Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with below-average incomes will experience a delay in accessing a federal home retrofit program designed to reduce energy costs. The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program provides cost-free retrofits, such as insulation and heat pumps, to low and median-income homeowners and tenants, with coverage specifics varying by province. For instance, Prince Edward Island focuses on insulation, expanding an existing program with federal support, while Quebec includes upgrades like heat pumps, windows, and smart thermostats for eligible households.
The program initially launched in Manitoba in September 2025 with nearly $30 million committed by the Government of Canada through Efficiency Manitoba. Subsequently, additional funding agreements were announced on June 29 at the International Energy Agency’s Global Energy Efficiency Conference, expanding the program to Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Newfoundland and Labrador is still in the process of finalizing their participation in the program.
In Quebec, $243.5 million is allocated for efficiency upgrades, with British Columbia receiving $177.3 million, Nova Scotia $26 million, and Prince Edward Island $15 million in total funding. Newfoundland and Labrador aim to launch the program in the fall to maximize resident participation, with a history of lower summer engagement in energy efficiency programs. The province anticipates a successful fall rollout, ensuring no impact on their overall federal program benefits.
The Canada Greener Homes program has been part of various energy-related initiatives by the federal government. Previous programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant, offering up to $5,000 per applicant, and the Canada Greener Homes Loan program, providing interest-free loans for energy improvements, have closed due to fund exhaustion. Newfoundland and Labrador benefited from the former program, receiving 6,702 grants totaling $34.2 million, with heat pumps being a popular addition to homes in the province.