Finance
February 2, 2010New Government
Office Officially Opens in Grand Falls-Windsor
Today in Grand Falls-Windsor, the Honourable Tom
Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury
Board, officially opened a new office for the
administration and delivery of the Home Heating Rebate
Program and the Parental Benefits Program.
"It gives me great pleasure to officially open this
new office," said Minister Marshall. "These programs
provide important benefits and support to the people of
this province. Since 2003, the Williams Government has
been committed to providing programs and services to
help meet the changing needs of our society, especially
those who are the most vulnerable in society, and to
create employment opportunities across the province.
This new office is yet another extension of that
commitment."
In Budget 2009: Building on our Strong Foundation,
the Provincial Government announced the relocation of
the programs to Grand Falls-Windsor. The new office will
employ 25 people.
"Our government is committed to creating jobs in all
regions of the province," said the Honourable Susan
Sullivan, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans. "The
establishment of this new office in Central Newfoundland
further emphasizes the commitment that has been made to
support the residents living in this region."
"The opening of the new office is good news for the
region," said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor -
Green Bay South. "This is another important step the
Williams Government is taking to help with the
rebuilding process of the area."
"I'm pleased to see the office officially opened and
residents of the region employed to help others across
the province," said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits.
The Provincial Government receives an approximate
combined total of 86,000 applications for these programs
each year. Applications are received and are processed
within eight to 10 weeks of receipt of all required
information.
The Home Heating Rebate Program provides financial
support to eligible individuals for costs associated
with heating their homes. The estimated value for the
program for 2009-10 is $18.2 million. The
Parental Benefits Program provides an additional
$100 per month for the first 12 months of a child's
life, as well as the Progressive Family
Growth Benefit, a $1,000 lump sum payment to residents
of the province who give birth or adopt a child.
For further information on the Home Heating Rebate
Program or the Parental Benefits Program, visit the
Department of Finance website at
www.fin.gov.nl.ca or
call 1-866-990-3444.
Information about these programs can also be found in
the Provincial Government's Programs and Services
Guidebook for Individuals and Families. To
obtain a copy, call 1- 866-883-6600 or click on
www.hrle.gov.nl.ca/hrle/poverty/guidebook/default.htm