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7 ways the Newfoundland and Labrador budget could affect you

There's no doubt about it: this year's budget will be felt just about everywhere.

Baby bonuses axed, fees hiked in budget 2016

Just about everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador will be affected in some way by the 2016 budget. (CBC)

There's no doubt about it: this year's budget will be felt just about everywhere.

The $1.83-billion deficit and subsequent fallout shouldn't come as a complete shock, as the Newfoundland and Labrador government has been warning about it since taking office last December. 

If you own a car — you'll pay more. If you angle for salmon — yup, you'll pay more.

And if you use a ferry to go to and from your community — you guessed it, you'll pay more.

Bye, bye baby bonus

There's bad news for any parent who relies heavily on the province's parental benefits program — or in other words, baby bonuses.

The Progressive Family Growth Benefit provided parents with a $1,000 lump sum payment to residents of the province who give birth to a baby or have a child placed with them for adoption.

The benefit came into effect in 2008, but has been cut in this year's budget.

As well, parents will no longer receive the $100 monthly payment for the first year of their child's life.

This cost-saving measure will result in $10.4 million in annual savings. It's noted in budget documents that the parental program is not offered in other provinces.

Like salmon? Too bad.

Last year, it was moose hunters who felt a hit in the pocketbook. This time, it's salmon anglers' turn.

The cost of owning a salmon licence has increased by $6. Non-residents will pay $27 more in order to fish for salmon. (Robert F. Bukaty and Jason Leighton/Associated Press)

The cost for an individual salmon licence is going up by $6, effective at the beginning of the 2016-17 season.

The cost is even more if you're not a provincial resident.

Trout and wolf licence fees will also be increased.

Don't get caught texting and driving

If you needed another reason not to drive while distracted, this budget will do it.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety is increasing the amount of money offenders pay for distracted driving convictions.

The maximum fine was $400, but repeat offenders can now expect to face fines upwards of $750.

Can waiting at motor vehicle registration get any more painful? Of course!

Speaking of driving, that will cost more regardless if you're a hazard on the road or not.

Registration fees for personal and commercial vehicles as well as motorcycles have increased. (CBC)

It will now cost $180 to register a passenger vehicle, or a hike of $40. It's cheaper if you do it all online.

Commercial vehicles will cost 12.5 per cent more to register.

Fee changes will come into effect on May. 1.

Life, death and marriage will cost you ... more

Congratulations, you've given birth. Now, hand the province $35 (unless you do it online, in which case you get a $5 discount).

Like birth certificates, the cost of marriage and death certificates will rise from $20 to $35 - $30 if you do it online.

The cost of a marriage licence has also gone up by $50.

All aboard!

Residents who rely on provincial ferries to travel to and from their communities can add a couple more dollars to their pocket before heading onboard.

Despite the many issues plaguing old (and new) ferries, the cost of travelling on one has hiked.

The MV Veteran services the Fogo Island-Change Island run. (Chris Ensing/CBC)

Depending on where you live, residents can expect to be paying as much as several dollars more per one-way trip.

Camping and parks

There will be new fees introduced and old fees hiked for access to parks and campgrounds across the province.

Starting in the 2017-18 season, entry fees will be introduced for the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve and Mistaken Point.

Camping at Pippy Park will cost slightly more, while nightly and daily camping fees have risen by a couple of dollars.

Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can expect to pay more, while getting less. (Ariana Kelland/CBC)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ariana Kelland

Investigative reporter

Ariana Kelland is a reporter with the CBC Newfoundland and Labrador bureau in St. John's. She is working as a member of CBC's Atlantic Investigative Unit. Email: [email protected]