We are all aware that the vast majority of our seniors live on a fixed income. Some are lucky and have indexed pensions from working for the government. Others do not. Whatever the seniors' situation, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that their purchasing power has not kept pace with their cost. My problem with the way the seniors' fuel subsidy works is its eligibility requirements. To be eligible, you must have an income of a set amount. For the communities I represent, the figure is set at $31,000 per household per year. If you make more than that, you do not qualify for the fuel subsidy.
The seniors' fuel subsidy is a great program, but the requirements have not been adjusted lately and consequently, have not kept pace with inflation. Mr. Speaker, this means that there are senior households grossing $31,000 in income that are facing crippling price increases in the cost of energy. The cost of heating fuel has increased by over 50 percent. The cost of electricity will be going up in the near future.
I challenge the Minister to explain how a man and wife can maintain a house, meet the rising costs of energy and put food on the table on a pre-tax income of $31,000. I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that for a couple, a figure of $50,000 in pre-tax income would be more appropriate as a minimum access threshold to the fuel subsidy.
It is time, Mr. Speaker, to evaluate the seniors' fuel subsidy to make sure it is meeting the needs of our elders to make sure that there are no seniors who are being forced into poverty because of decreases in their purchasing power. I will be following up on the Minister on this important matter during question period. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause