Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past December and January, I had the opportunity to visit the communities in Nahendeh to discuss various issues and concerns, including the Seniors' Home Heating Subsidy program.
Mr. Speaker, elders from my riding have serious concerns regarding a recent change to this program. It is my understanding that the department is now issuing a fuel subsidy in a dollar amount, as opposed to litres. In 2017, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment conducted a review that examined all aspects of the program, including income threshold zones, fuel allocations, and levels of support.
The review included meeting with the NWT Seniors' Society. However, in speaking with the elders in Nahendeh, they do not remember being consulted about the change. As a result of the program review, ECE immediately implemented changes to the program effective April 1, 2018, which includes increasing eligibility thresholds, extending the program to seniors who rent, and changes for the fuel allocation program to a monetary-based subsidy.
Mr. Speaker, consequently, changes from litres to monetary amount caused many elders to run out of their allotment by February, resulting in having additional costs to themselves. This is why more seniors are beginning the next season with an empty tank. This one change equates to elders going through their allocation subsidies much earlier than they would if they were issued a subsidy in litres. Given the increase in fuel prices, this is a serious concern.
Many of the elders are currently struggling financially and are now finding themselves having to pay for heating and fuel costs on their fixed income. This finds them struggling to find the funds to heat their home, as allocation amounts will not last to March 31st.
If you look at the subsidy, Mr. Speaker, in Fort Simpson, it is $2,700 in cash, which works out to 2,143 litres. That is a difference in the 2,800 litres.
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe our elders would agree this new change is something that they agree is a good way to save the cost of living. Later, I will have questions for the Minister of ECE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.