Government of Canada announces funding for energy efficiency and climate action in Alberta

CALGARY, Dec. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to grow the economy while meeting our climate commitments and creating good jobs in communities across the country.

Today, the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and the Honourable Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks from the Government of Alberta, announced the province will receive nearly $150 million through the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund for programs that help Albertans save money and energy, while supporting the province's climate objectives. The funding is a component of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, designed to spur clean growth and cut carbon pollution while promoting innovative climate solutions.

The Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund will create jobs, support healthier communities, and help Canadians save money. By building on provincial and territorial leadership, the Low Carbon Economy Fund will help meet Canada's commitment under the Paris Agreement and achieve our 2030 national climate target. Alberta is eligible for the funding as a signatory to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

Today's announcement at The Bow building in Calgary demonstrates the types of projects that the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will support.  The Government of Canada will work with Alberta to focus on helping Albertans use less energy and save money through energy efficiency retrofits. The Leadership Fund will also support the province's work with Indigenous communities to install renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. Money will also be invested in restoring forests affected by wildfire.

In addition to Alberta, the Government of Canada is also making announcements today regarding the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund with the Provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Additional announcements with other provinces will follow as project proposals are finalized.

Quotes

"Investing in climate solutions and clean growth is a critical part of our made-in-Canada climate plan. The projects we are supporting through this funding will build on Alberta's climate leadership to make a real difference in the lives of Albertans. This funding will create good jobs, spark clean economic development and help Albertans save money on energy and fight climate change in their own communities." 

? The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Our government is working with provinces and territories to implement our plan for clean growth and climate change. As part of the plan, the Low Carbon Economy Fund will help to deliver clean, sustained economic growth for years to come by supporting provincial and territorial leadership in sustainability and innovation. I'm proud to see Albertans taking the lead in making our communities healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous."

? The Hon. Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"Investing in a diversified, low carbon economy creates jobs, economic growth, and helps Canadians from coast to coast explore ways to reduce emissions and cut costs. From supporting renewables in Indigenous communities to improving energy efficiency, Low Carbon Economy Leadership funding is just one more tool in working to make life better for Albertans and delivering on the priorities set out in our made-in-Alberta Climate Leadership Plan."

? The Hon. Shannon Phillips, Alberta Minister of Environment & Parks

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Fund supports implementation of the Pan-Canadian climate plan by investing in projects that will generate clean growth and reduce carbon pollution. These investments support Canada's Paris Agreement commitment and align with the 2030 national climate target.
• The Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will benefit Albertans by funding projects to:
• Provide cost-sharing grants for agricultural producers to buy energy-saving equipment and upgrade facilities to reduce energy waste
• Support industry in upgrading facilities and equipment to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness
• Provide support to reduce energy use for buildings that low-income Albertans call home
• Expand the scope of existing energy efficiency rebates available to Albertans
• Reforest Alberta land affected by wildfire and other natural disturbances
• Expand existing programs for solar PV and energy efficiency retrofits in Indigenous communities.

Associated Links

• Backgrounder ? Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund
• Web site ? Low Carbon Economy Fund
• Web site ? The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada