New Foundation Aims to ‘Break The Silence’ Surrounding Menopause
A new organization has been established that’s dedicated to a natural transition in a woman’s life which often brings with it profound physical and mental health changes.
The Menopause Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador was established only a couple of weeks ago, so it’s not in a position to offer one-on-one services yet, but it has three primary objectives.
One of the founders, Stephanie Ryan, says many women feel unprepared for that stage of life, unsupported and even dismissed when they seek help.
She says she has heard from thousands of mid-life women from across the province who saw first-hand gaps in health care and workplace support.
The foundation’s three-point strategy involves education, advocacy and access.
Ryan says they hope to improve the understanding of menopause “so that they can break the silence.”
They also hope to establish menopause clinics and online resources so that women can get the support they need, said Ryan.
Many Still Stumped by Product of Canada vs Made in Canada: Poll
While a majority of Atlantic Canadians say they are trying to support Canadian, labelling of products may not always be clear to consumers.
The provincial government unveiled a buy local campaign earlier this month, highlighting NL products.
The Nova Scotia government also announced a $300,000 pilot to help residents there buy local, allowing businesses to apply for a 70 per cent rebate for expenses they incur when adding a Nova Scotia Loyal logo to products.
Meanwhile, a new poll shows that many Canadians asked are somewhat confused about labelling on products.
The Narrative Research survey shows that while 75 per cent of those asked said they understand the terms Made in Canada versus Product of Canada, the results show that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The survey also shows that 37 per cent of those asked would prefer to buy a product that says Made in Canada while only a quarter, or 23 per cent, would choose one that says Product of Canada.
Products labelled as Product of Canada must include at least 98 per cent of the total direct costs of producing the item in Canada, while Made in Canada requires only 51 per cent.
Once the definitions were made clear, most respondents said they preferred products that are labelled Product of Canada.
Canada Must ‘Lead and Innovate’ in Uncertain Energy Times: CAPP
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has released a seven-point plan that it says will help unleash the country’s energy potential.
CAPP’s energy platform outlines the steps it says the next federal government should take, including clearing roadblocks to building the infrastructure needed to bring Canadian energy to the world.
The association also suggests government “champion oil and natural gas as a critical part of Canada’s economic future,” and not to just build, but build with speed when it comes to new projects.
CAPP recommends government “tariff-proof” the economy by growing and diversifying market access for Canadian oil and gas.
“Canada’s energy sector is an engine of opportunity, providing jobs, economic growth, and reliable, affordable energy for families and businesses,” states CAPP. “But the global landscape is shifting rapidly. We’re facing geopolitical changes that will redefine energy security, trade, and competitiveness for decades to come.
“Canada cannot afford to stand still. The world’s demand for energy is rising, and our nation has the people, resources, and expertise to be a global leader in energy production. In an increasingly uncertain world, Canada must demonstrate that we are ready to compete, innovate, and lead.”
Nominations Open for Province’s 2025 Inclusive Education Award
Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador has opened up the nomination process for its 2025 Inclusive Education Award.
The award is presented annually to a K-12 school that has shown “exceptional spirit” in creating an environment that is inclusive for those with intellectual disabilities.
Last year’s winner was Avoca Collegiate in Badger.
Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador works with, and on behalf of, individuals with an intellectual disability and their families, advocating for people to live as full participants in their communities.
The deadline for award submissions is May 9th.
‘Exceptional’ Response to Mental Health Call-Out: Child, Youth Advocate
The acting Child and Youth Advocate says she’s heard from people across the province after issuing a call inviting young people and families with experience in the mental health system to reach out.
In addition to people who have contacted the Child and Youth Advocate’s office, staff have also travelled throughout the province to hold meetings with various people and groups.
Interest and participation has been “exceptional,” says acting Child and Youth Advocate Karen Gray, adding they hope to hear from others by the end of March when their information gathering with conclude.
The online form is anonymous, completely confidential, does not ask for any identifying information and will be available until Monday, March 31.
There are various ways in which people can contact the Child and Youth Advocate’s Office, including:
Email: office@ocya.nl.ca
Telephone: 709-753-3888/Toll Free: 1-877-753-3888
Text: 709-682-OCYA (6292)
In-Person: 20 Crosbie Pl., St. John’s
Furey to Miss House Re-Opening; In Toronto for Mining Conference
Premier Andrew Furey won’t be in the House of Assembly for the start of the spring sitting tomorrow.
Instead, he is in Toronto for the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange which runs until Wednesday.
Furey, who announced last week he is stepping down as premier, is addressing the Newfoundland and Labrador PDAC reception today and will provide a keynote address at Canada’s Atlantic Edge Program event on Tuesday.
This year there are over 25 mining and exploration companies, six prospectors, and almost a dozen service and supply companies with NL connections exhibiting and participating in a directed mining investment promotional program, as well as representatives from Indigenous governments and organizations.
PDAC is the world’s largest annual mining convention, attracting up to 30,000 attendees from over 100 countries, and representing mining and exploration companies, investment funds, consultants, suppliers, and governments.
NL has participated in the convention for over 40 years, collaborating with Mining Industry NL in the trade show and hosting several prospectors to aid in promoting the province’s projects to potential partners and investors.
Hickman Honored, Eager to Assume Chair of Council For The Arts
Newfoundlander Cheryl Hickman says she’s honoured to be taking over as chair of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Hickman, the general and artistic director of Opera on the Avalon, will begin her five-year term in July.
She notes the council’s mandate is to help foster production of works in the arts, with grants, services and various initiatives to support the arts and artists.
“What it’s meant to do is contribute to the vitality of a very creative and diverse arts and literary scene,” she said.
“So it has significant impact economically and socially and it really supports greater engagement in the arts from coast to coast and contributes to the international recognition of Canada’s artists and arts organizations.”
Hickman, an accomplished soprano, also served on the board of Opera.ca, and has performed with companies across North America and Europe.
She has been recognized for her work by ArtsNL and in 2023 was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine.
The Canada Council for the Arts is governed by an 11-member board. It consists of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and nine other members from across Canada. Along with the director, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, board members are appointed by the Governor in Council.
Bringing Unknown Soldier Home a ‘Once-in-Forever’ Event For Furey
Premier Andrew Furey hopes his legacy as premier will be the repatriation of the remains of the Unknown Soldier.
The journey of the World War I soldier’s remains from France to the National War Memorial in St. John’s was an emotional one, particularly for Furey who, as the ceremonial next-of-kin, was at the casket’s side for the most poignant parts of the trip.
Now that Furey’s time as premier is coming to a close, he says he hopes his legacy is one of “pace”; listing achievements in health care, addressing the population decline, rate mitigation, and dealing with the COVID pandemic as significant.
However, he says above all of that was the repatriation of the Unknown Soldier.
“I hope my legacy is returning one of our own home and helping close that wound from 1916,” said Furey. “I still get emotional thinking about it and talking about it, and it was … that’s a legacy piece.
“Someone said to me after it was done, ‘well, you know, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that just happened.’ My response was, ‘it’s not a once-in-a-lifetime, that’s a once-in-forever, and I was very honored to be given the privilege to do that.”
Last Call For Tickets in Support of Easter Seals NL
Today is the deadline to purchase tickets for a special Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador fundraiser.
“Snowarama,” led by the Western Sno-Riders, is being held at Marble Mountain this weekend in conjunction with the City of Corner Brook’s Winter Carnival.
Easter Seals is hoping to raise $15,000 for their equipment loan program and bring awareness to their services.
Today’s deadline was preceded yesterday by snowmobiling and community spirit at the mountain.
Easter Seals NL is all about people with disabilities living full, healthy and active lives, with a mission “to engage, inspire, and maximize opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages by providing meaningful programs and services.”
Money raised from the 50/50 fundraiser will support providing free, accessible equipment to families and communities throughout the province through Easter Seals’ free equipment loan programs for people of all ages with disabilities.
Trudeau Joins EU Leaders For Critical Summit on Fate of Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting an urgent meeting of European leaders today in a show of support for Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also attending the summit in London which comes two days after Zelensky was tag-teamed and belittled in the White House by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
They attacked Zelenskyy for not being “thankful” enough for the support the U.S. has provided Ukraine to fend off the Russian invasion.
The summit comes amid increasing signs of the U.S. pulling back that support and aligning itself with Russia on foreign policy regarding Ukraine.
Trudeau could be the only non-European leader at the meeting during which they hope to set conditions for a lasting peace in Ukraine and prevent Russia from further invasions on the continent.
The U.K., France and Ukraine are also expected to draft a ceasefire plan to present to the U.S.
Trudeau is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Starmer today, followed by a news conference with Canadian media before returning to Ottawa on Monday.
Tom Osborne “Very Seriously” Considering Federal Run, Expects to Make Decision by End of Weekend
Long-time Newfoundland and Labrador MHA Tom Osborne says he is “very seriously” considering running for the federal Liberals in the next election in the district of Cape Spear, and will make a decision by the end of the weekend.
Osborne spent 30 years as a provincial MHA.
He was initially elected as a Progressive Conservative, but in 2012 he left the party to sit as an independent, and would join the Liberal party less than year later.
