The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs:

Speaker, I rise today to provide an update on the Special Assistance Grant Program and to highlight the vital support it delivers to communities around our province.

This program provides emergency financial aid to municipalities, local service districts and non-profit community organizations. It helps address urgent, real-world issues related to health, life safety, critical infrastructure repairs, unexpected financial pressures and special projects.

Last year, my Department of Municipal and Community Affairs received nearly 190 applications through the Special Assistance Grant Program. Each one represents a community facing an emergency situation and looking for timely support.

This is a community-driven program. Applications are acknowledged quickly and reviewed carefully, so decisions are fair, fiscally responsible, and grounded in community need.

Speaker, through Budget 2026: Opportunity For All of Us, our government is investing more than $200 million in key funding initiatives that directly support local governments and residents. That includes the Special Assistance Grant Program, Provincial Gas Tax Sharing Program, Sharing Programthe federal Build Communities Strong Fund, Municipal Capital Works, Municipal Operating Grants, and the Community Enhancement Employment Program.

Together, these investments are helping our communities stay strong, respond to challenges, and plan for the future. They are building safer, more resilient communities, and a more prosperous and sustainable future for people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, for all of us.

Thank you.