Budget Day in Newfoundland and Labrador
This is budget day in Newfoundland and Labrador, the first for Tony Wakeham as Premier.
Cost of living measures are expected to be a significant aspect of the budget today.
Premier Tony Wakeham indicated that relief is coming, leading to questions of Finance Minister Craig Pardy about how government might address the cost of living in today’s budget.
Wakeham exclaimed “we’re gonna save you money tomorrow!” Later, Pardy jokingly said that he would have to talk with the premier about letting information slip ahead of budget day. He confirms that, in terms of the PC election platform, the budget will be “promise made, promise kept.”
Government assures that there will be no layoffs or job losses.
Despite a burgeoning debt of over $20-billion, government has said that it will not be balancing the books either this year or next.
The PCs’ financial plans will come down in the House of Assembly at 2:00 this afternoon and VOCM will have live coverage from 2:00 until 3:00.
King Charles III Delivers Historic Speech to U.S. Congress at Tense Period in American-U.K. Relations
The King is urging the United States to “ignore the clarion calls to become more inward-looking.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are in Washington for a formal visit at what is a very tense time in U.S. relations with the rest of the western world.
King Charles III addressing the U.S. Congress (C-SPAN)
The King addressed the U.S. Congress yesterday, saying that he prayed with all his heart, that values the U.S. shares with the U.K. and its partners around the world are maintained.
“Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice-President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, America’s words carry weight and meaning. As they have since Independence. The actions of this great nation, matter even more.”
“President Lincoln understood this so well, with his reflection in the magisterial Gettysburg Address, ‘that the world may little note what we say, but will never forget what we do.'”
Province Promises Action on Neighbourhood Drug Houses
The minister responsible for NL Housing says government is serious about cracking down on so-called trap houses that are creating a nightmare in towns and neighbourhoods across the province.
For years, residents terrorized by noise, traffic and criminal activity at certain homes have been seeking the support of law enforcement, municipal government and NL Housing to address the problem.
The MHA for St. John’s West, Keith White, raised the matter with minister responsible for housing, Joedy Wall, in the House of Assembly.
“Residents of Birmingham Street in Cowan Heights in my district have lived next to a documented drug house, while the landlord knowingly continues to collect rent with minimal responsibility for the chaos in that property. Will the minister acknowledge that there’s a massive gap in our system that allows landlords to profit from criminal activity and will he commit to closing that gap?” White asked.
“That is a very important issue and one that we are certainly cracking down on,” says Wall. “Since we’ve come into office…there have been, I’m not sure if there’s eight or nine of these so-called houses that we have closed.” He says government is continuing to work with the RNC and NL Housing to address the matter. He thanked the public for speaking up. “This is very important; it’s a priority and we will get it solved.”
Waitlist Opens as The Chicks Sell Out Churchill Park
Fans hoping to see The Chicks at the Churchill Park Music Festival this summer will now have to join a wait list.
Tickets for the show proved extremely popular, with wait list options currently being the only available choice for fans.
Festival organizers are also reminding concertgoers to be cautious when buying tickets from third-party sellers. In a social media post, organizers say only tickets purchased directly through their website or through Showpass can be guaranteed as genuine.
They warn they are not responsible for tickets bought through resale platforms, private transactions, or third-party sellers, and cannot verify or replace invalid tickets. The festival says fans who purchase elsewhere may risk being denied entry at the gates.
Former Candidate Speaks Out on Polarized Political Landscape
A candidate in last year’s provincial election is speaking out after experiencing first-hand the increasingly polarized nature of politics.
Jeff Young took to Facebook last week following Tourism Minister Andrea Barbour’s emotional statement in the House of Assembly about the harassment and cruelty she’s experienced since getting elected.
Young ran against PC Leader – and now Premier – Tony Wakeham. He says the “environment we’re seeing now didn’t just appear overnight; it was cultivated.”
He told VOCM Open Line with guest host Darrin Bent he was shocked at the level of abuse he endured during the election campaign.
”It’s severe, ” says Young. “You know, you’re going to pick up your drugs at the drug store and there are people screaming at you, there are people waiting outside in their cars to scream at you, or to follow you.”
