Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the last session of this Assembly, a motion was passed to reinstate the Seniors' Fossil Fuel Subsidy Program. The motion also made several recommendations about how to revise the program. Since that time, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has consulted with stakeholders to redesign the program so that it offers the best possible fit between the needs of NWT seniors and the financial constraints of this government. Today, I would like to again confirm to this Assembly that the subsidy will continue for this year, with a few changes.

Following the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Social Programs and the Seniors Advisory Council, the fuel subsidy will be indexed. The indexing system will use three delivery zones, which are based on the income support food allowance areas. Zone 1 includes communities in which the cost of living is the lowest, while Zone 3 includes the communities in which the cost of living is the highest.

Eligibility for the program will now be based on a household income test, rather than income of the homeowner. Because of this change, there will be no distinction between singles and families when determining eligibility. In the past, the income limit for single people was $12,972. The lowest limit of household income will now be $30,744 in Zone 1. The limit for household income in Zone 2 will be $35,000 and in Zone 3 it will be $39,000.

The department is proposing to find funds from within the existing Income Support Program to continue this program, rather than introduce any further actions, such as increasing the rents in public housing. Following the direction of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is participating in the review of seniors' programs to ensure they are equitable and provide access to services for those who need them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause