St. John’s, N.L. (November 15, 2024)

Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and MHA for Conception Bay South, is raising serious concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the Travel Nurses Housing scandal highlighted by the Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNUNL).

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) has confirmed that no staff will face discipline. Petten repeatedly pressed Health Minister John Hogan in the House of Assembly this week about reports that NLHS managers profited significantly from renting houses to private agency travel nurses.

Even more troubling are allegations that some of these managers failed to post jobs or hire local nursing students, instead prioritizing travel nurses paid up to $300 an hour.

"This is absolutely outrageous," said Petten. "The Minister has been dismissive and arrogant in response to questioning about this misuse of taxpayer dollars. An investigation revealed breaches of the Conflict of Interest Act and the Public Procurement Act, and leases were cancelled. Yet, the Minister kept silent, and no one has been held accountable. The bottom line is that this happened under his watch, with taxpayers footing the bill."

Petten also highlighted the Union's concern that nurses are held to high accountability standards. Members cannot accept gifts, and complaints against nurses can result in sanctions from their regulatory college, including loss of employment.

"How can one group of managers walk away scot-free? Where is the accountability? Where is the transparency? Why hasn't the investigation that led to the cancellation of these leases been released?" asked Petten. "The Minister's dismissive attitude has outraged the Registered Nurses' Union and further eroded relations with their association. Is it any wonder we have over 600 nursing vacancies?"