Today’s announcement by the PC Government falls short of what Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need and deserve to address the growing cost-of-living pressures facing families.
While any relief is welcome, the measures announced do not go far enough to address the rising cost of everyday essentials or provide meaningful, lasting relief to those struggling to make ends meet.
The electricity rebate will not take effect until January 2027, and is subject to restrictions on electricity use. The changes to the Home Heating Supplement will only help eligible households, leaving many working families with no new assistance to meet the rising costs of living.
Families, seniors, and working people need practical, immediate action to help with the cost of groceries, gas, electricity, and home heating. The government’s plan to roll out affordability measures in phases, with more announcements promised in the coming days and weeks, is unacceptable and purely political in nature.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should not have to wait for the government to develop its next communications and marketing strategy while they struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table. People need help now, need to plan their budgets now, and the government has the ability to do more now,” says Opposition Leader, John Hogan, KC.
With more than $500 million in unexpected additional revenue from high oil prices, the PC Government has the opportunity to deliver broader, more immediate relief, but today’s announcement gives Newfoundland and Labrador only 10% of that windfall.
Liberal MHAs have called for this immediate reduction in electricity bills, and are pleased the PC Government listened. However, that was one piece of a much larger affordability package demanded by Liberal MHAs, which also includes removing the HST from all home heating, removing tax on prepared foods, and the elimination of the gas tax. The Official Opposition will continue to call for these additional measures to come into effect immediately.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve a comprehensive plan that responds to the urgency of the cost-of-living pressures they are facing today, not promises of more announcements in the weeks ahead.
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