As highlighted by our indexing the Seniors’ Benefit and threshold to the consumer price index, which will benefit 50,000 seniors, our government is committed to ensuring that our seniors can live safely, enjoy good health, and stay active in their communities as they age. Budget 2025 will ensure we deliver on the many programs and services to support the health and well-being of seniors in our province.

Seniors’ Well-Being

The Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan reflects our commitment to helping seniors age and live well in their homes and communities. In addition to Budget 2025 initiatives, we are committed to increasing our investments in those who care for people who live in personal care homes, community care homes, or receive care in their own homes. Budget 2025 includes:

• $10 million with initiatives under the Seniors Health and Well-Being Plan, including the Aging Well at Home Grant, the Caregiver Benefit, financial assistance for food and heating for seniors in coastal Labrador communities, and increased investments for home repair and modifications for seniors.
• Approximately $15.7 million to provide long-term care at Chancellor Park in St. John’
• $8.5 million to offer the shingles vaccine to residents 65 to 70 years of age and immunocompromised residents over the age of 70 as part of the provincial immunization program, effective June 1, 2025.
• $2.3 million to help the Lionel Kelland Hospice provide hospice care in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Community Partnerships

Through strategic investments and targeted programs, we are ensuring seniors can live with dignity, independence, and maintain connection to their communities.

• More than $100 million in grants for community- based organizations as they are valuable contributors to the social and economic well-being of communities.
• $200,000 to over 300 seniors’ groups and seniors- serving organizations through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative to support intergenerational programs and services that promote social inclusion and well-being.
• $95,000 for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program, which helps ensure seniors can remain healthy, active and engaged citizens who are able to live in communities that meet their needs as they age.

Affordability

Our government is committed to investing in programs and services to support individuals and families impacted by the high cost of living, especially those living in poverty and seniors living on a fixed income. Affordability measures in Budget 2025 include:

• No increases and continued decreases in provincial taxation and fees.
• The Seniors’ Benefit and its eligibility threshold will be indexed to the consumer price index. This builds on the 15 per cent increase over the last three years and cost $63 million. These enhancements will benefit 50,000 seniors aged 65 or older.
• 50 per cent reduction on the provincial fuel tax, saving 8.05 cents per litre (including HST).
• 50 per cent reduction off the cost of registering passenger vehicles, trucks and taxis.
• Free driver medicals for people aged 75 and older.
• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance.
• Maintaining the home heating supplement of up to $500 to residents who rely on furnace or stove oil to heat their home.
• $78 million for the Income Supplement, which includes a 15 per cent increase over the last three years. The supplement benefits more than 150,000 families and individuals.
• $4.75 million for a Targeted Basic Income pilot for people aged 60 to 64 who receive Income Support as well as supportive services and/or financial assistance through NL Health Services’ Community Supports Program. Participants receive comparable benefits to combined Federal and Provincial benefits for people aged 65 and over, which is $1,937 for a single person and $2,282 for a couple per month.