Today marks 2 years of a full-scale invasion on Ukraine, and 10 years of the Ukrainian-Russian war.

The Ukrainian Cultural Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador held a service today at the Basilica in St. John’s to remember those lost by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to honour those still fighting.

Members of the Federal and Provincial government were also there in support.

The Confederation building will light the Ukrainian colours in remembrance.

NTV’s Becky Daley will have a full report on this service tomorrow during the NTV Sunday Evening Newshour.

Government officials say there was “nothing unusual” about the time it took to process the first ride-sharing licence in the province — a licence that was suspended just two days after it was approved.

RedSea Riding got the green light on Jan. 17, with a news conference set to announce it that Friday, on the 19th.

But that was abruptly cancelled with officials telling media that Service NL Minister Sarah Stoodley was tied up in a cabinet meeting.

It wasn’t until the following Monday that VOCM first reported that Redsea Riding’s CEO, Yosief Tesfamichael, was facing a list of sex-related charges against minors.

That revelation led government to confirm Redsea’s licence had been suspended indefinitely due to “new information received.”

The Telegram has since reported it took just over a day to approve the application, which reportedly included standards copied from other ride-sharing companies.

But in a statement to VOCM, a spokesperson for the minister states “there was nothing unusual about the processing time in reviewing the application from Redsea Riding.”

“The service standard for all commercial motor registration transactions is two business days from receipt of a completed application,” read the statement. “However, like anything, there may be occasions when officials can process applications faster, and others when it may take longer.”

They go on to say the application met established criteria, noting policies here are very similar to those in other jurisdictions.

The spokesperson declined to provide more details, citing Tesfamichael’s ongoing criminal case.

The 43-year-old, originally from the African country of Eritrea, is facing five counts, including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, unlawfully making sexually explicit material available to a child and exposing his genitals.

The offences are alleged to have occurred between August of 2013 and May of 2021.

The matter will be called in Supreme Court on Monday morning for a case management meeting that can’t be reported on.

That’s in advance of the trial which is scheduled for October.

A weekend gala that aims to raise money for a mutual aid fund for the Black community in Newfoundland and Labrador was inspired by Black History Month, says a director of the province's Social Justice Co-Operative.

There’s a summit next week on the future of Labrador West.

The event is being held to discuss the issues and challenges facing the mining region, which is only about 23 km from Quebec.

Labrador City Mayor Belinda Adams says all three political parties are committed to attend.

One of the issues they face is the lack of accommodations for seniors as it costs about 40 per cent more build such facilities in Lab West than it would on the island.

She says years ago many were afraid to come to a mining town to develop because it is high risk. But at some point, risks need to be taken to grow Labrador West.

Premier Andrews Furey will deliver the keynote address on Monday at 12:00 noon at the Wabush Hotel, while ministers Lisa Dempster, Paul Pike and Andrew Parsons are also scheduled to speak.

TechNL says it’s time to mark your calendars as techNL Innovation Week 2024 is set to happen October 1 – 3.

The week will be filled with expert speakers, facilitated breakout sessions, networking events, and celebrations. This year’s event marks year 11 for the annual Innovation Week.

For now, the organization says to save the dates and stay tuned for exciting updates and announcements to come.

Choices for Youth is encouraging residents in the St. John’s metro region to brave the cold and participate in a walk as part of the annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser.

The event raises funds for Choices for Youth’s outreach and youth engagement programs which served about 1,000 young people last year.

More than 300 people on 45 teams are registered for this year’s walk, which will start and end at Atlantic Place in St. John’s.

For those who can’t make it out to the in-person event, donations can be made online.
This year’s goal of $55,000 has already been surpassed, with over $77,000 being raised so far.

VOCM and HOT 99.1 are among the sponsors of the event. It gets underway at 4 p.m.

After years of research and over 100 interviews, author and journalist Rhea Rollmann's book A Queer History of Newfoundland was officially launched Saturday, and she couldn't be happier with the public's reaction.

After months of back and forth, the federal Liberals and NDP have reached a deal on pharmacare to continue their confidence and supply agreement.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confirmed the development to CTV News on Friday, calling the draft legislation “historic.” The draft legislation is expected to be introduced next week and is the first piece of a plan for universal pharmacre.

The NDP had demanded the deal be reached by March 1 to continue to prop up the minority Liberal government until 2025.

Today marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – a war that’s claimed thousands of lives.

Newfoundland and Labrador threw open its doors to residents and families fleeing Ukraine and now has a Ukrainian community numbering in the thousands.

Sofia Dubyk says the invasion has had a devastating impact on her native Ukraine and a service at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist will today remember those lost.

She calls it a time of remembrance and an opportunity to come together.

The service will take place this afternoon from 2:00 to 2:45 at the Basilica.

