Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I will be addressing heating and fuel, affordable fuel for all residents and fuel subsidies for our elders. Last week, many of us identified and discussed the skyrocketing costs of fuel. I have reservations as to the Minister's approach to these problems, Mr. Speaker, by launching another information campaign to the residents to reduce their usage of energy as an immediate solution. Most changes such as these require time and start-up costs. The Arctic Energy Alliance has been campaigning on these issues already. Thirdly, who really benefits from these campaigns? Mainly communications and consulting firms; not our residents. Rebates can be delivered to the residents in many ways across the territory: lower retail fuel costs in the communities, not higher; more flexibility in the home heating subsidy programs; and additional funding for smaller communities to assist with fuel expenses.
I would like to reiterate, Mr. Speaker, that no one should ever have to choose between food and heat. Mr. Speaker, that is happening today in our communities throughout the Territories. Seniors often need special care, and in response, family members assist and live at the elder's home permanently or temporarily. During this time, benefits and programs must not be denied to them. Without this very important program, the extraordinary heating costs experienced in the North would be overwhelming for the elders and others with limited income.
This year, the GNWT will be increasing the cost of fuel in many communities. The rationale given is external conditions. If the GNWT purchases and delivers the fuel once or twice a year far in advance, then the current market conditions should not influence the overall price.
Secondly, if, and only if, the GNWT is projecting a revenue surplus to offset the operating costs, then why are small communities bearing the brunt of this change? Why are we raising our fuel costs when everywhere else in the world is dropping, Mr. Speaker? We need to maintain our comprehensive strategy, not recover the costs from the little communities and the people who have no long-term fixed incomes, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.
---Applause