Fuel Assistance Program Announced

Note to Editors: Mr. Christie will be available to the media from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. today, Jan. 17, at his constituency office, 1350 Bedford Highway, Ste. 5.

The Nova Scotia government is stepping in to help low income Nova Scotians deal with the high price of home heating fuel. Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, announced the financial assistance program today.

"We're well into the heating season and the rising cost of fuel is hurting low income Nova Scotians," Mr Christie said. "This assistance will help those Nova Scotians who most need it."

The Low Income Fuel Assistance Program will provide $50 to qualified families with a net income of $17,400 or less, single people earning $10,000 or less, recipients of income assistance, and seniors who receive the guaranteed income supplement or spouse's allowance. The assistance is available to qualified applicants who heat their homes with oil or propane.

"It's important that Nova Scotians who qualify apply for this help as quickly as possible. We know $50 is not going to insulate anyone from global petroleum market forces, but it will help those who need it most to keep warm this winter," Mr. Christie said.

Applications will be available at all Access Nova Scotia Centres, Community Services offices and Registry of Motor Vehicles locations starting Feb. 3. The 20,000 applicants who received assistance under the program two years ago will be mailed application forms to their 2001 address. Applications can also be obtained by calling 424-5200 in the Halifax area, or toll-free 1- 800-670-4357. The deadline for receiving applications will be March 31.

Applicants must include a copy of their 2001 income tax assessment forms from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and a copy of a recent fuel bill (oil or propane). Canada Customs and Revenue officials will work with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations staff to verify the income of applicants if income tax assessment forms are not immediately available.

Nova Scotians impacted by high fuel prices should shop around for a fuel supplier that best fits their needs, said Mr. Christie. Some companies will deliver as little as $100 worth of oil and some offer a discount if the customer pays cash on delivery. For next winter, consumers should consider the benefits of locking in their price for the year, a feature usually offered in the fall by some fuel suppliers.