnuts in traffic on the same road that same evening.
(A car stunting on Kenmount Road, as shared on Facebook)
Video of the car, narrowly missing other vehicles, is being widely shared on social media.
The President of the Newfoundland Antique and Classic Car Club, Carl Hamlyn, says they’ve been gathering at A&W for decades and he condemns some of the bad behavior that’s taken place of late.
Meanwhile, NL Car Shows, Cruises & Meets has issued a “call to action” – asking the car community to “set the standard” and make sure that people respect the road, respect the meets, and respect the lots.
Ontario Woman Killed in Crash on TCH Near Corner Brook
A collision on the west coast Friday afternoon claimed the life of one person.
The fiery collision, which involved a transport truck and a sedan on the TCH near Logger School Road in Corner Brook, happened around 1:00.
The only passenger in the car, a 62-year-old woman from Ontario, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two drivers were assessed by paramedics at the crash site for injuries that were determined not to be life threatening.
The crash resulted in a lengthy road closure as officials attended to the scene.
RNC are looking for any witnesses or footage from the area in the lead-up to, or immediately following the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call 709-637-4100.
Increased Military Activity in Deer Lake as Training Takes Place
People in Deer Lake may notice increased military activity near the town this weekend.
It’s part of an exercise known as Thrusting Bayonet , which will take place in the Holstine Farm area.
People may hear blank ammunition being used, and see rubber inflated boats operating around the south side of Deer Lake and in the St. Jude’s area.
People are being asked to steer clear of active training areas. The training is taking place today and tomorrow.
Flower’s Cove Protesting Downgrade of RCMP in Region
A town on the Northern Peninsula is protesting the downgrading of RCMP capacity and service in the region.
The mayor of Flower’s Cove, Lynn Way, says it was decided several years ago that police would move to a hub model whereby officers would be shared among other detachments after hours: Flower’s Cove, Roddickton-Bide Arm, St. Anthony and Port Saunders.
The town is staffed in the daytime by a civilian, but Mayor Way says she’s aware that many detachments in the province have similar situations in terms of police coverage.
She notes that it took officers an hour-and-a-half to get to the area recently in response to a violent incident.
“We’ve all seen an increase in the number of calls to the RCMP but with the distance the RCMP have to travel, it’s a big concern,” Way says, “We have a small population with big city problems.”
The protest is scheduled for 1:00 today.
Strong Wind Storm Blowing Across the Island
A strong wind storm is making its way across the province today, meaning there could be a risk of people encountering downed power lines.
Gusts greater than 100 km/h are possible in many areas from the Avalon to the Northern Peninsula, and through parts of central.
Parts of the island under advisories from Environment Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Newfoundland Power has crews at-the-ready should anything happen.
With such strong winds, there is always a chance that utility poles could be toppled and power lines could fall to the ground.
If someone encounters such a situation, spokesperson Glenda Power says people should keep their distance.
She says people should always assume power lines are energized, and to stay the length of a school bus away. Power says anyone who sees a downed power line or cracked utility pole should call 1-800-474-5711 to report it.
Wind-blown trees in the capital city (VOCM News)
MUN Body Works Exhibit Taking Place Today in Faculty of Medicine Atrium
Memorial University’s Body Works exhibit is underway today in the atrium of the Faculty of Medicine on Clinch Crescent.
The exhibit includes plastinated specimens created by anatomy educator Dr. Shakti Chandra.
Body Works is open to alumni, students, educators and the general public.
Free parking is available in lot 30.
The show runs from 10:00 this morning to 3:00 p.m.
Saint John Sea Dogs Beat The Regiment 4-2 in Season Opener
The Saint John Sea Dogs scored early and never looked back in the season opener of the QMJHL at the Mary Brown’s Centre last night. They went ahead 4-0 over the Regiment before the home team fought back with a pair in the third to make it a 4-2 final.
The visitors went 3/5 on the power play, and outshot the Regiment 39-27
Matthew Frost and Dmitrii Kubantsev scored for the home team.
The two lock horns again tonight at Mary Brown’s at 7:00.
UPDATE: McNaughton Drive and Kingsbridge Road Open Again After Closure
That police operation on New Cove Road in St. John’s has wrapped up.
The section between McNaughton Drive and Kingsbridge had been closed to accommodate an investigation.
RNC say everything is now back to normal in that area in terms of traffic flow.
Police Investigate Vandalism at Whitbourne Elementary Baseball Field
RCMP are investigating after the gate to the baseball field at Whitbourne Elementary was vandalized.
Police believe the damage happened sometime between September 8th and the morning of the 11th.
A photo shows that several pieces of the wooden frame had been snapped off.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at (709) 759-2600.
Daily Fuel Prices for Saturday, September 19, 2026
Diesel fuel on the island and in Labrador West went down overnight by five cents a litre after numerous increases pushed it to record levels.
Gas went up but not by much – 1.5 cents per litre.
Furnace oil drops by just over 4 cents province-wide today while stove oil goes down by the same amount, but only in Labrador West.
Woman in Custody after Brazil Street Stabbing
A 42-year-old woman is being held in custody pending a court appearance on charges of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon in connection with a stabbing in St. John’s which left a man with significant injuries.
The incident happened Thursday morning on Brazil Street.
The woman, who knew the victim, had left the area before police arrived but was arrested a short time later.
She is also facing charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats.
Cybersecurity Incident at Metrobus Impacts Automatic Vehicle Location System
There has been a cybersecurity incident at Metrobus.
The incident was first identified on Tuesday, and Metrobus says it took immediate steps to secure its network.
While the full scope is still being assessed, the breach has impacted their Automatic Vehicle Location system – which provides real-time bus location and schedule information. As a result, some applications and services that rely on that information may either be unavailable or not displaying current information.
All other customer services are operating as per normal.
Metrobus states that information related to mCard accounts is stored on a separate, external system and is not believed to have been affected by the incident.
Metrobus will not comment further on the details of the incident while the investigation is underway. It says doing so could compromise the integrity of the investigation and recovery efforts.
Should the transit operation learn of any impacts affecting employees or customers, then those people will be contacted directly.
Corner Brook Regional High School Placed on Lockdown Following Reported Threats
Corner Brook Regional High was placed on lockdown earlier today after RNC received a report of online threats against the school.
Officers were able to quickly locate a person of interest in another area of town.
The investigation is continuing, however police say it appears that a direct threat was not made and the person was not in possession of a weapon.
Officers will be on scene continuing their investigation, and there is no risk to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Corner Brook RNC at 709-637-4100.
Province Issues RFP to Conduct Expansion Assessment for St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital
Plans are in motion for the provincial government to conduct an assessment of St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s.
Government has issued an RFP to engage a team of consultants to do a comprehensive review of the hospital, which they say will be a “key step” in planning for future healthcare infrastructure.
The work will examine the condition of the facility and the potential for expansion.
The assessment will identify required upgrades, estimate potential costs, and explore the options for future expansion.
Earlier this year, the former Liberal government’s plans for a total replacement of St. Clare’s were axed by the PCs due to the exorbitant costs involved.
College Suspends Two Nurses’ Licenses Pending Hearing Results
The NL College of Nurses has suspended the licenses of two nurses pending the result of hearings into their cases.
The College says the practicing licences of Linimol Thampi and Nitin Raju were suspended this week by the College Board pending a hearing of the Adjudication Tribunal.
Dates for those hearings have not yet been released.
Newfoundland Power Ready to Respond as Wind Storm Approaches Island
Newfoundland Power is at the ready to respond as a significant wind storm takes aim at the island.
There are wind warnings out for about half of the island, including the Avalon, Bonavista and Northern Peninsulas, as well as parts of central. There is a special weather statement in effect for the metro region.
Peak gusts could be over 100 km/h late tonight and tomorrow.
Director of Stakeholder Relations and Communications Glenda Power says Newfoundland Power is monitoring the wind conditions very closely.
She says they have crews right across the province who are used to working in tough conditions, and they will be at the ready if an outage occurs.
Dealing With Quebec ‘Only Option’ on Churchill Falls, says Financial Advisor
A local financial advisor is “cutting the emotion” from questions related to the new agreement reached with Quebec on Churchill Falls and future hydro development in Labrador.
Larry Short of Short Financial, a division of iA Private Wealth, told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan that Newfoundland and Labrador has a trapped resource and dealing with Quebec on achieving that development was the only option.
Listen to “Larry Short – Short Financial” on Spreaker.
“Even in 2041, we still have to sell to Quebec. And that’s what people are missing. There seems to be a belief that in 2041 we can renegotiate this contract with anybody, but we tried to find a way to use Quebec power lines in order to transmit through Quebec to customers in the United States and Ontario – we can’t.”
“We appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, that’s going nowhere. Politically, Quebec’s got 78 seats, so even if Premier Wakeham became Prime Minister Wakeham tomorrow, he could not sway the political powers in this country in order to grant us those rights.”
Short says hydro development will have an economic impact on the province that will be equal to, if not bigger than, that of oil and gas.
UPDATE: Traffic Moving in Both Directions Following TCH Accident Near Corner Brook
Traffic is moving in both directions but reduced to a single lane following a traffic accident on the TCH near Corner Brook.
Drivers are asked to reduce speeds and be mindful as authorities continue to work in the area.
VOCM will provide updates as they are available.
Earlier Story
The Trans Canada Highway is closed in both directions near Corner Brook following a collision between a transport truck and another vehicle.
Heavy, black smoke can be seen for some distance.
The highway is closed between Corner Brook and Pinchgut Lake.
Traffic is backed up considerably.
Drivers are being asked to avoid the area until further notice.
World Facing Energy Crisis as Global Prices Rise; Going to Get Worse, says Watchdog
A consumer watchdog says the world is facing an energy crisis as it has never seen before, and things are going to get worse before they get better.
He does have some ideas though, one being to build infrastructure in the Atlantic basin – between Africa, Europe, the United States and Canada – to take advantage of oil coming from the high seas.
Diesel, furnace oil and gasoline are at or nearly at all-time highs, and Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy, doesn’t see any long-lasting improvement on the horizon.
Diesel is at $2.77, furnace oil is $2.28 and gas is $2.21.
Dan McTeague
“I could see that going up to $3.00 a litre for diesel by the first week of October,” says McTeague, ” and furnace oil could be around $2.50 a litre.”
He says the current global shortage in supply could be an opening for Canada with fields such as Bay du Nord. That project is expected to reach the final stage of approval with the Final Investment Decision early in the new year.
“Nobody is going to escape this, and it could result in food prices going up another five or ten per cent over the next few months because of the cost of diesel.”
RCMP Investigating Reports of Erratic ATV Driver in Stephenville Crossing
RCMP are looking into reports of an erratic ATV driver in Stephenville Crossing.
Police say they are aware of a video circulating on social media of an incident in the Hospital Road area, and that one person has come forward to file an official report.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at 709-643-2118.
Deer Lake Police Raid Produces Cocaine, Pills, and Firearms
A joint squad of police have busted a drug operation on the west coast.
The RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation seized drugs, weapons and items consistent with drug trafficking after searching two separate residences.
Police raided a house in Islandview Heights in Deer Lake and another on a camp road near Humber Valley Resort.
Specifically, they found a quantity of cocaine and pills, firearms and ammunition, large quantities of currency and silver, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Chad Cassell, who’s 44, was arrested without incident and charged with two counts of trafficking.
He was released to appear in December.
Marine Atlantic Registers Port aux Basques Terminal, Docking Improvement Plans for Environmental Approval
Marine Atlantic has registered its plans for improvements to docking and terminal facilities in Port aux Basques for environmental approval.
Earlier this year the federal government put up $270 million to upgrade ramps, extend the docks and other improvements at Port aux Basques and Argentia.
The work will include the removal of Vardy’s Rock – a navigation hazard in Port aux Basques Harbour.
(via Marine Atlantic )
Marine Atlantic says additional work includes widening and deepening the channel approach and turning basin.
Waste rock will then be used to repair and upgrade the Pikes Island breakwater and create an infill area at Pikes Island which – it’s hoped – will create a new fish habitat.
The deadline for public comment is October 20th, with the minister’s decision expected by October 30th.
Marine Atlantic Cancels Ferry Crossings Ahead of Incoming Wind Storm
Ferry crossings at Marine Atlantic have been cancelled for tonight, and more cancellations are possible for tomorrow as a wind storm moves through the province.
Spokesperson Darrell Mercer says no firm decisions have been made yet on crossings set for tomorrow, but they are hopeful things can get back on track tomorrow night.
Once that happens, Mercer says they will need to work through a backlog of people that had to be rescheduled.
He says their staff are working “diligently,” and the hope is that, for Port Aux Basques, they can move the backlogged traffic over the next three crossings.
RNC Seize One Vehicle, Search Continues for Red Corvette Following Stunting Incidents on Kenmount Road
The RNC has seized one vehicle and is still trying to identify the driver of another vehicle following a couple of stunting incidents on Kenmount Road last night.
Video circulating on social media shows a Corvette doing doughnuts in the middle of traffic on Kenmount Road, nearly colliding with a number of vehicles as onlookers scream.
Responding police could not find the vehicle involved, but while parked in a nearby lot officers noticed a second vehicle pull onto Kenmount Road at a high speed, temporarily losing control.
The vehicle was pulled over and seized by police while the 32-year-old driver was ticketed for performing stunts.
RNC are asking for the public’s help in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in the original stunting incident.
Anyone with information is asked to give them a call at 709-729-8000.
To provide anonymous information on criminal activity, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit Crime Stoppers.
Another angle of stunt driving cars on Kenmount Road (Facebook).
Local Car Club Condemns Latest Kenmount Road Stunting Incident
The President of the Newfoundland Antique and Classic Car Club is disgusted by a reckless display on Kenmount Road last night that had the potential to cause serious harm.
Video circulating on social media shows a Corvette doing doughnuts in the middle of traffic on Kenmount Road narrowly avoiding collision with a number of vehicles as onlookers scream.
A passenger in a Corvette stunting on Kenmount Road Sept 17, 2026 waving to the crowd (Facebook)
In one video, someone can be seen hanging out the window of the spinning car, waving to people on the side of the road.
Car enthusiasts have gathered at the A&W on Kenmount Road for decades to show off their prized vehicles, but Carl Hamlyn says things have started to take a turn in recent weeks.
Burnout tire marks on Kenmount Road following a group of stunt drivers (VOCM News)
“We don’t condone any of this behaviour, the last few weeks it’s gotten worse at A&W. I left early last night around 8:00 so I was gone when that happened. But it’s happened the last couple of weeks, it’s been getting worse. The car community in this province does not condone this type of action.”
RNC is aware and is expected to provide an update on the situation sometime today.
The city of St. John’s says it is “disheartening” to see unsafe behaviour on the city’s roadways, and council urges residents to follow the rules of the road.
It’s not the first time it’s happened. A driver was ticketed for stunting on Kenmount Road in July.
A stunting Corvette on Kenmount Road in 2015 (File photo).
In 2016, a 25-year-old driver was charged following a similar incident the previous summer involving a Corvette on Kenmount Road.
GF-W RCMP Catch Suspect on Scene of Break-and-Enter, Looking for Second Person Involved
A man was arrested on the spot inside a business in Grand Falls-Windsor late last night, break-in tools in hand, but police are still looking for a second person who was involved.
RCMP rushed to a commercial property on Earle Street around midnight after being called about a break-in. Officers say they found 35-year-old Justin Mills in the building, who already had an outstanding warrant against him in relation to a separate matter. He’s now facing new charges including break-and-enter and breach of probation.
Anyone who has information on the identity of the second person involved is asked to contact Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP 709-487-2121 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477.)
Quebec Election ‘Key’ to Finalizing Churchill Falls Deal, says Bellavance
Now that the Churchill Falls agreement has been passed in the House of Assembly, work begins on finalizing it.
Key to getting that process completed is the outcome of the Quebec election and the will of the next Quebec government to get it done.
Joël-Denis Bellavance of La Presse says the outcome of last night’s vote in the House of Assembly came as a great relief in Quebec.
Bellavance says it’s his belief that regardless of the outcome of next month’s election, the deal is likely to go unopposed.
Listen to “JD Bellevance of La Presse” on Spreaker.
“I think the vote in Newfoundland and Labrador is part one, and I think the election will be part two, but I don’t think that any government that will take power…will try to change the deal that was signed by (Premier) Christine Fréchette this summer.”
The aim is to have the deal finalized by the end of the year, and Opposition Leader John Hogan says he’s discouraged by the suggestion that the final agreements won’t be brought before the House of Assembly for further scrutiny.
NL Liberal Leader John Hogan (VOCM News)
“That’s certainly discouraging” says Hogan, “because really now Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have no insight or further input, or approval mechanism about if this actually finally happens.”
Newfoundland Regiment Faces Off Against Saint John Sea Dogs in Tonight’s Home Opener
It’s opening night at the Mary Brown’s Centre for the Q tonight in the Regiment’s second season in St. John’s.
The Saint John Sea Dogs are in town for a weekend set tonight and tomorrow night.
The Regiment enjoyed a very good inaugural season last year with a playoff run.
There are three Newfoundlanders on the team: Forwards Ben Veitch and Damian Norris, and defenceman Quinn Norman.
Ben Veitch of the Newfoundland Regiment (VOCM News)
Veitch says he’s looking forward top his second season with the team.
“I grew up in a hockey family. My brother and sister taught me how to skate and play, my dad also played hockey,” said Veitch.
The Regiment play their first three series at home before hitting the road.
SportNL Launches Anti-Racism Campaign
Those who run our sports programs in Newfoundland and Labrador have launched a campaign to wipe out racism on playing surfaces and in the stands. .
Noting that this province has a large Indigenous population and a growing number of newcomers, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is working to creating a culture where everyone feels safe in sport, no mater their background.
(SportNL)
“Do Your Part: Stop Racism In Sport” encourages athletes, coaches, parents, officials and others to work as a team to counter hate and discrimination.
Troy Croft, the executive director of the umbrella agency, says people in sport have a collective responsibility to speak out and expose racism.
(SportNL)
Valentina Nolan, executive director of the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of Newfoundland and Labrador, says they are aware of many unfortunate stories of racism.
Campaign graphics and videos will be running on social media from now through October.