Prime Minister Trudeau Reflects on Anniversary

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed “unspeakable violence and brutality that has left hundreds of thousands dead and forced millions to flee.”

He says Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is not only a violation of the country’s sovereignty and independence, but also of the basic principles of the rules-based international order.

He calls it “an assault on our common humanity; and an attack against freedom, democracy, and peace.

Prime Minister Trudeau says despite Russia’s unrelenting attacks, “Ukraine continues to demonstrate unwavering courage.”

Trudeau is in Kyiv today to mark the anniversary.

Last month inflation in Canada was at 2.9 per cent, a decrease from 3.4 per cent in December.

The cost of food purchased from stores increased by 3.4 per cent, compared with December when prices increased 4.7 per cent. This resulted in downward pressure on the all-items. Grocery prices remain elevated.

Lower prices for airfares and travel tours also contributed to the decline.

Canadians paid more for cellular services last month compared with December.

Over the next week, there will be several virtual ERs operating around the province.

At the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre in Harbour Breton, there will be a Virtual ER until Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., and from February 28 at 8:00 a.m. until Thursday at 8:00 a.m.

There will also be a virtual ER at the Dr. Y.K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre in New-Wes-Valley from Sunday, February 25 at 8:00 a.m. until Friday, March 1 at 8:00 a.m.

There will also be a virtual ER at the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre from Sunday at 8:00 a.m. until Monday at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until Friday at 8:00 a.m.

At the A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre in Buchans, there will be a virtual ER until Monday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m.

The 2024 NL Games opening ceremonies begins this evening at 7PM in Gander.

A full week of several different sports officially kicks off tomorrow morning.

NTV News has some of our team members on the ground in Gander, and will have more on the NTV Sunday Evening Newshour tomorrow at 6PM.

A full list of the schedule can be found here: https://nlwg2024.gems.pro/Result/Calendar.aspx?SetLanguage=en-CA

Schedule for Sunday, February 25

The Provincial Government is marking an improvement in American Marten (Island of Newfoundland Population) numbers by downlisting its status from Threatened to Vulnerable under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

Newfoundland Marten is one of only 14 mammal species native to the Island of Newfoundland. The population is geographically isolated, and genetically and ecologically distinct.

First considered endangered in 1996, it was one of the first species formally designated under the provincial Endangered Species Actin 2002. Recovery programs in place since the 1990s have supported population growth, resulting in downlisting from Endangered to Threatened in 2007.

With a current population estimate of 2,500 to 2,800 mature animals, Newfoundland Marten numbers have steadily improved thanks to the efforts of the Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team, the trapping sector, small game harvesters, Indigenous Groups and Organizations, stewardship organizations, the forestry industry, the provincial and federal governments, and the public. The department will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a management strategy for marten in the future.

The plant Dense Draba has been designated Vulnerable under the Act. Dense Draba, a small plant that grows on cliffs and rock outcrops, is found nowhere in the world other than Newfoundland and Labrador, and Québec. With fewer than 3,000 of these plants known to exist, this species is newly designated Vulnerable under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

All species recognized under endangered species legislation are vital to maintaining the health of Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural, agricultural, rural and urban ecosystems. Management plans and actions, supported by monitoring and research activities, will be developed for both species identifying conservation measures to ensure they do not become further at risk.

The RNC is warning the public of the dangerous use of illicit drugs following recent sudden deaths. Over the last week, there have been five deaths on the Northeast Avalon and in Labrador.

While the deaths are all under investigation by the RNC and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, police believe there is an increase in the availability of illicit, dangerous, and potentially fatal drugs.

The causes of death have not yet been confirmed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a drug overdose call 911 immediately. If you or someone you know is using illicit drugs, please ensure there is a naloxone kit close by. Free naloxone kits are distributed by the Department of Health and Community Services.

The Newfoundland Rogues emerged victorious following their matchup against the Reading Rebels at Mary Browns Centre yesterday.

The Rogues took the game with a score of 131-121.

The rematch is happening today at Mary Browns Centre at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Newfoundland Growlers didn’t have the same luck in their game against the Trois Rivieres Lions yesterday.

The Growlers were shutout 4-0 in the road game.

That rematch happens today at 4:30 p.m.

Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. 

Choices for Youth is hosting their annual ‘Coldest Night of The Year‘ – a family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

The walk will begin at 4PM at 215 Water St, St. John’s. Check-in starts at 3PM, and a light meal is scheduled to follow after the walk.

Since 2011, the coldest night of the year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support the CNOY charity partners. 

More information can be found here https://cnoy.org/location/stjohns

The RNC are once again searching for a 15-year-old boy who was reported missing in the centre city area of St. John’s wearing a red hoodie, black pants, black shirt and white sneakers.

Zachary Conway is described as five feet, six inches tall, with blonde hair and greenish-blue eyes.

