The Higgs government is facing criticism for not renewing a benefit program for low-income New Brunswick households.
The Home Energy Assistance Program provided a $100 benefit to help low-income families cope with high energy costs.
Wayne Long, the Liberal MP for Saint John-Rothesay, said his office has heard from many affected seniors.
“I think we all know that seniors’ budgets are tight and seniors struggle with many costs,” Long said in an interview.
Government officials gave no indication that the program would not be continuing this year.
Many people only found out that the benefit no longer existed when they went to apply for it again.
“Seniors are counting on that. They had it last year, they had it the year before. Certainly, seniors were expecting that $100. To pull that out unexpectedly …. is going to have a big impact on seniors.”
Long said the decision was “short-sighted” and he is calling on the province to reconsider it.
The Official Opposition is also questioning why the Higgs government did away with the benefit.
Social Development critic Robert Gauvin said it was a simple program that provided support to those who need it most.
“The province saw a huge surplus while some families struggled to make ends meet under the weight of the pandemic,” Gauvin said in a news release. “What possible justification does the Higgs government have for eliminating this program?”
The Department of Social Development said the five-year program was established in 2016 with an end date of 2021, and helped around 35,000 households per year.
“This program came to an end and was not cut,” department spokesperson Robert Duguay said in an email.
Duguay said there are other programs available to help seniors and low-income households with their home energy costs.
Low-income families have access to the new Canada Housing Benefit, which provides a short-term benefit averaging between $300 and $475 per month.
Low-income seniors can also access the Low-Income Senior’s Benefit, an annual benefit of $400.
“There are also emergency efficiency programs that are available to assist New Brunswickers in reducing the cost of home heating,” wrote Duguay.
Anyone facing an emergency situation regarding heating needs during winter is encouraged to contact the department at 1-833-733-7835.
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