Today is budget day in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister of Finance Craig Pardy will deliver the first budget of the Progressive Conservative government at 2:00 p.m. (1:30 p.m. in most of Labrador). The government says the budget will focus on improving life for the residents and identifying opportunities for the province’s future. Newfound News will provide coverage.

The federal government has released new measures in the 2026 spring economic update. The update projects lower deficits over the fiscal horizon and reaffirms the government’s commitment to its fiscal anchors, while continuing to invest in infrastructure, housing and workforce development. Among the key measures is the creation of the Canada Strong Fund, described as the country’s first national sovereign wealth fund. The fund will invest in major Canadian projects and compani

President Trump, along with other government officials were evacuated from the White House correspondents' dinner after what sounded like gunshots on Saturday night. The event took place at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a teacher from California, was taken into custody. He had been a guest at the hotel, according to reports. In remarks at the White House following a shooting and subsequent arrest at the White House

The provincial government says it will adopt all recommendations from the auditor general on emergency management, while also pointing to progress in strengthening fraud risk oversight across government. Forestry, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pleaman Forsey said the government accepts all 10 recommendations from the audit on emergency management and business continuity planning. Forsey said his department, which recently assumed responsibility for Emergency Services, has al

The provincial government is stepping in to reduce a planned electricity rate increase set for July 1, using a one-time credit to bring down the expected hike. Premier Tony Wakeham has directed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to apply $45 million from the Rural Rate Alteration account to offset costs linked to Newfoundland Power. Electricity rates had been projected to rise by about seven per cent. With the credit applied, the increase for island residential customers is expe

Town of Salmon Cove Website The mayor of Salmon Cove and three town councillors have resigned, citing ongoing internal issues they say have prevented the council from effectively governing. In a joint statement released Tuesday evening, the former officials said they stepped down after facing persistent challenges they were unable to resolve, despite efforts that included seeking legal advice. “We took on this role to make positive changes and to stand up for the people of th

Craig Pardy, Minister of Finance, will deliver the first budget of the new government on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Pardy will deliver the Budget 2026 speech at 2:00 p.m. (1:30 p.m. in most of Labrador).

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a temporary suspension of the fuel excise tax. The tax cut will come into effect on April 20 and last until September 7. The cut will amount to a 10-cent drop in gas prices and about a 4-cent drop in diesel prices. The cut also applies to aviation fuel costs.

Canada now has a Liberal Majority Government. There were three by-elections on Monday, and the Liberal Party swept all three. The ridings of University—Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest were both considered to be Liberal holds. The riding of Terrebonne in Quebec was a battle between the Liberals and Bloc Québécois. Liberal candidates in the two Ontario ridings received over 60 percent of the vote, while Terrebonne was more of a close race, with the Liberal candidate receivi

Quebec has a new Premier. Former Cabinet minister Christine Fréchette has been elected as the CAQ leader. In the leadership to replace François Legault, Fréchette defeated Bernard Drainville with 57.9 percent of the vote. On January 14, Legault announced his resignation as leader of the CAQ and premier. The next Québec provincial general election is scheduled for October 5, 2026.

Liberal Party of Canada delegates wrap up their 2026 national convention in Montréal today, drawing what organizers say was a record crowd of 4,500 participants from across the country. Party leader Mark Carney said the three-day gathering highlighted a unified focus on the party’s future and the direction of the country. “Over the past three days, Liberals have come together with energy and determination to shape the future of our party and our country,” Carney said in a sta

Facebook/Mark Carney The MP for Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, Marilyn Gladu, has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party. Gladu has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Sarnia—Lambton since 2015. She was elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 Canadian federal election. In a statement, Gladu said, "That is why I have decided to join Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s new government as the newest member of his caucus. It is a privilege to have served as yo

Auditor General Denise Hanrahan has released a report outlining a number of systemic issues within the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. Between 2021 and 2025, the waitlist for housing grew by 71 percent. Also highlighted was the need for strengthening governance, including board renewal, strengthening oversight and clarifying delegation of authority. There is also a need to address inefficiencies in data management with new property management software and an in

The federal NDP Party has a new leader. Avi Lewis has won the leadership. There were five candidates running: Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, and Tony McQuail. The convention, held in Winnipeg, brought together members from across the country. Lewis was born in Toronto in 1967. He is a former journalist, broadcaster, filmmaker, academic, and activist. He is married to Naomi Klein and has one child. The NDP has a lot of rebuilding ahead. In the last

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a sweeping plan Thursday to strengthen defence, infrastructure and economic development across Canada’s Arctic and northern regions, backed by more than $40 billion in investments. Speaking in Yellowknife, Carney said the strategy aims to defend Canada’s Arctic sovereignty while improving transportation links, expanding energy projects and creating new economic opportunities for northern communities. The federal government says the initiat

Nunavut Member of Parliament Lori Idlout says she is joining the governing Liberal Party of Canada caucus after what she described as “much personal reflection” and encouragement from supporters in her community. In a statement released Tuesday, Idlout said the decision comes at what she called a critical moment for Nunavut and the North. “Nunavut and the North are central to Canada’s future, and the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples must be at the heart of Canada’

St. John’s city council has approved a $34.2-million capital budget for 2026 that will fund infrastructure upgrades, fleet purchases and community projects across the city. Council voted to adopt the $34,179,203 spending plan during its regular meeting on March 10. The capital budget covers projects ranging from transportation improvements and street repairs to water system upgrades, recreational facilities and playground infrastructure. Funding is also set aside for housing

The Provincial Government is attempting to make good on a promise to permanently reduce the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel. The previous Liberal government introduced a gas tax reduction that was extended several times. The legislative amendments proposed in the House of Assembly are designed to ensure that the tax rate does not revert to 14.5 cents per litre for gasoline and 16.5 cents per litre for diesel on April 1, 2026. If adopted, Newfoundland and Labrador will h

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that federal byelections will be held next month in three vacant parliamentary seats. The vote will take place on April 13 in the ridings of Scarborough Southwest, Terrebonne and University—Rosedale. Scarborough Southwest became vacant after Bill Blair resigned to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. University—Rosedale was previously held by Chrystia Freeland. She stepped down from Parliament to become an adviser t

Prime Minister Mark Carney is wrapping up a busy week abroad. The prime minister visited several countries over the past week and met with world leaders. First off, Carney visited India, where he was greeted by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at Hyderabad House. Both leaders delivered a joint statement, and Canada secured a new partnership with India focused on energy, talent, and technology. Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership