Senator Martin: While Canadians will struggle to heat their homes, the impact of rising fuel costs and, by extension, food prices in Indigenous communities will be staggering. Food prices in remote Indigenous communities are already up to 2.5 times higher than the national average, and rising fuel prices will compound inflation’s toll on Indigenous families. While the minister monitors the situation, Indigenous families will have to get by with less food and heat this winter.

Senator Gold, what plans does the government have to address the increased pressure facing Indigenous communities this winter?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the government leader. Canadians who use natural gas or electricity to heat their homes can expect their bills to rise between 50% to 100%, on average, this winter. Some consumers could see their bills rise by as much as 300%. While the war in Europe and seasonal demand are two of the factors driving up costs, so, too, are inflation and increases in the federal carbon tax.

Leader, with respect to the latter, will the government ensure Canadians will be warm this winter and freeze their tax hike?