"I am more than pleased that we have reached an agreement with these physicians," said Premier Williams. "My primary concern was for the patients and their needs were always uppermost in my mind as we worked through this process. The package we have now provided addresses the matters brought forward by the physicians and puts them at a compensation level that is very competitive with the rest of the country. I also acknowledge that some other physicians groups may have concerns they would like to see us address and, for that reason, I have asked that the NLMA join us at the negotiating table early in the New Year."

The oncology group of physicians � gynecologic, pediatric and hematologic � will receive the same compensation package that was provided to pathologists and medical and radiation oncologists on May 1, 2008, resulting in an annual salary scale increase of approximately $73,000. The increase is retroactive to May 1, 2008. Gross compensation levels for oncologists will now range from $370,000 to $390,000, depending on such variables as the rate of on-call service and whether or not physicians hold Memorial University appointments. An additional three per cent increase will become effective for all physicians on October 1, 2008, based on the Memorandum of Understanding currently in place between the Provincial Government and the NLMA.

"I am certainly pleased that we have positively resolved all the concerns put forward by these oncologists," said Minister Wiseman. "It took some time to work through this process as we wanted to ensure every concern raised was examined thoroughly. The outcome is a positive one for the people of our province, the physicians and our government."