For context, Conway was most recently reported missing, but later found, in October of 2023 and again in January of this year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC at 729-8000, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The federal and provincial governments have announced an increase to the Oil to Electric Incentive program.

The $24-million agreement will see the maximum amount people can receive to transition from oil to heat pumps increase from $17,000 to $22,000.

To date, the province says over 2,000 households have applied to switch their furnaces to heat pumps through the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, and they anticipate some 3,000 homes to transition over the coming year.

MP Gudie Hutchings says she is hearing about the benefits of switching already from people in her riding.

She has heard from people who are saving upwards of $800 per month in the winter on heating.

Newfoundland and Labrador is known for both its fishery and folk art, but the two aren't typically intertwined. Now the School of Cod embroidery exhibit in St. John's is changing that.

The City of St. John’s is seeking input and recommendations from residents on the issue of violence and crime in the city. The city is looking for feedback from those with lived experiences with violence and/or crime and perceptions of safety, as well as recommendations on best practices in the community, identification of gaps, and new initiatives that should be considered.

Everyone who has ideas or experiences to share is encouraged to participate. Responses from the survey will be used to outline how St. John’s can work in partnership with the community and other levels of government to address the root causes of violence and crime.

The survey can be completed here. Responses can also be provided through email or by calling 311.

An area of low pressure will track from near Cape Breton today through the Strait of Belle Isle early Sunday morning before departing into the North Atlantic. This track is going to put Newfoundland on the warm side of the low and Labrador on the cold side. Parts of southern and western Newfoundland are going to see heavy rainfall today into tonight, while southern Labrador will see some significant snowfall from later today into Sunday morning.

Rainfall Warnings are in effect from Connaigre to Port aux Basques on the South and Southwest Coast and as far north as Parson’s Pond – Hawke’s Bay as of early Saturday morning. These will expire later this evening along the West Coast and early Sunday along the South Coast. Rainfall amounts will be as high as 70 mm along parts of the South Coast and the West Coast as far north as Gros Morne. Rainfall will be slightly less north of Gros Morne, where up to 30 mm is expected. The Connagire Peninsula will see as much as 30 mm. Locally higher amounts are possible, especially over higher terrain.

There will be some flooding due to the combination of heavy rain and warm temperatures. Temperatures this afternoon will climb into the middle single digits for a large swath of the area. The flood threat will ease later tonight as colder air returns to the region.

Meanwhile, on the cold side of this system, there are Special Weather Statements and Snowfall Warnings in effect for much of southeastern Labrador from later today into early Sunday. Snowfall will be as high as 30 cm in the Norman Bay to Lodge Bay area. Eagle River and Cartwright to Black Tickle will up to 20 cm. Meanwhile, near the Straits up to 25 cm of snow will fall. There may be a change to rain in some area at times later today or this evening between periods of snow.

The weather will improve later Saturday night or early Sunday morning as the area of low pressure pulls away into the North Atlantic. Futurecast (below) shows this rather well and should give you a good idea of what to expect as we move through the remainder of the weekend.

Enhancements to cardiac and stroke care are being expanded across the province to support better patient outcomes:

• The introduction of a surgical procedure, endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), where blood clots causing stroke are removed from clinically eligible patients. This enhancement has led to improved stroke outcomes and an approximate 50 per cent reduction in patients’ length of hospital stays.
• Increased use of clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics for strokes, which has increased from 10 per cent in 2018 to almost 20 per cent, the national standard, in 2023.
• The expanded use of virtual heart failure management, where patients interact with a cardiology team specializing in heart failure to become stabilized on their medications through virtual appointments within nine weeks, rather than the six-to-12-month timeframe of traditional in-person appointments.

The reduction in hospital stays has also increased access to other patients by making acute care beds available sooner than expected.

These enhancements are in addition to the same day fly-in/fly-out cardiac catheterization flights, which have led to 118 patients flying to St. John’s to receive care sooner than anticipated. After Stroke has already provided supports for over 153 stroke survivors, their family members, and caregivers in their transition from hospital to home.

The town of Grand Falls-Windsor is inviting families and residents of all ages to its annual Family Fun Day at Corduroy Brook today.

The town is hosting a variety of events including sliding, ice fishing and bonfires, along with free chili, soup, hotdogs, pop, juice and hot chocolate.

Mayor Barry Manuel says the weather should hold up, and they’re looking forward to a great event, now well into its second decade.

He says because it will be mild, they won’t be able to go ahead with outdoor ice skating.

The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Corduroy Brook.

The provincial government heard some frank perspectives on the challenges faced in the province’s schools and classrooms during a Teachers’ Think Tank in the capital city yesterday.

Among the prevailing themes was the mental health and wellness of teachers.

Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell and NLTA President Trent Langdon spoke with reporters following the day-long session.

