Wakeham to Fix Medical Air Transportation Program to Provide Better Healthcare For All of Us

 

September 23, 2025

Gander, NL – Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham today announced how a PC government will help those who need to travel to access healthcare. Wakeham was joined by Tom Healey, the PC candidate for Gander. 

“Tom Healey will be a strong MHA for Gander. Working at Gander International Airport his entire career in Gander, he understands the importance it has for the entire Central Region, and is dedicated to ensuring that the region is not forgotten when it comes to healthcare and other necessary services.” 

Wakeham spoke about the emotional and financial toll that traveling for medical appointments can have on people and their families. 

 

“Far too many people have told me heartbreaking stories about the long, expensive journeys they must take just to access the care they need. This is not good enough,” said Wakeham. “A PC government will ensure that no matter where you live in Newfoundland and Labrador, you can get to your appointments without added financial burden.”

 

To help people access appointments and healthcare, Wakeham said a Progressive Conservative government will:

  • Fully cover the costs of traveling for essential care when such services are not available in your region and provide free parking at all healthcare facilities.

  • Introduce a routine daily medical air transportation service based out of Gander. This will help rural patients receive more timely care without having to travel long distances via road.

  • Bring patients, who travel into St. John’s on the air ambulance, back to their home region, at no charge. 

 

“Bottom line, if we fly you somewhere to get medical help, we will fly you back to your home region once the procedure is done,” concluded Wakeham. “That’s just common sense, and will provide better healthcare for all of us.”