Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government is in the business of providing programs and services to the people we represent. There are many programs that are designed to help the old, the young and the infirm. These programs and services must be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they remain relevant and meet the needs of the people they are supposed to serve.

One such program, Mr. Speaker, is the Seniors' Fuel Subsidy Program administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Since its inception, this program has been a valuable aid to the seniors in the Northwest Territories in helping them maintain their independence in their own homes. However, Mr. Speaker, there is a need to review this program to ensure that the needs of the seniors and their families continue to be met. The program has not been improved since 1997. The maximum income that each senior's household is allowed needs to be adjusted higher to take into account inflation and a huge increase in fuel and oil prices in this year alone.

Mr. Speaker, in the communities I represent, any household who earns more than $30,744 per year is not entitled to any assistance under this program. I challenge the Members present to consider whether they would be able to pay taxes, buy food, pay bills and keep a roof over their heads on this amount.

Mr. Speaker, government programs should be designed to ensure that they serve everyone in a fair and equitable manner. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, what guidelines does this government have in place to ensure that all our seniors will be able to meet their heat and fuel demands this year?

It has been four years since this subsidy was introduced. I believe it is time to review this issue in light of the rise in fuel costs. We have to measure whether or not the subsidy is still enough. We shall also be revisiting the ceiling set to see if they are still adequate. Is this $30,744 still a realistic family income to use as a cut-off or should we look at raising it to an amount more in tune with what is required by the seniors to maintain their independence?

Mr. Speaker, I will be following up with the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment during question period to determine whether he believes that the Seniors' Fuel Subsidy Program is being delivered in a fair and equitable manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.