Canadians are calling for action to fight climate change in a way that will build a strong economy, keep life affordable, and ensure clean air for our communities.
Today, Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John's East, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for Newfoundland and Labrador, announced a federal investment of up to $87 million from Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program to increase energy security and support climate action, building a strong economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing up to $70.3 million toward both initiatives.
The Low Carbon Economy Fund funding will be divided into two parts:
- Up to $17.3 million for provincial Home Heating Oil Transition programming to enable low-income households to transition from home heating oil to low-emitting technologies, like electric heat pumps and electric furnaces.
- Up to $35.9 million for provincial initiatives that support Canada's 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target and align with Canada's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The additional $33.8 million in funding will be provided as part of the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, in which eligible homeowners with low-to-moderate incomes can receive up to $10,000 in federal support when combined with funding available from the Canada Greener Homes Grant. These two programs have supported the installation of over 10,000 heat pumps in Atlantic Canada, including over 2,500 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Low Carbon Economy Fund has already supported projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, from fuel-switching from oil heating to electric boilers, to energy-efficiency improvements in low-income homes, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
