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Statement from David Hammond, Executive Director
August 11, 2025
As we approach the Public Accounts Committee hearing, I want to share why this process matters deeply to the members of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland & Labrador — and to the people of our province.
The Auditor General’s report on private nursing agency contracts revealed decisions that have shaken public confidence. While NL Health Services leadership has pointed out that the organization “did not exist” when the contracts were signed, that does not erase the fact that the very same individuals now leading NLHS were the ones who approved and signed those contracts. The public is right to ask: how can we be assured that future decisions will truly serve the best interests of our healthcare system?
Over $308 million in public funds has been invested in private agencies. We need to see the evidence:
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Have healthcare services improved for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador?
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Has staffing become more stable?
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Are patients receiving more timely, accessible care?
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Has the workplace improved for nurses who have been carrying the weight of keeping our public system functional?
The public deserves clear, credible answers — and full accountability — for how these decisions were made and how this money was spent. While we will not pre-judge the outcome of the hearing, we cannot ignore the serious concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report. This hearing is a critical opportunity to examine the facts in full view of the public.
Transparency and honest answers from NL Health Services leadership are essential to rebuilding trust in our healthcare system. Until these questions are addressed, concerns about decision-making, oversight, and the use of public funds will remain.
I encourage both our members and the public to attend the hearing in person or watch online. You can also make your voice heard by using our online tool to contact your MHA: https://rnunl.ca/take-action-use-our-online-tool-to-email-your-mha-today/.
Our healthcare system belongs to the people of this province. This is our moment to protect it.