• N.W.T. expands home heating subsidy for seniors

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-21 18:06:17.0
  Tags: [National, Seniors, Affordability, Social Services, Energy]

  The Government of the Northwest Territories announced modifications to the Senior Home Heating Subsidy by raising the household income threshold to $90,000 or less per year to expand financial assistance over the winter. The new policy replaces a previous three-zone system ranging from $66,000 to $87,000 with a uniform income cap while maintaining zone-based monthly subsidy rates of $530 for Zone 1, $685 for Zone 2, and $1,090 for Zone 3. Payments are distributed monthly between September and April, with previously denied applicants automatically reassessed and an application deadline set for March 15, 2027.

  Read Original

• Islanders can apply for up to $1,200 in heating help at Access P.E.I. starting in November

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-06 18:00:00.0
  Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Affordability, Social Services, Energy]

  The Government of Prince Edward Island is taking over administration of the P.E.I. Home Heating Program from the Salvation Army starting in November 2026, allocating more than $7 million to the initiative. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,200 in assistance through Access P.E.I. locations or online, following a surge in furnace oil prices that reached $2.07 per litre. The program previously processed more than 5,000 applications annually, and Housing Minister Kent Dollar stated that in-house administration aims to reduce administrative costs and improve rural access.

  Read Original

• Narrowed rebate eligibility leaves some Nova Scotians worried about heating costs

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-01 21:16:24.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Affordability, Energy, Social Services, Finance]

  The Government of Nova Scotia has narrowed the eligibility criteria and lowered net income thresholds for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), reducing individual caps from $55,000 to $30,000 and family caps from $70,000 to $45,000. Minister of Service Nova Scotia Jill Balser defended the changes, citing a $1.4 billion provincial deficit and a $33 million budget allocation for the program, which provides eligible households with up to $400. Advocacy groups, including the Ecology Action Centre, ACORN, and the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank, raised concerns over rising heating oil costs and high energy poverty rates, noting a 25 per cent increase in demand for emergency heating supports.

  Read Original

• S-251 (45-1) - An Act to establish a national strategy to end energy poverty

  Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
  Date: 2026-10-01 00:00:00.0
  Tags: [National, Energy, Affordability, Social Services, Governance]

  Senator Mary Coyle introduced Senate Public Bill S-251, entitled An Act to establish a national strategy to end energy poverty, in the Senate of Canada. The legislation reached its first reading on October 1, 2026, during the 1st session of the 45th Parliament. The bill aims to create a comprehensive federal framework and national strategy to address and eliminate energy poverty across Canada. Currently, the bill is positioned at the second reading stage in the Senate for future debate and committee review.

  Read Original