St. John’s, N.L. (December 4, 2024) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is disappointed that the Liberal government refused to immediately increase the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit by 20 per cent, valued at $300 annually, as advocated by Wakeham in his Private Members Resolution today in the House of Assembly.

“My proposal would have provided the province’s most vulnerable seniors with an additional $300 annually, starting January, helping them face the rising cost of living. But instead of giving our seniors more support, the Liberals watered down the resolution, only committing to increasing the benefit by an undetermined amount at an unknown time,” said Wakeham.

“It is heartbreaking that the Liberals are delaying supporting our seniors who are struggling more than ever to afford necessities like food, medicine, and housing. The modest increase which I proposed would have been a meaningful step to alleviate their financial hardship. This is the second time in as many weeks the Liberals have turned their back on seniors – previously purposely excluding them from the Working Canadians’ Rebate,” continued Wakeham.

Wakeham noted that the Progressive Conservative Opposition voted for the amended Private Members Resolution, despite believing that it does not provide enough relief immediately.

“The Liberal Minister amended the resolution to say that the Seniors’ Benefit would be increased in the next budget cycle – but did not say by how much or when. We supported this because we believe that any increase for seniors is better than no increase,” said Wakeham.

“Struggling seniors deserve better from their government,” said Wakeham.  “Our seniors can be assured that I will continue advocating for a 20% increase, valued at $300, to the Seniors’ Benefit along with the annual indexing of the benefit.”

The proposed Seniors’ Benefit increase is part of the Progressive Conservative’s commitment to making life more affordable for seniors.

Wakeham reiterated the PC Party’s commitment to make life more affordable for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to increasing and indexing the Seniors’ Benefit, a Wakeham led government will increase income thresholds to allow more families and individuals to qualify for essential government support programs; review all social programs to ensure they are best meeting the needs of the people, especially the vulnerable; and review all taxes and fees with a goal to stop overtaxing people and help make their lives more affordable.