QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario has passed legislation that will provide relief for low to middle income northern Ontario residents who are facing high energy costs through an annual credit.
The annual Northern Ontario Energy Credit will provide about $35 million in assistance to 250,000 families and single people, or over half of all northerners.
The credit is available to northern residents who pay rent or property tax for their principal residence. Single people age 18 and older will be eligible for a credit of up to $130 and families, including single parents, will be eligible for up to $200. The credit will also be available to northern residents who live on-reserve and pay energy costs for their principal residence.
The Northern Ontario Energy Credit is a key component of the 2010 Budget and is part of the province’s five-year Open Ontario plan to enhance job creation and boost economic growth across the province.