Province announces $500,000 winter fuel subsidy for seven Labrador communities

The Provincial Government is introducing a one-time $500,000 subsidy to help residents in seven northern and isolated Labrador communities access heating fuel at prices comparable to the lowest available rate elsewhere in Labrador.

The program will benefit residents of Rigolet, Hopedale, Postville, Nain, Makkovik, Natuashish and Black Tickle, where transportation and supply challenges contribute to higher home heating costs.

The subsidy will be provided at the point of sale, allowing residents to purchase stove oil at a reduced price in line with the lowest available rate in Labrador.

It will take effect when the Public Utilities Board implements the winter fuel price freeze and remain in place until the freeze ends in the spring.

Woodward's Oil is working with the Provincial Government to deliver the subsidy directly to eligible residents when they purchase heating fuel.

In Natuashish, the subsidy will be administered through the Natuashish Band Council, which supplies heating fuel within the community. The funding will help offset the higher costs associated with delivering stove oil to residents.

Black Tickle has also been included because of the significant transportation and supply challenges faced by the community, which contribute to some of the highest heating fuel costs in the province.

Premier Tony Wakeham says the initiative is intended to address the additional costs faced by people living in isolated communities.

“This initiative recognizes the realities faced by families living in some of our province's most isolated communities,” said Wakeham.

“By helping reduce the cost of home heating, we are ensuring residents have the support they need during the winter months, while advancing our government's commitment to affordability and fairness for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

The $500,000 investment is a one-time measure intended to help reduce heating costs for eligible households during the upcoming winter fuel price freeze.