Osborne bowed out of provincial politics last summer, but now he is eyeing a potential run in Ottawa.
Tom Osborne announcing his retirement from provincial politics.
Osborne says the timing was right when he retired as an MHA last year, and at the time wasn’t considering any sort of political future.
However, that changed recently with numerous people, including former constituents, friends, and people with connections to the party reaching out and asking him to run.
“I guess when politics is in your blood, it’s always in your blood. It’s a part of you. Do I miss that? There are times that I absolutely miss it. There’s no question about it. And having individuals reach out and saying that they want me to look at it is certainly an honor. And, you know, knowing that they were happy with the contribution I made and feel that I have further contribution to make is also an honor.”
Urbanization an “Eternal Barrier” to Setting Up Some Collaborative Care Clinics: Parfrey
The CEO of NL Health Services calls the urbanization of society the “eternal barrier” preventing some collaborative care clinics from becoming fully established in some regions of the province.
The provincial government introduced the concept some time ago as a way to improve access to family care, particularly in rural areas, but some clinics continue to struggle to gain a full complement of health professionals.
Dr. Pat Parfrey says many physicians and other health care professionals want to work and live in more urban areas, a phenomenon seen across the country.
The issue was part of discussions during a recent meeting in Clarenville with health care providers and community leaders from the Bonavista and Burin Peninsulas.
He cites some of the stats presented by Marystown Mayor Brian Keating.
Parfrey says there were 20,000 people living on the Burin Peninsula 20 years ago, and now they’ve got 16,000. “There are a far smaller proportion of children, and the people leaving the Burin Peninsula are the younger people. So in a situation where the younger people are leaving, it’s hard to think that young people from outside are going to come in to provide health care, so it’s a challenge.”
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Watching Response from US Cities to Tariffs
Tariffs from the United States could come in to effect as early as Tuesday, and the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce says they will get valuable information from affected American states should the threat come to fruition.
CEO Rhonda Tulk-Lane says there are 34 states in America that have Canada as their number one trading partner, and if tariffs are put in place they are going to find out which cities will be impacted the most by the move.
As Tulk-Lane explains, that is information that can be used to the chamber’s advantage.
She says they will be comparing the biggest Atlantic Canadian trading partners with the US cities that are hurting the most, and then focusing on building relationships with the Chambers in those cities and building advocacy.
“Costing the Town a Fortune”: Trepassey Mayor Frustrated Without Solutions to Breakwater Woes
The town of Trepassey has another mess on its hands after storm surge breached the beach road again.
The town secured a new breakwater after damage suffered during hurricanes Larry and Earl, but the new breakwater was knocked down in a February storm last year.
Mayor Rita Pennell says each time the water dumps rocks and debris across the road they have to bring in heavy equipment to keep it clear, a great expense for the small community.
Pennell says she and area MHA Loyola O’Driscoll have been calling for a permanent solution to the problem for some time.
She says they met with the minister in October of 2024 seeking a temporary solution to the problem, “but there was nothing done.” She says just after Christmas, over the course of one week, they had to have a loader down in the area for four days “to keep the people safe down there and keep the road open…and I mean that’s costing the town a fortune.”
Submitted by Sharon Topping.
American Man Charged with Sexual Assault Makes first Court appearance
A 29-year-old American man appeared in provincial court in St. John’s yesterday on one count of sexual assault.
RNC were called to a report of an assault at a downtown St. John’s hotel around 3:00 yesterday morning. A woman was located by police who required medical support.
The accused, Raekwon Holliman, was arrested shortly after noon, and held in custody pending yesterday’s court appearance.
RNC say the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
Furey Focuses on Market Diversification in Final Months as Premier
As Andrew Furey’s time as Premier starts to wind down he says one of his last goals is to kickstart the diversification of the province’s markets.
Furey shocked the province earlier this week when he announced that he will be resigning as leader once a successor is chosen.
While he argues a lot has been accomplished during his time in politics, broadening the province’s markets is something he will be tackling in his remaining months.
He wants to make sure that is in a “reasonable spot” for whoever comes after him. He says regardless of US President Donald Trump, who he calls a “four-year bully in the White House,” it is responsible to diversify provincial markets.
Foreign Affairs Minister Doubles Down on Support for Ukraine Following Tense Trump/Zelenskyy Meeting
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly says Canada believes in supporting Ukraine.
Joly spoke with reporters yesterday in response to questions surrounding yesterday’s tense and fractious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, his Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Voices were raised as Trump and Vance berated Zelenskyy, calling him “disrespectful” and suggesting that he has not offered his thanks for U.S. help in his fight against invading forces from Russia.
