Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In our communities, we recognize our elders as our most prized resources. They guide us and give us strength to do the best we can in helping others to live a productive life. In return, we make sure that they are looked after and cared for during their golden years. But this government is taking a totally different approach. This government is looking out for the young and able, while the elders are left to fend for themselves with the limited assistance that they receive for home heating fuel while being on a fixed income. In total, we have 52 recipients who take advantage of this program within the Mackenzie Delta region. That is not very much to accommodate.
Mr. Speaker, not too long ago, the elders were struggling to survive on $1,000 per month for heating fuel. Then this government decided that this was too much, so they cut the seniors fuel subsidy to $750 per month. In Aklavik, the price of heating fuel is $2.68 per litre. The seniors on fuel subsidy are given a modest discount of 5 cents per litre. With a price set at $2.63, most, if not all the seniors, have to pay up to $2,000 out of their fixed income just to make sure that they have fuel to make it to the next month.
Mr. Speaker, let's put this into perspective. Given the amount allocated to the seniors for heating fuel to keep their homes from freezing up in the colder months of the year, the amount of fuel is less than two 45gallon barrels of fuel for the whole month. Again, the elders have to ensure that they have enough fuel for the entire month. They have to pay out of their own pockets. To me, there is something wrong with this picture.
Mr. Speaker, it is time for this government to step up and start looking after the elders of the Northwest Territories. This government has to do the honourable thing and recalculate how they allocate the seniors fuel subsidy program based on the steadily increase in price of heating fuel. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Increasing price of heating fuel, high cost of living, and the harsh environment that we live in.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, our greatest resources that we have is our elders. It is time that we as government start to look out for the elders more seriously and make sure that they are living in a secure home. The elders truly deserve to live in a comfortable life because they are the ones who paved the road that we walk on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
