Gas Drops Below $2/L in Overnight Adjustment
The price of gas has dropped below the $2 mark for the first time in weeks thanks to a big drop at the pumps.
The PUB has lowered the maximum price by nearly 11 cents per litre – putting gas around $1.95 a litre on the Avalon.
Other parts of the province are either less than $2 a litre or hovering just above.
Diesel plummets by 8 and a half cents on the island and over 7 cents in Labrador West.
Furnace oil is down by about 7 cents while stove oil in Lab West drops by just over 6 cents.
Masks Now Mandatory at Health Care Facilities
Mandatory masking resumes in all hospitals, health care centres and long-term care homes effective this morning in response to an increase in respiratory illness circulating in the community.
NL Health Services says the measure is being taken to help reduce the spread of infection.
The health authority will continue to monitor reported cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks. The measure will remain in place until the end of March unless conditions dictate otherwise.
If you’re feeling unwell, you’re asked not to visit a health care facility unless you’re seeking treatment.
Province’s latest flu numbers (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
As of October 30, there were eleven lab-confirmed cases of influenza in the province, with two people in hospital.
COVID cases are also on the rise with 21 lab-confirmed cases reported as of October 30 – including two hospitalizations.
A host of other respiratory illnesses are also in circulation.
Sunrise Animal Hospital Forced to Close Due to Vet Shortage
One of the metro region’s biggest and among the longest-serving vet clinics in the province is vowing it will reopen as it tries to find a way through a provincial vet shortage.
Sunrise Animal Hospital in Mount Pearl is closing its doors next Friday, November 13th – but it hopes the closure will be temporary.
The province has been staring down a vet shortage for some time, with warnings two years ago that the situation could get worse before it gets better.
As of 2000, the province only had two subsidized seats at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI. By 2024, that number had only increased to three despite growing demand.
Sunrise, which has been in operation since 1987, reduced its hours of operation back in September.
The business says the decision to close was not made lightly.
In a post issued yesterday, Sunrise said that while it is saying goodbye for now, it holds out hope that the measure is temporary.
Town of Placentia Seeking Information After Garbage Found Dumped Behind Ballfield
The town of Placentia is seeking information after someone decided to take the lazy way out of getting rid of some unwanted material.
A significant pile of debris was unceremoniously – and illegally – dumped in an area behind the Dunville Ballfield.
The town, which is looking for information on the incident, is hoping that anyone who may have witnessed it, or who has information, will reach out.
Annual Kids Eat Smart Radiothon Today
The annual Kids Eat Smart Radiothon will be hitting the airwaves on the VOCM/Big Land Radio Network this afternoon.
The annual fundraiser helps raise funds for breakfast clubs at schools right across the province.
Executive director Celina Stoyles says the organization helps to serve over 47,000 meals every morning to thousands of students.
(VOCM News)
Stoyles says this is the organization’s most important fundraiser.
With rising costs, more children are having to make use of the breakfast programs at school. Rising costs are also making it more difficult for the organization to stretch a dollar.
Today’s radiothon airs noon – 4 p.m. on the VOCM/Big Land FM Radio Network.
Donations can be made by calling long distance toll free: 1-877-722-1996 or local: 709-722-1996. Donations can also be made online.
Industry Expert Warns of Increased Grocery Prices in New Year
A food industry expert is warning of sharp price increases at the checkout in the new year.
Sylvain Charlebois of the Dalhousie Agri-Food Analytics Lab says Competition Bureau regulations which are intended to freeze prices in the lead-up to Christmas actually means higher prices before and after the freeze.
The federal bureau mandates that suppliers cannot increase prices between November 1 and the end January, ensuring grocery stores don’t raise prices during the busy holiday season.
The practice only applies to pre-packaged, shelf-stable foods.
(Sylvain Charlebois)
However, Charlebois says it ends up having the reverse effect as many suppliers hike their rates just before the freeze takes effect and as soon as it lifts.
“If you look at Statistics Canada and the data over 30 years, the most volatile months are during the blackout period,” he said.
“What really happens out there is that if you’re a supplier, you’re likely going to jack up prices in October because you know that for three months you can’t raise prices and when February comes around, you’re going to lift prices again.”
Brush Burning May Cause Visible Smoke in Terra Nova National Park
Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke when you’re driving through Terra Nova National Park today.
