Newfoundland and Labrador prides itself on being a place where people can feel warmth and hospitality. Budget 2023 further enhances our reputation as a world-class travel destination and promotes a safe and inclusive province with much opportunity to live, work and play.

Stronger Communities

Communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are the backbone of the province. Through Budget 2023, we are supporting communities to deliver important programs and services that improve the overall well-being of residents. Budget 2023 includes:

• $6 million increase in base funding under Municipal Operating Grants over the next two years – $3 million this year, and another $3 million in 2024. Collectively, these increases will see the Municipal Operating Grant budget grow to $28 million.
• More than $158 million for Municipal Operating Grants, Special Assistance Grants, the Community Enhancement Program, and the Canada Community Building Fund.

Air Access

Improved regional, national and international connectivity is essential to supporting the growth of the tourism industry, and encouraging greater business and trade opportunities. Budget 2023 includes $1.5 million to continue working with our partners to develop and expand air access to and from the province.

Tourism and Hospitality Support

Budget 2023 includes $13 million for tourism marketing and advertising. Our investments in this critical sector to our economy will build on the successful Come Home 2022 celebration and invite new opportunities as it continues to bounce back from the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Indigenous Peoples

We are advancing matters of mutual importance with Indigenous populations within the province and taking meaningful steps to strengthen communities and advance reconciliation now and into the future. Budget 2023 includes:

• $10.8 million for the Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System.
• $241,500 for the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program.
• $125,000 for the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network.
• $25,000 for the annual Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering.

Safer Communities

Our government is committed to improving the communities where we live, work and play. Safety is fundamental to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities which is why we continue to directly support organizations and projects. Budget 2023 includes:

• Approximately $17 million to support residents and communities recover following Hurricane Fiona.
• $21 million to advance the Province-Wide Radio System to improve the way emergency responders and other public service providers communicate with each other.
• Doubling the budget to $3.8 million for fire protection vehicles and firefighting equipment.
• $1 million for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to hire 10 new officers.
• More than $1 million to support the work of the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association.
• $3.3 million to enhance safe snowmobile travel for residents of Labrador’s coastal communities.
• More than $1 million for Status of Women Councils and Women’s Centres that are actively working to promote the status of women.
• $820,000 to Violence Prevention Organizations who are engaged in grass-roots work to prevent violence.
• $431,500 to the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
• $142,625 to the Safe Harbour Outreach Project, a project of the St. John’s Status of Women Council.
• $60,100 to the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth, a project of Thrive.

Crisis Response

As we continue to invest in violence prevention, our government acknowledges the importance of crisis response services for people who are experiencing or have experienced violence. Budget 2023 includes:

• $3.4 million to support the Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Labrador West, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• $280,000 for crisis hotlines for people impacted by gender-based violence.
• $225,000 for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program to ensure there are trained registered nurses in all regional health authorities.
• $135,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre to provide supports to adults who have experienced sexual violence.