Mr. Speaker, our society encourages individuals to be productive and go out and earn a living to provide for their families. Our seniors have saved all their lives and have been productive members of our society. Mr. Speaker, when they reach retirement these same seniors quickly find out that they do not qualify for government programs for seniors because they have worked hard and followed all the rules. They are damned if they do and they are damned if they don't, Mr. Speaker.

I commend the Minister of Education and his departmental officials for this year instituting a sliding scale for the Seniors' Fossil Fuel Subsidy. It is very welcome news for both myself and the constituents that I represent. Apparently someone is listening. I certainly hope, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister of Housing is listening to the needs of seniors and that he agrees to take the measures to allow more seniors to access the Housing Corporation's Senior Citizens Home Repair Program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause