To grow and thrive, communities must actively reduce their energy costs and engage in sustainable initiatives to contribute to decarbonization efforts. That is why the Government of Canada is investing to help establish net-zero communities in Atlantic Canada.
A cleaner, more prosperous Atlantic economy
On August 14, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, announced a $2 million non-repayable contribution over three years to QUEST Canada to establish a Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program in Atlantic Canada. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
This contribution supports QUEST Canada's NCA program by equipping 15 communities across the region - including Indigenous communities - with the tools and knowledge to develop and sustain community energy and emissions plans. Building on a successful pilot in New Brunswick, this pan-Atlantic project will expand QUEST Canada's positive impact across the region over the next three years.
This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to building a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. This economy will be competitive for generations, offering plentiful good-paying jobs and investment opportunities.
Quotes
"Atlantic Canadian communities and businesses want to be part of climate solutions, not just because it's good for the planet, but because reducing emissions helps them stay competitive, reduces operating costs, and means bringing good jobs into our region."
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Building thriving communities for future generations means protecting the environment and taking climate action. Our Government is supporting Atlantic Canadian community leaders who are going green and aiming for net-zero. This program will attract more investment to the region, create more jobs and lead to healthier communities."
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"The pan-Atlantic Net-Zero Community Accelerator program will provide participating municipalities with the dedicated support and necessary tools, networks and knowledge to guide them in developing and implementing Community Energy and Emissions Plans, Climate Action Plans, and more. The NCA program works by bringing together leading Atlantic Canada service providers in the fields of energy, emissions, and resilience planning. Participating communities are provided with the local capacity to develop evidence-based, regionally integrated action plans, and drive project implementation."
- Olumide Fatoki, Director Operations, QUEST Canada
Quick facts
- The funding announced is provided through ACOA's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
- QUEST Canada is collaborative network of stakeholders focused on implementing energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. QUEST Canada develops tools and resources, convenes stakeholders and rights holders, and advises decision-makers all with the goal of encouraging, assisting, and enabling communities to contribute to Canada's net-zero goals.
- The Atlantic NCA program builds on a successful pilot conducted in 14 New Brunswick communities, including one Indigenous community, and aims to expand that positive impact across the region over the next 3 years.
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