The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Jamie Korab, Minister of Families and Affordability, and Minister Responsible for Status of Persons with Disabilities:

Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to highlight the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit which will help work toward a basic income for persons with disabilities.

Our government is committed to an inclusive and accessible province.

Through the implementation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit, we are strengthening financial supports for persons with disabilities living with low incomes.

The benefit includes up to $400 per month and a $1,200 annual contribution to a person’s Registered Disability Savings Plan to those who qualify. Combined, this benefit provides significant improvements to the financial security for persons with disabilities in low income.

To help people better understand how they can avail of this benefit, the Department of Families and Affordability recently offered five virtual information sessions, which were very well attended and well-received.

To broaden that reach, we are planning a series of in-person information sessions to help ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians receive firsthand information. Offered in collaboration with government and community organizations, these sessions provide one-on-one navigation support to help people access these benefits.

Speaker, we have and will continue to take action and make investments that will contribute to building a province that is inclusive, accessible and equitable.

Thank you.