April 8, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario
Canadians are feeling the impacts and costs of climate change firsthand. By working together, we can take action on climate change in a way that benefits all Canadians. That's why the Government of Canada is working with businesses, cities and towns, Indigenous communities, universities, schools and hospitals to reduce pollution, improve our health, and make life more affordable.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced funding from the Low Carbon Economy Challenge's Champions stream to Loblaw. The Government is investing up to $12 million, subject to a funding agreement, to help the company convert the refrigeration systems in approximately 370 stores across Canada over the next three years. This project will help reduce Loblaw's annual emissions by approximately 23 per cent. By leveraging up to $36 million in investments made by Loblaw, the Government is working together with Canadian business to support ingenuity and grow Canada's clean economy.
The funding comes from the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund - an important part of Canada's climate plan. The Fund invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs in a clean economy.
Canada's climate plan puts Canada on track for the biggest reduction in carbon emissions in our country's history. The plan includes over 50 measures including investing in clean energy and phasing out coal power, building public transit, and introducing a price on carbon pollution so that it is no longer free to pollute.
"Canadians across the country are coming up with innovative and affordable solutions to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions, saving people money and creating good jobs along the way. By investing in these projects, from coast to coast to coast, the Government of Canada is making sure we are positioned to succeed in the $26 trillion global market for clean solutions and to create good middle class jobs today and for the future."
- Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick facts
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Loblaw will retrofit the refrigeration systems in approximately 370 stores between 2019 to 2022. This project will help reduce the company's total annual emissions by approximately 23 per cent.
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According to Clean Energy Canada, the energy efficiency measures in Canada's climate plan will help improve Canada's economy and environment between now and 2030 by creating 118,000 new jobs, boosting our GDP by $356 billion, and saving Canadian households an average of $114 a year. Every $1 spent on energy efficiency generates approximately $7 of GDP.
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The Low Carbon Economy Challenge, valued at $450 million, supports projects that will leverage ingenuity across the country to reduce emissions and generate clean growth.
