Safer Communities for Labrador is Safer Communities for All Of Us

 

 

September 27, 2025

 

HAPPY VALLEY–GOOSE BAY, NL – Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham today announced dedicated public safety actions for Labrador,
pledging $3 million in new investments to tackle rising crime and addictions in the region. Wakeham was joined by Keith Russell, PC Candidate for Lake Melville.

 
“I’m proud to have Keith Russell on my team. His track record of standing up for the people of Lake Melville is strong. A true son of Labrador, Keith will help to provide better healthcare, lower taxes, and safer communities for all of us - especially Labradorians,” said Wakeham.
 
“Violent crime in Happy Valley–Goose Bay has more than doubled since 2015,” said Wakeham. “Families are afraid in their own homes, Labrador deserves better.” 
A PC government will invest directly in mental health, addictions treatment, along with law enforcement in Central Labrador. The funding will expand access to detox and rehabilitation services, strengthen community-based addictions programs, and improve coordination between health care providers and police. 
“We cannot allow people struggling with addiction to fall through the cracks,” Wakeham said. “This funding will help people receive treatment and the support they need – and that police, health care providers, and community organizations are working together instead of in silos.” 
Wakeham emphasized that this investment will be spent in partnership with municipal and Indigenous leaders, including local Innu-led addictions programs. 
“Labrador is unique, and the solutions must reflect that reality,” Wakeham said. “Nobody knows these communities better than the people who live here, and we will work with them to expand and strengthen local support.”
The Labrador plan builds on the PC Party’s broader commitment to safer communities for all of us, including:

  • Hiring 46 new RNC and RCMP officers.

  • Hiring additional Crown Attorneys to make sure criminals are sentenced without delay. A delay in prosecuting crime does not reduce crime.

  • Pressing the federal government to end “catch-and-release” practices that allow repeat offenders back on the streets.

  • Expanding access to detox, rehab, and sober living communities

 

“My message to everyone struggling with addiction or living in fear is this: you are not alone,” Wakeham concluded. “We will stand with you, we will support you, and we will build safer communities – for all of us.”