Source: Communications NS

It’s a stocking stuffer to help keep your place warm this winter.

Premier Tim Houston is unveiling a $100 million aid package to battle the high cost of fuel.

More people than ever before will be eligible for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) this year.

“The inflationary pressures we’re seeing across the country and around the world are making life harder right here in Nova Scotia,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We know many families are struggling to heat their homes and we want to help. This investment will help many more Nova Scotians stay warm this winter.”

The HARP rebate will increase this winter from $200 to $1,000. Households with an income of up to $85,000 will be eligible, that’s up from $29,000.

Applications for the expanded program will open January 30. The province indicates anyone who has already qualified for a HARP rebate this year will automatically receive an additional payment in the new year.

Meantime, the province is also increasing support to for all households receiving income assistance. They will get an additional one-time payment of $250 before the holidays. Full-time foster families will receive $1,000.

The government will also provide $8.7 million in grants this month to community partner organizations across Nova Scotia, including:

— $3 million for the Disability Support Program residential facilities and Child and Youth
Caring Programs that support children in the care of the minister
— $3 million for food banks and organizations involved in food security, including Feed
Nova Scotia
— $2.6 million for 26 Family Resource Centres
— $100,000 to provide $10,000 each to 10 transition houses