Families, students, seniors get boost in deficit budget

By Rob Antle. N.L. projects half-billion in red ink while adding to social programs in 2014-15.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is offering up new and enhanced benefits for families, seniors and students in this year's budget, while adding more than a half-billion dollars’ worth of red ink to the province's tab.
The big ticket items include full-day Kindergarten in 2016, the replacement of student loans with grants, an enhanced low-income seniors’ benefit, increased tax exemptions for low-income residents and families, and a five-per-cent jump in income support rates. More...