Federal Support for Efficiency in Ontario

Published on November 13, 2018

Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, recently announced that the Government of Canada is looking into reinvestment options for Ontario’s portion of the leftover funding from the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, after the province cancelled its participation in all associated programs.

The money has been earmarked towards being reinvested in green energy initiatives, with the intention of improving Ontario's energy efficiency, creating good jobs, and reducing the province’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2015, Canada has seen a reduction in carbon emissions as well as the creation of nearly 600 000 full-time jobs across the country.

The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund that Ontario opted out of included energy efficiency projects that would have been able to help businesses and individuals reduce their carbon pollution and save money, according to McKenna.

“We will keep working with governments, business and people across Ontario and Canada to reduce carbon pollution and create a strong clean economy for our kids and grandkids,” said McKenna

Prioritizing improving energy efficiency, the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund has invested $1.4 billion towards helping the provinces and territories combat climate change.

It has supported projects such as: an energy rebate program in Nova Scotia, a program to help Albertan farmers reduce cost and improve efficiency, and a forest regeneration program in the Northwest Territories.

In a recent study that was prepared for Clean Energy Canada, it reported that by improving Canada’s energy efficiency using the measures that are outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Canada could see the creation of 118 000 jobs and a 1 percent boost to GDP by 2030.

This is largely due to the extra household disposable income that an increase in energy efficiency provides, as improving home efficiency lowers a homeowner’s utility bills and allows them to recirculate more of their money back into the local economy.

Energy Efficiency Incentives in Ontario

For homeowners in Ontario who are looking to save money on utility bills, contribute to a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the value and comfort of their home, but are a bit intimidated by the upfront investment involved in improving home energy efficiency, there are a number of measures that can help the process become much more affordable.

Toronto homeowners can apply for the Home Energy Loan Program (H.E.L.P), affording them a loan of up to $75 000 to put towards improving their home’s energy efficiency; and is available at a low interest rate on 5, 10, and 15 year terms.

For all homeowners in Ontario, there are number of home renovation rebates available from both Union Gas and Enbridge, and our Registered Energy Advisors are happy to help you make sense of which rebates are the best fit for your needs; help you to qualify for them by conducting a Home Energy Assessment.

However, a Home Energy Assessment does so much more than just help your home qualify for home renovation rebates - it also provides our advisors with a clear picture of your home’s efficiency, giving them all the information they need in order to figure out which energy-saving solutions would be best for you to consider - ranked in order of what the most cost-effective solution is for the needs of you and your home.