Whitehorse – Canadians are calling for action to fight climate change in a way that will build a strong economy, keep life affordable, and ensure clean air for our communities. Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, announced an investment of up to $8.4 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund to support climate action, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a strong economy for Yukoners. Joining the Parliamentary Secretary to make this announcement were Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board, and Brendan Hanley, MP for Yukon.
This investment under the Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund will help the Government of Yukon construct renewable heating systems in government buildings. These heating systems aim to reduce the use of propane and light fuel oil to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In addition, up to $36.4 million is allocated to the Government of Yukon under the enhanced Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, which aims to increase energy security, support climate action, and build a prosperous net-zero future. The federal and territorial governments are working closely on a path forward for how this new funding will be used. The following allocations have been reserved:
- Up to $5.9 million to support low-income homeowners so they can transition from home heating oil to low-emitting heating technologies.
- Up to $30.5 million for territorial initiatives that support both governments’ mutual targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Low Carbon Economy Fund has supported past initiatives in the Yukon with actions ranging from upgrading biomass heating systems in public buildings and funding energy-efficiency retrofits for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, to helping Yukoners lower their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. These initiatives, as well as the investments announced, are good examples of the climate leadership that the Government of Canada is supporting to reach its targets, as set out in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
“Canada’s ongoing transition to a sustainable economy presents us with a substantial opportunity to invest in clean, renewable energy. The Low Carbon Economy Fund is one way that we’re making progress. By partnering with provinces and territories across the country, we are creating jobs, growing the economy, and building more resilient communities, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” – Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change