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Advanced Education and Skills
Child, Youth and Family Services

March 27, 2014

Backgrounder

Supports to Help Vulnerable Populations, Seniors and Individuals with Low Incomes

Budget 2014 includes approximately $170 million for the Poverty Reduction Strategy to support the Provincial Government’s long-term approach to the prevention, reduction and alleviation of poverty. This brings the total investment to reduce poverty to $1 billion since 2006.

Financial Supports for Seniors and Persons with Low Incomes
As referenced in the Department of Finance announcement, Budget 2014 includes an increase to the Seniors' Benefit. The maximum payment seniors will receive in October 2014 will be the highest ever at $1,036, up from $971 in 2013.

Effective for the 2014 taxation year, the Low-Income Tax Reduction income thresholds will be increased, eliminating provincial income tax for individuals with net income up to $18,547 and for families with net income of up to $31,362. Partial tax reductions will be received by individuals with net income of up to $22,815 and for families with net income up to $38,006. See Backgrounder: Enhancements to Tax Programs to Benefit Seniors, Low Income and Small Business.

In the fall session of the House of Assembly, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to increasing rental affordability for Income Support clients in areas of the province where rental rates are highest. A comprehensive review of regional rental rates will inform how those increases will be implemented. That review is well underway.

Supports for Affordable Housing and Addressing Homelessness
Budget 2014 includes investments to support affordable housing through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. For example:

Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Budget 2014 will include $12.6 million to advance inclusion and support employment opportunities for persons with disabilities:

Supports for Health and Wellness
As referenced in the Budget 2014 health announcement, the Provincial Government is committed to improving the health and wellness of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Budget 2014 allocates the following funding to increase access for people living on low incomes. For example:

Supports for Children, Youth and Families
As featured in the other Budget 2014 announcements, to improve and expand the delivery of important social programs and services, a key focus of Budget 2014 is providing additional supports to vulnerable children, youth and families. For example:

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Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca

2014 03 27                            3:00 p.m.

 
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