With increased costs of housing, groceries, and a 14 per cent power rate increase under a Houston government, Nova Scotians are struggling to make ends meet. Many people who qualified for the heating rebate last year were counting on the funding to heat their homes this year, but were disappointed to see the government claw back the program.

“Cutting the heating assistance rebate program will only deepen energy poverty in Nova Scotia, forcing families to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table,” said Energy critic Patricia Arab. “The government’s heartless decision to cut funding to this program proves how out of touch they are with the challenges working families across Nova Scotia are facing.”

Despite government officials admitting there was an overwhelming number of applications to the heating rebate program this year, the Conservatives have consistently defended their decision to cut funding.

“An influx of people applying for help to heat their homes should be a clear indication to this government that they made the wrong decision when they cut funding to the program,” said Opposition Leader Zach Churchill. “Today’s bill reaffirms our call to Premier Houston to reverse their terrible decision and reinstate funding for Nova Scotians who are desperately in need.”