Applications for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit now available

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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It now only takes a few, simple steps for low- to middle-income residents in Nipissing to apply for the new, permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit.

The new energy credit provides up to $130 for eligible single people and up to $200 for eligible families, including single parents. Applications are available online, at any Service Ontario location in Northern Ontario at MPP Monique Smith's office or by calling 1-866-305-1954.

This is part of the province’s Open Ontario plan to help strengthen the northern economy and create jobs and opportunities in Northern Ontario.

“Along with our recent income tax cuts and other new benefits that are part of the Open Ontario plan this tax credit will make a difference for many eligible residents in Nipissing. I strongly encourage northerners to check their eligibility and apply for this credit", said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

“I am very pleased that our government is providing a tax credit to northern families and individuals to help them with their higher energy costs in the North,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

QUICK FACTS

Northerners only need to apply for the credit once. It will be automatically reimbursed each subsequent tax year. The final deadline to apply for the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.

This new, permanent energy credit is for residents who pay rent or property tax and meet income criteria.

The ten eligible Northern Ontario districts are Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timiskaming.

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