“You receive more middle fingers than you can count. For instance, I went to the local arena with my son to play hockey and I was cornered into one of the porches. I wouldn’t say a conversation was being had, because I was being screamed at more. It comes to the point you don’t even want to go get your groceries because you know you’re going to be screamed at, you’re going to be called every name under the sun.”
Wife of Injured Worker Calls for Tougher Corporate Penalties
The wife of a man left permanently disabled after a workplace fall is joining the call for tougher rules and penalties for companies.
Angela Ryan was a guest speaker yesterday at the annual Day of Mourning ceremony for those who have died, been injured or suffered illness due to work.
Her husband Darren fell about 30 feet while trying to perform gas testing on the Terra Nova FPSO in December 2019. He suffered severe fractures, a debilitating brain injury, and at age 49 has been told he can never work again.
Suncor Energy was fined almost $100,000 under workplace regulations, with court told a safety harness was required but not enforced.
But Ryan, and many before her, says stiffer sentences are long overdue, with calls for more criminal charges and jail time.
“That day he was scheduled to do an initial gas test to verify that the space was safe for workers to enter,” she said. “It’s very ironic that my husband sustained a life-altering injury trying to protect workers; my question is, who was protecting him? (The company) received a slap on the wrist with a fine that was less than a year’s salary for a worker on the vessel.”
Seventeen workers died due to workplace injuries or illness in this province last year, with a total of 106 lost over the past five years.
Diesel Up 3 Cents in Minor Fuel Price Shuffle
There was some minor shuffling of the fuel price deck by the Public Utilities Board last night.
New prices are in effect but gasoline held steady. Diesel on the island and in most of Labrador is up by three cents per litre while furnace oil on the island and in most of Labrador costs an extra 2 1/2 cents.
A new pricing schedule will come out at midnight tonight.
Baltic III Removal Phase Set to Begin
Work on the grounded bulk carrier Baltic III is moving into the next phase.
The Canadian Coast Guard has been informed by the vessel’s owners that Resolve Marine has been retained as the contractor for the removal phase of the operation.
While heavily damaged, the vessel has remained intact despite enduring two stormy winter seasons being battered by wind and wave.
The massive vessel became grounded in Cedar Cove near Lark Harbour in February of 2025. Oil and cargo has been removed from the bulk carrier, paving the way for its eventual removal.
Coast Guard officials will provide a further update on the vessel and next steps in the coming days.
In Order for Social Media Ban to Work, All Provinces Need to Get On Board: Tech Blogger
Manitoba plans on implementing a social media and AI chatbot ban for everyone under the age of 16 – but a local tech blogger says all provinces and territories have to be on board in order for it to work.
Premier Wab Kinew announced his government’s plans over the weekend, but there are no details on when such a ban could be implemented.
Kevin Andrews says it would be difficult for one province to try to enforce such a ban without similar bans in other jurisdictions.
“So I would think it would either be all of the provinces are in, or none of them in to really be able to enforce something like this.”
Government Employees Affected by Canada Life Data Breach
The Finance Minister has confirmed that government employees have had their information compromised following a national privacy breach involving Canada Life Insurance.
Questions about the breach were raised in the legislature yesterday.
Craig Pardy says he cannot confirm the number of people affected, but says current core government employees and retirees are affected.
He says information like name, gender, address, and the number of their employee plan was impacted. He says the company did not see any major privacy concerns with the situation, and did their due diligence by notifying those affected.
Pardy says credit monitoring and a security package has been offered by the company.
Federal Government Targets Skilled Trades, Cost of Living in Financial Update
The federal government gave the nation a financial update Tuesday evening with the focus being on affordability, training for the workforce of tomorrow, and the deficit.
The deficit is projected to be down to $66.9-B from $78-B, and down to $56-B in a few years.
Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced that an improved economic performance gave Ottawa about an extra $60-B, most of which is going to new spending including a $400 weekly wage top-up for apprentices in the skilled trades, and a $5,000 bonus upon completion of the program.
He says Bay du Nord off newfoundland has advanced significantly under the Carney Government’s watch as energy security is top of mind.
There is an extra $755-M for sports to be used to attract marquee events and to develop athletes.
