Just a quick update on the applications made to the NRCan Natural Resources Canada Greener Homes grant program. The Greener Homes grant was launched by the federal government in 2021, and provides homeowners with up to $5,000 for energy efficiency retrofits and home energy evaluations, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations.

The program has been overwhelmed with applications and the $2.6 billion program was supposed to last until 2027 or until funds are depleted, those targets as reported by CBC on February 5, 2024 mentioned  those targets are nearing their end.

Enbridge, which has been tasked with administering the program in Ontario, paused accepting applications in January to give time to assess whether they have enough money to cover the applications that have been received.

According to various sources, news is coming soon about the program’s future. This is where we can become involved. What NRCan is now realizing in hindsight is there is not enough Energy Advisors to do the assessment, and less in Indigenous country. So, this leaves us at an unfair advantage when making applications to the program as many qualified ‘energy auditors’ do not want to travel to Indigenous communities. Also, the applicants to the program energy efficient retrofits are expected to spend their money upfront – which leaves Indigenous applicants at a disadvantage, because they cannot afford to upfront the required money.

Now as we wait for the next move by Enbridge and NRCan, let’s make some solid moves and take advantage of training opportunities for MFN members. The posters below are opportunities to apply to training programs for Energy Advisor training and Solar Training Installation. These particular training programs are free and specific to Indigenous women only.

If you wish to apply for these training programs, please see the attached posters. If you require any assistance or require more information, please get in touch with me, your CEC.

Miigwech