Wakeham: Liberal Travel Nurse Scandal Demands More Investigation

For Immediate Release

St. John’s, NL (August 18, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville–Port au Port, says last week’s Public Accounts Committee hearing into the Liberal travel nurse scandal left more questions than answers — and underscores the urgent need for a judicial inquiry.

“Last week, my colleagues Pleaman Forsey and Joedy Wall asked tough but fair questions about how this scandal was allowed to happen, but they weren’t given full answers,” said Wakeham.

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve to know why the Liberal travel nurse scandal was allowed to happen, who authorized the signing of contracts, why nurses from outside the province were hired at a massive cost to taxpayers and why the public was left footing the bill for things like air fryers, hotel rooms, and the rental of electric vehicles.”

Wakeham said the witnesses failed to provide fulsome answers during the hearing and agreed with the Nurses Union who said “During the hearing, government members of the PAC — MHAs Lucy Stoyles and Perry Trimper — spent much of their time setting up answers for NLHS to affirm rather than pressing for accountability”

“The public has lost confidence that the Liberals can manage healthcare responsibly,” said Wakeham. “A judicial inquiry is the only way to uncover the truth, ensure accountability, and prevent this from ever happening again.”

Wakeham emphasized that a Progressive Conservative government would work hand in hand with healthcare professionals to deliver lasting solutions.

“Our healthcare workers deserve better. I stand ready to work alongside them to rebuild respect, improve working conditions, and deliver better healthcare for all of us,” he said.

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