Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to comment today on the proposed Fuel Rebate Program. Yesterday, I received a letter from the Minister of Finance telling me I basically had 24 hours to make some comments or suggestions and that was about it. I am going to reiterate some of the things I have said.
We need an equitable program, Mr. Speaker. We mentioned graduated rebates. We think this would help. It would still put the money into the hands of those who need it the most. They would get the most money, Mr. Speaker. Furthermore, unlike the current proposed program, it would not ignore 75 percent of our households.
I also think those paying fuel bills or those who have seen a rent increase should get the rebates. We should not just be putting this money out there with no rhyme or reason as to who should qualify. We are calling it a fuel rebate, Mr. Speaker, but I believe right now, there is a tenuous link at best to fuel prices.
I would like to comment on administration. In the administration package, it asks you to make a declaration that says, "I solemnly swear this is my household income" and furthermore, if you are not telling the truth, Mr. Speaker, it says the application might be rejected or you might have to give the money back.
I know the Finance Minister will say that 99 percent of people are honest. I believe him and I think that is true, but I am wondering why we could not have people include their income tax filing from last year, Mr. Speaker. There will be that small percentage of people who choose to file even though they are over the cutoff.
I had a constituent call me and said, "Listen, I make more money than the cutoff and I do not mind that I will not get the rebate, but I want to know the guy down the street making $120,000 a year is not going to be getting this," because we do not have the capacity to audit.
Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister has good intentions, but good intentions and a bus pass will get you on the bus, Mr. Speaker. I think this deserves more than a quick and dirty approach. We certainly cannot put up a sign that says free money and expect the program to administer itself. There has to be a direct link to those who have felt fuel price increases this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause