Montreal - Anti-poverty advocates say the one-time inflation relief payments announced by provinces including Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are a missed opportunity to help those most in need.

Doug Pauzé, executive director of the anti-poverty group based in Newfoundland, says that while every dollar distributed helps those living in poverty, one-time payments do not meet people's ongoing needs.

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced last week that it will send $500 cheques to all residents who earned less than $100,000 last year, with those earning up to $125,000 receiving smaller cheques.

Dan Meeds, regional coordinator for the Transitional Housing Association in Newfoundland and Labrador, says government assistance should target those most in need and not be given to families earning up to a quarter of a million dollars annually.

Quebec, which sent $500 cheques to most residents earlier this year, will send an additional $400 in December to all residents earning less than $100,000, with those earning less than $50,000 receiving $600.

Saskatchewan plans to send $500 payments to all residents this fall. Ivan Soufis, spokesperson for Quebec Premier François Legault, says the rising cost of living affects all Quebec residents and that the province is increasing funding to build social and affordable housing as well as food banks.

Editing: Yusra Bamtraf