Accessible, Inclusive and Healthy Communities

Our government has set the ambitious goal of making Newfoundland and Labrador one the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031.  As emphasized by Health Accord NL, there is a strong link between financial well-being and health.  In recognition of this, Budget 2023 includes investments that help improve the financial well-being of residents, in particular seniors and those most vulnerable. It also includes sizable investments to address diverse housing needs and provide families with access to stable and affordable homes.

Helping with the High Cost of Living

Appreciating the importance of helping residents with global increases in the cost of living, particularly those experiencing poverty, our government has invested more than $500 million in Newfoundlanders and Labradorians over the last two years.  In Budget 2023, we are:

  • 8.05 cent per litre (includes HST) reduction on the price of gasoline and diesel – the second lowest rate among provinces.
  • Eliminating the retail sales tax on home insurance.
  • Preserving the 50 per cent off the cost of registering passenger vehicles, light trucks, and taxis for another year.
  • Maintaining the home heating supplement that provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace or stove oil to heat their home.
  • Increasing the Income Supplement to $77.5 million, which represents a five per cent increase. This increase will benefit more than 160,000 families and individuals.
  • Increasing the Seniors’ Benefit to $67.1 million, which represents a five per cent increase. This benefit helps almost 50,000 seniors aged 65 or older.
  • $6.1 million to support the five per cent increase in the Income Support basic rate.
  • $3 million increase for the Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services through the Youth Services Program.
  • $2.1 million to provide Metrobus or GoBus passes for people who receive Income Support, seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program in the areas of St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise.
  • $270,000 for the Pre-natal Infant Nutrition Supplement, a monthly benefit of $150 for low income pregnant people and families with children under the age of one, and a one-time payment of $150 is provided during the month of the baby’s birth.

Housing Supports

Safe and affordable housing is key to improving health and social outcomes for individuals and families. Budget 2023 investments totaling almost $140 million include:

  • A new three year, $70 million Affordable Housing Program will help construct more than 850 affordable rental homes province-wide, in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors. These are in addition to the more than 750 new housing options advanced since 2021.
  • $25 million will support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness or intimate partner violence, emergency shelters, transition homes and the Supportive Living Program.
  • $17 million to maintain, repair and modernize provincial social housing, including vacant units, to ensure they are available for individuals and families in need of housing.
  • $10 million in grants will provide homeowners in low income to complete repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficiency retrofits to their homes.

Accessible and Inclusive Communities

To help create more inclusive and accessible communities for all residents, Budget 2023 includes:

  • $2 million for the Special Assistance Grant Program.
  • $400,000 for Accessible Vehicle and Taxi Grants.
  • $325,000 for inclusion and accessibility grant programs to help non-profit community-based organizations, incorporated municipalities, and Indigenous governments and organizations advance accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their community.
  • $300,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program to provide incorporated municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and entities within a local service district, as well as Indigenous governments with funding to improve access and affordability of transportation for residents.
  • $94,500 for the Para-Transit Grant to support the City of St. John’s with the delivery of accessible public transportation for persons with disabilities.

Healthy Aging

To support the ongoing development of age-friendly communities, Budget 2023 includes:

  • $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, which offers funding to eligible 50+ clubs and organizations that support seniors to increase intergenerational activities and participation in community events that promote social inclusion.
  • $95,000 for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program to assist incorporated municipalities, local service districts, and Indigenous governments in planning for an aging population, and/or implementing activities, programs or infrastructure that can make communities more inclusive.

Prioritizing Physical Activity

Our government realizes that being more active, more often is a contributor to physical and mental health. Budget 2023 includes:

  • Doubling the Physical Activity Tax Credit, which breaks down potential barriers for individuals and families to access recreational and sporting activities. This credit will provide a refundable tax credit up to $348 for families.
  • Close to $7 million to support recreation, physical activity, and athlete and sport development.
  • $800,000 increase for the Active NL Fund.
  • Increased the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy to$830,000 – a 14 per cent increase.
Accessible, Inclusive and Healthy Communities