Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to announce the following changes to the government's fuel rebate program.
First, provided that their combined income does not exceed $75,000, all households who are responsible for their own fuel costs will be eligible for a rebate of $320, while eligible apartment dwellers will qualify for a rebate of $150.
Second, a fifty percent rebate will now be available to households with a combined income between $75,000 and $85,000. This will provide a rebate of $160 to those living in a house and responsible for their own fuel costs and a rebate of $75 to eligible apartment dwellers. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce these changes in response to recommendations made by my colleagues in this House.
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All residents applying for the fuel rebate will be required to file a statutory declaration regarding their income and may be required to provide proof of payment for fuel.
Mr. Speaker, the NWT Housing Corporation will proceed with finalizing the program and providing information to the public. Details on how to apply, eligibility criteria, the relationship of rebate to tax and income support and so on will be made available to the public shortly through a press release and extensive backgrounder.
Mr. Speaker, we hope this one-time fuel rebate will help Northerners offset the high cost of fuel we have experienced this winter. Thank you.
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