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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says that it appears the federal government
will be bringing forth an energy program later this week to deal with the
high cost of heating. Reid is calling upon the provincial government to also
develop a plan that will provide rebates to low income earners and seniors,
but also implement a tax relief program that will benefit everyone in the
province by eliminating the HST on electricity and home heating fuel. "Now
that the federal government has finally realized that they must act to help
the people of this country deal with the increasing cost of energy, it is
time the province followed suit," said Mr. Reid. "With the dramatic
increases in the cost of home heating fuel and electricity, it is obvious
that a $250 rebate will do little to help low income earners and seniors
heat their homes this winter. It will also do nothing to help the thousands
of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who would not qualify for this program,
but are still struggling to make ends meet. I am once again encouraging
government to remove the HST on electricity and home heating fuel so that
everyone in the province gets a break on their increased heating bills this
winter.
"It is not acceptable for government to rake in extra profits on the
backs of the people of the province this winter. The increases in the cost
of energy were not budgeted by government and as the price continues to go
up, government will collect more money in HST. This will increase everyone’s
heating bill this winter. Instead of making excuses and continuing to
collect these taxes, it is time the province did something and eliminated
these increases. This would help every Newfoundlander and Labradorian heat
their homes properly this winter without having to sacrifice other basic
needs.
"We have been calling upon government to do something to address the
increasing cost of energy for almost six months. To date, even though they
promised relief while in Opposition, this government refuses to eliminate or
reduce the taxes on energy. Heating a home in this province is not a luxury,
it is a necessity. I suggest Minister Sullivan and Premier Williams think
about the difficult impact their inaction will have on the people of this
province this winter. It is fine to collect record tax profits, but it is
not fair to make these profits on the backs of the people who will spend
this winter in the cold."
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