MCNEIL: NDP GOVERNMENT DECISION DOWNLOADS TO COMMUNITY GROUPS
Date: Wednesday October 14, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the government decision to reduce HARP (Heating Assistance Rebate Program) to families will have devastating consequences to community groups supporting low income Nova Scotians.

The NDP government confirmed last week it is reducing the maximum assistance to families from $450 to $200 this heating season.

"This is incredibly hard for families who will have to choose between buying food and heating their homes," said McNeil. "In the Halifax region for example, the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank has indicated it is preparing for an influx of requests for help."

Community organization such as churches, food banks and the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank are a place of last resort for those needing to choose between food and heat.

"A reduction of $450 to $200 means two weeks less heat for a family, if they heat with oil," said McNeil. "By cutting the amount available to each family, the NDP government is downloading its responsibility to community groups in Counties such as Antigonish, Inverness and Pictou."

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