The Provincial Government is introducing a one-time $500,000 fuel subsidy that will help residents in seven Labrador communities to access heating fuel at a price comparable to the lowest available rate in Labrador during the winter fuel price freeze.

The subsidy will be offered to residents living in Rigolet, Hopedale, Postville, Nain, Makkovik, Natuashish and Black Tickle, as these communities face unique challenges when it comes to the cost of home heating. For many households, this initiative will provide peace of mind during the coldest months of the year, helping to ensure residents can keep their homes without facing additional financial pressure.

This affordability measure will be provided as a point-of-sale subsidy, meaning that when stove oil is sold in the eligible communities, residents will purchase at a reduced price. That price will be in line with the lowest price available in Labrador. It will take effect when the winter fuel price freeze is implemented by the Public Utilities Board and will remain in place until the freeze concludes in the spring.

People living in these seven communities demonstrate remarkable resilience and contribute significantly to the social, cultural and economic fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through this investment, the Provincial Government is reaffirming its commitment to fairness and ensuring that geography does not determine whether residents can afford life’s necessities.

The Provincial Government acknowledges and thanks Woodward’s Oil for its collaboration in implementing the subsidy. The company’s cooperation will help ensure eligible residents receive the benefit directly when purchasing stove oil.

For residents of Natuashish, the subsidy will be administered through the Natuashish Band Council, which is responsible for supplying heating fuel within the community. The funding will help offset the higher costs associated with providing stove oil to residents and will ensure households receive support comparable to that available in other eligible communities.

Black Tickle has been included in the program in recognition of the significant transportation and supply challenges faced by residents, which contribute to some of the highest heating fuel costs in the province. Including Black Tickle in the subsidy ensures residents have access to similar affordability measures as other northern and isolated Labrador communities.

Quotes
“This initiative recognizes the realities faced by families living in some of our province’s most isolated communities. By helping reduce the cost of home heating, we are ensuring residents have the support they need during the winter months, while advancing our government’s commitment to affordability and fairness for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“At its core, this initiative is about people. It is about ensuring families can keep their homes warm, reducing financial pressures, and helping Northern Labrador communities thrive. I am incredibly pleased to see our government taking this important step because it reflects the values that define us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians: fairness, compassion, and supporting one another. Together, we are helping make life more affordable and building a stronger future for the people of Northern Labrador and Black Tickle.”
Honourable Lela Evans
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“Our government is committed to ensuring that where you live does not determine your ability to afford life’s necessities. This subsidy will help families in Northern Labrador and Black Tickle manage the high cost of home heating, providing meaningful support and peace of mind, throughout the winter months.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Finance

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Labrador Affairs

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