Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
- How were the maximum annual fuel amounts for the various types of fuel arrived at and how do they compare to the actual amounts needed to heat homes, in particular older homes which are not as heat efficient as the newer homes?
- How were the income thresholds for the subsidy arrived at, have they been updated to keep up with the cost of living, and how do they compare with the seniors' actual incomes?
- With respect to the income thresholds, what is the rationale for taking away 25 percent of this subsidy for approximately each additional $250 worth of income; is $250 typically enough to cover the cost of 25 percent of the maximum fuel amounts?
Thank you.