Up to $5,000 for a funeral, up to $1,500 for additional expenses, $1.25 per kilometre beyond eight kilometres for transportation costs, accommodation for oversized caskets, and more.
Government has announced a significant increase to rates paid to funeral homes to provide funeral services for low income people. The enhanced Funeral Assistance Benefit positions Newfoundland and Labrador rates as among the best in Canada. Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister says as funeral costs increase, so has this new enhanced program. Up to $5,000 for a funeral, up to $1,500 for additional expenses, $1.25 per kilometre beyond eight kilometres for transportation costs, accommodation for oversized caskets and transportation by air for repatriation or for transporting to and from remote coastal communities, as well as other exceptional circumstances that may arise. Pike says they’ve engaged with funeral home operators throughout NL and identified a clear need for increased rates. Engagement will continue with funeral home operators as the Provincial Government looks to explore opportunities to make the application process easier for families and loved ones, as well as other changes to help funeral homes. Over the last two years, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has paid for the funerals of close to 700 people at a cost of $2.2 million.
To learn more about the Funeral Assistance Benefit, visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/funeral-benefits/.
Young people in western NL now have better local access to services for mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and community support. Becket Western NL, a new Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub, has officially opened.
Bay St. George RCMP is looking for security camera footage after a break in at Lourdes Superette.
The first day of spring has come and gone, and with the extended winter weather, means motorists can keep their studded tires on a little longer.
Tip of a possible impaired driver
Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP and Traffic Services West took three vehicles off the road and laid charges during a traffic initiative late last week.