Parks Canada says workers will be burning brush that has grown up throughout the summer between now and Sunday.
The smoke may be visible in and around Northwest River.
Parks Canada says the work is part of its regular operations, and anyone looking for further information can call 709-533-2801.
NL Bringing in Legislation to Allow for Seizure of Items Connected to Criminal Activity
The provincial government has introduced legislation which it hopes will help disrupt criminal networks and increase public safety.
It’s called the Civil Forfeiture Act.
Essentially, it provides a process whereby the Crown can seize assets and money believed to be used in, or obtained from, criminal activity.
Government believes the legislation will help remove the proceeds and assets connected to criminal activity, which would make it harder for criminal organizations to operate.
Depending on the total value of the property involved, the process will either be administrative, or court-based.
Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer offered so called “trap houses” as an example.
She says the legislation would allow for any items involved in drug trafficking, and the money generated to be seized and forfeited to the Crown. She calls it a “very effective tool to get at the core issues involving crime in our community.”
Man Charged Following Armed Robbery in Downtown St. John’s
A man has been charged in connection with an armed robbery involving a firearm in the capital city’s downtown.
Police rushed to the scene around 11:30 last night. The suspect had fled by that point but was located shortly after.
The 45-year-old was arrested and charged with armed robbery, using a firearm in the commission of an offence and public mischief.
Mandatory Masking Returning to NL Health-Care Facilities
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is bringing back mandatory masking in clinical areas at hospitals and health-care facilities across the province.
The requirement takes effect Wednesday, November 4th, at 8 a.m., and includes long-term care facilities.
The move comes as facilities are reporting increases in respiratory illnesses. The requirements will apply to visitors, support persons, patients, outpatient clinic and emergency department clients, as well as health-care workers..
The masking guidelines are expected to be re-evaluated by March 31st, 2027.
Parks Canada Burning Brush in Terra Nova National Park
Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke when you’re driving through Terra Nova National Park today.
Parks Canada says workers will be burning brush that has grown up throughout the summer between now and Sunday.
The smoke may be visible in and around Northwest River.
Parks Canada says the work is part of its regular operations, and anyone looking for further information can call 709-533-2801.
Eastbound ORR Slowed Down Significantly Between Thorburn Road and TGH
Traffic on the Outer Ring Road is slowed at this hour.
Construction on a section of the highway between Thorburn Road and the Team Gushue Highway heading east has traffic tied up in both lanes.
Callers to the VOCM Newsroom suggest drivers should take an alternate route.
Workers are paving a section of the highway that was recently torn up to replace a culvert.
Province Announces Community Respect Initiative Targeting Harassment, Intimidation at Municipal Level
The province has announced $75,000 for the first phase of a Community Respect initiative aimed at helping to foster respectful governance in the province’s municipalities.
The program will build what government calls a “clearer understanding” of harassment, discrimination, intimidation and personal attacks facing municipal leaders, staff and community members.
Phase One will gather data, hear from participants and “lay the foundation” for long-term action.
It will also help to identify practical tools to strengthen respectful interaction and participation in local government.
The initiative is being implemented over the next three years, with the second and third phases coming next year and the year after.
Bay St. George RCMP Receive Report of Tampering to Halloween Gum
RCMP have received another report of Halloween candy that appears to have been tampered with – this time in the Stephenville area.
Police at the Bay St. George detachment were contacted on Monday after a parent reported finding small metal items in two pieces of bubble gum.
Police have not yet confirmed the source of the candy, however the family was able to provide some details regarding the route taken door-to-door.
The route includes Area 13, Florida Loop and the Spruce Drive area in Kippens.
Anyone who makes a similar discovery or who has any information to help police in their investigation is asked to contact the Bay St. George detachment at 709-643-2118.
RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay received three reports on the weekend of small metal items found in treat-sized Coffee Crisp bars collected on Halloween.
Labrador Affairs Minister Blames Previous Government for Ten Years of ‘Inaction’
The Minister of Labrador Affairs spoke passionately in the House of Assembly this afternoon, blaming ten years of previous Liberal government inaction for losses suffered in her district.
Soon after announcing a deal on Churchill Falls, the provincial government launched Team Labrador, led by minister Lela Evans, to fan out across the region to hear from Labradorians about their infrastructure priorities going forward.
