The Higgs government says it will distribute a one-time payment to low-income New Brunswickers to help them cope with rising gas and grocery bills.
The emergency fuel and food benefit will provide $ 225 for low-income people and $ 450 for low-income families, including the elderly.
More than 75,000 people are eligible and the money will go to people who already receive housing or low-income benefits from the Department of Social Development, the province said in a press release.
Prime Minister Blaine Higgs said the program would be aimed at “the most vulnerable people.” (Ed Hunter / CBC)
The total cost of the program will be $ 20 million.
The statement did not say when the money would be distributed, but Prime Minister Blaine Higgs said on Tuesday that the program would get money “quickly” sometime this month.
This represents an investment for Higgs.
Earlier this spring, he suggested that he would have to wait until the third quarter of the fiscal year to see sales tax revenue and decide whether a rebate or some other form of relief was affordable.
The government is also giving the province’s food banks an additional $ 1 million in addition to a $ 1 million grant earlier this spring.
The government faces two by-elections in the Miramichi area on June 20.
Last week, a new Narrative Research poll said 52% of respondents were dissatisfied with government performance compared to 40% who were satisfied.
The current maximum price per liter of regular gasoline is $ 2.08 in New Brunswick, compared to $ 1.44 earlier this year.
The provincial press release notes that it has raised welfare rates and the minimum wage, reduced income tax, has legislation on the rent limit before the legislature, and is lowering care costs. of effective children this month as part of a federal-provincial agreement.