Howell believes it was helpful to hear directly from teachers and administrators.

She describes the discussion as “very frank” and at times “very heavy.” “Those are the things that we’ll use to build a plan for better recruitment and retention, better working environments for our teachers, and subsequently, better learning environments for our students,” says Howell.

Teacher’s Union President Trent Langdon, who says the system has been hurting for some time, was pleased that teachers were able to tell their stories first-hand.

“It was very clear that there needs to be more human resources on the ground to support our teachers on the ground, and through that our students will be better served, so it was a very worthwhile event” says Langdon.

A pedestrian suffered non-serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in St. John’s early this morning.

The incident was reported just before 1 a.m. in the downtown area.

An investigation into the collision is ongoing.

In the past week, there have been five suspected drug-related deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the province's chief medical examiner warns those numbers are only going up.

In 2019, there were 900 registered guests at the Gathering Place shelter in St. John's. That number has climbed to around 2,000, says the shelter's executive director.

St. John’s lawyer Bob Buckingham says Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nash Denic can recommend a public inquiry, but never has. Seamus Flynn was 35 at the time of his death. He was taken by ambulance from Her Majesty’s Penitentiary on the evening of Dec. 1 and was pronounced dead early the next day. The CBC’s Ariana Kelland reports.

A single-vehicle crash sent one person to hospital on Friday evening.

Emergency crews were called to Pitts Memorial Drive shortly before 9:30 p.m. following the incident. The driver of a vehicle traveling eastbound lost control shortly before reaching the exit to Ruth Avenue. The vehicle struck a snowbank on the side of the road and became airborne. The vehicle landed a roughly ten metres away after rolling over.

The driver of the car was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious. The vehicle sustained significant damage.

Roads were wet in heavy fog at the time of the crash. Several motorists were observed traveling past the emergency scene at a high rate of speed, narrowly missing personnel and apparatus. An official on the scene urged the public to slow down and move over when passing any emergency scene.

The province is seeing an increase in the number of young people involved in serious crime. Some advocates say more needs to be done to help the growing numbered of troubled youth. NTV’s Rosie Mullaley reports.

Premier Andrew Furey clarified comments this week on the location of the new St. Clare’s Hospital, while St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen is upset the city still hasn’t been consulted. NTV’s Ben Cleary reports.

In early January, hundreds of German soldiers set foot on the Big Land for six to eight weeks to complete demanding winter warfare training.

Two years ago, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, prompting thousands to flee for safety. Three women settled in Newfoundland and Labrador are writing about their experiences.

Conception Bay North has seen more calls to police in the last year, from mental health issues to driving collisions, as one RCMP inspector tells the CBC’s Terry Roberts. But the justice minister isn’t keen to help out.

The unit at the James Paton Memorial Hospital has been closed for over a year due to staff shortages. Residents have to travel to Grand Falls-Windsor — nearly 100 kilometres away — for care.

Police are again searching for a 15-year-old boy reported missing in the capital city region.

Zachary Conway is described as five feet, six inches tall with blonde hair and greenish-blue eyes.

He was last seen in the centre area of St. John’s wearing a red hoodie, black pants, black shirt and white sneakers.

Zachary Conway was most recently reported missing, but later found, in October of last year and January of this year.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact the RNC at 729-8000, or Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477.

Newfoundland Rogues forward Marquis Collins may be modest about his 45 points in a single game, but he’s hungry for more. He tells the CBC's Jeremy Eaton that he credits his lifelong dedication to the sport for his success.

One of the aims of the newly released Tourism Workforce Action Plan is to show that there are careers in the industry, and it is not just a “stepping stone.”

Hospitality NL unveiled the plan at its annual conference in St. John’s earlier this week.

Board Chair Deborah Bourden says there are many different types of careers in the sector—such as in things like food and beverage, and accommodations.

She agrees that there is a misconception out there that workers in the tourism industry are poorly paid.

She says there are some jobs at the bottom of the payscale. But, at the conference for example, they had over 300 people in the room at a variety of paygrades.

Nominations are now open for the Liberal party in the district of Fogo Island-Cape Freels.

The seat was left vacant following the passing of 59-year-old MHA Derrick Bragg who succumbed to cancer last month.

A number of people have already come forward to announce their intention to run in the district under the Liberal banner.

Bragg’s long-time constituency assistant, Dana Blackmore, announced on social media that she intends to seek the nomination in his memory and “with a fierce dedication” to the district.

Today, New-Wes-Valley Mayor Mike Tiller, a paramedic and volunteer firefighter, also announced his intention to seek the nod on VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly.

Liberal nominations opened today, and will close at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 29th.

A man is in hospital following a collision on Torbay road in St. John’s yesterday afternoon. The road was closed for several hours while police and other first responder attended to the scene.

The cause of the collision is still being investigated.