Donn Sears

NDP candidate for Mount Pearl North
The NDP is running on a fully costed platform that prioritizes people over profits, and communities over corporations.

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Affordability

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Childcare

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Donn Sears's promise

Overhaul $10/day childcare by attracting more Early Childhood Educators into the system, offering them better benefits and a pension – opening more spaces and saving families up to $6,300 per child.

NDP's promise

Offer Early Childhood Educators better benefits and a pension

"We’ll overhaul our $10/day childcare program by attracting more Early Childhood Educators into the system, offering them better benefits and a pension – opening more spaces and saving families up to $6,300 per child." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Fuel and transportation costs

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Donn Sears's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province.

Post-secondary costs and loans

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Donn Sears's promise

Reverse the 2022 Liberal tuition hike and bring back the tuition freeze.

NDP's promise

Reverse the 2022 tuition increase, and freeze tuition

"We’ll reverse the 2022 Liberal tuition hike – saving students and their families thousands of dollars – and bring back the tuition freeze." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Poverty

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Donn Sears's promises

Raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour over the next four years – then tie it to inflation to ensure it keeps up with the rising cost of living.
Cut the provincial HST off kids’ essential items, like clothes, footwear, and car seats.
Cut the provincial HST from all home energy bills, including electricity, propane, oil, and wood.
Work with the federal government to explore the expansion of the current pilots on Guaranteed Basic Livable Income here in the province.

NDP's promises

Remove the provincial HST from kids' essential items, such as clothes, footwear, and car seats

"We’ll cut the provincial HST off kids’ essential items, like clothes, footwear, and car seats – saving you 10 cents on every dollar to help young families struggling with the cost of living." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Work with the federal government to consider expanding Guaranteed Basic Livable Income pilots

"Work with the federal government to explore the expansion of the current pilots on Guaranteed Basic Livable Income here in the province – giving people a hand up and to ensure no one is left behind." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Raise the minimum wage to $22/hour over four years, and tie it to inflation

"We’ll raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour over the next four years – then tie it to inflation to ensure it keeps up with the rising cost of living." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Public transit

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Donn Sears's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province.

NDP's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a plan for improving services and lowering transportation costs

"We’ll launch our Regional Transit Taskforce made up of leaders from municipalities, businesses, and communities to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including better ground transit and more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Seniors' benefits

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Donn Sears's promise

Immediately increase the Seniors’ Benefit by 25% and match it to inflation every year after that.

NDP's promise

Increase the Seniors' Benefit by 25% and index it to inflation

"We’ll immediately increase the Seniors’ Benefit by 25 per cent and match it to inflation every year after that – ensuring those on fixed incomes are able to live a life they can afford and deserve." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Tax measures and rebates

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Donn Sears's promise

Phase out the Corporate Income Tax for small businesses.

Utility costs

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Donn Sears's promise

Cut the provincial HST from all home energy bills, including electricity, propane, oil, and wood.

NDP's promises

Remove the provincial HST from all home energy bills

"We’ll immediately cut the provincial HST from all home energy bills, including electricity, propane, oil, and wood – saving families 10 cents on every dollar." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Immediately start an independent investigation into increasing power rates

Climate Change & the Environment

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Green construction and retrofits

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Donn Sears's promise

Establish a Future Industries Secretariat to drive industrial growth and attract climate-focused jobs and investment of the future.

Green industry

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NDP's promise

Set up a Future Industries Secretariat to attract climate-focused jobs and investment

"We’ll establish a Future Industries Secretariat to drive industrial growth for the decades ahead – attracting the climate-focused jobs and investment of the future, and making sure Newfoundland and Labrador doesn’t get left behind in the new economy." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Natural resources

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NDP's promises

Support critical minerals development
Mandate benefits agreements for all new resource projects
Mandate the NLers are hired first on all new resource projects
Mandate that local communities receive a portion of royalties from any new resource project
Mandate that the government receive the greatest return possible from royalties and other payments
Ensure meaningful consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples

Oil and gas development

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Donn Sears's promise

End subsidies for oil and gas corporations.

Power generation

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NDP's promise

Expand Churchill Falls with Gull Island and a third transmission line to Labrador West

Public transit

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Donn Sears's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province.

NDP's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a plan for improving services and lowering transportation costs

"We’ll launch our Regional Transit Taskforce made up of leaders from municipalities, businesses, and communities to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including better ground transit and more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

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Donn Sears's promise

End subsidies for oil and gas corporations.

Wildfires and fire risks

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Donn Sears's promise

Hire permanent wildfire prevention staff and restore the water bomber fleet to full capacity.

NDP's promises

Hire permanent wildfire prevention staff
Restore the water bomber fleet to full capacity

Education

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Indigenous learning

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Donn Sears's promises

Collaborate with Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations to support every child’s success and promote equal access to quality education.
Increase the number of Indigenous professionals working in health care, justice, and education.

NDP's promise

Work with Indigenous governments, communities, and organisations to promote equal access to quality education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

"Collaborating with Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations to support every child’s success and promote equal access to quality education for Indigenous and non- Indigenous students." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

K-12 funding and staffing

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Donn Sears's promises

Hire 200 additional student and teaching assistants for the K–12 system.
Consult with teachers, parents and school communities about ways to achieve optimal teacher-student ratios and bring down class sizes.

NDP's promises

Hire 200 additional student and teaching assistants for the K-12 system
Consult with teachers, parents, and school communities on achieving optimal teacher-student ratios and bringing down class sizes

"We’ll consult with teachers, parents and school communities about ways to achieve optimal teacher-student ratios and bring down class sizes." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Post-secondary costs and loans

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Donn Sears's promise

Reverse the 2022 Liberal tuition hike and bring back the tuition freeze.

NDP's promise

Reverse the 2022 tuition increase, and freeze tuition

"We’ll reverse the 2022 Liberal tuition hike – saving students and their families thousands of dollars – and bring back the tuition freeze." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Post-secondary institutions

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Donn Sears's promises

Invest $10 million in new annual funding for the College of the North Atlantic – expanding seats in high-demand trades programs to train more skilled workers and meet the needs of a growing economy.
Create 20 new seats at Memorial’s Medical School.
Restore the full-time recruiter position in the MUN Medical School for physicians, hire one specifically devoted to nursing schools, and one for other healthcare professionals.
Merge the new recruiters and those in the regions of NLHS into a single Office for Medical Professional Recruitment to avoid duplicating effort.

Paid Work Terms

Donn Sears's promise

Ensure paid work terms for all NL healthcare students, education students, and social work students.

Health & Healthcare

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Children's health and disorders

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NDP's promise

Hire more psychologists and speech/language pathologists into the public system

"We’ll hire more psychologists and speech/ language pathologists into the public system – slashing the backlog in clinical assessments for children with autism and other disorders or differences." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Family doctors and primary care

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Donn Sears's promises

Reduce the administrative burden for family doctors by getting rid of sick notes.
Make primary care more accessible in rural and remote areas by expanding the nurse travel locum program province-wide.

NDP's promise

Get rid of sick notes

"We’ll reduce the administrative burden for family doctors, starting by getting rid of sick notes – ensuring doctors spend more of their time seeing patients rather than filling out paperwork." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Health staffing

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Donn Sears's promises

Recruit an additional 1000 healthcare workers over four years.
Hire more psychologists and speech language pathologists into the public system.
Create bursaries and accommodations allowances to ensure that vacant seats in smaller nursing schools outside St. John’s and Corner Brook are filled every year.

