New report: Archetypes of Experiences with Energy Poverty in Canada
This new report explores how energy poverty may exert diverse and disproportionate impacts on different vulnerable Canadian communities. By clarifying underlying conditions, risk factors and inabilities to respond adequately and impact future harms, the report offers archetypes or ‘user profiles’ that better reflect the heterogeneity of those experiencing energy poverty. It also widens the policy arena for multiple targeted policy interventions.
Canada’s Housing Plan helps low-income Canadians reduce costs with energy efficiency
“We can take action on climate change while reducing people’s costs with energy efficiency. Some Canadians are spending less on food and prescription drugs because of energy bills and a targeted program will help those in most need. This funding could double existing provincial investments in low-income energy efficiency, yet represents a reduction in residential retrofit effort compared to the $2.6 billion previously earmarked for the now cancelled Greener Homes Grant program.” – Brendan Haley, Senior Director of Policy
Federal government launches “Fairness for every generation” policy, aimed at renters
- Launching a new $15 million Tenant Protection Fund. This would provide funding to legal aid and tenants’ rights advocacy organizations to better protect tenants against unfairly rising rent payments, renovictions, or bad landlords.
- Creating a new Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights, developed and implemented in partnership with provinces and territories. This would require landlords to disclose a clear history of apartment pricing so renters can bargain fairly. We will also crack down on renovictions, create a nationwide standard lease agreement, and give renters more agency.
Why Canada Should Phase Out Fuel Oil for Space and Water Heating
Fuel oil, also known as furnace or heating oil, is Canada’s least efficient, most expensive, and most polluting way of heating buildings and water. To protect customers, we should ensure all new systems use a more energy-efficient alternative, such as heat pumps, and help everyone convert from oil as quickly as possible.
Efficiency Canada Submits Comments to Public Review of Proposed Changes to the 2020 National Model Codes
The 2020 National Model Codes 5-year review cycle is nearing its close, culminating with proposed changes being released for public review and subsequent changes to the codes. The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) uses the public comments provided to determine whether the proposed changes should be approved, revised, deferred, or withdrawn. The public review period closed April 29, 2024. To help navigate the proposed changes, Efficiency Canada has published an overview, including whether we support the changes and the rationale.
Federal government includes energy projects in new $5-billion Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program
The federal program will provide up to $5 billion in loan guarantee capacity to “unlock access to capital for Indigenous communities, creating economic opportunities and supporting their economic development priorities,” according to the budget.
CBC What On Earth Discusses Appliance and Equipment Standards
Hear Sarah Riddell, Efficiency Canada’s Policy Research Associate, Clean Heat, discuss “is the dishwasher or washing by hand better for the planet?”
Listen in here, at the 15:06 mark
RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund
RBC Foundation has launched the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) to help fund retrofts, repairs and upgrades of existing community spaces, as well as the construction of new spaces, with the goal of increasing sustainability and accessibility of buildings in our communities.
Ontario adopts the 2020 codes
The 2024 Building Code will come into effect on January 1, 2025. For more details, view the following video from the Home Construction Regulatory Authority.
