Federal retrofit program a win for affordability, climate

Toronto — KEVIN LOCKHART, director of the Buildings program at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the federal government’s announcement of new home retrofit funding via the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program:

“Making home retrofits accessible to thousands of low- and median-income Canadians is a win for affordability, climate and national security. This is the type of nation-building initiative that will help bring our federal electrification strategy to life in ways that matter for Canadians.

“As Canada works to double its electricity system by 2050 through its national electrification strategy, buildings will be at the heart of the transformation. Investing in energy efficient homes can reduce energy bills, strengthen our electricity system and ensure no one is left behind as we build a more affordable and prosperous Canada.

“As many Canadians struggle with the rising cost of living, it’s encouraging to see Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) retrofit funding expand to four new provinces including Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, while continuing in Manitoba. Rising energy costs are a major driver of household expenses, and addressing energy poverty requires more than temporary relief — it demands long-term, structural solutions. Home retrofit programs like CGHAP offer exactly that: practical, lasting improvements that make homes safer, healthier and more affordable to heat and cool.

“Low- to median-income households benefitting from CGHAP often live in housing with poor insulation, outdated systems and inadequate ventilation — which can negatively impact respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health. Retrofits reduce energy bills, and improve indoor air quality and temperature stability, leading to healthcare savings and better quality of life.

“This partnership with provinces and coordination with local utility services will be critical to the program’s long-term success. Simple, market-based delivery will amplify the program’s impact, enabling contractors, equipment suppliers and workers to deliver the benefits of energy efficiency and building resilience.

“More than 70% of the buildings Canadians rely on today will still be standing in 2050. It’s essential to keep them safe, healthy and affordable to heat and cool for both housing stability and long-term economic resilience.”