The Newfoundland and Labrador government is inviting residents to share their priorities ahead of the 2026 provincial budget. A pre-budget questionnaire is now available on the EngageNL website, with submissions open until Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. In addition to the online survey, residents can provide feedback by email or by mail to the Department of Finance. The province says virtual engagement sessions will also be scheduled in the coming weeks. Government officials say f

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador says it is actively negotiating with Equinor to advance the Bay du Nord offshore oil project, calling suggestions the development is stalled inaccurate. Premier Tony Wakeham said the province supports responsible offshore oil development and intends to remain a competitive jurisdiction. “We are unequivocal in this position,” Wakeham said, adding the government is working with Equinor “in good faith” to reach an agreement that benefi

The updated sign for the New Acute Care Hospital on Kenmount Road in St. John's. Kyle Brookings/Newfound News You may have noticed something a little different about signs announcing projects from the provincial government. The bottom of the signs used to display the Premier's and Minister's names, now those names have disappeared, replaced with white stickers. In a statement from Transportation and Infrastructure Barry Petten’s office, Newfound News was told that "It has bee

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China on Friday, marking a major shift in Canada–China relations after years of strained ties. Carney made the announcement following meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his first official visit to China. The agreement focuses on expanding trade, energy cooperation and agricultural exports. Ottawa says the partnership is aimed at diversifying Canad

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has fired the town council in Victoria. On Wednesday, the council, including the mayor, was removed from office, and a temporary administrator from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs was appointed to provide local governance to the town. Services such as water, fire protection, garbage, and other essential services will continue without interruption. The administrator will also conduct a comprehensive review o

The Town of Bay Roberts has released its budget of $10,624,351.76 for 2026. There will be no change in the Residential and Commercial Property Tax Mill Rates and no change in the Residential and Commercial Water and Sewer rates. Changes have been made to the business tax structure and classifications. The tax collection deadline is March 31, after which time interest will be calculated on all outstanding taxes. There has been an increase in some Residential Permit fees and so

The Town of Gander released its budget on Wednesday. For 2026, the residential mil rate is reduced from 7.6 to 7.4. The commercial mil rate is reduced from 7.7 to 7.5, and the non-residential water and sewer rate is reduced from 7.7 to 7.5. The 2026 Operating Budget is balanced at $24,167,219 and was achieved without increasing general user fees or relying on prior years’ surplus. New commitments include a sewer jet, asphalt roller, 5-ton mini excavator, transfer station auto

Corner Brook has presented a $44.7 million budget, a 6.7 percent increase. There will be no change to residential or commercial property tax mill rates and no change to the water and sewer levy. There will be improvements to transit in the city, including modernizing its fully accessible transit system, allowing users to pre-book rides, track buses in real-time, and make payments via app. The service will also be extended until 11:00 p.m., and the buses will begin to run on S

Premier Tony Wakeham announced the creation of a new Independent Review Committee to study all matters relating to the negotiation and content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between NL Hydro and Hydro-Quebec regarding the Churchill River. The committee members will examine any relevant matter or issue they deem necessary to answer the question: Is this MOU in the best long-term interest of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador? The committee will also have

The province’s fiscal situation is more challenging than what was previously forecast in Budget 2025, according to Minister of Finance Craig Pardy. The provincial deficit is now projected at $948 million, compared to the $372 million forecast in Budget 2025. Pardy revealed that across multiple economic indicators, Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is performing better than expected. Newfoundland and Labrador is projected to lead all provinces with 5.3 per cent real Gross Do

Minister of Finance Craig Pardy will deliver the 2025 Fall Economic and Fiscal Update today. The update will be provided at 11:00 a.m. In the last fiscal update, revenues decreased, expenses were down, and the average price of oil for 2024-25 was revised to US$81 from the Budget 2024 projection of US$82.

Minister of Finance Craig Pardy will deliver the 2025 Fall Economic and Fiscal Update on Tuesday. The update will take place at noon. In the last fiscal update, revenues decreased, expenses were down, and the average price of oil for 2024-25 was revised to US$81 from the Budget 2024 projection of US$82.

Premier Tony Wakeham announced the appointment of a Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretaries to Ministers. The Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretaries assist the Premier and Ministers on various issues or files. They do not receive pay for their work in these roles. Appointments include: Riley Balsom, MHA for Carbonear-Trinity Bay de Verde, is appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. Jeff Dwyer, MHA for Placen

The City of Mount Pearl presented its 2026 budget during a public meeting on Tuesday. The total budget is $62.6 million. There will be no change to the residential mil rate or water fees. It focuses on infrastructure, community safety, recreation, and economic development. $200,000 has been allocated for Mount Pearl’s first five-year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; $200,000 for traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety. $565,000 was announced for trail enhan

Today, the City of Mount Pearl will release the budget. Councillor Bill Antle will present the budget during the public council meeting at 4:30 p.m. Last year, the total 2025 budget was $58,858,583. It included no increases in residential or commercial mil rates, no changes to water fees for residential properties and commercial properties. Newfound News will have the details as they become available.

Helen Conway Ottenheimer speaks to the media. Kyle Brookings/Newfound News. The Minister responsible for Justice and Public Safety, Helen Conway Ottenheimer, provided an update to reporters this afternoon on the issues that are being experienced in the Provincial Court. Staffing and Sheriff shortages are the primary concerns. On Monday, the minister met with the Chief and Associate Justices to speak about the concerns. A new working group will be established that will consis

The Member-elect for the District of Topsail - Paradise will be sworn in at a ceremony today in the House of Assembly Chamber. The ceremony will take place at 9:00 a.m. Paul Dinn will be the MHA for Topsail - Paradise following the results of a judicial recount last week.

The judicial recount for the electoral district of Topsail-Paradise concluded today at the Supreme Court in St. John’s. In the recount, Progressive Conservative Party candidate Paul Dinn won with 3029 votes, Liberal Dan Bobbett received 2923 votes, and NDP candidate Tyler Bourne received 354 votes.

Backlash has been fierce about the announcement earlier this week on the government's plan to return to 24-hour snow-clearing. The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador accused the government of announcing 24-hour snow clearing on the same 14 routes that already had 24 coverage. They also said that it costs more than their platform said it would. The cost in the Blue Book was based on a 2016 assessment. Online reaction to the announcement was also swift. Newfound News s

Canadians will not be heading to the polls in a Christmas election. The federal budget narrowly passed in the House of Commons on Monday by 170 to 168. To pass the budget, a confidence motion, two NDP MPs and two Conservative MPs abstained from voting. In exchange for a commitment from Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada will meet the Paris climate targets, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May voted in favour.