The NDP is calling on government to take measures to reduce home heating costs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The MHA for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, Sheilagh O’Leary, says people may not be thinking about the cost of home heat during the summer months, but winter is coming and government has a chance to “make a difference” by letting people keep more money in their pockets.

O’Leary says ensuring that the July 1 power rate increase didn’t exceed 2.25 per cent was a “good” first step, but residents are still facing higher costs.

She’s calling on the Wakeham government to eliminate the HST from all forms of home heating.

“To remove the HST from the cost of heating would really give people a break, while all these negotiations for whatever is coming down the pipe, are underway,” she told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan.