St. John’s, N.L. (November 22, 2024) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Health and MHA for Conception Bay South, is calling out the Furey Liberal government for failing to address the critical shortage of nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador by not hiring internationally recruited nurses who are ready to work.

Responding to a recent CBC report that revealed more than 60 nurses recruited from India have yet to secure employment—some waiting over a year—Petten expressed frustration at the Liberal government’s inaction.

“This is simply mind-boggling,” said Petten. “While Ministers Hogan and Stoodley have been defending this situation in the legislature, the reality is stark: a recent Access to Information request indicates we have 741 nursing vacancies and 60 qualified individuals who are ready to work. I am at a complete loss as to why these nurses haven’t been hired.”

Petten criticized the Liberals for hiding behind “pathways” and “immigration policy” instead of addressing the problem head-on.

“Whether these individuals were originally hired as Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is irrelevant. These nurses have upgraded their skills, are fully qualified, and are licensed to work as Registered Nurses (RNs). Yet the Furey Liberals refuse to hire them. At the same time, we’re spending millions each month on expensive travel nurses, while local nurses are forced into excessive overtime and 24-hour shifts.”

Petten noted that permanent job advertisements for hospitals in St. John’s are still active and should be immediately offered to these qualified nurses.

“We continue to sponsor a fourth-tier UK soccer team and spend millions paying M5 to manage an immigration website, but we can’t offer jobs to qualified nurses already in the province? It’s like the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing.”

Petten placed the blame squarely on the Liberals failure to implement a comprehensive health human resources strategy over the past decade.

“Instead of breaking down barriers, the Liberals are making the healthcare crisis worse. It’s time for real leadership to address these issues. A Tony Wakeham PC government will prioritize solutions to strengthen healthcare and support the professionals who make it work.”