26 September 2006

NL hit hard in cuts at a time of surplus

Among the program cuts that will affect Newfoundland and Labrador while the federal government announced a record-setting surplus:

- $20 million cut to DFO;

- $13.9 million in DND; and,

- $39.2 million in ACOA and related agencies for social economy programs;

The province's tourism industry will also likely be affected by the cuts to the GST rebate program for foreign visitors. The total elimination of the program will actually increase government revenues by $78 million but drive up the cost of visiting Canada.