"I met with the Minister this morning to outline the concerns people on the north coast have with the heating oil rebate program announced by government this week," said Andersen. "Mr. Sullivan was very receptive to the concerns and I hope to hear back from him in the next few days with a positive response.

"Oil is currently $216 a barrel in some areas of Labrador compared to $154 a barrel in the St. John’s area. When I brought this to the Minister’s attention, he was able to recognize that increasing prices are having a much more dramatic effect on residents of Labrador. Low income earners and seniors in Labrador face a much longer Winter season, alternative sources of energy are often difficult to access and the impact of rising prices is much greater when fuel is already quite expensive."

The government announced on November 1, 2004 that it would be implementing a one time $250 rebate program for users of home heating oil. Members of the Opposition have already requested that this program become permanent and be extended to electricity users who are also feeling the impact of rising rates.