EFFICIENCY CANADA
Efficiency Canada's comments on the Fall Economic Statement

Yesterday (Nov 30), the Government of Canada tabled its Fall Economic Statement, which included $2.6 billion over 7 years for home retrofits. 

Efficiency Canada's executive director, Corey Diamond, made the following statement:

"We know home retrofits are a massive environmental and economic boost. Retrofits create local jobs across the country, and contribute significantly to our net zero emissions future. The announcement today (Dec 1) sends a strong signal that energy efficiency is a core part of Canada's recovery.

But, more is required if we're going to be able to help Canadians. It looks like there may be gaps in some high-impact areas, for example, support for deep retrofits that are vital to meeting our climate and economic recovery goals. Specific support for low income programs is also missing.

Home energy retrofits make up the largest segment in the Fall Economic Statement's funding for "Building Back Better" indicating to the sector that energy efficiency professionals can start planning to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to Canadians.

We hope to see the $5,000 grant matched with loans and other programs to help Canadians shift to deeper retrofits. This will mean working with provincial program administrators and utilities. In addition, the current approach can be complemented by finding new ways to retrofit at lower cost, faster and more conveniently (e.g. via a "whole neighbourhoods" rather than an individual building approach).

A program specifically focused on upgrading the buildings where low-income Canadians live would also provide significant stimulus benefits, through re-spending in the local economy.

To help Canada's economy recover, while addressing the climate crisis with appropriate scale, Efficiency Canada is calling for $26.9 billion in spending over 5 years on energy efficiency. This is in line with recommendations from the Task Force for Resilient Recovery.

The most important aspect of the Fall Economic Statement is that it enables those individuals and organizations who deliver energy efficiency to Canadians to get started, and to hopefully look ahead towards achieving deeper energy savings and a transformative approach to delivering zero-carbon and better performing buildings."

About Efficiency Canada 

Efficiency Canada is the national voice for an energy efficient economy. Our mission is to create a sustainable environment and better life for all Canadians by making our country a global leader in energy efficiency policy, technology, and jobs. We conduct rigorous policy analysis, communicate compelling narratives, and convene and mobilize Canada's dynamic energy efficiency sector. Efficiency Canada is housed at Carleton University's Sustainable Energy Research Centre, which is located in turn on the traditional unceded territories of the Algonquin nation.   www.efficiencycanada.org

Contact
Lynsey Grosfield, Communciations and Media Lead, Efficiency Canada
lynsey.grosfield@efficiencycanada.org
514-430-5203