NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — NL Health Services sent an email titled "June Holiday" to thousands of healthcare staff inboxes. The email, which was an internal cybersecurity test, promised recipients a paid day off as a token of appreciation if they clicked a link to register. The email thanked staff for their professionalism and work ethic, citing hundreds of hours of recent mandatory overtime to implement CorCare. It stated, "Thank you for the care, professionalism, and commitment you continue to bring to N.L. Health Services and to the people and community we serve." The email was sent from the domain remailmail.com and was designed to track employees who clicked the link. Recipients were informed the following day that the email and the promised vacation day were part of a cybersecurity test.

Yvette Coffey, President of the Registered Nurses' Union Newfoundland and Labrador, called the test "very insensitive and very disrespectful to our members." Coffey also called for someone "to be held accountable for this one." Sherry Hillier, CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador President, stated, "While I understand that cybersecurity awareness is important, especially in a healthcare setting, targeting a benefit like paid time off is disgusting." Hillier added, "These workers are tired, burned out, and desperate for time off," and said, "As the employer, NL Health knows that and chose to exploit that feeling anyway." Jerry Earle, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees, stated that at least one person quit after receiving the email.

Ron Johnson, interim CEO of the health board, told reporters the test "really missed a mark." He said the test was "not reflective of how we value our employees." Johnson also wrote, "We are taking a step back to review how these exercises are developed and communicated to ensure they reflect the respectful and supportive culture we strive to foster."