Government says a revision of its relocation policy is not about accelerating the shutdown of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

The percentage of full-time residents required to vote in favour of relocation has been lowered to 75 per cent from 90.

The definition of a permanent resident has also been clarified to mean someone living in the town for at least one year before the relocation request was submitted. As well, people living in personal care homes or retirement homes do not qualify as permanent residents.

Municipal Affairs Minister Krista Lynn Howell says the updated rules to relocate a community simply reflect current realities.

Howell says it’s not about shutting down rural Newfoundland. Rather, it’s about being there to support communities that are struggling to remain viabile and sustainable. She says if a community votes more than 75 per cent in favour of relocation, government should be there to assist.

The cost-benefit analysis for a request to relocate will be calculated over a 20-year time-frame only, and will require about $10-million in savings to government for a community to qualify.