Ministerial Statement: Minister Evans Celebrates 40 Years of Hope Air

Press Release

May 6, 2026

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 6 as Hope Air Day and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hope Air and its invaluable service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For 40 years, Hope Air has helped residents access essential medical care by supporting non‑emergency travel for MCP‑insured services, particularly for those living in rural and remote communities. By reducing the burden of distance, Hope Air helps ensure patients can focus on their health, not the cost of getting to care.

Through our ongoing pilot partnership, now extended until March 31, 2027, eligible individuals from low‑ to moderate-income households may receive up to 100 per cent of approved travel costs for specialized MCP‑insured services, shared between the Medical Transportation Assistance Program and Hope Air.

Speaker, in 2025 alone, Hope Air supported 896 patient and escort trips for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, representing 3,406 medical travel arrangements. These numbers reflect real people receiving timely care and real families supported during challenging times.

I ask all Honourable Members to join me in recognizing the vital role Hope Air plays and to congratulate the organization on 40 years of changing lives with such meaning and impact.

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