Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to return to an issue that I’ve raised before and spoke on in Committee of the Whole yesterday. I want to speak about eligibility issues with the seniors home heating subsidy that was raised during my tour of the constituency in January.
It is not uncommon for an adult son or daughter of an elder to live in their parent’s home, and it can be very helpful as it means there will be someone in the house who can help them in difficult situations. Also, I do have an instance where a family member does not actually live in the home but does stay there for a few days a month, and not every month, Mr. Speaker.
When a family member moves in, even temporarily, the guidelines affect the amount of fuel a senior receives. They then have to pay for fuel at their own expense. This is a large expense for a person living on old age security. Also, fuel support is denied because of paperwork required for household income. If some has genuinely had no work in the previous year, I believe that having use of a statutory declaration document should be sufficient until they complete their income tax, which can take time. Today is when the elder needs fuel, not one month from now. They need fuel at the start of the winter season, not in February or March when taxation forms arrive.
I have a frustrated constituent of an elder who believes that our system is broken if we cannot be flexible and understanding. It used to be that elders received five cords of wood for the winter and there was no taking it back if someone moved in. In some cases elders are taking in homeless relatives and addressing a problem that our Housing Corporation identifies as one of its greatest challenges. Also, it does cost our government money to house the homeless. If a senior is generous enough to share his or her home with a homeless relative, surely we can change the policy to reflect this. We should make an exception where elders’ needs are better met living in their own home with a family member.
I urge the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to review the strict guidelines of household residents and requirements of taxation notices of assessment and find a better alternative to take care of the needs of our elderly and seniors. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