Photo via C-Span
World leaders have responded in shock, with many European leaders reiterating their support for Ukraine.
Joly says Canada’s response after seeing the belligerent exchange that played out before rolling television cameras, is the same as it has always been.
She says Ukrainians are fighting for their own freedoms, “but they’re also fighting for ours,” because “if we’re not supporting Ukraine, there is a real risk that President Putin will go back to Russia, re-arm, and re-invade Ukraine, which would become a security threat” not only for Ukraine, but for NATO as well, “which is us.”
Joly says Russia is taking note of the interaction in the Oval Office yesterday, and Canada’s goal is to make sure it is supporting Ukrainians and keep “very strong G-7 unity amidst all this unpredictability and chaos.”
Man Charged After Parked Vehicles Damaged in Metro
A 37-year-old man has a date with the court after the RNC say he was damaging parked vehicles in the capital city last night.
Police were called to an area of Freshwater Road around 9:30 p.m.
The accused was located with help from the public. He is now facing seven charges of mischief.
He was held for court.
Streaming Soon: Son of a Critch Lands on Netflix Canada March 15
Son of a Critch is about to reach an even bigger audience in Canada.
The Newfoundland-based sitcom, inspired by the childhood of comedian Mark Critch, is set to stream on Netflix Canada starting March 15. The show, which has already gained a strong following here at home, and the U.S. will now be available to more viewers through the streaming service.
Son of a Critch follows a young Mark Critch as he navigates junior high in 1980s St. John’s. Critch himself plays his father, legendary VOCM newscaster Mike Critch.
The first three seasons have been met with rave reviews, and season four is currently airing on CBC TV.
Downtown St. John’s: Buying Local Strengthens Economy Amid U.S. Uncertainty
Downtown St. John’s says if there’s a silver lining to Donald Trump’s threats against Canadian sovereignty and the economy is the emphasis on buying local.
Gaylynne Gulliver of Downtown St. John’s says 90 cents of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community, and the benefits are great.
She says that money circulates through local workers and back into neighbourhood businesses which then sponsor local events and activities. “This is one big, giant cycle, and our economy is under threat from our neighbours down below.”
Paul Antle Joins Growing List of Potential Liberal Leadership Candidates
Interest in the provincial Liberal leadership is continuing to build.
Cabinet ministers John Abbott, Siobhan Coady and John Hogan have all indicated that they’re seriously considering a run at the leadership.
Now add businessman Paul Antle – who is no stranger to the process – to the growing list. Antle ran unsuccessfully for the party’s top job in 2013, having been defeated by Dwight Ball.
While he chose not to seek the leadership in 2020, he has confirmed for VOCM News that joining the latest leadership contest is something he is considering.
March is Fraud Prevention Month: RNC Warns of Rising Scams
March is fraud prevention month, a time when organizations promote how to identify and prevent fraud.
RNC Constable James Cadigan says in the last couple of months they have seen the usual types of fraud such as text messages, calls, and emails, but have also seen things like romance and employment scams.
Using job scams as an example, Cadigan says people always need to have their “antennas up.”
Someone may contact a potential employer and are the directed to an app such as WhatsApp to continue talking. Being directed to a messaging app is a “red flag” according to Cadigan. He says scammers may ask people to pay fees for training or accreditation, and being asked to pay money before even having a job offer is another warning sign.
Meeting Between Zelenskiy, Trump and Vance in Oval Office Degenerates into Shouting Match
A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump degenerated into a shouting match with the President and Vice President chiding and berating Zelenskiy for being disrespectful and not saying thank-you to the U.S.
Zelenskiy left the White House without a deal.
It didn’t take long for a gathering before the media in the Oval Office to go sideways live before a group of reporters and cameras.
Vice-President Vance accused Zelenskiy of trying to litigate his position before the American people, and of not saying thank-you during the meeting.
Photo via C-Span
Zelenskiy warned the president about getting too close to Russia, but Trump spoke over him, accusing Ukraine of not holding the cards.
“You have nice ocean,” said Zelenskiy, “and you don’t feel it now, but you will feel it in the future,” to which Trump fired back, cutting him off, “you don’t know that…don’t tell us what we’re going to feel…you’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel.”
Trump, angered, accused Zelenskiy of “gambling with World War III.”
“You’re country is in big trouble,” said Trump. “I know,” was Zelenskiy’s response before Trump went on. “You’re not winning this; you had a damn good chance of coming out okay,” said Trump saving his greatest vitriol for his predecessor.
“We gave you through this stupid president, $350 billion dollars, we gave you military equipment, and your men are brave but they used our military…if you didn’t have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks.”
