Newfoundland and Labrador NCB Programs
Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the health and well-being of children and families.
Through the National Child Benefit reinvestment initiatives, the province invests and reinvests approximately $19 million annually in initiatives that help reduce child poverty and help families make the transition to work.
Here's how Newfoundland and Labrador is investing in children and families this year. For more information on the initiatives described please click on the appropriate link.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit (NLCB)
In 1999, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador redesigned its Income Support Program with the introduction of the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit. The NLCB is a tax free benefit that is combined with the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) into a single monthly payment. The benefit is designed to help low-income families with the cost of raising children. Since its inception in 1999 the NLCB provides benefits to approximately 22,000 families a year.
The Mother
Baby Nutrition Supplement
In Dec. 2001, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador replaced the
Mother Baby Food Allowance, which was only available to families and
individuals in receipt of social assistance, with the new Mother Baby
Nutrition Supplement. The new supplement is a benefit of $45 per month
to low-income pregnant women or families with children under the age
of one year with net income less than $21,744 annually. This income
level matches the maximum income parameter of the Newfoundland and Labrador
Child Benefit. Pregnant women will automatically continue to receive
the same amount from the Department of Human Resources and Employment.
Families with children under one will be paid the supplement with their
monthly Canada Child Tax Benefit.
Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that raising children is a full-time job and sometimes parents need additional support. Our family resource centres offer a broad range of these supports that ensure our children get a healthy start in life. The Family Resource Centres provide services to children up to the age of six along with their families.
In 1998 the province increased the rates for private child care for families in receipt of income support, who require private child care to assist with finding and maintaining employment and training.
Historically, one of the main disincentives for families when leaving income support was the loss of health benefits. For this reason, the province decided to extend drug card benefits for six months to help families leave income support due to employment. This initiative has been applauded for offering additional support for parents leaving the system.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also recognizes that our youth are the key to a healthy and productive future. With this in mind, community youth networks have been established across the province for youth aged 12-18. The networks, which depend on the important partnerships created among various sectors in our communities, provide support along four business lines: learning, employment/career development, community building and support services. The province also supports and subsidizes community programs that promote mental health for youth.
Ensuring our children have the best in care is also a priority of the province. A child that has a healthy and productive early life is more likely to have an equally positive adult life. For this reason the province offers additional child care support to promote quality services for children.
Early Intervention for Children With Disabilities
The province is also a leader in developing programs and supports that are designed for families of children with special needs. The development of children who face particular challenges such as autism and other developmental health issues is very important to the overall health of the family and the community. All children and families deserve equal inclusion in community life. For this reason the province is very proud of its ground breaking initiative such as this pilot project to help children with autism.
For more information about how Newfoundland and Labrador is investing in families and children and its investments under the National Child Benefit visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's web site.
Contact us: info@mail.gov.nf.ca