The Provincial Government is introducing two interim supply bills today in the House of Assembly. The total of both interim supply bills is $3,458,446,300 and is based on allocations approved during Budget 2020 which was unanimously approved by the House of Assembly in November 2020.

Approval of the first bill will serve to confirm the amount issued by special warrant for the two month period (April 1 to May 31) with a total allocation of $2,086,721,900. Bringing the special warrant allocation to the House of Assembly is consistent with the spirit and intent of the Financial Administration Act which specifies that appropriations should be approved in the legislature.

The second interim supply bill is required to be passed in the House of Assembly to continue ongoing operations for the period from June 1, 2021 to July 31, 2021 while Budget 2021 and the associated main supply bill is being introduced, debated and approved by the legislature. The total allocation is $1,371,724,400. This legislation will need to be passed by the House of Assembly and receive Royal Assent of the Lieutenant Governor by May 20, 2021 in order to meet payroll, income support and other expenditures effective June 1, 2021.

The interim supply bills will have no incremental impact on government’s financial position in 2021-22 beyond what will be included in Budget 2021.

Government operations include payroll, income support and other expenditure obligations such as the calling and awarding of tenders, as well as annual contractual obligations that must be encumbered pursuant to the Financial Administration Act.

Interim supply does not allow for government to make new spending commitments or introduce new programs. Any new funding initiatives beyond normal business still require a budget vote or special votes in the House of Assembly.

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“The interim supply bills ensure we are continuing with the operations of government until we introduce Budget 2021 in June. At that time, we will provide guidance for growing the economy and addressing our financial challenges. Our goal is to be one of the best places in the world to live, work and do business.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister of Finance

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Learn more

Two-month Interim Funding Approved through Special Warrant

Budget 2020: Today. Tomorrow. Together

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