Chender calls out government’s priorities, refusal to help lower costs for Nova Scotians

HALIFAX – On Wednesday, the Leader of the Official Opposition, Claudia Chender called on the PC government to reverse its decision to drop 46,000 people from the Home Heating Rebate Program (HARP) and cut hundreds of dollars from Nova Scotians who remain eligible.

Chender also questioned the government’s legislative priorities pointing to omnibus legislation that strips protections away from renters as housing costs skyrocket.

“Instead of helping Nova Scotians afford their power bills or ensuring fairness for renters, Tim Houston is making it harder for people to get by,” said Chender. “Since the Houston government got elected, families are spending $400 more a year on power—and the rate hike coming from Nova Scotia Power will drive your bill up even more. Nova Scotian’s rent has gone up by nearly $4,400 per year since the Houston government was elected and homelessness has nearly doubled in Halifax. Yet, the government is stripping away protections from people who rent a room in someone else’s home and making an essential utility more expensive for more people."

“At a time when costs are so high, it is unthinkable that the government would deny people help and actively make things tougher for tens of thousands of Nova Scotians.”

While Nova Scotia Power wants to raise rates, Tim Houston is cutting funding for a program that helps low-income Nova Scotians pay their power bills by more than half. This decision is taking $600 out of the pockets of 46,000 low-income people being kicked off the HARP entirely and a further $200 dollars out of the pockets of the 72,000 low-income Nova Scotians who will remain eligible.

“The PC government is spending public money at historic levels while making cuts on the backs of working families,” said Chender. “New Democrats have made practical proposals to give families a break on the cost of living. We’ve presented legislation for a monthly rebate to knock 10 per cent off people’s bills. We’ve presented a legislative plan to close the fixed term lease loophole that allows landlords to get around the toothless rent cap, jack up prices and force renters to move each year."

“New Democrats will continue to push for these changes that help families like yours lower your costs so that you can plan for the future and live a good life in the province you love.”

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