Keith Russell (House of Assembly YouTube)
The MHA for Lake Melville, Keith Russell – who was a member of the the team – quit the PC caucus in September.
Opposition Labrador affairs critic Lisa Dempster sought an update on what the team is hearing and whether their findings will be tabled in the House of Assembly – but not before asking why the minister for Labrador was “so angry” in her responses.
Evans prickled at that suggestion.
“I was over in Opposition, I come from northern Labrador, I actually had to witness first-hand ten years of inaction. Where people were failed to be able to access health care. I actually have people now who are buried that would probably be alive if we had a good hospital system in northern Labrador.” Evans also outlined her difficulties in addressing the strain on constituents trying to heat their homes. “Failed Liberal promises, over and over and over again!”
Minister Evans says government is developing a website for virtual engagement, and Team Labrador has met with the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the local chamber of commerce and local Indigenous government and will come back with “real action.”
New CODCO Reunion Documentary Celebrates Group’s Bold Legacy
One of the original members of a ground-breaking comedy sketch group says even today he’s amazed at their bold approach to controversial topics.
A new television documentary, filmed one year ago during CODCO’s reunion at the Jag Soundhouse, airs this coming weekend.
Greg Malone says the impression he has looking back on material they created and performed four decades ago is its enduring relevance.
He says topics that even today you might have to tiptoe around, they just “smashed into.” He calls it “stuff that radical for the time and is still radical today.”
A CODCO Reunion (which also features VOCM’s Russell Bowers) airs this coming Saturday on NTV.
Listen to “Greg Malone” on Spreaker.
RNC Investigating another Random Assault in City’s Downtown
RNC is investigating a shocking incident in downtown St. John’s captured on video and shared to social media.
The video, which has been making the rounds online over the last few days, shows a man doing pushups on the sidewalk when another enters the frame, kicking him in the face.
Cst. Steph Myers says she cannot comment on that incident in particular, but says RNC is aware of the video.
The incident is one of a number recently that has prompted concerns about safety in the downtown.
Cst. Myers says the RNC puts extra emphasis on that area – 24/7, 365 days a year.
She also reminds people to make sure they’re reporting incidents to police, rather than just posting online.
Myers says just because something is online, doesn’t mean the police are aware of it. She encourages anyone who witnesses anything of criminal nature to call 911 or the non-emergency line at 709-729-8000.
Gander RCMP Searching for Motorcycle Stolen from Port Albert
RCMP in Gander are seeking the public’s help in locating a motorcycle reported missing from Port Albert.
The 1983 red Yamaha, licence place number MAB 276 was reported stolen on Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gander RCMP 709-256-6841.
Town of Deer Lake Willing to Work with Province on Health Care Facility Access
The back and forth between the Town of Deer Lake and the provincial government continues, with the town now saying it’s willing to work with government on the issue.
The two sides have been at odds over a health care facility in the community that was supposed to open just ahead of the fall season, but a dispute over left-hand turns on the Trans-Canada Highway and access to the facility have halted those plans.
Access to facility – which is not yet open – was blocked by the town.
Access to the Deer Lake Health Clinic, which is not yet open, has been blocked by the town (via Mike Goosney on Facebook)
In a statement late last night, Mayor Dean Ball indicated that while safety is important, the town needs the access to develop other business opportunities further and help the town grow.
Minister Barry Petten accuses the town of holding residents “at ransom” and “denying them access to healthcare”
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten (VOCM News)
“I said it was shameful to be holding the people in that region ransom, denying them access to health care. Because by not allowing people to get to that health facility, that’s exactly what you’re doing,” he said in the House of Assembly.
“You’re putting the health facility in the middle of a disagreement between the province and the town. Something we can work on, something we’re offering many solutions for, and we continue to offer it.”
Update: TCH Eastbound Clear Following Springdale Crash
Traffic is flowing again following a collision in the eastbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway.
The crash occurred over the lunch hour approximately 3 km west of the Blue Canoe Campground in Springdale.
The scene has been cleared and traffic is flowing in both directions.
Original Story
The eastbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway is closed to traffic about three km west of the Blue Canoe Campground in Springdale due to a collision.
Drivers are being advised of “significant delays” and are encouraged to delay eastbound travel until the highway reopens.
VOCM News will have updates as they become available.
Lawyer says Court Injunction Filed Against RNU’s ‘Undemocratic and Underhanded’ Attempts to Overthrow Results of Union Election
Three nurses – including the woman recently elected as the next leader of the Registered Nurses Union – are seeking a court injunction against the RNU following a decision made to hold a second vote for the union’s executive.
The decision to overturn the previous vote was made at the recent biennial convention in Corner Brook.
Lawyer Kyle Rees says his client, Stephanie Winsor, was surprised to learn that a complaint was made shortly after the July election results came in, filed by incumbent, Yvette Coffey, “seeking to be acclaimed as President (and) to determine that Stephanie Winsor, the successful candidate, was not eligible to run.”
He says it took elections lawyer Andrew Fitzgerald “a couple of months to put his report together, and he found that there was no problem with Stephanie Winsor’s candidacy and the results of the election should stand.”
Kyle Rees (VOCM News)
Winsor won the union presidency by a margin of 300 votes and was taken aback when an “emergency resolution” was made during last month’s nurse’s convention to overthrow the election results.
The injunction application challenges the decision alleging that it wasn’t made in compliance with the union’s constitution.
Rees calls it “a real surprise move” especially for Stephanie Winsor who was “there to give her succession speech.” Rees claims an “emergency resolution” does not exist under the constitution of the Registered Nurses Union.
Listen to “Lawyer Kyle Rees” on Spreaker.
According to the union, a record number of people (39 according to Rees) voted who were not eligible to vote, while some who were eligible, didn’t get a chance to vote.
Rees claims no advance notice or adequate information was given to the convention members “in order to make that kind of a decision.”
The RNU says it is aware of the Supreme Court application and because the matter is now before the courts, it will not be commenting on the details at this time.
Annual Report Shows Canadians Cutting Back on Food and Taking on Debt to Make Ends Meet
The Salvation Army’s annual survey on affordability finds that more Canadians are cutting back or skipping meals entirely.
The organization’s report for 2026 found that 31 per cent of Canadians are choosing hunger more often as they don’t have the means to put food on the table – something that is more common in those aged 18-34.
(Salvation Army 2026)
Seventy-six per cent of Canadians in that age range report trouble managing their limited finances, compared to 55 per cent of those over the age of 55.
Fifty-six per cent of those asked say they’ve had to change their habits just to afford day-to-day basics, while 37 per cent have decided to take on a second job or side hustle.
(Salvation Army 2026)
Half of those surveyed say they’re dipping into their savings account on a regular basis while 40 per cent are taking on debt.
Housing was also flagged as a concern for Canadians with 84 per cent saying rent and home prices are too high.
Atlantic Canadians say they’re feeling less optimistic when it comes to managing the pocketbook. Forty-three per cent have an optimistic financial outlook compared with 49 per cent in 2025.
Senior’s Advocate Concerned Recent Government Supports Won’t Provide Long-Term Relief
The province’s Seniors’ Advocate was pleased to see the provincial government’s latest cost-of-living measure aimed at seniors, but admits that it will not provide long-term relief.
Seniors making $75,000 or less per year will receive a cheque for $500 by the end of the year, with others making up to $100,000 also receiving cheques – with amounts based on a sliding scale.
Pamela Dawe, Seniors Advocate (Office of the Seniors’ Advocate NL)
Pamela Dawe says the money will provide “immediate relief,” and is hopeful that “better things will come” in terms of long-term changes that will help seniors.
As an example, she says changes are needed to help make home supports more financially accessible for people as they age.
Dawe highlights paying rent as another issue and says they have heard about it from many seniors. She says prices are increasing and people are struggling to keep up.
NLTA President Calls for Better Strategy to Fill School Staffing Gaps
The President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association says government needs to develop a strategy for how to address teacher shortages in rural parts of the province.
The provincial government is currently dealing with the fallout of teacher shortages at Peacock Primary in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, where the principal resigned over staffing issues.
The provincial government says a hiring process is underway to fill those gaps.
Peacock Primary in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (Google Maps)
Dale Lambe acknowledges the work, but says retired teachers are being recruited into the positions – which is a “band-aid solution.”
Which is why, he states, a plan needs to be developed to address shortages in rural areas.
He uses housing as an example of an issue such a plan could address.
He says the strategy needs to be “thinking outside the box,” and if housing, for example, is unaffordable they need to find ways to make it more accessible. That we, he says young teachers will go to those communities and set their roots down.
