The president of Nunatsiavut is welcoming news of a home heating subsidy for seven coastal communities in Labrador.

The province is giving $500,000 for the initiative, which will be in place during the annual winter price freeze.

Johannes Lampe says the program will “certainly” be good for those who use oil heat and who have been struggling.

He says in the coldest months of the winter families could be paying between $500 and $600 per month to heat their homes. Referencing seniors specifically, he says that eats up a significant amount of their budget.