Province exempts payments to merchant marines

Premier Brian Tobin announced today that compensation packages to merchant mariners living in Newfoundland and Labrador will be exempted from the financial assessment process associated with long-term care, including nursing homes, community care homes, personal care homes and home support.

"In plain terms, merchant mariners will decide for themselves how they want to use this money," said Premier Tobin. "These veterans deserve to be recognized for their contribution to the war efforts."

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have both announced they will also exempt the compensation packages.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2000 02 21                                             4:50 p.m.