For Immediate Release
August 27, 2024
Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown is concerned about the government’s lack of action in addressing affordability in Labrador West. His concerns are supported by Food First NL’s 2023 Nutritious Food Basket report, which was released earlier this month.
The report highlights that the cost of food rose in 2023, making it even less affordable for families that are struggling. This is especially true in Western/Central Labrador, which saw the highest increase in food costs, up by 10.8% from 2022.
“A family in Western or Central Labrador has to pay on average $359 per week to keep healthy food on the table for their family. This is alarming, especially for those who work minimum wage jobs, or for seniors on fixed incomes,” Brown said.
Brown says the findings in the report show that one of the main issues is the increasing gap between income and cost of goods, and calls for government to implement measures, like raising the minimum wage to a liveable wage, to address the problem.
“Affordability is an income problem that too many people are facing in the province today,” said Brown. “It’s not only the cost of food, but the cost of housing, the cost of heating your home, the cost of clothes and school supplies for students, the cost of travel, especially for Labradorians. The list goes on.
“The NDP Caucus continues to call for minimum wage to be increased to a liveable wage, which would help begin to close the gap between income and the cost of goods. People deserve to have healthy, nutritious food. A healthy meal should not be a luxury item.
“Government needs to understand the realities that many are facing across Labrador, and across the province. They can continue to announce fancy projects and new buildings, but they are not putting enough emphasis on affordability and it clearly shows.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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