NDP leader slams cuts to Nova Scotia home heating rebate program

The Nova Scotia NDP is criticizing cuts to the home heating rebate program.

Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender says the Progressive Conservative government’s changes to eligibility for an annual heating rebate program are making life harder for families struggling with the rising cost of living.

Chender is calling on the province to reverse changes to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), which will see 46,000 fewer Nova Scotians qualify this year than last.

The rebate has also been reduced from a $600 one-time payment last winter to $400 this year.

Families with a net income up to $45,000 and single individuals earning up to $30,000 are now eligible for the one-time payment. It’s estimated the program will cost the province $32 million this year versus the more than $71 million last year.

Last year, more than 118,000 Nova Scotians received the rebate. This year, the province estimates just 72,000 households will qualify.

“What is the outcome when you kick 46,000 people, who are relying on a heating assistance rebate, off that program?” Chender said. “There are health costs, there are social services costs. This doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Nova Scotians are falling behind. And when Nova Scotians fall behind, there is a cost to government.”

Chender and the NDP are urging the province to reinstate last year’s HARP eligibility standards.

The province announced the changes to HARP on Friday afternoon, saying applications open in October and close at the end of March.

“The Heating Assistance Rebate Program is back to help with home heating costs and this year our focus will be on helping the most vulnerable citizens of our province.” said Jill Balser, minister of Service Nova Scotia, in a press statement. “We encourage all eligible Nova Scotians to take advantage of the program and apply. It’s one of the many support programs we deliver along with the Seniors’ Care Grant, the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors, Your Energy Rebate and more.”

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