The opposition Liberals have laid a tall task at the feet of the provincial government: it should cover the cost of school supplies for all of the younger kids.

Back-to-school time is upon us, and it can be a difficult proposition for some families as very few of the supplies needed go down in price.

Leader John Hogan says government can take a meaningful step toward addressing the rising cost of living by providing free school supplies for all K-9 students starting this September.

Hogan’s government put in place a $100 subsidy for the last school year when oil prices were modest compared to this year. Every extra dollar on a barrel of oil boosts government coffers by about $25-million.

Hogan also notes that revenue from a new Churchill Falls deal, which is expected soon, will give government additional leverage.