We tried to look at it more in a fairness and equitable manner, because I couldn't really justify how the funding was provided beforehand. We used a market basket figure to look at how the communities are, so looking at similar costs between communities of the cost of living to define how we would do it.

In zone 1, a person who is making $56,000 or less is entitled to an annual amount of $2,700 a year. In zone 2, someone who is making $64,000 or less is entitled to $3,600 a year in fuel subsidy. In zone 3, which is our most isolated communities, someone making an annual income of $73,000 or less is entitled to a subsidy of $4,200. Remembering this is a subsidy program, it is not meant to cover the full cost. If people fall under that and they are still struggling, though, they should consider other programs, such as income support. Come to us. We will see if we can help you.