Seniors and lower income earners continue to express their fear and dissatisfaction with government’s approach to registering and replacing fuel tanks in the province, says Opposition Environment and Conservation Critic Roland Butler, MHA for the District of Port de Grave.

Butler says he has received numerous calls from people who are struggling to comply with government’s fuel tank registration order. He also noted the concerns that were expressed to Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones during a recent visit to Nain where residents are fearful of the consequences if they are not able to meet the government order.

“This process has been ongoing for several years and the real problem appears to be the inability of some families to afford the full cost of a fuel tank replacement,” said Mr. Butler. “While government has a subsidy program that provides up to $300, the cost to the homeowner is still a thousand dollars or more; money that many people do not have.

“There must be greater consultation with the remaining individuals who have not registered their tanks in an effort to identify the problems that exist. I am certain that once the minister hears the stories of seniors struggling on a fixed income, northern Labrador residents who fear the onset of a cold winter, and low income earners who barely earn enough money to put food on the table, she will quickly realize that other options must be made available.

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