Two MLAs say the threshold to qualify for the territory’s seniors’ home heating subsidy is too high, despite it having been raised this winter.
Speaking in the legislature last week, Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong said she’s heard from seniors that the subsidies available are too low to reflect the “real cost of living,” especially in isolated NWT communities.
Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers requested a cost analysis of what it would look like to double the income thresholds for the heating subsidy and the seniors’ home repair program.
“I think the majority who are applying – but don’t meet the criteria based on income – desperately need this assistance to ensure they can retire in the community where they have lived and worked all their lives,” said Rodgers.
Caitlin Cleveland, the minister responsible for the program, said the income threshold for the subsidy was already raised this winter in part thanks to Weyallon Armstrong’s advocacy.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Funding offered through the program, Cleveland said, is calculated on a regional basis, offering greater subsidies in communities in which it is more expensive to live and heat a home.
The updated income thresholds range from $66,000 to $87,000, depending on where the applicant lives, Cleveland said.
Other changes to the program this winter include updated fuel consumption data and price information to subsidize up to 80 percent of fuel costs, the minister added.
Asked by Weyallon Armstrong if the Department of Education, Culture and Employment would consider an automatic cost-of-living adjustment to the subsidy, a hardship provision or a reassessment process for seniors who narrowly exceed the threshold, Cleveland said there are other programs available – such as income assistance for seniors and persons with disabilities, where all fuel costs are covered.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
Cleveland said residents can work with their client navigators to ensure they get into the right program.
Rodgers said he’s heard from constituents that the current support available is insufficient.
“I don’t think it’s enough. I don’t think it’s close,” said Rodgers.
Cleveland offered to sit down with Rodgers and provide the substantiation for the income threshold, an offer he accepted.
