St. John’s, N.L. (January 28, 2025) – Paul Dinn, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, today expressed deep concern over the escalating revelations surrounding the PowerSchool cyber-attack, which continues to affect thousands of teachers and students in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dinn noted that the cyber-attack occurred on December 28, 2024, but the government waited nearly two weeks—until January 8, 2025—to notify the public. Even then, the initial communication left out critical details about the breach, failing to disclose that medical and financial information had been compromised. These omissions have now been confirmed, impacting a significant number of individuals.

“I’m shocked. We now know that data for approximately 14,400 teachers has been accessed, including highly sensitive information like MCP and SIN numbers,” said Dinn. “271,000 students—both current and former—have had their personal information compromised, including medical details and even parental custody information. Unfortunately, the public is being informed in bits and pieces, which only adds to the frustration and confusion.”

Dinn compared the current breach to the 2021 healthcare cyber-attack, which affected 58,000 individuals, and criticized the government’s slow and fragmented response.

“We still don’t have clear answers about exactly who has been impacted or when they will be notified,” added Dinn. “Today’s government press release offered vague reassurances about credit monitoring and identity protection, but many people still don’t know if they’re at risk or what steps they need to take.”

Dinn also criticized the lack of visible leadership from the Minister of Education.

“Once again, we are facing a major issue affecting our school system, and the Minister has chosen to remain silent, issuing only a press release. Where is the leadership? Our teachers, students, and their families deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear plan to address this breach.”