St. John’s, N.L. (February 18, 2025) – Craig Pardy, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister for Children, Seniors, and Social Development and MHA for Bonavista, is speaking out following reports of continual increases in food bank usage.

“Recent news articles indicate that 50 per cent of people who are now visiting food banks are new users. We know from past studies that many of these people are seniors and working individuals. This means that the cost-of-living crisis in our province is worsening,” said Pardy.

Pardy continued to call for action and a truly effective Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan.

“We need a responsive Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy with the goal of making our province’s poverty rates the lowest in the country. This strategy must look at preventing poverty in addition to providing services to those experiencing poverty,” continued Pardy. “I must wonder: if the Furey-Liberals had an effective Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy would food bank usage be increasing?”

Pardy concluded by reaffirming the PC Party’s Commitment to making life more affordable for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

“A PC government will cancel the sugar tax, raise the Seniors’ Benefit by 20%, and lead the charge to end the carbon tax for good. We will deliver a responsive Poverty Reduction and Prevention Strategy,” concluded Pardy.

-30-