Question Period Note: Home Retrofits & Improving Energy Efficiency in Homes

Retrofitting existing homes – such as improving the building envelope of a home by adding insulation or replacing windows and doors – is one of the most effective ways to reduce GHG emissions and save homeowners money on energy costs, while also creating good, middle-class jobs in communities and supporting growth of the green supply chain.

• Energy efficiency is the fastest and most inexpensive way to help build Canada’s energy future and meet our 2050 net-zero goals.
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $4.4 billion, on a cash basis, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to help homeowners complete deep home retrofits through interest-free loans worth up to $40,000.
• This builds on the $2.6 billion Home Energy Retrofit initiative providing grants, which will be available to homeowners, retroactive to December 1, 2020 -that we announced in the Fall Economic Statement.
• These initiatives will help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient, providing a means for homeowners to take concrete action to fight climate change, while creating good middle-class jobs in communities.
If pressed:
• Efforts are already underway to get these initiatives up and running quickly, rolling out funding for energy assessments and retrofit grants.
• Investments in Budget 2021, together with grants announced in the Fall Economic Statement, would help eligible participants make significant retrofits that have a bigger impact in reducing a home’s environmental footprint and energy bills.
• Our government is committed to supporting Canadians in their efforts to make their homes more energy efficient.

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