Coady announces cost-of-living help, but critics say it's not enough
CBC
Finance Minister Siobhan Coady says the government is taking some steps to help people struggling with rising prices, but critics say too many people will be left out of the new measures.
Flanked by ministers John Abbott and Bernard Davis, Coady said the government is raising the income supplement — given to 162,000 individuals and families each year — by 10 per cent, meaning a family of four could get up to $1,000 a year, while an individual with a disability will receive up to $715 a year. The seniors' benefit will also increase by 10 per cent — up to $1,444 annually for the 50,000 seniors who avail of it.
Coady also announced a one-time benefit for those receiving income support, which will come in the first week of April. Individuals will receive $200 and families will receive $400.
The move comes after the prices of gas, heat and groceries soared in recent months.
The 10-per-cent rise to the income support and seniors' benefit programs will not cover the more than 25-per-cent rise in gas prices since December, though Coady pointed out fuel prices are volatile.
Food bank operators have told CBC they've become busier, and Coady said income support programs have seen a marginal increase in enrollment.
Billed as a five-point plan to help the people of the province, Coady said the government is spending $1.9 million on electric vehicle infrastructure — an announcement made last year — and said it will expand the EV rebate program. Plug-in hybrid vehicles will now qualify for a $1,500 rebate, in addition to the previously-announced $2,500 rebate for EVs.
There were no new measures to help people struggling with the price of gas who cannot afford a new electric or hybrid vehicle. Coady pointed to the bus passes given to income support clients in the St. John's metro region.
Davis said 100 people have taken advantage of the EV rebate program since it began last September.
"We understand that not everyone's going to purchase an electric vehicle tomorrow because of this, but we do want people to have that in their mindset as they move forward."
The rebate for transitioning from oil to electric heat will double from $2,500 to $5,000. Davis said about 150 people have applied for that rebate since it began in September.
Coady said on Tuesday the new measures are intended to focus on the most vulnerable, and the provincial budget may do more to address the cost of living when it comes in about three weeks.
"On April 7th, there may be some things there that we can do in addition to what we've announced today, but we really wanted to make sure that those impacted greatly right now have the support that they need," she said while speaking with reporters.
But critics say it won't help many beyond the province's most vulnerable.
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