October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day established by the United Nations to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider society. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joins global communities and partners in recognizing and reaffirming solidarities and commitments to address and eradicate poverty and all forms of discrimination and inequality.
This year’s theme, “Dignity for All in Practice,” highlights poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses both a lack of income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity.
The Provincial Government recognizes the current challenges experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador, the country and around the world. Since March 2022, more than half a billion dollars has been invested in targeted initiatives focused on helping residents with global increases in the cost of living, particularly those experiencing poverty. These include:
- Increasing the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, supporting approximately 162,000 individuals and families annually;
- Increasing the Seniors’ Benefit, supporting approximately 50,000 seniors aged 65 or older and their families annually;
- Investing a record high $140 million to provide access to safe and affordable housing, and an additional $65 million for a new five-point plan to incentivize the rapid construction of new housing options;
- Implementing a five per cent increase in the Income Support basic rate; benefitting approximately 20,500 eligible households;
- Implementing a targeted Basic Income Program for youth receiving residential services under the Youth Services Program;
- Launching and expanding the Employment Stability Pilot for people in receipt of Income Support province-wide;
- Enhancing the Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement to provide a monthly benefit of $150 for low income pregnant people/families with children under one, and a one-time payment of $150 during the baby’s birth month;
- Maintaining the home heating supplement, which provides up to $500 to residents who currently rely on furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
- Increasing the Minimum Wage and bringing the rate up to $15.00 per hour on October 1, 2023; and
- Making child care more affordable, from roughly $40 a day in 2020 to $10 a day today.
In addition to these measures, the Provincial Government is continuing to explore options to better meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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“The United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an important opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to eliminate poverty and to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities and supports they need to achieve their full potential. As a government, we remain fully committed to working collaboratively with our federal and community partners and prioritizing investments to support the overall well-being of the people of our province.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn more
Budget 2023: Accessible, Inclusive and Healthy Communities
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Provincial Government to Increase Income Support Basic Rate
Provincial Government Expands the Employment Stability Pilot
Provincial Government Announces New Basic Income Program for Youth Receiving Residential Services
Home Heating Supplement Program (Furnace and Stove Oil) Open for Applications
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