For Immediate Release
July 23, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is calling out government for their callous behaviour in warning a mother who was fundraising money to afford the total cost for a burial for her daughter that her government support might be clawed back.
The cost of burials continues to add burden to families across the province. After being approved for the $2300 in government support for the burial, a constituent of Dinn’s started a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise the remaining cost. However, government threatened to claw back the support because of the fundraiser.
“It’s just unacceptable,” said Dinn. “This isn’t the first time government has taken this route, which shows a great flaw in the policy.
“Government continues to prove they have no understanding of the realities people in this province face. The basic cost for a direct cremation is $4019. A basic funeral is $8600,” said Dinn. “How are those on fixed and smaller incomes expected to come up with the remaining cost?
“The Minister says they will have talks with funeral directors, yet those who I am in communication with have said nothing has been done. Our ATTIP shows that government has known the concerns of the cost of burials and the build up of bodies for years, but instead of meaningful action, they build more freezers and hide the bodies away so that the problem will be out of sight. How much longer will government ignore the solution?
“If government wanted to address this issue in a meaningful and respectful way, they would increase the subsidy to cover the cost of a direct cremation so that at least families have that option and aren’t left worrying how they will bury their loved ones.
“Government is more focused on nickel and diming people and the companies that provide that essential service. It’s shameful.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media Relations Manager, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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