CBC Newfoundland Morning

Two nurse practitioners in the province are teaming up to try -- yet again -- to get the government to pay for the care they provide. Doctors in private practice in this province can bill the government directly, but nurse practitioners can't, even though they are authorized to diagnose and treat many illnesses. That's why they have to charge patients for their visits. Travis Sheppard co-founded the Nurse Practitioner Health and Wellness Clinic in Corner Brook. Trent McDonald owns BodyQuest Health and Wellness Centre in St. John's.

After nearly six years of negotiations, Canada is about to settle a class action lawsuit against big tobacco companies. The suit is meant to compensate people who got sick from smoking, and compensate provinces for increased health care costs. The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased the settlement is almost done, but it wants some additions to the terms. Rob Cunningham is a lawyer and senior policy advisor with the cancer society, and he spoke with the CBC's Leigh Anne Power.

Some Canadians may now find it easier to be able to get eye care. At least, that 's what federal Bill C-284 is meant to do. Among many things, the new law aims to make give people in rural areas more help with their vision. The Canadian Opthalmological Society is celebrating this as a major step. Dr. Nina Ahuja is an ophthalmologist and a member of the Society's board of directors.

Sharing Our Cultures was founded in the province 20 years ago, to connect school children who come from different cultural backgrounds The organization encourages school projects that help children feel they're accepted, no matter where they come from. Students at Lewisporte Intermediate are a part of this year's Sharing Our Cultures program. Principal Pam Cole spoke with the CBC's Troy Turner.

U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump gave notice earlier this week that he intends to impose a big tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Trump said he'll bring in a 25-percent tariff on goods entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Trump says the high tariffs would begin on the day of his inauguration, January 20th, 2025. Alison Coffin is an economist at Memorial University.

For some small business owners, a profitable holiday shopping season can make up for a slow year. Taking orders online and shipping them to customers quickly is the name of the game, and it's hard to for business owners to keep expenses down. The ongoing Canada Post strike - now in Day 13 - is having a real impact on the whole process. Cory Babstock is a photographer based in Clarenville. He owns Old Bones Photography - a business that relies almost entirely on Canada Post to fulfill his orders.

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world, and it's always growing. The latest expansion will see 850 kilometres on the Great Northern Peninsula become part of the national trail network. The provincial government supports the move because it wants to improve outdoor recreation options for rural residents. Mathieu Roy is the CEO of the Trans Canada Trail, and he spoke with the CBC's Leigh Anne Power.

Using 'the rest of the fish': A project that involves 'marine biomass' is a step closer to reality in Western Newfoundland. Elmastukwek First Nation Benoit's Cove Indian Band signed a final agreement on Friday, along with representatives from the University of Western Ontario and Memorial University. Terri Greene is band chief.

On Day 12 of the Canada Post strike, talks were still going on, workers were still on picket lines, and items for delivery were still piling up. The Crown corporation and its employees have been negotiating a new collective agreement for over a year. With seemingly no swift end in sight, many are wondering what government can - and should - do to get the mail running again. John Peters, Director of Employment Operations at Memorial University says it may still be early days for government to take action in this strike.

The owner of a trucking company says Marine Atlantic could do more to reduce the impact of high winds and heavy seas. This month, the Gulf ferry service has had many cancelled crossings - and it doesn't take long for the impact to be seen on store shelves. But Chris Howlett of Akita Equipment and Auto Transport says he believes weather is not entirely to blame. Colin Tibbo is vice-president of customer experience with Marine Atlantic.