Parents in Newfoundland and Labrador can breathe a sigh of relief as the province signs a deal that will extend the federal child-care program.

The provincial Fisheries Minister is defending the government’s decision to go to the Boston Seafood Show next week, despite the threat of 25 per cent tariffs on exports hitting next month.

Being the topic of the VOCM Question of the Day, most respondents believe the exercise is a waste of time and money as Donald Trump’s mind is already made up.

Minister Gerry Byrne says there’s a reason why seafood companies from Newfoundland and Labrador choose to focus on the United States market. He notes that Boston is the largest seafood show in the world, with 176 countries in attendance.

Byrne says the buyers they want to connect with to help diversify the province’s markets will be at that event.

Police in Holyrood are seeking the public’s help after a vehicle was stolen from a home in Chapel’s Cove sometime over the weekend.

The RCMP say the white, four-door Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the property sometime between Friday, March 7th, and Sunday, March 9th.

It has an NL License plate, JMJ 544.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Holyrood RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a vehicle stolen from Chapels Cove between Friday, March 7 and Sunday, March 9.

Over the weekend, the white, four door 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, NL license plate JMJ 544, was stolen from a residential property.

Anyone with any information about this crime, the identity of the person(s) responsible or the current location of the vehicle is asked to contact Holyrood RCMP at 709-229-3892. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

In a news release, the RCMP said it received a report of a crash at approximately 5:30 p.m. NT on Monday that involved two people under the age of 16 along the Newfoundland T'Railway.

Charges laid against three MUN students following pro-Palestinian protests on their St. John’s campus have been dropped.

But they’re not content to leave it there.

The three women were arrested following demonstrations that began outside and later moved inside the Arts and Administration Building last spring and summer.

It was in response to what they deemed as the continuing genocide in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel the previous October, and a demand that MUN reveal and divest itself of any interest in the manufacture of Israeli weapons.

Protesters inside the Arts and Administration Building last July. (VOCM News)

During the protest, students thought they had an OK to stay on campus overnight, but later got legal word that they had to vacate the premises, leading to confusion and ultimately the arrests.

But in provincial court this morning, Crown prosecutor Richard Deveau said while he believed he had a case and convictions were possible, “it was not in the public interest to proceed,” and the charges were dropped.

And while that clears the students criminally, their lawyer Kyle Rees noted there’s still the larger unsettled issue of their right to protest on campus again.

That question might’ve been settled last year had MUN sought an injunction instead of charges and arrests.

But it will be dealt with now, after the students filed an application with the Supreme Court to review MUN’s decision to evict and arrest the students in the first place, and decide whether that was a breach of their Charter rights.

Defence lawyer Kyle Rees. (VOCM News)

RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are looking for a man wanted on some serious charges.

An arrest warrant has been issued for 38-year-old Duane Piwas who is facing charges of sexual assault and failing to comply with a release order.

It is believed that Piwas may be in Nutuashish.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Piwas is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP (709-896-3383) or Natuashish RCMP (709-478-8900).

A young person has died after the side-by-side they were driving crashed on a section of trail near Gander yesterday.

The accident was first reported just after 5:30 p.m. when responders were called to a section of the Newfoundland T’Railway near Joe Batts Pond, about 15 km west of Gander.

They say the machine lost control, departed the trail and came to a rest on its side.

There were two people under the age of 16 in the machine at the time.

The operator died at the scene while the passenger was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer has been engaged. The investigation is continuing.

Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP are looking to arrest 38-year-old Duane Piwas who is wanted in relation to charges of sexual assault and failing to comply with a release order. 

Police believe that Piwas may currently be in Natuashish.

Anyone having information about the current location of Duane Piwas is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP 709-896-3383 or Natuashish RCMP 709-478-8900.  To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

A youth has died after an off-road vehicle crash on the Newfoundland T’Railway on Monday.

Gander RCMP were called around 5:30 p.m. A side-by-side ATV was traveling on the trail near Joe Batts Pond about 15 kilometres west of Gander. The ATV lost control, left the trail and came to rest on its side. The operator, who was under 16 years old, died at the scene, while a second youth, also under 16, was taken to James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner was engaged. The investigation is continuing.

Some involved in the travel industry say they’re seeing a change in the preferred destination of heading south, choosing points beyond the United States in greater numbers than usual.

However, the hospitality industry in this province isn’t seeing a corresponding flip on the part of travellers from the United States interested in vacationing in Canada.

The tariff war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump has driven an economic wedge between the two countries and soured many about where they wish to spend their leisure time.

Hospitality NL is hosting its annual conference and trade show at The JAG Hotel in downtown St. John’s starting tonight.

Chair Deborah Borden says their members are telling them that inquiries from the U.S. are up, and so are bookings. The low Canadian dollar, around 70 cents U.S., is tough for Americans to discount.

She says every concern also carries with it an opportunity. For example, Canadians who are unwilling to go to the U.S. may choose to travel domestically within Canada.

“And Newfoundland and Labrador quickly rises to the top in that situation,” says Borden.

A 61-year-old woman is dead after a crash on the Trans-Labrador Highway in February. Police are still investigating.

A 61-year-old female operating one of the vehicles involved in the collision, which occurred on Feb 22, has succumbed to her injuries in a hospital in Quebec City. Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle collision on the Trans-Labrador Highway, between Labrador City and Quebec, just before 7 a.m. on February 22.

RNC collision analysts request that anyone with information to assist, or any video footage (CCTV or dash-cam) in the area in the lead up to the collision, please contact the RNC.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC at 709-944-7602. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Liberal and PC leaders have promised for decades to close a loophole allowing leadership candidates to keep the information of donors secret.

A 61-year-old woman from Quebec involved in a serious collision on the Trans-Labrador Highway two weeks ago has died in hospital.

The two-vehicle collision happened just before 7 a.m. on February 22nd on the Highway between Labrador City and Quebec.

The investigation into the accident remains open, now as a fatal collision.

Anyone with information, including dashcam or CCTV footage is asked to contact the RNC.

St. John’s International has been recognized as the best airport with under 2-million passengers in North America.

The award for airport service quality is judged by Airports Council International.

Through the program, they provide over 400 airports in 110 countries with extensive data about the airport experience,

Last year, some 1,400 surveys were voluntarily completed by passengers departing from YYT.

Airport Authority CEO Dennis Hogan says the award is based on direct passenger feedback, and is a “testament to (their) progress.”

The opposition education critic is asking questions about the policies and procedures that are in place for when a violent incident happens on school property.

Paul Dinn is speaking out in response to a 13-year-old child being charged following an incident at Villa Nova Junior High involving brass knuckles. A 27-year-old woman was subsequently charged with transferring a weapon as a result.

Dinn says he was also recently sent a video in which a student is cornered and slapped.

He states that it is fine for the minister to have stakeholders working on long-term solutions to violence in schools, but he has heard questions from parents about what happens immediately for students involved.
He says the victims are “ostracized” even further because they are the ones that have to eat lunch in the principal’s office or have recess in a separate room.

Dinn wonders what has been communicated to teachers about the steps that need to happen when there is a violent incident. From what he gathers, rules are applied differently across the province, which he thinks comes down to overcrowding and a lack of resources.

The St. John’s International Airport has earned the 2024 Airport Service Quality award for Best Airport Under 2 Million Passengers in North America.

Administered by Airports Council International World, the Airport Service Quality program is a globally recognized tool that provides over 400 participating airports in 110 countries with both qualitative and quantitative data on all aspects of the airport experience.

This is the second time the airport has won an Airport Service Quality award. It won the award for the Most Improved Airport in North America for Customer Experience in 2019.

The town of Trepassey’s pleas for a new breakwater ended up on the floor of the legislature yesterday.

The town’s original breakwater was damaged by successive hurricanes a few years ago. They secured a new one, but that was knocked down during a storm in February 2024.

As they wait for a new solution, the town says it is costing them a “fortune” to bring in heavy equipment every time waves throw rocks and debris across the road.

Photo via NL HOA

PC MHA Loyola O’Driscoll raised the issue during Question Period, and Minister Steve Crocker, acting in place of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Fred Hutton, responded, saying that the department is working with the town on the assessment and engineering of a new breakwater.

O’Driscoll says the situation is “not acceptable” and wants to know when the project will be tendered. Crocker’s retort is that they “can’t go to Wal-Mart and buy a breakwater,” and it must be properly engineered and done right – which the department is working on.

This summer, the City of St. John’s will offer free space at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall for organizations to engage with the community.

Organizations interested in taking part are asked to apply by completing the application form and outlining their ideas for enhancing the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.

Space is limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval. City staff will contact applicants directly regarding submissions.

The Minister of Justice and Public Safety is congratulating the town of Churchill Falls, which has received an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award for its efforts last summer as out-of-control wildfires threatened the region.

The awards result from a federal-provincial-territorial partnership and recognize “exceptional service and achievement in emergency management.”

The provincial government says the town demonstrated “remarkable resilience and efficiency” when a wildfire threatened the area last June, noting they were able to effectively use their emergency plan to evacuate about 750 people in under two hours and allow for power from the Churchill Falls site to continue to flow.

The government notes that the town also showed “exceptional solidarity” a month later as they helped evacuees from Labrador City, who were also being threatened by a wildfire inching toward the town.

Next week, a delegation from this province will attend the Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts.

At the expo, representatives will meet with key buyers to confront trade realities and secure markets for the sector.

In 2024, approximately 65 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood was exported to the United States.

This year, companies from this province at the expo include Whitecap International Seafood Exporters, Ocean Choice International, Barry Group Inc., Badger Bay Mussel Farms, and Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company Ltd. In addition, many other Newfoundland and Labrador seafood companies, as well as the supply and service sector.

Cenovus is investigating the cause of a near miss on the SeaRose FPSO, which involved a piece of a crane dropping onto the deck.

The incident happened on March 1 according to an incident disclosure published on the C-NLOPB’s website.

They say there was a “vessel motion” just after they finished lifting a container. This caused a chain reaction: The crane hook hit a nearby bumper rail and started to droop over the side. This, in turn, resulted in the pennant line assembly—which is the hook, a wire cable, and a master link—disconnecting from the crane and crashing into the deck below.

The C-NLOPB says because of the weight of that part of the crane, the incident had the potential for fatality.

Crane operations were immediately suspended and an investigation is ongoing.

On the Northern Peninsula and northern coastal areas, roads are partly snow-covered. There is some drifting snow from Carmanville to New Wes Valley. Roads elsewhere are bare.

If you’re driving in Labrador, you’ll encounter partly snow-covered roads with icy and slushy patches and good visibility.

Due to missed runs earlier this week, the M/V Marine Coster 3 will run on Monday’s schedule. Other ferries are on schedule.

Flights are on time in St. John’s, Gander, and Deer Lake.

The new mental health and addictions facility in St. John’s will open to the public in a little over a month.

NL Health Services has set the opening date for Sunday, April 13.

That date will be preceded by a seven-day move plan, which will begin on Monday, April 7.

NLHS says it is in the final stages of installing and testing information, communication, and safety systems.

Further, work is ongoing to ensure a “seamless” transition to the new facility, including staff orientation, training, and equipment testing.

CEO Pat Parfrey is pleased to have a date set for the facility to open, calling it a “monumental step forward to improving health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

An overnight collision at one of the most dangerous intersections in St. John’s sent one person to hospital.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. emergency crews responded to the intersection of Portugal Cove Road and Major’s Path following the two-vehicle collision, which left both a sedan and an SUV with extensive damage. As a result of the crash one person was taken to hospital, their injuries believed to be minor in nature.

The intersection of Portugal Cove Road and Major’s Path has been the subject of much study in recent years due to its notoriety as one of the city’s most dangerous intersections. As a result the City of St. John’s will be constructing a multi-lane roundabout to replace the current intersection. That project is tentatively scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2026.

At 10:35 p.m. on Monday, RNC officers responded to a report of public intoxication in the downtown area of St. John’s.

Police located the individuals involved and discovered they were youths.

Both youths were in breach of their court orders. Upon trying to arrest one of the youths, they resisted arrest and fought with the police.

Subsequently, they were charged with assault causing bodily harm to a police officer, assaulting a police officer, uttering threats, resisting arrest and breaches of court order.

The youth was then held in custody to appear in court.

Those with any investment portfolios or funds tied up in Canadian and American markets more than likely noticed their stocks take a tumble yesterday as tensions between the two countries continue.

The TSX dropped nearly 400 points, the Dow Jones plunged by almost 900 points, while the Nasdaq suffered its worst day in three years.

Photo from @WhiteHouse X account

The market plunge was triggered by economic uncertainty created by the trade war between the United States and Canada and U.S. President Donald Trump not ruling out the possibility of a recession.

While Trump has put the brakes on sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico until early April, the president is said to be moving ahead with a 25 per cent levy on steel and aluminum imports later this week.

The Town of Churchill Falls has received the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in recognition of its efforts during a wildfire threat last summer.

The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a recognition for exceptional service and achievement. This award, a partnership between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, recognizes recipients who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

In June 2024, Churchill Falls demonstrated resilience and efficiency in the face of a significant wildfire threat. The Town used its emergency plan to successfully evacuate approximately 750 people in under two hours and to allow for continuous power delivery to the residents across the province.

Churchill Falls also exhibited solidarity by assisting evacuees from another wildfire threat in Labrador City, offering essential services and support to thousands of residents.

A teenager has been charged after getting feisty with police during an arrest last night.

RNC were called by someone in the downtown area around 10:30 p.m. saying two people were intoxicated.

Police found the pair and discovered they were young people who had breached their court orders.

Both were taken into custody, but one young person wasn’t willing to go quietly as they fought the arresting officer.

They were charged with assault causing bodily harm on a police officer, assaulting a police officer, uttering threats, resisting arrest, and breach of court order.

Both teens were held to appear in court.

Despite the current trade and tariff environment, many involved in the fishery, including government, are heading to Boston next week for a trade show on seafood.

Fisheries Minister Gerry Byrne notes that about 65 per cent of the seafood produced in Newfoundland and Labrador was exported to the United States. The value is almost $900-million according to Byrne.

Seafood North America takes place in Boston Sunday through Tuesday.

The minister says the primary objective of the show will be to maintain existing relationships with the United States in the face of tariffs and other challenges.

The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador has a new spiritual home in the old Mary Queen of Peace Catholic church. With a growing Muslim community in St. John's, more space was needed. A former priest is overjoyed about the building's new tenants.

Stephenville Mayor Tom Rose says Carl Dymond’s big plans to invest and reinvigorate the town’s airport are looking unlikely to come to fruition.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services says it's in the final stages of fully integrating air and ground ambulance services in the province.

Elon Musk criticized federal benefit programs like Social Security, alleging widespread fraud (without evidence) and advocating for a reduction in government spending on entitlements. Critics from both parties are continuing to question the controversial billionaire's qualifications and authority to restructure the U.S. government. (AP)

Stocks plummeted on Monday due to fears of a recession tied to President Trump’s trade policies, with the Dow Jones falling 890 points. The trade war with China escalated as Beijing imposed tariffs on American farm products, while Ontario announced a surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. (CBS News)

Amid concerns of potential funding cuts by the Trump administration, Ivy League universities like Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania have halted faculty hiring. The freezes aim to mitigate financial risks and uncertainties, anticipating reductions in research funding from the NIH.  (NBC News)

The Supreme Court will review a challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors, with implications on free speech and treatment restrictions. The case, brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, raises questions about state enforcement of laws prohibiting such therapies. (UPI)

A federal judge in New York has halted the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, until a Wednesday court conference. His arrest by immigration authorities follows Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, citing ties to Hamas. (CNN)

The transition has begun. Mark Carney will be the next Prime Minister of Canada after winning the federal Liberal leadership. But what will it mean for Newfoundland and Labrador? Local political leaders are watching to see if he keeps his promises. NTV’s Bailey Howard has the story.

