The Signal

The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its centenary, 100 years of supporting veterans. To mark the occasion, The Signal took the show on the road to Spaniard's Bay to meet folks at Branch 9. 

It's probably not news to you that Emergency Departments across are overcrowded and under severe strain.Today on the show we unpack what's causing this with a look at geriatric and long-term care. We also talk about solutions for 'system-wide failures.' 

Today’s episode is deep-dive explainer on the Innu Nation and N.L. government dispute. We explain how the situation started, why the two at odds over how far back the Innu were in Labrador, and what might really be at the heart of the dispute. 

As we enter mid-July, we chat gardening with Dan Rubin, author of 'Sun, Seed & Soil: Tips and Techniques for a Northern Garden'

Today on the show we are focusing on the challenges and supports for youth in N.L.. From children and their parents to young adults navigating cost of living during the summer months. 

Today on the show we talk about a new report out that looks at the value of public services for folks in this province and calls for more investment. We break it all down for you and ask how more spending is possible in this economy.

Today on the show we talk about wildfires -- everything from what's happening with fires in Labrador, to a check-in on rebuilding efforts in Conception Bay North and how climate change is impacting the fire season right across the country. 

The musical Come From Away is in full swing in Gander and a trio from the cast are on the show today. We talk about why this story resonates so much with folks, the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

It's early July and Tim Walsh, Nursery Manager at Memorial University's Botanical Garden, is here to answer all questions plants. We also talk Japanese beetles.

For 2026 Pride Parade in St. John’s, the theme is ‘Queer joy as an act of protest.’ Today’s panel will talk about what it means to find joy, embrace it, celebrate it with others and hold on to it in times of rising hate towards queer existence. 

Today on the show we take a break from the headlines for some summer trivia fun. John Gushue stops by to quiz listeners. 

Today on the show we ask what's it like being on the team negotiating a new Churchill Falls deal? And speaking about that potential deal, what would be winning contitions for this province? Our guest is Ron Penney, former deputy minister of justice for N.L., a member of the province’s negotiating team for the Atlantic Accord and a fierce critic of Muskrat Falls. 

It is gardening day, and Michael Murray joined us in studio to answer all your grow questions

Europe is boiling, a shaky ceasefire between Iran and the US, a push for newables and questions around the future of oil. What's the outlook for this province and are we ready if royalties plummet? 

Ochre fest is a time when local book writers and book lovers get together. Its an annual event that has been going on for 14 years at Ochre Pit Cove. But alongside the celebration there is some sadness over the grim reality after last year’s wildfire aftermath. On today's show we talk about all of that. 

 If you find yourself asking 'How can I protect my children from online harms?' Today's show is for you. We put it together following recent warnings about the extremist network 764, classified by the Canadian government as a terrorist entity. It targets, victimizes and recruits children. So today we talk about that, other online harms and what resources are available for parents. 

Seafarers, the folks who spend several months at sea and a big cog in global trade. We have a panel to talk about why ports with supports waiting for them on land is crucial, the risks seafarers face and N.L.’s history of supporting them. A conversation in the heels of International Day of the Seafarer.

It's been a slow gardening start for parts of Newfoundland and Labrador's grow season. On today's gardening show, Todd Boland and Mark Bowering offer tips and tricks to combat the cold weather.

The capelin are rolling and we have cod on the brain. Today on the show we talk quotas, conservation and the commercial fishery.

National Indigenous People's Day is Sunday. It's a day to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. And that is the theme for today's show. 

We play you two episodes from the podcast This is Newfoundland and Labrador. How three communities in rural N.L. are rethinking public transit, then we revisit the trial of Dean Penney, who was convicted of murdering Jennifer Hillier-Penney, his estranged wife. We breakdown what led to his verdict.  

Today on the show we are talking to community members and advocates about men's mental health. They'll discuss breaking down stigma, supports for men and their families, and challenges of addressing mental health in the agriculture industry. 

Today on the show we talk about mid-June gardening and what to know as Father's Day approaches and hopefully the frost warnings are behind us. 

After 26 years as an RCMP officer, Bill Malone is now an author. His new book is a candid and sometimes graphic look at the reality of police work, and the toll it takes. He joined host Adam Walsh to talk about his story that takes the reader from smalltown New Brunswick to international conflict zones, and then inside the long, quiet aftermath of trauma, PTSD, and rebuilding a life after the uniform comes off.

The theme of the summer issue is "paper." The editor and contributors to the show to talk about the articles and art and about their own relationship with paper and other physical media.

What can small and remote communities do to attract and entertain more visitors? The answer might lie in the stories that are told and the people who tell them.

Some say the federal government is choosing one at the expense of the other. Does it have to be a choice?

Meghan McCarthy, assistant horticulturist, Memorial University Botanical Garden

How can communities, countries and governments support the viability and sustainability of small-scale fisheries?

Signal Hill marks the 75th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Site. GUESTS - Pascale Gerdun, Robin Martin, Christina Dove, Jake Billard, Jon Harrison from Parks Canada

Ukrainian show with Canadian Booker-prize nominee Maria Reva and fellow Ukrainians from the local community in N.L., to talk about how they portray and express emotions brought from war through art, writing, music and gatherings.GUESTS - Maria Reva, Ukraine-born, Canadian Booker-prize nominee Maria Reva for her book ‘Endlings’; Kateryna Melanych, Artist and owner of Cremel Handmade; Brian Cherwick, Musician and band member in Kubasonics 

Start of June. Any signs of summer? What's a gardener to do?

The festival is into its 16th year of supporting the independent, DIY music experience in Nfld and Labrador. Guests talk about how it's grown and built an audience in the streaming age.

The N.L. government declared gender-based violence an epidemic in the province. Today’s panel are advocates who will breakdown why the rates gender-based violence are so high, what supports are available, and what the province has to do to see a change. GUESTS - Olivia Lynch, Executive Director of Violence Prevention Avalon-East; Malin Enström, acting executive director of Iris Kirby House; Laura Winters, Stella's Circle Lead Executive Officer; Maria Gentle, Executive director of YMCA St. John's; Brooke Temple, First Light's Coordinator of Residential and Indiqueer Inclusion.

Forensic nursing is the intersection where healthcare meets the legal system. With forensic nurses from across Canada in St. John's for a conference, we gather several of them to talk about the job and the role it fills.

Does Newfoundland and Labrador need a social media ban for its youth? In this episode we are looking at the pros and cons of the proposed idea and how it can look like for youth in our province. GUESTS - Paris Marx, Host of the ‘Tech Won’t Save Us’ podcast & analyst of the politics of technology; Olive Jones, Gr. 12 student; Kalista Barrett, Gr. 12 student

End of May and temperatures are all over the place. How do gardeners make the best of it?Guest: Meghan McCarthy, assistant horticulturist, Memorial University Botanical Garden

The reality of living with a disability in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today’s panel are long-time advocates and they discuss the challenges, the supports and benefits available that people might not know, and the gaps in our systems that make life even harder with a disability.GUESTS - Nancy Reid, executive director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador; Joby Fleming, EmpowerNL manager of advocacy services; and Sean Wiltshire, CEO of Avalon Employment Inc.

With summertime finally upon us, it’s important to prioritize safety when heading out into the outdoors to go fishing, hop on an ATV, set up camp, and so much more. GUESTS - Barry Fordham, Outdoor Safety Advocate; Rick Noseworthy, ATV Safety Advocate; Taylor Reid, Outdoor Enthusiast & Safety Advocate

We bring you two episodes from the podcast this is Newfoundland and Labrador. First is a breakdown and everything you need to know about the Churchill Falls MOU as it currently stands, and the second is about why housing in N.L. is still in a crisis and what solutions are on the table. 

We are approaching mid-May. Today's show can help get you in a gardening frame of mind. Guest: Meghan McCarthy, assistant horticulturist, Memorial University Botanical Garden

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. On this episode of The Signal, a panel of motorcyclists highlight how road safety is everyone’s responsibility as riding season begins. GUESTS - Lez Snow, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator for the Iceberg Alley Riders; Wayne Morgan, Chapter Director of the Iceberg Alley Riders; Ellen Thompson, Chapter Director of the Iceberg Alley Riders; David Moores, Motorcyclist traveller 

Today on the show we talk about the importance of funding and supporting research about the historic, geographic, and economic circumstances of Newfoundland and Labrador.Guests: Sharon Roseman, director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research; Barbara Neis, professor emerita, Dept. of Sociology at MUN; Lisa Rankin, research chair in Northern Indigenous Community Archaeology; Alison Carr , managing editor, Memorial University Press; Fiona Polack, academic editor at Memorial University Press. 

A recent report from the Fraser Institute says young people are leaving Atlantic provinces in search for jobs. On this episode of The Signal we have a panel of economic and business experts talking about the changing demographics of Newfoundland and Labrador and what it means to the workforce. GUESTS - Tony Fang, economist and professor at Memorial University; Tom Cooper, business professor at Memorial University; Wanda Cuff Young, vice president of operations at Work Global Canada Inc.; Sharon McLennon, director at NL Workforce Innovation Centre; and Alexandra Stefanovic-Chafe, faculty researcher with NL Workforce Innovation Centre.

We are approaching mid-May. Today's show can help get you in a gardening frame of mind. Guest: Tim Walsh, nursery manager, MUN Botanical Garden

In a time of big defence spending and the re-tooling of the Canadian military we spend the hour talking about it what it means for this province.Guest: Mark Norman, retired vice-admiral who commanded Canada’s Navy and was vice-chief of Defence. 

It is the 5th time for The Signal to attend the Municipal Symposium in Gander. We take the show on the road each year because we get to meet municipal leaders from right across the province.

Today’s show is about the joys and challenges of motherhood with a guest panel full of moms just in time for Mother’s Day.GUESTS - Opeyemi Jaunty-Aidamenbor, Mom of two and owner of St. John’s Kumon Math and Reading Centre;Terrilyn Pickett, mom of 3, and owner of Making Music Academy; Damilola Akingbola, Mom of 3; Ogaga Johnson, Mom of 2 and business owner; Tess Hartmann. postpartum doula. 

It's the first gardening show of the season. Horticulturist Todd Boland joins us to talk tips and take questions from callers. 

On this episode we are taking a look at education in Newfoundland and Labrador. More specifically we talk about the demand for teachers and the challenges of recruitment and retention. We also highlight a Memorial University program that is trying to help teachers stay rural towns.GUESTS - Pamela Osmond-Johnson, dean and professor at Memorial University’s faculty of education; Dale Lambe, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association; Corey Samson and Theresa OKeefe , education students in the MUN’s rural cohort.