Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today on the programs and services that we have in place to support our seniors. Mr. Speaker, the seniors' home heating subsidy program is something that our seniors look forward to, but Mr. Speaker, from the information I have received, almost 50 percent of the people in my communities are either being rejected or told to appeal the decision. In most cases, it is because of income information.
Mr. Speaker, the seniors home heat subsidy helps low-income Northerners aged 60 and over who own their own homes to offset the high cost of heating during the winter months. The criteria, Mr. Speaker, in order to receive the subsidy, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- • Meet the approved household income test;
- • Be a homeowner and principle resident of the home;
- • Must be 60 years and over and a resident of the Northwest Territories; and
- • Must not be eligible for income support or social assistance.
Mr. Speaker, the problem I see with the program as it is being delivered today, is the whole concept of that information that is needed to classify yourself in regard to your income...(inaudible)...., which is to qualify for seniors heat subsidy program, the applicant's maximum allowed household income for that year, it is line 236 of the federal income tax return, will not be more than what the maximums are set at.
Mr. Speaker, everyone knows that when you file your income tax, it is for the previous year. It is not for the year that we are in. The people who apply for the fuel subsidy program is within the year that we are in. That is the injustice that I see with this program as it is being delivered today.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate as a government to clear up this injustice to ensure our seniors do enjoy their time that they have remaining with us, but also ensure that the benefit is being delivered fairly. Right now, the way it is being delivered is unjust because of having to deal with federal income tax returns. The program should be based on the year that you apply for, and the income should be based on actual income of the day that you applied for the program.
Mr. Speaker, with that, I will be asking the Minister responsible for this program questions on it later. Thank you.