The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador (RNU) extends congratulations to Premier-designate Tony Wakeham and the Progressive Conservative Party on their majority election victory.

RNU President Yvette Coffey said the union is ready to work collaboratively with Mr. Wakeham and his team to turn campaign commitments into action.

“Premier-designate Wakeham made clear commitments to registered nurses and nurse practitioners – from establishing a permanent Nurse Practitioner funding model to reducing reliance on agency nurses and ensuring safe staffing levels,” said Coffey. “We congratulate him on his victory and look forward to working with his government to deliver the real, lasting change our public healthcare system needs.”

Coffey noted that nurses are encouraged by the Premier-designate’s commitment to create an Independent Health Sector Safety Council, a key RNU proposal aimed at addressing workplace violence and ensuring safer environments for healthcare professionals and patients.

“We’re pleased to see support for an Independent Health Sector Safety Council,” said Coffey. “It’s an important first step toward a culture of safety and respect across the system – one that listens to the frontline and acts on what nurses are saying.”

The RNU emphasized its readiness to begin constructive discussions with the new government on implementing its commitments and preparing for negotiations on a new collective agreement in 2026.

“Our members are hopeful that this new government will make respect, collaboration, and transparency the foundation of our relationship,” said Coffey. “We’re ready to get started – beginning with ensuring equal pay for equal work, finalizing the Nurse Practitioner Job Evaluation System so NPs are correctly classified, and advancing an Independent Health Sector Safety Council to strengthen safety across the system.”

RNU also extended appreciation to outgoing Premier John Hogan for his collaboration and engagement with nurses during his time in office.

“We thank Premier Hogan for his service to the people of this province and for his government’s work with us on several important initiatives,” Coffey said. “We wish him well in the next chapter of his political career.”

As the province prepares for transition, RNU reaffirms its commitment to working with all partners to strengthen public healthcare, improve safety, and enhance the working lives of registered nurses and nurse practitioners across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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About the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador

The Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador represents over 5,800 registered nurses and nurse practitioners across the province, advocating for quality health care, safe working conditions, and respect for the nursing profession.

For more information, please contact:

Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador
Tel: (709) 691-6890
Email: jhamel@rnunl.ca