NDP's promises

Recruit an additional 1,000 healthcare workers over four years

"We’ll launch our NL Cares health plan to recruit an additional 1000 healthcare workers over four years – bolstering our frontline staff and getting patients the care they need, when they need it." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Ensure paid work terms for NL healthcare students

"We’ll ensure paid work terms for NL healthcare students – integrating our healthcare students into our healthcare system early on in their careers." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Work with front-line healthcare staff to develop effective safe hours legislation
Set up an independent council to address health and safety issues in the healthcare sector, including workplace violence

"Set up an independent Health Sector Safety Council to deal with workplace violence and other health and safety issues specific to the healthcare sector" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Give healthcare workers greater power to self-schedule, where appropriate

"Make shift flexibility a reality by giving healthcare workers greater power to self- schedule (where appropriate)" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Review the Job Evaluation System applied to allied health professionals

"Commit to a review of the Job Evaluation System applied to allied health professionals in 2015" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Prioritise recruiting allied health professionals

"Reduce the burden on healthcare within the system by making it a priority to recruit allied health professionals and others to reduce workloads" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Expand the nurse travel locum programme province-wide to provide primary care in rural and remote areas
Create 20 new seats at Memorial's Medical School
Implement support and mentorship systems for new health profession graduates
Restore the full-time recruiter position in the MUN Medical School for physicians, and hire one dedicated to nursing schools and another dedicated to allied health professionals

"Restore the full-time recruiter position in the MUN Medical School for physicians, and hire one specifically devoted to nursing schools, and one for other healthcare professionals and other identified worker positions in the healthcare system" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Merge all medical recruiters into a single Office for Medical Professional Recruitment

"Merge the new recruiters and those in the regions of NLHS into a single Office for Medical Professional Recruitment to avoid duplicating effort, to work together on common goals, and to share expertise and resources" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Start recruitment initiatives in medical and nursing students' first years

"Start recruitment initiatives early, by building relationships with medical and nursing students in their first year" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Create bursaries and accommodations allowances to ensure vacant seats in smaller nursing schools are filled every year

"Create bursaries and accommodations allowances to ensure that vacant seats in smaller nursing schools outside St. John’s and Corner Brook are filled every year." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Long-term care

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Donn Sears's promise

Pass legislation ensuring that no couple is forcibly separated in long-term care.

NDP's promise

Legislate that no couple is forcibly separated in long-term care

"We’ll pass legislation, similar to legislation passed in Nova Scotia, ensuring that no couple is forcibly separated in long-term care – bringing comfort and compassion back to families." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Mental health

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Donn Sears's promise

Create a fund to cover the costs of three psychological therapy visits per year through MCP for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

NDP's promise

Cover three psychological therapy visits per year through MCP for every resident

"We’ll prioritize mental health with a fund to cover the costs of three psychological therapy visits per year through MCP for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian – eliminating the waitlist and getting those in need the care they deserve." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Prescription drugs and pharmacare

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Donn Sears's promise

Immediately sign on to the Federal Pharmacare agreement.

NDP's promise

Immediately sign onto the Federal Pharmacare agreement to cover the costs of some pharmaceuticals

"We’ll end the Liberal foot-dragging and immediately sign on to the Federal Pharmacare agreement – saving patients hundreds of dollars every year on the medication they rely on." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Rural health

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Donn Sears's promise

Fast-track a review of the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) and take necessary steps to improve service by eliminating red tape like requiring additional physician notes for medical escorts.

NDP's promises

Fast-track a review of the Medical Transportation Assistance Program
Remove the requirement for additional physician notes for patients requiring an escort
Expand the nurse travel locum programme province-wide to provide primary care in rural and remote areas

Seniors' health

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Donn Sears's promise

Increase the wages and benefits for home support workers, as a first step towards integrating them into the public system.

NDP's promise

Increase wages and benefits for home support workers, and work towards integrating them into the public system

"We’ll increase the wages and benefits for home support workers, as a first step towards integrating them into the public system – supporting seniors to stay in their homes longer." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Serious illnesses

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NDP's promise

Provide patient navigators for cancer patients and patients with other major conditions

"We’ll provide patient navigators for those with cancer and other major conditions so they can get the resources they need quickly and efficiently." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Wait-times

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Donn Sears's promise

Recruit an additional 1000 healthcare workers over four years.

Housing & Homelessness

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Home construction and supply

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Donn Sears's promises

Assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops and community groups ready to build the affordable housing needed in their communities.
Invest $150 million yearly to build up NL Housing’s supply by 1000 new units – repaying that loan through rents collected over an amortization period of 40 years.

NDP's promises

Assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops, and community groups to build affordable housing

"We’ll assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops and community groups ready to build the affordable housing needed in their communities – removing the red tape and empowering local communities to be part of the solution." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Create a new housing-focused crown corporation called NL Homes to raise funds and arrange financing for NLHC to oversee construction

"Creating a new housing-focused crown corporation called NL Homes, to raise the funds and arrange financing so the NLHC could take on and oversee construction" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Home purchases and ownership

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Donn Sears's promise

Double the grant size in the First- Time Homebuyers Program – helping first- time buyers save up to $1,500 and making homeownership more affordable.

NDP's promise

Double the grant size in the First-Time Homebuyers Program

"We’ll double the grant size in the First- Time Homebuyers Program – helping first- time buyers save up to $1,500 and making homeownership more affordable." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Homeless services

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Donn Sears's promise

Take a housing-first approach, getting people a roof over their heads and providing the individualized support they need to secure long-term housing – treating housing as a human right.

NDP's promise

Provide individualised support to homeless people to find secure long-term housing first

"We’ll take a housing-first approach, getting people a roof over their heads and providing the individualized support they need to secure long-term housing – treating housing as a human right and ending the cycle of homelessness." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Public and affordable housing

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Donn Sears's promises

Create a new housing-focused crown corporation called NL Homes, to raise the funds and arrange financing so the NLHC could take on and oversee construction.
Invest $150 million yearly to build up NL Housing’s supply by 1000 new units – repaying that loan through rents collected over an amortization period of 40 years.
Assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops and community groups ready to build the affordable housing needed in their communities.

NDP's promises

Build 1,000 public housing units every year, with a $150M annual investment

"Investing $150 million yearly to build up NL Housing’s supply by 1000 new units – repaying that loan through rents collected over an amortization period of 40 years" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops, and community groups to build affordable housing

"We’ll assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops and community groups ready to build the affordable housing needed in their communities – removing the red tape and empowering local communities to be part of the solution." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Create a new housing-focused crown corporation called NL Homes to raise funds and arrange financing for NLHC to oversee construction

"Creating a new housing-focused crown corporation called NL Homes, to raise the funds and arrange financing so the NLHC could take on and oversee construction" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Rental housing

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Donn Sears's promise

Introduce a Tenants’ Bill of Rights – limiting rent increases, ending no-cause evictions, banning application and holding fees, and closing loopholes like renovictions.

NDP's promises

Introduce a Tenants' Bill of Rights
Limit rent increases
End no-cause evictions
Ban application and holding fees
Close loopholes like renovictions

"We’ll introduce a Tenants’ Bill of Rights – limiting rent increases, ending no-cause evictions, banning application and holding fees, and closing loopholes like renovictions to protect renters and keep housing affordable." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Jobs, Businesses, & Labour

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Fishing and aquaculture

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Donn Sears's promises

Give small, independent harvesters the first opportunity to obtain processing licenses once they come up for sale.
Prevent processors from holding both processing and buying licenses.

NDP's promises

Prevent processors from holding both processing and buying licenses
Nominate an independent price auditor with the power to mandate processors to send in all their receipts

"Nominating an independent price auditor responsible to government with the power to mandate processors to send in all their receipts to that person" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Enact provincial legislation to deter corporate controlling agreements

"Enacting provincial legislation with teeth to actually deter corporate controlling agreements" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Give small, independent harvesters the first opportunity to obtain processing licenses once they come up for sale

Labour protections

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Donn Sears's promises

Mandate 10 paid sick days for all workers.
Pass anti-scab legislation and restore card check union certification to protect workers’ rights to organize.
Increase the Income Replacement Rate (IRR) of Workers’ Compensation from 85% to 90%
Establish a dedicated Occupational Health Clinic to improve workplace safety.
Launch a New Deal for Gig and Precarious Workers, ensuring independent contractors receive fair wages and vacation pay, and are fully protected by our labour laws.
Introduce comprehensive legislation to guarantee fair and equitable wages for all workers, in both public and private sectors - strengthening wage standards, closing pay gaps, and ensuring transparency.

