The government of Canada is set to invest C$78m ($79m) over the next two years to increase the energy efficiency of homes throughout the nation.
Minister for Energy Joe Oliver launched the ecoENERGY initiative designed to help residents save money through reduced consumption and support the creation of green jobs.
In addition to this, the authority in the Province of Ontario has proposed a scheme called the Green Building Programme that would see C$1.6bn ($1.63bn) in refundable tax credits to assist home owners and businesses with energy efficiency and building upgrades. The venture is expected to create 20,000 new jobs.
Stephen Koch, executive director of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association Canada, said, 'Activity in the energy efficiency sector saves money through lower energy bills and creates jobs, including home energy auditors, local contractors and installers, and insulation manufacturers. These are local, skilled jobs that lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stable and strengthened local economies. Supporting a plan that creates jobs and saves Canadians money is easy. Other jurisdictions, including the US through President Obama, have identified that energy efficiency is the next growth industry.'