Top Headlines
Efficiency Canada and MP Eric St-Pierre have launched a petition calling upon the Government of Canada to designate energy efficiency as a nation-building priority, double the pace of energy productivity improvement and eliminate energy poverty.
The City of Toronto recently delayed consideration of Building Emissions Performance Standards (BEPS) until 2027 to analyze the economic and legal implications. A new policy brief from Efficiency Canada identifies how Toronto can centre equity in the design and implementation of a BEPS by-law. A successful by-law would reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in existing buildings while improving affordability, protecting tenants and providing non-energy benefits.
National updates and research
Senate to debate bill aimed at modernizing the Energy Efficiency Act: Proposed amendment could reduce energy costs and emissions. If used transparently, the new regulatory sandboxes mean “novel technologies could come to the market sooner,” said Sarah Riddell, Efficiency Canada’s policy research associate. Read more of Riddell’s analysis here.
In the $2 trillion rush to double the grid, will we neglect the cheapest power?: With the federal government’s upcoming electricity strategy expected to prioritize building new electricity supply, experts say Ottawa should also focus on demand-side policies. “Expanding the electricity grid without an equally enthusiastic agenda to save electricity means higher costs for consumers and more pollution from things like gas plants,” said Brendan Haley, Efficiency Canada’s senior director of policy strategy.
Canadian Efficiency Programs Cut Energy Equal to 5% of Residential Use: Efficiency Canada’s new Programs Report finds that active demand-side management plans could deliver energy savings equivalent to five per cent of all annual residential energy use in Canada. “These programs can be [effective] when there’s not only stable and adequate funding in place, but also time allowed to build trust and relationships in communities,” said Katharine Turner, Efficiency Canada’s research associate.
New report highlights benefits of designating clean industries as nation-building: Prime Minister Mark Carney has heightened focus on nation-building projects. Efficiency Canada contributed to a new task force report encouraging Ottawa to prioritize clean industries as a practical path to jobs, competitiveness and resilience. Read more about how energy efficiency is a good nation-building project here.
More news
Government of Canada Introduces the Build Canada Homes Act
Canada launches Workforce Alliance on Energy and Electricity
IEA report: Household Energy Affordability
2026-2029 Draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy consultation
Regional updates and research
Canada invests in a cleaner, more affordable Quebec: Natural Resources Canada is providing over $3 million to fund projects in Quebec that support energy efficiency, affordability and economic growth. Projects include Montreal’s roadmap toward zero-emission buildings and improved smartgrids for utilities and Indigenous communities.
Why these twin housing blocks are key to Toronto’s climate future: A new study reveals that fully retrofitted residential towers can provide significant affordability, comfort and reliability benefits. This is key to reducing Toronto’s emissions; 58 per cent come from buildings, more than transportation, waste and industry combined.