Government of Canada announces funding for energy efficiency and climate action in Ontario

KITCHENER, ON, Dec. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to grow the economy while meeting our climate commitments and creating good jobs in communities across the country.

Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, and Daiene Vernile, MPP from the Government of Ontario, announced the province will receive almost $420 million through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund for programs that help Ontarians save money and energy, while supporting the province's climate objectives. The funding is a component of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, designed to spur clean growth and cut carbon pollution while promoting innovative climate solutions.

The Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund will create jobs, support healthier communities, and help Canadians save money. By building on provincial and territorial leadership, the Low Carbon Economy Fund will help meet Canada's commitment under the Paris Agreement and achieve our 2030 national climate target. Ontario is eligible for the funding as a signatory to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

Today's announcement at the Reep House for Sustainable Living in Kitchener demonstrates the types of projects the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will support. The Government of Canada will work with Ontario to focus on helping Ontarians use less energy and save money with energy efficient building retrofits and helping farmers reduce carbon pollution from their operations.

In addition to Ontario, the Government of Canada is also making announcements today regarding the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund with the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Additional announcements with other provinces will follow as project proposals are finalized.

Quotes

"Investing in climate solutions and clean growth is a critical part of our made-in-Canada climate plan. The projects we are supporting through this funding will build on Ontario's climate leadership to make a real difference in the lives of Ontarians. This funding will create good jobs, spark clean economic development and help Ontarians save money on energy and fight climate change in their own communities." 
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Canadians expect their government to grow the economy and take action on climate change. This is exactly what the Low Carbon Economy Fund delivers. Today's historic investment in sustainability initiatives across Ontario will help improve the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and help Ontarians save money, as it creates good jobs and opportunities for the middle class."
? The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"Ontario is proud to stand as a partner with Canada in supporting innovative climate change-fighting actions through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. Collaborative investments such as this signal a pan-Canadian commitment to a cleaner, healthier future for people across the country. This fund is an investment in a stronger economy and a better environment for generations to come."
? Chris Ballard, Ontario's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund supports implementation of the Pan-Canadian climate plan by investing in projects that will generate clean growth and reduce carbon pollution. These investments support Canada's Paris Agreement commitment and align with the 2030 national climate target.
• The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will help Ontarians save energy and money on their electricity bills. Additional details on how the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will benefit Ontarians will be announced as projects are confirmed and the funding agreement is finalized.

Associated Links

• Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund
• The Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada