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Anna Thistle, MHA for the District of Grand Falls-Buchans and Opposition
Critic for Finance, charges that the provincial government has not been as
responsive or far-reaching as other Atlantic provinces in providing relief
to consumers from high energy prices. The province of Nova Scotia
announced in its 2006-2007 budget that it will provide an 8 per cent rebate
on a wide range of fuels, including electricity, for residential heating
regardless of family income. The rebate is equivalent to the value of the
provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Taxes(HST). In its 2006-2007
budget, the province of New Brunswick also committed to a full rebate of the
provincial portion of the HST on electricity and other home heating sources.
"Despite continuous questioning and pressure from members of the Liberal
Opposition, this government refuses to bend to the will of the people and
broaden the scope of its inefficient rebate program," states Thistle. "As it
stands now, only those in our province whose household income is $30,000 or
less and whose primary heat source is home heating fuel receive any sort of
benefit from the government’s paltry program.
"If any province deserves to have the maximum benefit of any rebate
program, it ought to be this province as we are generally burdened with the
highest cost of taxation and highest provincial fuel costs in the country.
"The challenge of meeting the rising daily cost of living for most
individuals and families is becoming a significant social, economic and
health issue. The government seems not to understand nor appreciate just how
tough it is to keep up with living expenses even for those whose income are
considered average or above average. Other provinces have heard the clear
message of families needing more comprehensive assistance to meet the
ongoing challenge of energy costs, but unfortunately the call for increased
benefits is falling on deaf ears in this province.
"This is the same government that also refuses to provide any relief at
the gas pumps, even though it is reaping millions of dollars in taxation
benefits and has a surplus of $76 million on the books. Ironically, as well,
this is the same government that ran an election on addressing the real
issues of the people. Well, it’s about time for them to get real on this
issue and give consumers a much-deserved deal."
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