St. John’s, NL (July 15, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Progressive Conservative Leader and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, is kicking off a visit to Labrador this week by announcing two actions a PC government would take to improve access to health care in Labrador and reduce the burden on Labradorians who must travel for care.
Wakeham, who previously lived and worked in Labrador, said he understands firsthand the challenges residents face when it comes to accessing timely health care.
“For far too long, residents of Labrador have been forced to accept less,” said Wakeham. “After ten years of Liberal mismanagement, Newfoundland and Labrador has the worst health care in the country. Nowhere is this more evident than in Labrador, where people are forced to travel long and expensive distances just to get basic health care.”
A Progressive Conservative government under Wakeham’s leadership will take immediate and targeted action to close the health care gap in Labrador. His plan includes:
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Reducing Wait Times Through New Diagnostic Equipment
Labrador will receive a new MRI machine, along with the technicians and staff needed to ensure it is fully operational. This will reduce wait times and the need for patients to travel outside their region for diagnostics.
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Fully Covering Travel Costs for Essential Care
When medical services are not available in a patient’s home region, the cost of travel for essential care will be fully covered—not just partially reimbursed. This will ensure that no Labradorian has to choose between their health and their wallet.
“For individuals in Labrador, not having timely access to health care means real hardship—missed work, separation from family, expensive travel and unnecessary stress,” said Wakeham. “My promise is to ease that burden and guarantee that Labradorians no longer feel left behind.”
Wakeham’s visit to Labrador will include meetings with local leaders, health care professionals, and community members to listen directly to the concerns and priorities of Labradorians.
A PC government, under the leadership of Tony Wakeham, will make Labrador a priority with lower taxes, better health care, and safer communities—for all of us.