American Man Charged with Sexual Assault in St. John’s
A 29-year-old American man has been arrested in connection with a reported sexual assault that occurred at a St. John’s hotel early this morning.
RNC got the call around 3:00 a.m. and found a woman who required medical assistance. The woman was taken to hospital for treatment.
Shortly after noon, a man from the United States was arrested. The accused is scheduled to be formally arraigned in court today.
NL Federation of Labour President Calls Tariffs Stressful for Workers
The latest pronouncements from U.S. President Donald Trump indicate that 25 per cent tariffs are coming on Tuesday on Canadian products bound for the United States.
The president of the NL Federation of Labour admits that Trump’s vacillations have been very stressful for Canadian workers and business trying to prepare for and navigate the potential impact of punishing import taxes on Canadian goods in the U.S.
Regardless of what does, or doesn’t, happen, Jessica McCormick says Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador, needs to be prepared.
She says both the federal and provincial governments need to be ready with a plan to support workers through EI, enhancements to income support, and supports to business to keep people employed.
Suspects Identified After Police Make Public Plea for Information
RCMP in Clarenville say they have identified two people who were captured on CCTV at the time of a theft from the local liquor store.
RCMP say two people entered the NLC store in the Random Mall around 8:40 last night (Thursday). The pair placed a number of bottles of a variety of alcoholic products into shopping bags and left without paying.
The total cost of the merchandise is estimated to exceed $2,000 dollars.
The pair left the area in a dark-coloured hatchback style vehicle.
RCMP say they have identified the suspects and they thank the public for their assistance.
Downtown St. John’s Businesses Benefited from GST Holiday
Downtown St. John’s businesses saw a boost from the two month GST holiday that came to an end in mid-February.
Gaylynne Gulliver says their members saw a noticeable difference when the tax holiday was in place, and she’s hopeful that the provincial and federal governments come up with other incentives, particularly in light of American threats on Canada’s economy and sovereignty.
“It certainly did make a difference,” says Gulliver of the tax holiday. “Any sort of initiatives that could come municipally, federally, locally, that would encourage people to spend their money…gives them more disposable income to spend” is welcomed says Gulliver.
No Confirmed Presence of Measles in NL as Cases Rise Across Canada
While health officials across Canada are alarmed with the rising rate of measles cases, the Department of Health says there are no reported cases of the highly infectious disease in Newfoundland and Labrador.
So far this year 95 measles cases have been confirmed in Canada, mostly based in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.
The number is alarming and is creeping rapidly toward the 147 total confirmed cases reported across the country last year.
Measles was announced to be eliminated in Canada in 1998, thanks to high childhood vaccination rates.
Complications from measles include a tell-tale rash, respiratory failure, encephalitis, and death. Long-term effects can include blindness, deafness and permanent neurological damage.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is offered to all children at 12 to 18 months of age. Immunization rates in Newfoundland and Labrador last year were at 90 per cent.
Ken McDonald Eyeing Provincial Politics, Just Not Liberal Leadership
Avalon MP Ken McDonald is not considering a run for the provincial Liberal leadership, but is waiting in the wings for a provincial political run.
McDonald says he did not expect the resignation of Premier Andrew Furey, and while he isn’t considering a go at the leadership, he has had several people reach out to ask if he is.
While he has ruled out that possibility, it appears as though a run as an MHA may be in the offing.
Ever since McDonald said he would not be seeking re-election federally, rumours have been circulating that he will be running provincially, however he never officially stated as such.
When asked about a potential provincial run, McDonald did not rule it out “depending on when (the election) is.”
He says he was “ready to go” for a spring election. However, with the leadership race and new timelines to call an election, he states “I’ll hang around where I’m to for now just to kick the tires a bit more. But I’d much rather be home in politics than away.”
Government Engaging in Talks on Eliminating Interprovincial Trade Barriers
The provincial government says it is “actively engaged with other provinces” on reducing internal trade barriers, but fall short of committing to introduce legislation to that effect.
Earlier this week, Nova Scotia introduced the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act.
Essentially, the legislation says manufacturing and licensing standards from other regions will be recognized, as long as other provinces treat Nova Scotia products, businesses, and workers the same.
The legislation is being heralded as a “first-of-its-kind” in the country, with the argument being that it will help foster an environment of mutual recognition of goods, services, and labour across all sectors.
When asked if Newfoundland and Labrador will be following suit, the provincial government did not specifically say if or when similar legislation would be introduced.
Instead, government says it is pursuing an “ambitious agenda to reduce barriers to internal trade and labour mobility,” adding that now more than ever there is a need to strengthen trade within Canada, and diversify and strengthen trade internationally.
