Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a five-point plan, representing an additional $22.2 million investment to support Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the high cost of living.

One: The Income Supplement will be increased by 10 per cent for total funding of $74 million. This additional funding will provide up to a total of $1,000 per year for a family of four. Individuals with a disability would receive a total of up to $715 per year. The Income Supplement is provided to approximately 162,000 individuals and families.

Two: The Seniors’ Benefit will increase by 10 per cent for a total funding of $63 million. Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,444 annually. The Seniors’ Benefit supports over 50,000 seniors and their families.

Three: Over $5 million to provide a one-time benefit for those currently receiving income support which will be issued by the first week of April of $200 for single people and $400 for families. This is in addition to the over $200 million currently provided for income support payments annually to approximately 20,000 individuals or families.

Four: An additional $1.9 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as a $2,500 rebate for consumers who purchase or lease all-electric vehicles and $1,500 rebate for the purchase or lease of plug-in hybrid vehicles to help encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. Government is also seeking $1 million in federal support. For more information, email NL Hydro at EVRebate@nlh.nl.ca or call 1-888-737-1296.

Five: An additional $2 million to help transition homes whose sole source of heat is oil to electricity. The program will now provide a rebate of up to $5,000 (double the existing rebate of up to $2,500). For more information, email NL Hydro at OiltoElectric@nlh.nl.ca or call 1-888-737-1296.

Government is also committing to improving the fuel pricing process of the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities – Newfoundland and Labrador. The board is responsible for the regulation of maximum prices for petroleum products in the province in accordance with the Petroleum Products Act.

Quotes
“We recognize that these are challenging times for people throughout the province and indeed the world. High global oil prices have resulted in substantial increases in the cost of fuel; and pandemic related supply shortages have caused increased food prices. With today’s announcement, we are helping the people of the province – particularly those most vulnerable and acutely affected – to address this serious and difficult situation.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“With the five-point plan announced today, we are delivering on our promise to address the challenges we face due to the rising cost of living. We are focusing on those most vulnerable in our communities. We are also providing support to residents as we transition to electric vehicles and heating systems.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

“Addressing the rising cost of living is complex and multidimensional, and solutions require a whole of government approach, as well as working in collaboration with community partners and listening to people with lived experience of poverty. This five-point plan aims to address the impact of the rising cost of living for those who need it the most – those who work for lower wages, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who rely on income support, while we are focused on longer term solutions to poverty reduction.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“We all have a part to play when it comes to climate change. As a government, we are pleased to extend and expand our Electric Vehicle Rebate and Oil to Electric Rebate Programs. We are committed to achieving a cleaner, healthier environment, while providing support to Newfoundland and Labradorians in meeting our shared climate change goals.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
Calculator for the NL Income Supplement and the NL Seniors’ Benefit

Electric Vehicle Rebate Program – Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro (nlhydro.com)

Oil to Electric Rebate Program – Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro (nlhydro.com)

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca