(January 27, 2023, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition leader and MHA for Conception Bay East – Bell Island, is speaking out about the sky high cost of home heating fuel, a cost which will increase again because of the Liberal Carbon Tax.

“Today the lowest price for home heating fuel in the province is $2.06 a litre with some parts of the province having to pay over $2.20 a litre – or $1,800 per tank of fuel. I continue to hear from many seniors and families that this is simply unaffordable and that they are turning down their heat to try and make every drop of fuel last longer,” said Brazil.

“There are seniors sitting in their living rooms covered in blankets, some families have to choose between home heating fuel and food for lunch boxes. These seniors and families do not have the option to switch to electric heat or heat pumps as the upgrades are far too costly. Their only options are to go into debt to stay warm, spend less on other necessities such as food, or turn off their heat.”

Brazil continued to outline how the price of home heating fuel will increase again when the Liberal Carbon Tax is applied.

“Last year, Premier Furey had an opportunity to stand up for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and to keep Carbon Tax off of home heating fuel – but Furey failed to do so. As a result, in 2023, the price of home heating fuel will increase by another 17 cents per litre. This means that those who are struggling today to pay for home heating fuel will have to pay another $150 per tank because of Furey’s failure,” exclaimed Brazil.

“It’s time for Premier Furey to realize that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are his boss. While the Liberal decision to impose Carbon Tax on home heating fuel has been announced, it’s not too late for Premier Furey to fight for its removal.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca