The Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced investments in service enhancements to help improve the overall health and well-being of residents in Labrador
Recognizing that affordable air travel in Labrador is essential to accessing critical services and connections, Labrador Air Access Program enhancements include:
- Subsidies for up to four return flights up to March 31, 2027.
- Inter-regional air travel.
- Reduced application and booking process times from 28 days to seven days.
- Reduced booking window from two weeks to 24 hours.
- Reduced claim processing time from two weeks to one week.
This updated program will be open for applications beginning Tuesday, July 14, online at www.gov.nl.ca/la. Residents within the Labrador-Grenfell Zone are eligible
A review of air affordability and accessibility is underway. Extending the program provides this enhanced support for travelers while data is gathered, and allowing for a more effective, long-term approach to air affordability in Labrador. The scope of the review will be shared in the coming weeks
In addition, the redevelopment of the Paddon Home into a long-term care facility, and a new transitional care unit with eight beds at the Labrador Health Centre, will deliver on the Provincial Government’s commitment to ensuring residents have access to timely and appropriate care
- Address existing capacity challenges at the Labrador Health Centre and ensure improved patient flow and timely care for residents of Labrador.
- Alleviate acute care bed pressures, including occupancy of beds by alternate level of care patients, and better utilize existing physical infrastructure.
- Support government’s commitment to increasing acute care and long-term care bed capacity throughout the province for improved health outcomes.
These actions build on the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing affordability of air travel for Labradorians and ensuring equitable health services for a strong, sustainable, and vibrant Labrador
These initiatives are also key investments from Budget 2026: Opportunities for All of Us. More information can be found in the backgrounder below
Quotes“We are hearing clearly from Labradorians about the concerns they are facing with access to services that directly impact the quality of their lives. We know that the original pilot of the Air Access Program did not fully meet their needs, and this is why we are extending the program and making changes that are more responsive to the realities people in Labrador face. We are also ensuring availability of long-term care beds through the redevelopment of the Paddon Home, and the addition of a new transitional care unit at the Labrador Health Centre, which will help ensure people get the right services at the right time to meet their health needs. These investments reflect our government’s commitment to addressing the inequities experienced by residents in Labrador and improving services for residents throughout the province.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister of Health and Community Services
“We are committed to ensuring seniors have the opportunity to remain connected to their families and communities as they age. The redevelopment of the Paddon Home and the creation of new transitional care beds will expand care options in Labrador. These investments support seniors at every stage of their care journey while helping to improve access, reduce wait times, and strengthen healthcare services across the region.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Seniors
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward for the people of Labrador. Access to affordable air travel and quality healthcare is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental right for our communities. These enhancements to the Air Access Program and the redevelopment of our health facilities demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Labradorians receive the care they deserve, without the barriers that have long held us back. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for Labrador.”
Keith Russell
MHA Lake Melville
“Our government is ensuring that residents in Labrador have easier access to essential services. These enhancements to the Air Access Program and healthcare facilities are crucial for supporting the needs of our communities.”
Joseph Power
MHA Labrador West
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BACKGROUNDER
Budget 2026: Opportunities for All of Us included:
$2.7 million to extend the Labrador Air Access Program (LAAP) services up to March 31, 2027, and support a comprehensive, independent review of the factors driving air travel costs in Labrador
$2.25 million for the redevelopment of the Paddon Home in Happy Valley–Goose Bay, into a long-term care facility, as part of a multi-year project totaling $22 million
$1.25 million for a new transitional care unit with eight transitional/Alternate Level Care beds at the Labrador Health Centre as part of a multi-year project totaling $2.5 million
2026 07 083:10 pm