Government will establish a financial crimes agency.
Most of the affordability measures such as pausing the excise tax on gas and diesel and the enhancement of the GST/grocery benefit were previously announced. However, the amount Canadians pay into the Canada Pension Plan will go down. Government used the example that someone making $70,000 a year will see their CPP bill go down by $133 a year. The employer also saves $133 on that employee.
At first glance, it appears that Newfoundland and Labrador’s wish to be involved in talks about expanding Pharmacare to that province have gone unheeded. There was no mention of the program in last night’s federal financial report card, meaning that it will remain a pilot in three provincial jurisdictions.
Health Minister Lela Evans had hoped to see her province qualify for free diabetes medications and Contraceptives.
Government also mentioned opportunities regarding airports, but did not mention the word “privatization.”
The economic statement puts the cost of a barrel of oil for the year at about $20 less than where it currently is and is expected to be for a while.
At first glance, it appears that Newfoundland and Labrador’s wish to be involved in talks about expanding Pharmacare to that province have gone unheeded. There was no mention of the program in last night’s federal financial report card, meaning that it will remain a pilot in three provincial jurisdictions.
Health Minister Lela Evans had hoped to see her province qualify for free diabetes medications and Contraceptives.
Province Responds After Toddler Wanders Away from Child Care Centre
The Minister of Education says a recent incident in which a toddler wandered away from a child care centre in St. John’s should never have happened.
The Opposition sought answers during Question Period after the incident involving a 3-year-old came to light.
CBC reports that the child wandered away from a child care centre and was found close to a major thoroughfare.
The RNC says the incident occurred in the area of Higgins Line on Friday, April 10th, and was resolved before responding officers arrived on the scene.
There was no further police involvement in the matter, but Education Minister Paul Dinn says further action can be taken.
He says dismissal of the employee responsible, and suspension of the child care facility’s licence are among the actions outlined in the department’s protocols.
Speaker Rules No Rules Broken in House, but Does Recommend Appropriate Use of Social Media by Elected Members and Staff
The Speaker of the House of Assembly has ruled that the minister of tourism was not obstructed in her parliamentary duties and found no Prima Facie case of contempt as the result of questions asked by the Opposition during Question Period last week.
Tourism Minister Andrea Barbour rising in the House on a personal Point of Privilege
Minister Andrea Barbour rose on a Point of Privilege in the House last week to address the abuse she’s endured since being elected to public office.
Speaker Paul Lane says while he is “extremely sympathetic” to the issues the minister raised, after examining Hansard, and parliamentary precedent, he found there was no Point of Privilege.
He says members in the House have the right to seek information and hold government to account, and to speak without inhibition.
Speaker makes recommendations on social media use by members and parties
However, Lane did make recommendations to the House of Assembly on the use of social media. He says it’s the responsibility of each member to “take accountability for their own actions, and that of their staff and other associates.”
“We can choose not to create posts or repost nasty, juvenile, inflammatory memes. We can choose to instruct our constituency assistants, executive assistants, communications and other staff to refrain from doing so also.”
“We can choose to ask our supporters, families and friends, to also refrain from such activity. We can also bring to our colleague’s attention if we feel they have crossed a line and encourage them to remove offensive posts from their social media accounts.”
End Homelessness Welcomes Minister’s Vow but says Factors Affecting Access to Housing are Complex
The Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s was pleased to hear the Government Services Minister vow to end homelessness in the metro region, but is eager to see government take meaningful action to address the issue.
Mike Goosney stood in the House of Assembly last week to declare that he will “make sure there’s no homelessness.”
Doug Pawson says the factors affecting a person’s ability to access safe, permanent and affordable housing are complex.
He says more than 90 per cent of people without a place to live, have at least one disability.
“It’s going to be a matter of investing in housing, it’s going to be a matter of investing in health. And for Minister Goosney, the minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act under Service NL, it’s also about changing legislation to reduce vulnerabilities to end homelessness.”
“Newfoundland and Labrador for example, is the only province left in the country with no-fault evictions where the landlord can issue an eviction notice, with 90 days notice, with no reason. So these are the kind of multiple sequencing of investments that should inform a housing and homelessness strategy.”
Natuashish Man Facing Numerous Charges Following Assault
A 34-year-old man is facing numerous charges after a man was attacked by someone who had forced their way into his house.
Natuashish RCMP say Benjamin Rich was arrested Saturday morning as the result of an investigation into an incident last week.
RCMP were contacted around the supper hour last Wednesday about an assault at a home on Katshinak Street.
The suspect ran from the scene, but the victim was able to provide officers with the name of his attacker.
The suspect was located on Friday and he was taken into custody, but not without some difficulty.
Rich is now facing charges of assault, assault with a weapon, being unlawfully in a home, two counts of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, and failing to comply with probation and release conditions.
He was held to appear in court tomorrow.
Province Ups Funding to Expand Housing Benefit to Another 500 People
The provincial government is increasing the level of assistance available for people who are struggling to afford housing.
The province is setting aside $4-million to increase the number of households that qualify for Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing benefits by about 500.
The program is for low-income households, and the amount is calculated based on what an eligible household can pay combined with the average market rent in the area.
The benefit is described by government as being “portable,” meaning those who qualify keep it even if they move into a new place.
Minister Joedy Wall says there are more than 2,600 people currently on the waitlist for housing. Over 60 per cent of those already have housing, but are struggling to make rent and would qualify for the benefit.
With the new package being made available, Wall says that waitlist will be reduced by about 20 per cent over the next year.
He says the additional benefits will make a “huge difference” in ensuring that people can stay in their homes.
Danger Tree Replica, Bound for Beaumont Hamel, on Public Display This Friday
A lone tree that stood for years on the French battleground where hundreds of Newfoundland soldiers died in WWI, is no more, but a replica of the Danger Tree will soon take its place at Beaumont-Hamel.
The Danger Tree was what members of the Newfoundland Regiment called the landmark, which was used for direction and also served as a warning about exposure to enemy fire.
On the morning of July 1, 1916, regimental soldiers left their trenches in what became known as the ill-fated July Drive. The soldiers were met by enemy fire, felling hundreds of young men.
Ninety per cent of the regiment’s numbers were lost in less than 30 minutes, many of whom fell near the Danger Tree.
(photo: The Rooms Provincial Archives Division (A 99-88) )
A photo of the iconic symbol, taken in the 1920s, served as the basis on which a replica was created.
MUN’s engineering team went to work, using a mix of polyurethane and glass powder to recreate the tree and covered it with fiberglass.
The replica will be on public display at MUN’s Queen Elizabeth II Library this Friday from Noon to 8:00 p.m. before it leaves for installation at the Beaumont Hamel Memorial in France in time for July 1st.
RCMP Investigating Punctured Fuel Tanks at Harbour Grace Car Dealership
Police are trying to find out who went through a car dealership in Harbour Grace a few weeks ago puncturing fuel tanks.
Several vehicles at Steele Chrysler were struck at a cost of about $10,000.
RCMP believe the incident happened on or shortly before April 2.
Anybody with information is asked to contact the authorities.
Labour Leaders Mark National Day of Mourning
The Federation of Labour’s message to employers on the National Day of Mourning for workers injured or killed on the job is “we have to do better.”
Last year, 17 workers in this province lost their lives due to workplace injuries or illness, and the Federation of Labour says in the last five years, 106 workers died because of their work.
Federation President Jessica McCormick says improvements are needed to ensure that workers are safe and healthy.
“Those people are our co-workers, they’re people in our communities, they’re family members…and we have to do better and take our safety obligations more seriously.”
The annual memorial service marking the National Day of Mourning takes place today at MUN’s Signal Hill Campus over the noon hour.
Construction Begins on Waterford Bridge Road/Columbus Drive Overpass
The roadwork on the overpass on Columbus Drive at Waterford Bridge Road resumes tomorrow.
That means lane reductions and delays throughout the project, which will continue until August. At least one lane in each direction will be maintained.
Pedestrian access will be maintained during construction.
Crews last year were upgrading sidewalks, the median, and the areas beneath the overpass. This year, they will focus on removing old asphalt and repaving the deck of the bridge, and structural repairs.
