NDP leader calls on Houston government to restore heating rebate

Opposition Leader Claudia Chender says scaling back this program at a moment when the average household has seen power rates rise an average of $400 in the past five years (with another rate hike on the way) shows the government is “divorced from the reality people are living every day.”

“Against this backdrop, not only is the Houston government refusing to help Nova Scotians,” Chender said on Wednesday. “Last week, they cut hundreds of dollars from people counting on the Heating Assistance Rebate Program. Forty-six thousand people have been kicked off the program entirely, and this must be reversed.”

Chender said that not only does this province have the highest poverty rate, but a poll conducted by Royal Bank of Canada last November showed Nova Scotians believe the cost of living is the most important issue they face. In addition, 75% of Nova Scotians polled said they were struggling to afford costs, while 64% said they are spending all of their income on bills. 

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