$8 million in federal support was announced by NWT MP Michael McLeod for the GNWT’s new Greenhouse Gas Grant Program for Buildings and Industry. The announcement was made on behalf of Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Catherine McKenna.
This new application-based grant program will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating, electricity, transportation, and industrial processes. The program aims to lower the upfront cost of energy efficiency retrofits, like space heating boiler and district heating systems, ensuring that the transition to a clean economy is affordable for all.
McLeod stated that real action is being taken on climate change through renewable energy, fuel substitution, and energy efficiency retrofits for the territory’s industrial and commercial sectors.
“The people of the NWT can be proud that their governments are creating the tools needed so that everyone can play a role in reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, and creating good jobs for our Northern economy.”
Last month, a report from expert Canadian scientists showed that Canada is warming at twice the global rate and that the North is warming at three times the global rate.
“People in the Northwest Territories are feeling the impacts of climate change in their communities. Canadians want to fight climate change, to be part of the solution,” added McLeod.
Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment noted that the GNWT look forward to continued partnerships with the Government of Canada as they work to achieve our goals.
“Today’s announcement supports the GNWT’s long-term vision and approach to energy and climate change that will enable the NWT to transition to a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels. The GNWT will be focusing on climate action that reduces emissions in the industrial sector, which is one of the primary emissions sources in the territory.”
Federal investments, which have totalled over $31 million over the past year, will support the NWT’s climate objectives, including energy efficiency in buildings, housing, transportation and industry sectors, and for reforestation.
