N.L. cabinet quietly approved new cash benefit for departing ministers
The provincial cabinet has approved a new transitional allowance policy for ministers, which came into effect April 1 — just months before a scheduled provincial election.
There has been no public disclosure of the decision before now.
Executive Council — which is responsible for the overall operations of the provincial government — confirmed the existence of the new policy in response to inquiries from CBC News.
The decision could put tens of thousands of dollars in the pockets of some departing ministers.
Since the beginning of April, eight cabinet ministers have either already left or signalled their intentions to not run again when voters go to the polls this fall.
According to Executive Council, the transitional allowance policy is designed to provide financial support when a minister leaves office due to resignation, retirement, death or losing an election.
It applies only to the ministerial portion of their salary. That's currently $48,664 per year. The premier is paid more: $65,168.
WATCH | N.L. cabinet approves new benefit for outgoing ministers:
The new policy provides one month's salary for each year of service in cabinet, on a prorated basis, for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months.
For ministers, that's a minimum payout of around $12,000, up to the full annual salary of $48,664.
Ministers eligible for allowance and severance pay
Executive Council won't say when the decision was made, noting that it was a decision of cabinet and those deliberations are protected.
Officials indicated it aligns with the new MHA transitional allowance, which has similar terms and applies to the $95,357-a-year salary for members of the House of Assembly. All current cabinet ministers are also MHAs.
But there are key differences between the two policies.
The new MHA transitional allowance policy for departing members replaces the previous severance allowance.
However, the new ministerial policy is an additional benefit stacked on top of the existing severance policy for ministers.
The existing severance policy sees them continue receiving their salary up to the end of the month in which they depart, plus one additional month's pay.
Premier's office says Hogan wasn't involved in decision
Premier John Hogan was not made available for an interview this week.
Spokesperson Ben Murphy sent an emailed statement Thursday evening.
"Premier Hogan was not in cabinet when the decision was made, and he was not involved in the decision," the statement said.
Hogan stepped aside from his cabinet portfolio after announcing his ultimately-successful run for the Liberal leadership in March. He was sworn in as premier in May.
Meanwhile, there were no replies to a CBC News message sent to the legislative email addresses of every current cabinet minister.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Study Shows Over Half of Americans Are Saving Enough in Their Retirement Accounts — Are You?
For years it has seemed like most Americans were falling behind on retirement savings. But new data may tell a different story. According to a 2025 study from Allianz Life, nearly 2 out of 3 Americans say they feel confident about reaching their retirement goals — even in the face of rising costs and economic uncertainty. And over half (55%) say they are saving enough in retirement accounts. However, it's not all good news for the state of retirement. According to the study, that figure has been consistently decreasing, and it still leaves a significant number of Americans not saving enough for retirement. Check Out: Learn More: Read on for more details about the state of saving for retirement in the U.S. and how to get on track for a comfortable retirement. Financial and Retirement Concerns Still Abound Financial confidence has steadily declined for five straight years, reflecting growing pressure on everyday budgets. In 2020, 83% of adults believed they could afford the life they wanted. By 2025, that number had dropped to 70%. Even more concerning, only 61% now feel confident they will reach their retirement savings goals. This drop is tied to familiar challenges. Rising prices are forcing many people to prioritize daily expenses instead of long-term goals. As inflation increases the cost of essentials like housing, food and transportation, it has become harder for workers to keep up and save for the future. Millennials and Gen Xers in particular are feeling the pressure, as only 48% and 59%, respectively, say they are saving enough in a retirement account. Gen X is entering peak retirement planning years while juggling multiple financial responsibilities. Many are raising children, supporting aging parents and managing mortgages. Additionally, 62% of respondents worry that another financial crisis could derail their retirement strategy. Overall, financial confidence has taken a sharp dip. Inflation, debt and market instability have shaken many workers' sense of control over the future. Read More: Make a Plan for Retirement Even so, the Allianz study pointed to a key takeaway. The majority of those surveyed (96%) said developing a plan for the long term to see how much money they'll need is a key to financial success. 'Lack of financial confidence often is because of a lack of planning,' Kelly LaVigne, Allianz Life's vice president of consumer insights, said in the study's press release. 'To be able to feel confident about your ability to achieve long-term financial goals like retirement, you need to have a written strategy … Without a plan, you will never know if you are on track toward your dream retirement.' Retirement Readiness Is Possible Yet while many feel less confident, the study results reinforce that retirement readiness is possible, as over half are saving enough for retirement. To do so yourself, make sure you have an approach that is consistent, flexible and focused. Adjusting to changing circumstances without losing sight of long-term goals is also key. Regular retirement contributions, even modest ones, can build real momentum over time. Success is less about hitting a perfect number and more about making steady progress. Regardless of age or income, knowing where things stand is key. Online tools can help estimate needs, track savings and guide adjustments. While retirement plans vary from person to person, the core principles remain the same. Consistency matters, and many Americans are already moving in the right direction. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on Study Shows Over Half of Americans Are Saving Enough in Their Retirement Accounts — Are You? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
29 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Saskatchewan Tech Company Launches CabinPulse Cares Program, Donating Remote Monitoring Systems to Community Organizations Across Canada
The program addresses a critical need for community organizations operating on limited budgets while protecting valuable community assets from Canada's extreme weather conditions. Toccata, Inc., the Saskatchewan-based technology company behind CabinPulse remote monitoring systems, today announced the official launch of CabinPulse Cares, a charitable initiative providing free monitoring devices and service to qualifying non-profit organizations, community centres, and charitable institutions across Canada. Toccata, Inc., the Saskatchewan-based technology company behind CabinPulse remote monitoring systems, today announced the official launch of CabinPulse Cares, a charitable initiative providing free monitoring devices and service to qualifying non-profit organizations, community centres, and charitable institutions across Canada. The program addresses a critical need for community organizations operating on limited budgets while protecting valuable community assets from Canada's extreme weather conditions. From prairie blizzards to coastal storms, Canadian communities face unique environmental challenges that can cause costly damage through temperature extremes, power outages, and other environmental threats. This need is particularly acute in rural communities, where strong community spaces often serve as vital gathering points but may lack reliable internet infrastructure. ' We believe every community space deserves protection,' said Noah Little, a representative from Toccata, Inc. " Many of the organizations that serve as the backbone of our communities – churches, volunteer fire departments, food banks, and community centres – operate on limited budgets while providing essential services. Through CabinPulse Cares, we're ensuring these vital spaces have the same level of protection as any commercial property. ' Program Details Qualifying organizations receive a complete protection package at no charge including: The combined value of over $500 represents a significant investment in property protection. The device monitors temperature, humidity, power outages, and air quality without requiring any existing wireless infrastructure like WiFi, making it perfect for rural community buildings, remote locations, or facilities with limited internet connectivity. The cellular-connected device can provide instant alerts via text and email to multiple people when issues are detected, helping prevent damage from frozen pipes, power failures, or environmental hazards – especially critical during Canada's harsh winters. Eligible Organizations CabinPulse Cares is available exclusively to Canadian organizations including: Supporting Canadian Communities The program reflects Toccata's commitment to giving back to the communities that make Canada strong. From bustling urban centres to remote rural towns, Canadian communities are defined by their resilience and the vital spaces where people gather. By focusing on organizations that provide essential services, CabinPulse Cares helps ensure that community spaces remain operational and protected year-round, particularly during harsh Canadian winters when environmental monitoring becomes critical for preventing costly damage. The system's ability to operate without existing wireless infrastructure makes it uniquely suited for rural and remote community buildings that form the heart of Canada's smaller communities. Application Process Organizations are invited to apply online at Applications are reviewed monthly, with recipients selected based on community impact and demonstrated need. The streamlined application asks organizations to describe their mission, community impact, and how remote monitoring would benefit their operations. About CabinPulse CabinPulse is a cellular-connected monitoring system designed and assembled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The device provides reliable remote monitoring for temperature, humidity, power outages, and air quality without requiring WiFi or any existing wireless infrastructure, and features simple installation. CabinPulse serves property owners, managers, and organizations who need dependable monitoring for remote or unattended locations. About Toccata, Inc. Founded in 2022, Toccata, Inc. is a Saskatchewan-based technology company focused on creating reliable, user-friendly solutions for real-world problems. The company remains committed to its mission of making remote property monitoring simple, reliable, and affordable for everyone. For more information about CabinPulse Cares or to apply for the program, visit Media Contact Company Name: CabinPulse Contact Person: Media Contact Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Saskatchewan Tech Company Launches CabinPulse Cares Program, Donating Remote Monitoring Systems to Community Organizations Across Canada
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Education layoffs, royal book, Emmy nominations, rising wedding costs: The week in review
High court OKs education cuts The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 14 that the Trump administration could move forward with laying off more than 1,300 Education Department workers. The staffers, whose responsibilities included helping protect students and teachers from discrimination, assisting college financial aid offices and compiling data about the nation's schools, were laid off in March. The Supreme Court's green light came with caveats, though: The justices didn't rule on the merits of the case. They only allowed the agency to carry out the layoffs while a legal challenge proceeds. Queen bonded with presidents A new book aims to show Britain's Queen Elizabeth II wasn't just a woman in a colorful hat. The queen, whose 70-year reign made her the nation's longest-ruling monarch, met 13 sitting U.S. presidents over her lifetime, more than any other American or foreign head of state. 'The Queen and Her Presidents' will be published by HarperCollins on April 14, just days before the 100th anniversary of the queen's birth. It is written by Susan Page, USA TODAY's Washington bureau chief. It will chronicle her transformation from a shy, anxious princess to a powerful and persuasive leader and will provide candid assessments of America's commanders-in-chief. Saying I do to higher costs Wedding season is in full swing and if invites are stacking up, celebrating friends and family can turn into a budgeting problem fast. Between travel, accommodations, gifts and attire, guests spent $610 on average to attend a wedding in 2024, according to a study by The Knot, a wedding resources website. Of course, the amount guests spend depends on whether they need to travel. On average, guests spend $270 for a local wedding, $840 when they drive to an out-of-town wedding, and $1,680 when flights are required to reach the venue. The average wedding gift cost guests $150 in 2024, $10 less than in previous years. 'Severance' leads Emmy nominations The Emmy nominations are here! Apple TV+'s drama "Severance" leads the mentions with an impressive 27 nods, followed by HBO Max's "The Penguin" with 24. Apple's "The Studio" and HBO's "The White Lotus" tied for third place with 23 honors, and HBO's "The Last of Us" earned 16 nominations. "The Studio" also tied the record set in 2024 by "The Bear" for most nominations for a comedy series. Harrison Ford, 83, earned his first Emmy nod for his role as the ornery therapist on Apple TV's "Shrinking" (seven nominations). Rays may be sold for $1.7B Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg has agreed in principle to sell the MLB team to a group headed by Jacksonville, Florida, developer Patrick Zalupski for roughly $1.7 billion, according to a report by The Athletic. The agreement comes just four months after the Rays backed away from a deal to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, near the site of their longtime home, Tropicana Field. The deal is expected to be completed as soon as September, an unnamed source told The Athletic, with the club remaining in the Tampa Bay area. ‒ Compiled by Michael B. Smith, copy editor This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Week in review: Education layoffs, Emmy nominations, MLB Rays sale
