New pilot program increases Schedevac flights in coastal Labrador
The provincial government has introduced a pilot program to increase Schedevac flights for coastal Labrador communities in an effort to reduce delays and improve access to health care.
Minister of Labrador Affairs, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Health and Community Services Minister Lela Evans announced the additional flights on Thursday alongside representatives from Indigenous governments and organizations, Medavie Health NL and NL Health Services.
The added Schedevac flights began June 20 and will provide increased service capacity on Mondays and Saturdays through the end of September.
The flights are operated by Air Borealis under contract with Medavie Health NL as part of the province’s medical transport system.
NL Health Services will monitor the use of the additional flights and assess how the pilot program can help improve scheduling and service delivery in the region.
The province says the results of the pilot will help guide a proposal for longer-term changes to improve the reliability and accessibility of Schedevac services.
“Improving access to health care for residents of coastal Labrador is a key priority for me,” Evans said. “With the additional Schedevac flights, we are happy to address some of the concerns of Labradorians and support improved health outcomes for the people in this region.”
The announcement comes alongside other health care investments announced in Budget 2026, including a new MRI in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and additional transitional care beds in Labrador.
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