Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. With the rising cost of fuel across the NWT my constituents in Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e are going to feel the crunch this winter. It is certainly even possible that many residents of Tu Nedhe who are under 60 years old and not eligible for the seniors’ fuel subsidy will not be able to heat their homes all winter and pay for their fuel bills.
Certainly in both communities of Tu Nedhe, most have a fuel fired heating system in their homes. If they cannot pay for their fuel bills, they will have no heat this winter.
This government has recognized that reducing the use of fuel to heat homes has positive aspects, including the reduction of greenhouse gases and the reduction of the dependency on high priced products to heat their homes and that also damages our environment. To that end, the government is willing to examine various initiatives that will combat the high cost of energy and the overall cost of living for residents of the NWT. However, many of these planned initiatives are long term and will not have an immediate impact on the households of Tu Nedhe.
Today one way of having an immediate impact on the residents of Tu Nedhe is to provide alternative heating sources to the residents. Simply put, residents cannot afford to heat their homes all winter with fuel. Rebates are good for most residents who can drive to the local store and purchase a stove. However, in Tu Nedhe residents will need more government support to obtain wood stoves to heat their homes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Members’ statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
