Toronto, ON – Julia Langer, CEO, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) made the following statement in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement to retrofit one million homes.
“The Atmospheric Fund welcomes today’s commitment by Prime Minister Mark Carney to retrofit one million homes. This investment will cut costs and make homes healthier for Canadians, demonstrating how climate targets and economic priorities can move forward together.
“The government’s package includes a $2 billion National Heat Pump Rebate Program and key actions to develop the skills and supports needed to help Canadians electrify and make their homes more energy efficient across the country.
“The Atmospheric Fund especially welcomes support for retrofitting apartments and condominiums, an underserved housing segment where one third of Canadians live. The renewal of the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI) and new financing tools from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) will unlock powerful opportunities to make buildings perform better and make them more affordable. Mobilizing capital investment will also deliver local economic value and jobs, contributing to an innovative, made-in-Canada construction industry.
“The federal government investment of $110 million over three years for deep retrofit support builds on a model that delivers results across the country. As one of Canada’s established Retrofit Accelerators, The Atmospheric Fund has demonstrated how expert, hands‑on support can turn complex building electrification and efficiency upgrades from engineering exercises into successful, cost‑saving, job-creating, housing improvement projects. We encourage the federal government to engage with local delivery partners, distribution utilities and municipalities to get the most value for its dollars spent on energy efficiency.
“Support for deep retrofit accelerators signals that this government wants its investments to reach all Canadians. It means more families living in multifamily homes will benefit. And it means Canada continues to build a knowledgeable, innovative retrofit sector capable of meeting growing demand.
“As Canada works to double its electricity supply, we also need to double our energy productivity and accelerate electrification so our grid stays reliable, affordable, and built for the long term. Retrofitting one million homes is a great step toward reducing demand and saving costs across all of Canada’s homes and buildings.
“Canadians want practical solutions that help households manage cost of living. Deep retrofits fit that bill. They strengthen the grid, reduce waste, and support the development of technologies and skills Canada can share with the world.”
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