The CEO of Hydro-Quebec was in Churchill Falls today as negotiations continue toward a final contract. Michael Sabia defended the deal as a balanced one, and says tariff threats from the United States have only increased the urgency to get it done. Here’s NTV’s Becky Daley.

After hinting at it for more than a week, former provincial cabinet minister Tom Osborne has confirmed he is running for the federal Liberal nomination in Cape Spear. NTV’s Marykate O’Neill reports.

Troops from this province have returned from a major Arctic sovereignty and security operation in Canada’s north. They were there to support a military defence mission with other NATO countries, to showcase their readiness. NTV’s Jodi Cooke was there to cover this operation.

Warm temperatures, sandy beaches and a fruity tropical beverage. That might be what comes to mind when thinking about cruise-ship options. However, a group of sea-going travellers made Corner Brook a port of call today for a very different reason. NTV’s Don Bradshaw explains.

Today at the House of Assembly, NDP leader Jim Dinn asked the province if it has considered removing the HST on home heating fuels to address residents’ concerns about increases in their Newfoundland Power bills. 

The new Churchill Falls agreement is exactly the kind of project and partnership Canada needs right now and into the future.

So says the CEO of Hydro-Québec, who was in Churchill Falls for the first time today to tour the town and massive generating station run by NL Hydro.

Questions about the MOU, in light of tariff tensions with the U.S., were addressed and dismissed during a virtual media briefing with Hydro-Québec‘s Michael Sabia and NL Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams.

Sabia was asked whether the continued uncertainty could impact construction or possibly completion of the project.

CEOs Williams and Sabia on tour. (Courtesy NL Hydro)

“This agreement is, in my opinion, a powerful example of exactly the kinds of things that we in Canada now need to do, that we need to step up, launch big ideas, secure our future as an independent, prosperous country, and not succumb to the unfounded threats coming from Washington.

“So, if anything, I would say what has happened recently in the United States does nothing but enhance our resolve to make this agreement a reality.”

Both Sabia and Williams insisted completion of the definitive agreements is still on schedule for April of next year.

“It is on track, full speed ahead, and it will be delivered,” said Sabia, adding he also believes 100 per cent that Gull Island will be developed.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn says the high cost of home heating is forcing many residents to make difficult decisions. To help solve the issue, he is asking the Liberal government to remove the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax from home heating bills.

Sitting on the doorstep of the Churchill Falls megaproject, Hydro-Québec CEO Michael Sabia and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams said talks to formalize a new 50-year deal on Churchill Falls power is full speed ahead.

The MP for Labrador says people in this province have yet to be able to put their finger on positive changes in the health care system despite an infusion of $2 billion to the provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yvonne Jones, who is not running for re-election, is well familiar with the health care system after beating two bouts of cancer.

The federal government topped up transfer payments in 2023, but it came with no strings attached.

The provinces are responsible for delivering health care but Ottawa sets standards and provides funding required to run the system.

Jones says people are not seeing the tangible impact from the $300 million NL got from Ottawa.

She would like to see “more insight, more vision and more incorporation of technology” so that people feel they are getting the service they need and expect.

About 20 per cent of people in Atlantic Canada say they feel overwhelmed by their debt load.

That’s according to a new poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the accounting firm MNP.

Greg Gosse, a licensed insolvency trustee with the firm, says while that number is a slight improvement from previous months, the overall debt load in the region appears to be increasing.

Gosse says the strain of the current fiscal situation is evident in the conversations he has with people daily.

He says many are often stressed out to the point that it is causing them physical problems, avoiding phone calls, and feeling like they cannot openly talk with friends about their issues.

Fiscally, Gosse says many are only paying minimum payments on credit cards, trying to find quick financing options, with no clear path to get out of their situation.