Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announce funding to fight climate change, help homeowners save money, and improve energy efficiency in public buildings

ST. JOHN'S, Jan. 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to take climate action and help Canadians access clean solutions that save money and energy, create good jobs, and support healthy communities.

Today, the Minister of Indigenous Services, Seamus O'Regan, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, joined the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dwight Ball, to announce that Newfoundland and Labrador will receive over $44 million through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund for programs that support the province's climate action programs. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is matching this funding for a total investment of over $89 million.

The federal support will help expand the Home Energy Savings Program and the new Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program.

The Home Energy Savings Program, launched in 2017, provides financial assistance that helps low-income homeowners access energy-efficiency upgrades for electrical heating in their homes. The expanded program will ensure low-income homeowners who heat their homes with oil can also reduce their energy costs.

The Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program will reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and long-term-care facilities by providing funding for energy-efficiency retrofits and fuel switching.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting clean solutions that will help Canadians reduce emissions and save money. By working together, we can ensure Canadians across the country are able to protect the environment and fight climate change in a practical and affordable way.

Quotes

"Newfoundland and Labrador is taking the lead in pricing pollution. These programs will result in energy savings and reduced costs for homeowners, improved energy efficiency, and lowered operating costs in public buildings while creating good middle-class jobs and reducing pollution."
 – Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services

"Our government is pleased to collaborate with the federal government to leverage over $44 million to improve energy efficiency and promote fuel switching to renewable electricity in our province, which will help lower fuel bills; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and increase demand for clean, renewable energy. As part of The Way Forward, we are maximizing federal funding opportunities, and, through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from more than $89 million over the next four years to address climate change and grow a green economy."
– Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will help make homes and buildings more energy efficient, comfortable, and affordable to run; assist companies across Canada in innovating and accessing technologies; and support the forest and agriculture sectors in enhancing stored carbon in forests and soils.
• The Home Energy Savings Program is available to low-income households with less than $32,500 of annual income.
• The Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program will reduce carbon pollution from public-sector buildings, improve their operating efficiency, and reduce costs.

Associated links

• Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Home Energy Savings Program
• Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching in Public Buildings Program

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Sabrina Kim, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-743-7138, [e-mail]; Lynn Robinson, Media Relations Manager, Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, 709-729-5449, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.ec.gc.ca