Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, announced a call for applications for the 2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program.
The application process is now open for incorporated municipalities, not for profit groups and Indigenous governments and communities to apply for up to $100,000 to develop, implement and evaluate accessible and inclusive community-based transportation programs.
To obtain a copy of the program guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2022.
Projects under the program should focus on helping to enhance and expand community transportation services for people who experience barriers to transportation, including age, ability and geography, often in combination with low income.
In 2021-22, the following five projects received funding through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program:
- Kitpu Transportation & Support Program, Benoit First Nation, Port au Port Peninsula west of Abrahams Cove
- Humber Run, Town of Pasadena, Humber Valley
- Coastal Rides Community Transportation Program, Connaigre Peninsula and Fortune Bay North
- Ride for Ages, Bay St. George South Ride for Ages Inc., Bay St. George South
- Seniors Winter Transportation, Nain Inuit Community Government, Nain
Please see the backgrounder below for more information on each of these projects.
As part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government is investing $300,000 for the program for 2022-23.
Quotes
“Through accessible, affordable and inclusive transportation options like the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals with low income can more easily access services and participate in their communities. I am pleased that we supported five projects in 2021-22 and I know there are many other opportunities throughout the province for these program funds to make a difference.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“As we concentrate on food security and senior support we are excited to be offering this much needed service to our aging Indigenous population. We are very appreciative of the support we have received form the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for this essential service. This important investment in seniors’ essential transportation is an investment on all levels in these trying times giving our elders and seniors affordable transportation when they need it.”
Jasen Benwah
Chief, Benoit First Nation
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Grants
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Media contacts
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca
Jasen Benwah
Benoit First Nation Inc.
709-272-2085
benoit1stnation@gmail.com
BACKGROUNDER
2021-2022 Community Transportation Grants
| Applicant | Location | Proposal | Grant |
| Benoit First Nation Inc. | Port au Port Peninsula west of Abrahams Cove | Establish a new accessible, affordable and safe transportation network to serve the Indigenous communities on the Port au Port Peninsula west of Abrahams Cove.
|
$100,000 |
| Town of Pasadena | Humber Valley | Establish an accessible and affordable transportation service that will serve the Humber Valley region.
|
$100,000 |
| Town of Harbour Breton | Connaigre Peninsula and Fortune Bay North | Continue the Coastal Rides Community Transportation Program assisting seniors and persons with disabilities attend medical appointment, grocery shop, pick up medications and medical supplies, banking, attend social events, etc.
|
$39,346 |
| Bay St. George South Ride for Ages Inc. | Bay St. George South | Ride for Ages Inc. was formed in 2013 and the bus service started in early 2014. Funding is to purchase a new accessible vehicle.
|
$39,303 |
| Nain Inuit Community Government | Nain | Purchase a snowmobile that will allow the Seniors Winter Transportation service to operate year-round.
|
$21,351 |
| TOTAL | $300,000 |