Staying with somebody for three days doesn’t make them a resident of that household, Mr. Chair, and I would take objection to that. You really have to have a look at the program guidelines and procedures. It’s really unfair to the elder, because the fact of the matter is, like, February they usually get their fuel delivered in December and up until now they have to use whatever little old age security pension that they do get and it’s tough in the communities, and somebody determining that somebody who stayed there for two days is a household member. Who makes that determination? That’s what I’m trying to say.
Most particularly, in this case, the senior was approved and then they changed their mind. If there are clear guidelines and procedures, then I think that we can avoid a lot of this. It just does not make sense and it’s not fair in this case, Mr. Chair. I don’t know how they’re going to address it. I continue to press the matter with the Minister’s office on this one. In fact, this senior is actually disabled and they’re saying they’re waiting for her to come to their office. She’s got no access to vehicles or anything like that. That’s incredible that the staff is unwilling to do home visits to check on this matter. This is the kind of stuff that frustrates myself as the MLA and community leaders and the whole family. I continue to press the matter. I know that this is not the nephew or whoever’s household. Passing through town doesn’t make it their normal household. I have to use my dismayed word again there, Mr. Chair.
Anyway, I’ll continue to press the matter and I’d like the Minister to really review the income security guidelines and procedures, especially for home heating subsidies, and there are many other grey areas out there that have to be reviewed. Yes, they’re trying to do the policy thing, but it’s a senior at home that’s suffering, Mr. Chair, and they’re broke and family members are doing their best to use whatever income they have to help that person with fuel. Thank you.