Press Release
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 more than 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 while families, including single parents, will be eligible for up to $200.
The credit also will 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.
“Our government recognizes the unique circumstances faced by our northern communities, including higher energy costs,” said Finance minister Dwight Duncan.
“This annual credit will help support those families and individuals who need it most as we continue to take steps to strengthen the northern economy,” he added.
Residents of the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming are eligible for the new Northern Ontario Energy Credit.
The credit is reduced for a single person with adjusted net income over $35,000, and eliminated when income exceeds $48,000.
It will be reduced for families with adjusted family net income over $45,000, and eliminated when income exceeds $65,000.
For 2010, the province will process applications and deliver the credit in two instalments (November, 2010 and February, 2011).
The credit will be paid quarterly for subsequent years and the application will be part of the personal income tax return.