NDP's promises

Ensure independent contractors receive fair wages and vacation pay, and are fully protected by labour laws

"We’ll launch a New Deal for Gig and Precarious Workers, ensuring independent contractors receive fair wages and vacation pay, and are fully protected by our labour laws – giving thousands of workers the stability, security, and respect they deserve." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Increase the Income Replacement Rate of Workers' Compensation for injured workers from 85% to 90%
Launch a feasibility study on creating an Occupational Health Clinic
Restore card-check certification for unionising a workplace
Mandate all OHS inspection reports be published on the provincial governments website
Pass anti-scab legislation
Legislate fair and equitable wages for both public and private sector workers

"We’ll introduce comprehensive legislation to guarantee fair and equitable wages for all workers, in both public and private sectors — strengthening wage standards, closing pay gaps, and ensuring transparency so that every worker receives the compensation they deserve for their hard work." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Local businesses and Trump's tariffs

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Donn Sears's promises

Ensure the $200 million Tariff Contingency Fund goes to workers and small businesses, not to Liberal insiders and donors.
Add $50 million to the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to support businesses that hire Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Triple the money available for sector diversification initiatives, from $1.8 million to $5 million.
Launch NL Works – Mandating that the provincial government buy NL or Canadian unless there are no other alternatives.
Increase the local preference provision for local business from 10 to 15 per cent.

NDP's promises

Mandate that the provincial government buys NL or Canadian, unless there are no other alternatives
Increase the local preference provision for local business from 10% to 15%
Create a plan for major local institutions, such as municipalities, hospitals, and businesses, to use purchasing to grow the local economy

"Studying the spending patterns of major local institutions such as municipalities, hospitals, and businesses, to guide a plan on how they can buy strategically to grow the local economy" — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Ensure businesses claiming the local preference discount for public procurement actually hire local staff

"Ensuring businesses claiming the local preference discount for public procurement actually hire local staff and purchase more goods and services in this province." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Add $50M to the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation to support businesses that hire NLers
Increase money available for sector diversification initiatives from $1.8M to $5M
Make the Premier's Roundtable on Tariff Response into a Task Force with a clear mandate and powers

Natural resources

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NDP's promises

Support critical minerals development
Mandate benefits agreements for all new resource projects
Mandate the NLers are hired first on all new resource projects
Mandate that local communities receive a portion of royalties from any new resource project
Mandate that the government receive the greatest return possible from royalties and other payments
Ensure meaningful consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples

Oil and gas development

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Donn Sears's promise

End subsidies for oil and gas corporations.

Poverty

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Donn Sears's promises

Raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour over the next four years – then tie it to inflation to ensure it keeps up with the rising cost of living.
Cut the provincial HST off kids’ essential items, like clothes, footwear, and car seats.
Cut the provincial HST from all home energy bills, including electricity, propane, oil, and wood.
Work with the federal government to explore the expansion of the current pilots on Guaranteed Basic Livable Income here in the province.

NDP's promises

Remove the provincial HST from kids' essential items, such as clothes, footwear, and car seats

"We’ll cut the provincial HST off kids’ essential items, like clothes, footwear, and car seats – saving you 10 cents on every dollar to help young families struggling with the cost of living." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Work with the federal government to consider expanding Guaranteed Basic Livable Income pilots

"Work with the federal government to explore the expansion of the current pilots on Guaranteed Basic Livable Income here in the province – giving people a hand up and to ensure no one is left behind." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Raise the minimum wage to $22/hour over four years, and tie it to inflation

"We’ll raise the minimum wage to $22 an hour over the next four years – then tie it to inflation to ensure it keeps up with the rising cost of living." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Sick leave and sick pay

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NDP's promises

Mandate 10 paid sick days for all workers

"We’ll ensure that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to 10 paid sick days – so that when you’re sick, you can take the time off without worrying about making ends meet at the end of the month." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Get rid of sick notes

"We’ll reduce the administrative burden for family doctors, starting by getting rid of sick notes – ensuring doctors spend more of their time seeing patients rather than filling out paperwork." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Increase the Income Replacement Rate of Workers' Compensation for injured workers from 85% to 90%
Launch a feasibility study on creating an Occupational Health Clinic

Skilled trades

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NDP's promise

Invest $10M/year to expand seats in high-demand trades programmes at the College of the North Atlantic

"We’ll invest $10 million in new annual funding for the College of the North Atlantic – expanding seats in high-demand trades programs to train more skilled workers and meet the needs of a growing economy." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Startups and small businesses

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Donn Sears's promise

Phase out the Corporate Income Tax for small businesses.

NDP's promise

Phase out Corporate Income Tax for small businesses

"We’ll phase out the Corporate Income Tax for small businesses – giving them a break to help them stay open, hire more staff, and grow." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Society & Government

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Arts and culture

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Donn Sears's promise

Help our cultural industries thrive by making the 2024 Year of the Arts funding increases permanent.

NDP's promise

Make the 2024 Year of the Arts funding increases permanent

"We’ll help our cultural industries thrive by making the 2024 Year of the Arts funding increases permanent – providing stable support for artists, creators, and the cultural sector across the province." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Crown lands

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NDP's promise

Assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops, and community groups to build affordable housing

"We’ll assign unused provincial land to municipalities, housing co-ops and community groups ready to build the affordable housing needed in their communities – removing the red tape and empowering local communities to be part of the solution." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Disabilities

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Donn Sears's promise

Create an independent Disability Advocate – to advise government when laws fall short, identify barriers facing the 31% of people in our province living with a disability, and recommend real solutions.

NDP's promise

Establish an independent Disability Advocate

"We’ll create an independent Disability Advocate – to advise government when laws fall short, identify barriers facing the 31% of people in our province living with a disability, and recommend real solutions to build a fairer, more inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Domestic abuse and gender-based violence

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Donn Sears's promise

Recognize intimate partner violence as the epidemic it is – passing legislation, as Nova Scotia has done, and remove barriers ensuring that those fleeing abuse can break leases without penalty.

NDP's promise

Allow people fleeing domestic abuse to break leases without penalty

"We’ll recognize intimate partner violence as the epidemic it is – passing legislation, as Nova Scotia has done, and remove barriers ensuring that those fleeing abuse can break leases without penalty." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Elections and democratic engagement

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Donn Sears's promises

End the decades of insider politics by banning all corporate and union donations, banning out-of-province donations, and capping individual donations at $1,750.
Increase the period that bans former MHAs from being paid to lobby their former colleagues from 12 months to 2 years, and to 4 years for former Premiers and Ministers.

NDP's promises

Ban corporate and union political donations
Ban out-of-province political donations
Cap individual political donations at $1,750
Modernise the Elections Act to make voting easier, fairer, and more transparent

"We’ll modernize the Elections Act to make voting easier, fairer, and more transparent – overhauling outdated rules on donations, voting methods, social media, spending, and advertising. As part of this reform, we’ll launch public consultations to determine the form of proportional representation that works best for Newfoundland and Labrador." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Government budgets and spending

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NDP's promise

Immediately evaluate all existing Public-Private Partnerships

"We’ll immediately evaluate all existing P3s to determine if the people of this province are really getting the best value for their money – increasing transparency and ensuring public dollars are working for the public good." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Government ethics

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NDP's promises

Ban former MHAs from lobbying their former colleagues for two years, instead of one year
Ban former Premiers and Ministers from lobbying their former colleagues for four years
Expand lobbying bans to include appointments to boards

"We’ll strengthen conflict of interest laws for current and former MHAs by increasing the period that bans former MHAs from being paid to lobby their former colleagues from 12 months to 2 years, increasing it to 4 years for former Premiers and Ministers, and expand it to include appointments to boards – ensuring that elected officials don’t cash in immediately after leaving office and returning trust and accountability to the House of Assembly." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Human rights and hate crimes

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NDP's promises

Work with community groups serving Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people of colour, and other equity-seeking groups to develop a provincial plan to combat hate
Create a dedicated Hate Crimes Investigation Unit
Push for the RNC to join the national Hate Crimes Task Force
Allow the Human Rights Commission to initiate its own investigations, rather than wait for complaints

"We’ll give the Human Rights Commission the power and the tools to initiate its own investigations rather than wait for complaints – giving them the ability to be proactive in standing up for the rights of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

"We’ll bring together community groups serving Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, people of colour, and other equity-seeking groups to develop a provincial plan to combat hate – including the creation of a dedicated Hate Crimes Investigation Unit – and push for the RNC to join the national Hate Crimes Task Force alongside the RCMP and other provincial police forces." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Indigenous reconciliation

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Donn Sears's promise

Adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Municipal government

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NDP's promise

Reform the St. John's, Corner Brook, and Mount Pearl Acts to give cities flexibility to grow and develop

"We’ll reform the St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Mount Pearl Acts to give our cities the flexibility they need to grow and develop – empowering local governments to better plan for the future, deliver services, and respond to the needs of their communities." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Police

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NDP's promises

Immediately begin consultation with groups representing Indigenous people, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, racialised people, and other equity-seeking groups to define first steps for building trust in policing

"We’ll immediately begin meaningful consultation with groups representing Indigenous people, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, racialized people, and other equity-seeking groups – to define first steps in building trust through measures like community policing, stronger oversight, improved recruitment, and other actions guided by those most affected." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Transportation & Transit

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Fuel and transportation costs

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Donn Sears's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province.

Public transit

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Donn Sears's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province.

NDP's promise

Launch a Regional Transit Taskforce to develop a plan for improving services and lowering transportation costs

"We’ll launch our Regional Transit Taskforce made up of leaders from municipalities, businesses, and communities to develop a clear plan to improve services and lower transportation costs – including better ground transit and more affordable, reliable flights between Labrador and the rest of the province." — A Better Deal for People in Newfoundland and Labrador, retrieved 2025-09-27

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
Donn Sears has lived in Mount Pearl North his whole life. With a long family history of civil service, he learned from a young age the importance of community, the power of local organizing and the necessity for labour solidarity.

Donn's interest in public policy led him to study Political Science at Memorial University, but the road wasn’t always smooth. Donn knows first hand the barriers that people from working class families face when pursuing post secondary education. He is a strong proponent of the NL NDP’s plan to roll back rising tuition costs.

“I had to take a step away from my education for a few years to focus on my health,” Donn said. “I know what it’s like to face the reality that you can’t afford to return to school because the cost has risen so much in just a few short years.”

Donn has worked in the entertainment and hospitality industry, and is a textile artist who has exhibited at local conventions. He believes that local government should represent people from all backgrounds regardless of economic status.

As a proud transgender man, Donn is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, with a special focus on access to healthcare among trans and gender diverse folks in the province. Having personally experienced the struggle many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians face when navigating our health system, he stresses the importance of preventive healthcare and the need to move away from outsourcing our public health system to private corporations.

See Donn Sears's election promises

Reason for running

submitted by the candidate or their team
Donn was inspired to run for MHA after volunteering with Nicole Boland’s campaign during the Waterford Valley by-election last year.

“I found myself surrounded by folks that shared my values and we’re advocating for policy that will actually help the people in my community.” Donn said. “I am beyond honored to represent the NL NDP in Mount Pearl North.”


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