News release

Response to Wayne Gaudet's Statement on Fuel Assistance

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE NOVA SCOTIA/MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Response to Wayne Gaudet's Statement on Fuel Assistance


Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia, today said statements released this afternoon by Wayne Gaudet about the provincial and federal fuel rebate programs are off base.

"Mr. Gaudet's remarks are inaccurate and do not reflect the situation here in Nova Scotia," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Community Services clients who receive benefits under both the provincial and federal fuel-assistance programs will not have any of this money taken back; it is tax-exempt.

"The whole purpose of these programs is to help Nova Scotians. The unfortunate thing is Mr. Gaudet's comments could discourage the very people who need help the most from applying for provincial assistance and he will be responsible for that.

"Let me be clear--this income is exempt and is not considered part of the budget calculation for these clients."