SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy. A recent study in Bridgewater found that 31 per cent of people were cutting back on groceries to pay for utilities, and 18 per cent of people were cutting back on utilities to pay for groceries. That is nearly 50 per cent of folks stuck in a heat or eat dilemma. My question to the minister is: Can the minister tell us what he expects people in Bridgewater and all of Nova Scotia to do? Should they heat or should they eat?
HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: We recognize that the cost of living has certainly put an impact on Nova Scotians' ability to pay for things. That's why we've taken unprecedented steps as a government to make sure that Nova Scotians have the support they need. I think of a number of different programs we have with respect to supporting people with energy poverty. I think of the HEAT Fund and I think of the HARP. I also think of the Seniors Care Grant that provides $750 for Nova Scotia seniors who are struggling. We will continue to do what we can to support Nova Scotians. They know that and this government is here for them.
SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Perhaps in Estimates the minister and I can debate the definition of "unprecedented," because those programs that he just listed are (1) not unprecedented and (2) not enough money. No one should be forced to decide between heating their home and buying groceries. I said in the last question that that's what people are doing. Nova Scotians deserve a government that will step up and take the necessary actions to alleviate the stress that comes with tight budgets and increasing costs. My question to the minister is: When will this government take concrete steps to make home heating and power bills affordable for all Nova Scotians?
TREVOR BOUDREAU: This gives me an opportunity to talk about the unprecedented, extraordinary actions we've taken to support Nova Scotians with efficiency programming. Over $250 million has been allotted for efficiency programs in this province. Nova Scotians have been applying to those programs in droves. Nine times the number of people have been applying for those because of that program that we provided. Part of that program is providing heat pumps to Nova Scotians. Those heat pumps will help people get off oil and will save people up to $1,500 a year. We are here for Nova Scotians and will continue to be.