Parsons Demands ‘Meaningful Action’ on Crime and Public Safety
The justice critic says the people of Newfoundland and Labrador want to see “meaningful action” when it comes to addressing criminal activity and public safety.
Pam Parsons says government campaigned on ‘safer communities’ but we have yet to see any improvements.
“So far we’ve only seen things get worse,” claims Parsons. She says concerns continue to be raised about open drug use, public safety and random acts of violence in the community.
One of a number of downtown businesses dealing with damage caused by vandalism (VOCM News)
Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer, who recently toured the downtown with St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen, says she’s also met with the Downtown Safety Coalition. She offered an update during Question Period.
“We had a very productive meeting…we are all working together to ensure positive results and a good outcome.”
Wakeham Reveals Wish List Ahead of Federal Budget
The federal budget will be tabled on Thursday, and Premier Tony Wakeham says there are several areas of concern for this province that he will be looking out for.
Wakeham says a lot of attention is being paid to the Churchill Falls deal – the Churchill River is on the cover of the federal budget document – but there are other areas where the province would like to see increased funding.
He says the $10-a-day childcare program, health transfers, and housing are all at the top of his list.
Wakeham says he will also be watching to see what cost-of-living measures are included.
RNC Association Calls for More Officers in Strategic Plan
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association has released its first-ever strategic plan – and it calls for dozens more of Newfoundland and Labrador’s finest to be added to the mix.
President Shane McClafferty says he’s pleased to formalize the RNCA’s objectives and “put a clear strategy in place” to guide the association as it moves forward.
Among the priorities is achieving the national “police-to-population” ratio. He says the province is on the right track, but more work is needed.
Constable Shane McClafferty (LinkedIn)
“The number fluctuates,” says McClafferty. “For the RNCA to be up to national police to population ratio, we’re looking at an additional 50 to 60 officers.”
He says while recruitment initiatives are underway, the number of officers is down over the last number of years. He says the RNCA is willing to do its part to help attract more officers to the profession.
Listen to “RNCA President Shane McCLafferty” on Spreaker.
Specialized Heart Procedure Performed in NL for Very First Time
A specialized heart procedure was recently performed in the province for the very first time.
The province’s very first Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge (or TEER) procedure – a non-invasive way to treat a leaky heart valve – was performed on Thursday.
Until now, patients had to leave the province for treatment.
NL Health Services says performing the procedure locally comes as the result of months of planning, training and collaboration among teams from across the province.
Opposition Calls on Government to Go Further with Cost-of-Living Measures; Finance Minister Hints at More to Come
The leader of the official opposition believes the cost of living cheques that will be sent out to seniors will help that demographic, but wonders where the support is for families, who are also in need of a boost.
The provincial government is sending out one-time cheques, ranging from $100 to $500, to eligible seniors before the end of the year.
Those 65 and older who earn less than $75,000 a year will be eligible for the maximum payment.
Opposition Leader John Hogan (VOCM News)
John Hogan believes that money will help, but states that there has been “no cost of living announcements” for families.
He wonders why there hasn’t been an announcement to help people with the cost of groceries, noting that with over half-a-billion dollars in unexpected revenue there is “more than enough” to help families that are in need.
NL NDP Leader MHA Jim Dinn (VOCM News)
NDP leader Jim Dinn believes the measure is “lacking in many ways,” especially when seniors are struggling with many things like paying rent, heating their homes, and keeping up with repairs. He says the cheques “sound good” and now we’ll see how many people can avail of it, and how much “bureaucratic gatekeeping” is involved in getting it.
Minister Hints at More to Come
Finance Minister Craig Pardy (VOCM News)
The minister of finance is hinting at more affordability measures to come.
Minister Craig Pardy hints that, because of black gold flowing into the coffers, low income earners are next in line.
The next one will be a targeted measure to help out those that would be in the poverty range – low-income earners,” he told reporters yesterday.
Start of Snowmobiling Season in Gros Morne Delayed Until December
There is not enough snow for residents to start snowmobiling quite yet in western Newfoundland.
Parks Canada has had to postpone the start of the season in Gros Morne National Park due to a “lack of consistent freezing temperatures and inadequate snow cover.”
The snowmobiling season, which usually runs from November 1 to May 15, has been delayed to December 15.
Parks Canada will issue further notices as conditions change.
