Cathy Bennett announces online budget tool to offset 'misinformation' spread by opposition

In an attempt to allay fears over the latest budget, the Newfoundland and Labrador government is rolling out a new online tool for low-income earners tohelp themplan their finances.

• Full coverage: Newfoundland and Labrador Budget 2016

Finance Minister Cathy Bennett told reporters on Thursday that over the past few days the government has been developing and testing the new tool, which will serve as a calculator of sorts where seniors, low income earners and people with disabilities can factor new 2016 budget measures into their own personal financial plans.

"They can put their income in and they'll be able to see not only the amount of the Newfoundland income supplement they will be eligible for, but we've also described the payment schedule," Bennett said.

"So they'll know exactly when they can expect these payments, exactly how the payments will be made in October and then January and then following through."

Bennett said the tool is in response to what she describes as 'misinformation' being proliferated by the opposition parties regarding the latest budget.

"I think the difficult decisions we've had to make in this budget made it very difficult to hear and also made it very difficult to communicate," she said.

"Whether or not this budget was properly communicated I will leave that for the history books. Right now my concern is focusing on the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and making sure we're fixing the fiscal situationwe are faced with."

Not for higher earners

Bennett said the budget tool is only relevant to those making $45,000 or less per year,and doesn't factor in the deficit reduction levy that earners in that bracket will have to pay.

Despite being pressed by reporters on why the tool isn't designed for those with higher incomes, the finance minister said publicly available tax tables will suffice for that.

With opposition to the budget mounting with province-wide protests and social media outcry, Bennett is hopeful the online tool will help to reassure people that the budget measures are necessary and not as bad as the opposition is saying.

"I have a tremendous amount of empathy for the people of the province that are struggling and worrying about the budget decisions," she said.

"The total tax increases bring us back to 2006 levels, we're still competitive in Atlantic Canada, and those messages are something we think it's important for people to understand."

Opposition reacts

After Bennett laid out the details of the online budget tool, the PCs released a statement criticising the lack of clarificationabout when it will be available or how it will work,and slamming the Liberals attempt to push the blame on the opposition for confusion surrounding the budget.

"It is the Minister of Finance and the Premier who are fuelling the confusion and worry that is gripping people throughout the province today, as families try desperately to calculate the impact of this Liberal budget on them and their loved ones," wrote PC finance critic Keith Hutchings.

"Is it any wonder people are outraged? The Liberals have no plan and no answers. They are simply not ready, and making it up as they go along."