CHEERS: to moving ahead with new housing construction. It’s good to see funding announced for actual construction work, rather than for more planning and rezoning and committees and delays. Last week, the provincial government announced $20 million to construct 50 provincially-owned housing units in Corner Brook, “helping to increase access to stable, safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in the western region.” The project will include multi-unit buildings that feature a combination of one- and two-bedroom homes, and will also include the demolition of 32 existing long-term vacancies in the area, paving the way for new modern, accessible and energy-efficient homes. Construction of all 50 homes is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Good job!
JEERS: to excessively long wait times for MRI scans – again. As of Dec. 31, 2023, there were 5,057 people waiting for an MRI in the provincial health authority's eastern zone. Government has said that while the wait list is concerning, steps are being taken to reduce wait times, such as increased hours of operations and an additional machine coming online in western Newfoundland when the new hospital opens in Corner Brook later this year. But there are also concerns that there isn’t adequate staffing to actually have an impact on wait times. Jennifer Carey, manager of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Atlantic, said without adequate staff, the problem isn't going away any time soon. It’s a similar case for other crucial testing tools such as ultrasounds. Between Oct. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023, 2,016 people had urgent ultrasounds at the three St. John’s hospitals. Their median wait time was 51 days, meaning that 1,008 people waited 51 days or fewer, while the other 1,008 people waited more than 51 days for an urgent ultrasound. Having these tests done is crucial to the diagnosis of conditions and early treatment plans. Excessive wait times put people at risk of conditions worsening before treatments can begin. There must be a better way forward, a better health-care solution, for residents of the province.
CHEERS: to a step forward in the replacement of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary. Last week, the provincial government announced the request for qualifications process for the replacement of “the Pen” has concluded and the one submission from New Avalon Corrections Partners had been deemed qualified to continue the procurement. The private sector partnership is led by Plenary Americas and PCL Investments. A modern, safe and healthy facility is needed for both inmates and staff, as well as the community as a whole.
JEERS: to excessive travel costs. Post Media reported last week that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s six-day trip in the Indo-Pacific region last September cost Canadian taxpayers nearly $2 million. Those costs included $190,000 on in-flight catering, $643,000 for aircraft handling and fuel fees, $422,000 for lodging, $129,000 for ground transportation and $427,000 for RCMP security costs. The PMO has to travel at times to maintain and strengthen relationships with other countries and regions, but those kinds of costs are hard to take as the majority of the country’s residents continue to struggle with higher food prices, housing needs, and the rising cost of living. Wonder how much carbon that flight emitted.
CHEERS: to the ongoing work on the National War Memorial. A recent news release stated the refurbishment of the National War Memorial in St. John's is well on its way to completion — a significant milestone in the project was marked with the installation of the tomb portion of the memorial. On July 1, 2024, the repatriated remains of an unknown First World War soldier from what was then known as the Dominion of Newfoundland will be placed in the tomb as their final resting place. It’s an important project and we look forward to its completion and the ceremony on July 1 — 100 years after the memorial was first unveilled.
CHEERS: to the 2024 Herder champs, the Rooftech St. John’s Senior Capitals. The Caps swept the best-of-seven series against the Deer Lake Red Wings, winning two games in St. John’s and two in Deer Lake. It's good to see continued high calibre and exciting senior hockey in this province. The Herder Memorial Trophy was first awarded in 1935.
CHEERS: to a great effort and a silver medal. While it didn’t turn out the way we would have liked, the Brad Gushue Rink put on quite a show that once again has made the province — and the country — proud. Gushue and his team lost a close one on Sunday, April 7, losing 6-5 to Sweden’s Niklas Edin rink in the final game of this year's world men's curling championship in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. The Gushue team may be disappointed in winning silver, but they remain golden to their fans.
