"We are approaching the time of year when home heating fuel prices and consumption of energy traditionally increase and the pressure on consumers starts for the winter season," said Thistle. "The Blue Book promised to introduce a special needs assistance program of up to $250 to assist with home heating costs for low income earners (page 11) and Minister Sullivan himself called for a permanent home heating rebate program to be put into place on March 26, 2003 during a Private Members Debate in the House of Assembly. I am asking that he implement that program now so that consumers can be better prepared to budget for the hard winter months.

"While I acknowledge that government is in a cost savings mind-set, it is also imperative to consider the plight of the many people who must choose between food, clothing, heat and other essential items during the winter months. Under past Liberal governments, an annual home heating fuel rebate program had been put in place. Minister Sullivan suggested that this program become permanent and he is now in the position to make this a reality for the public.

"Electricity rates have risen this year by 10 per cent and there is wide-spread speculation that recent pressures on world oil prices will translate into higher heating costs this winter. A year ago, Minister Sullivan voiced his support for expanding the old program to include people who heat their homes using other sources such as wood and electricity.

"We know the pressure on consumers will be especially hard this year and I am now asking Minister Sullivan to protect low income earners in this province and introduce a permanent program that he obviously supported just a year ago."