St. John’s, NL (June 10, 2025) – Craig Pardy, PC Shadow Minister for Families and Affordability, and MHA for Bonavista, continues to raise concerns about the skyrocketing cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador and the growing need for food banks.

Pardy was reacting to a recent CBC article about Bridges to Hope and its need for a larger space because of the rising demand for food assistance. The local food bank saw over 17,000 visits in 2024 and has seen a 30 per cent increase since 2020.

“It is disheartening that the demand is so high at Bridges to Hope that it needs a larger space to operate in. Sadly, more and more seniors, children and working families are visiting food banks,” said Pardy.  “Poor decision-making by the Liberals, including the sugar tax, have not been helpful as people had to choose between food, heat or paying for medications. The NL Seniors Advocate, Community Food Sharing Association and other community advocates have all spoken out. The question is:  Are the Liberals listening?”

Pardy added that due to rising food costs, not for profit organizations are facing significant challenges and food banks are unable to provide clients with the same level of support as they have in the past.

Pardy said a new PC government will take action to create a Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy that will help address challenges people are facing with the cost of living.

“Unfortunately, the current Liberal government cancelled the previous Poverty Reduction Strategy which was the best in the country. A new government lead by Tony Wakeham will make help make life more affordable by providing the NL Child Benefit to more families and increasing the NL Seniors Benefit.”