A strong province is one that provides effective programs and services to support individuals, seniors, persons with disabilities and vulnerable populations. Budget 2022 builds on our foundation of support services to make Newfoundland and Labrador a better place for all, regardless of age, ability or economic standing.

Seniors and Inclusive Communities

We are proud of the work we have done to support seniors in their efforts to contribute to their communities. Budget 2022 includes continued support for initiatives that seniors have come to depend on, as well as new initiatives to make communities even more inclusive. Budget 2022 includes:

• $61 million for the Seniors’ Benefit. Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,444 annually. The Seniors’ Benefit supports over 50,000 seniors and their families.
• $300,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, which supports the development and operation of alternate transportation programs for individuals who identify barriers to transportation.
• $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative to provide 50+ clubs and organizations that support seniors with funding to organize activities that support social inclusion, healthy aging, mental wellness, overall well-being and interaction across generations.
• $95,000 for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program, which helps community partners plan and implement activities to reflect changing demographics and inclusivity.

Accessibility

We all have a responsibility to make sure our neighbours can freely and safely move around their communities. The recent proclamation of the Accessibility Act supports our commitment to remove barriers so everyone can fully participate in society. Budget 2022 continues popular programs that increase accessibility options.

• $350,000 for the Accessible Vehicle Grant which provides up to $25,000 to support individuals or families to acquire or adapt personal vehicles for accessibility.
• $250,000 for the Capacity Building Grant to help non-profit community-based organizations, incorporated municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations advance accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• $75,000 for the Inclusion Grant to provide funding to community-based and non-profit organizations for small renovation projects that will create or improve accessibility or provide disability-related accommodations for events and meetings.
• $50,000 for the Accessible Taxi Grant which provides up to $25,000 to taxi companies to include an accessible taxi within its fleet.

Housing Supports

Safe and affordable housing is a key determinant of health. Families and individuals are drawn to provinces and communities that offer acceptable housing options. Through partnerships with the Federal Government, Budget 2022 provides:

• Approximately $140 million to improve housing stability and prevent homelessness, through cost-shared agreements including $54.8 million to maintain the province’s public rental housing portfolio, provide rental assistance for those on lower incomes and for supportive living arrangements.

Poverty Reduction

Our government is focused on preventing, reducing and alleviating poverty through initiatives that empower Newfoundlanders and Labradorians across their lifespans. As government develops a new poverty reduction plan, Budget 2022 contains:

• $73 million for the Income Supplement, which is a 10 per cent increase.
• $1.9 million to provide Metrobus or GoBus passes in the St. John’s metro region to individuals receiving income support, youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program and to expand the program to seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
• $500,000 for the Pre-natal Infant Nutrition Supplement (formerly known as the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement), which is being increased from $100 to $150 per month. The one-time payment provided during the month of the baby’s birth will also increase from $100 to $150.