NAPE Seeking Compensation to Address Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Budget 2026
The province’s largest public sector union will be looking for appropriate compensation packages for workers to address recruitment and retention challenges when the budget comes down tomorrow.
NAPE President Jerry Earle says he was encouraged to hear Premier Tony Wakeham say he won’t cut his way to prosperity.
Earle says the province is facing real challenges in keeping wages in line with the private sector and the rising cost of living.
“We’re at the point now where we actually have a shortage in the public sector,” Earle told VOCM Open Line with guest host Darrin Bent. “We’ve got to recognize the hardship that many are facing in Newfoundland and Labrador including our frontline workers.” That’s some of what the union will be looking for.
The province has faced difficulties recruiting workers to the public service in recent years – in professions ranging from health care to snow clearing.
Justice Minister Declines Comment On Issues Delaying Murder Trial
The Justice Minister dodged questions on ankle monitors and court translators in the House of Assembly yesterday, citing an ongoing trial for her inability to comment even generally.
NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary cited the murder trial for Ibrahim Alahmad, which has been delayed for several reasons, including a lack of Arabic translators.
O’Leary cited the same trial in asking why this province lags behind others with its ankle-monitoring program.
Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer (NL HoA/YouTube)
While no comment was sought on the trials themselves, Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer still refused to go there.
“Any comment would be inappropriate. The judiciary is independent of government, it has to be free from any political influence,” she said. “Any comments by me would affect that impartiality and that neutrality. So for those reasons I have to decline any comment.”
Other factors have contributed to the year-long delay in the murder trial, including scheduling conflicts for the lawyers involved, as well as the judge, who’s currently overseeing the recently extended Dean Penney murder trial in Corner Brook.
Alahmad himself has also contributed to delays with his trial after initially firing his lawyers.
No Movement on Talks with Ottawa About Pharmacare, says Health Minister
The province’s health minister says they are still waiting on Ottawa to resume talks for participation in the national Pharmacare program.
Lela Evans says a program was negotiated with a handful of other provinces and territories as a pilot, but the door was closed on talks with Newfoundland and Labrador.
Evans says that remains the case today, noting that there has been no indication from the federal government as to when talks could resume.
While government remains hopeful and is open to negotiations, Evans says they are “still talking about talking,” and ultimately the province doesn’t have access to the program.
Police Training Taking Place in Rabbittown Today
Don’t be alarmed if you see an increased police presence in and around Kelly’s Brook Park and along Newtown Road in the capital city today.
RNC is participating in regularly-scheduled tactical training in the area from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
People should avoid the area while training exercises are underway. Signs are up to remind of the activity.
Ottawa to Deliver Spring Economic Statement Today
The federal government is bringing down its spring fiscal update today.
It comes just one day after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the creation of a sovereign wealth fund for so-called ‘nation-building’ projects.
That includes major infrastructure or development projects including ports, mines and trade and energy corridors.
Ottawa is starting the fund with $25 billion and will allow Canadians, investors and companies to invest directly into the fund with the creation of a new retail investment product.
Consultations will be held in the coming months on the specific design of the new investment fund. It’s part of Carney’s continued efforts to move away from economic reliance on an increasingly erratic United States.
The Prime Minister also hinted at what’s coming in today’s spring fiscal update.
“It will show how Canada’s new government is combining responsible fiscal management with new measures to ensure that all Canadians can participate in building a more independent and more resilient Canadian economy.”
Finance Minister Craig Pardy
Provincial Finance Minister Craig Pardy is making the distinction between Ottawa’s sovereign wealth fund and the future fund established provincially.
Pardy has introduced amendments to the Future Fund Act, arguing that it does not make sense to borrow money for a Future Fund when the province is facing growing debt and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are struggling with affordability and accessing essential services.
The proposed amendments would remove the requirement for mandatory annual contributions and limit the ability to withdraw funds.
In a Committee of the Whole discussion in the House of Assembly yesterday, Pardy made a distinction between the federal government’s sovereignty fund and the province’s future fund.
“It’s a sovereign wealth fund, to have the nation become more productive, for major projects. It’s different from the Future Fund, which I think the genesis was you would save money for the future. Many people have compared it to Norway, but my understanding with Norway is that they were debt-free when they started putting money into that. Unfortunately, in our jurisdiction we haven’t been debt-free, at least not since Confederation….so it’s two different funds.”
Pardy says he supports the concept of a sovereign wealth fund especially given the situation the country is facing dealing with the United States.
“I don’t disagree with that, it’s probably a good venture. But we want to make sure that we do leave it for the future. To save money is one aspect, to not increase the debt for our future generations is another one which I think all forty members of the house would agree, that if we can reduce our debt that we leave for our future, that is planning for the future too.”
NLHS Addressing Issues with New MyChart App
Some people are reporting errors or omissions on the new MyChart health app, however the health authority says it is aware of one clerical error identified over the weekend.
NL Health Services says it was able to “quickly identify and address the issue.”
NLHS says it validated all previous appointments prior to bringing information into the new CorCare system and it is continuing to validate and audit that information to ensure accuracy.
The health authority says it is also aware that some people are not yet able to see their complete heath record; including listed medications.
NLHS says those who want to see their medications can go to the “Dispensed Meds and Historical Results” menu and any new medications will be recorded there as they are converted to the system.
Tickets for The Chicks On Sale at Noon
Tickets to one of the biggest events of the summer go on sale today.
The Chicks are headlining the Churchill Park Music Festival on July 18, with Elle King announced as one of the opening acts.
A limited presale took place yesterday, with tickets quickly selling out.
Tickets go on sale at noon.
More acts for the July 18 show, and details of the other three nights of the festival, are yet to be announced.
Latest Fuel Prices for Tuesday, April 28, 2026
There’s hardly any change in the price of gas, but all other fuels are down this morning.
Diesel drops 4.3 cents in all areas. Furnace oil is down by about 3.7 cents per litre.
Stove oil in Labrador West costs about 3.8 cents less.
Man Wearing Old RNC Coat and Carrying Weapons, Charged in Nine Break Ins in CBN says RCMP
A man who is no stranger to RCMP has been arrested after police received a report of two people in Western Bay in possession of firearms.
RCMP say 39-year-old Justin Murphy has been arrested and charged in connection with nine break and enters in the area.
Police were called on Sunday, April 19th after two people walking on the Western Bay Line caught the attention of a resident who called police.
The caller indicated that the two people had firearms and were dressed in coats resembling RNC uniforms.
The pair was located and taken into custody, and the coats were determined to be part of an historic RNC uniform.
A vehicle, reported stolen from Mount Pearl was also seized.
Three firearms, believed to be stolen, were recovered from a property on the Western Bay Line.
The items recovered were analysed and determined to be connected to nine separate beak and enters.
Justin Maxwell Murphy is now facing numerous charges including break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, and firearms charges.
The full list of charges against him include:
- Break and enter – nine counts,
- Mischief under $5,000 –six counts,
- Possession of property obtained by crime – two counts,
- Possession of a firearm while unauthorized – two counts,
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized – two counts,
- Possession of a firearm obtained by crime – two counts,
- Breaking and entering to steal firearm – two counts,
- Use of imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, and
- Failure to comply with a probation order.
RCMP say the investigation is ongoing, in consultation with the RNC.
Murphy is being held in custody pending a court appearance on April 30th.
A 30-year-old woman was released from custody without charge.
Anyone with information or who has witnessed suspicious activity between April 18th and 19th is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP.
Rabies Confirmed in Arctic Fox Killed Near Nain
An Arctic fox recently killed near Nain has tested positive for rabies.
The carcass of the animal was collected by a conservation officer with the Nunatsiavut Government and sent off for testing – the results of which have come back positive for the disease.
Government says the last case of rabies recorded in a fox before this was in 2022. Last year, a dog in Hopedale tested positive as well.
There have been no positive cases on the island since 2003.
People in Labrador are being asked to be vigilant, and to avoid and report any animals exhibiting signs of rabies, including behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking, and making unusual noises.
To protect animals like cats and dogs, people are being asked to tether their pets while outside and monitor them. Those animals should also be vaccinated.
Anyone recently bitten or scratched by a wild fox or dog should contact their community clinic to be assessed.
