Budget 2025 missed an opportunity to make energy efficiency a productivity-enhancing nation-building project. Here’s a look at the implications and potential areas of opportunity.
Ottawa’s new climate agenda focuses on creating lasting projects. Yet the federal government’s stop-start approach to building retrofits disrupts the energy efficiency sector. We argue in favour of a new retrofit policy that focuses on long-term goals.
Efficiency Canada’s senior director of policy strategy, Brendan Haley, advocates for energy efficiency improvements as a nation-building project in a presentation to members of the House of Commons.
National updates and research
Disappointment, Frustration as Climate Champions See ‘Missed Opportunity’ 2025 Canada Budget: Betsy Agar, Efficiency Canada’s director of building policy, voices concern about existing energy policies being “quietly wound down” in the federal budget. Climate experts also express frustration with the budget’s lack of ambition.
‘Climate negative’: Canada’s energy transition progress stalls in first Carney budget: Budget 2025 fails to deliver adequate climate or clean technology investments, experts say. Despite praise for the launch of a youth climate corps, advocates are calling the budget a net negative on both the fiscal and regulatory fronts.
Climate Action Network Canada reacts to Budget 2025: Efficiency Canada and other CAN-Rac members react to climate and environmental commitments in the budget that offer “very little new by way of detail.”
30 actions that should underpin Carney’s climate competitive vision: A task force of experts, including Efficiency Canada Executive Director Corey Diamond, outlines solutions for the government’s climate competitiveness strategy, among other priorities.
Elbows up: A practical program for Canadian sovereignty: Amid threats to prosperity and sovereignty from the U.S., policy experts say Canada must take action. Proposals aim to protect jobs, living standards, and the environment in key areas such as renewable energy, housing, and communities.
Carney, Ford Announce $3B in Subsidies for Darlington Nuclear Project: Federal government’s investment in Ontario nuclear project aims to “build lasting security, prosperity and opportunities.” But experts say this nuclear-heavy strategy could raise costs and slow the transition to clean energy.
Regional updates and research
Ontario is proposing harmonization of its appliance and equipment efficiency regulations with new federal standards. Efficiency Canada supports the proposal and commends the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines’ proactive approach.
End of interest-free loan program puts a pause on energy upgrades for some N.B. homeowners: “A real problem for the industry is the start-stop, boom-bust nature of these types of programs,” Haley tells CBC News. “It’s not conducive with the government’s own objectives to create jobs, to build the capacity in the sector.”
Prince Edward Island’s bold new 10-year energy strategy could end dependence on imported power by 2035: Provincial government presents recommendations for making energy system more efficient to support growing population and uphold commitment to clean energy production.
Manitoba launches program to lower energy costs, reduce emissions: The Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program will support equipment retrofits for fuel switching, energy efficiency upgrades, and more. The program is part of a $32 million investment from the province and the Government of Canada to help Manitoba move toward a low-carbon economy and achieve net-zero emissions.
Report shows benefits of implementing DSM in Alberta: Alberta is the only province without utility-led DSM, leaving households and businesses without access to the cost savings and market stability that other provinces have. A new Pembina Institute report highlights the importance of DSM and offers policy recommendations for unlocking it in the province.
Recap: Canada Home Energy Justice Conference
Efficiency Canada and Allies gathered in Ottawa this October for the 2nd Annual Canada Home Energy Justice Conference. The two-day event brought together 173 attendees for meaningful discussions and networking to advance energy justice. The conference included:
- Speech from Carleton MP Bruce Fanjoy about retrofitting buildings to deliver sustainable comfort.
- Keynotes from Ben Copp of Natural Resources Canada and Bridgewater Mayor David Mitchell on federal and local energy justice, respectively.
- Roundtable discussions and deep dives on key issues, including local case studies, rural energy poverty and Indigenous home energy justice.
- Expressions of interest in joining a new coalition to end energy poverty.