Last week, as part of Budget 2017, the Provincial Government announced $9 million in funding over three years for two new home-energy-efficiency programs. Government will provide financial assistance to homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes
The Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) will provide low-income households with grants of up to $5,000 for cost-effective upgrades in existing homes with electric heat, focusing on insulation and air sealing. The HESP will be delivered over three years by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
The Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) will provide low-interest loans for energy efficiency home upgrades. Through the HEELP, qualifying home owners whose homes are reliant on electric heat can receive financing of up to $10,000 over five years for heat pumps and insulation. The program features low-interest financing of Prime plus 1.5 per cent, and will be delivered by the Office of Climate Change in partnership with Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro over three years.
Funding in 2017-18 for HESP is $1 million, rising to $2 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The program will launch on July 4, 2017. Funding for HEELP is $1 million in 2017-18, rising to $1.5 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20. This program will launch in October 2017. For a breakdown of these programs, please see the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes in the face of rising energy costs. Through two new energy efficiency upgrade programs, homeowners who rely on electric heat will be able to reduce their electricity bills while simultaneously improving the comfort of their homes. Energy efficiency also plays an important role in helping tackle climate change, a key priority of our government.”
Honourable Perry Trimper
Minister Responsible for Office of Climate Change
“Investment in energy efficient measures such as the Home Energy Savings Program can provide benefits on multiple social levels. The opportunity to increase energy efficiency in homes has the potential to significantly improve health and well-being for individuals.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Our customers care about saving energy and saving money. That’s why we offer many rebate programs aimed at helping homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. We are happy to partner with government in delivering this new, low-interest financing program so customers can install products that will provide energy savings over the long term.”
Jocelyn Perry
Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland Power Inc.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is committed to providing customers with information, tools and programs that help people make smart decisions about their energy usage. We actively promote energy efficiency and conservation to our customers and provide support through several initiatives. We are pleased today to see government’s commitment to helping home owners by providing access to energy efficiency upgrades at low financing rates.”
Dawn Dalley
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Gina MacArthur
Office of Climate Change
Executive Council
709-729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Michele Coughlan
Newfoundland Power
709-737-2821
mcoughlan@newfoundlandpower.com
Erin Squires
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
709-737-1311
erinsquires@nlh.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Details on the new energy efficiency programs
As part of Budget 2017, the Provincial Government announced two new energy efficiency programs to lower energy costs and tackle climate change.
Home Energy Savings Program (HESP)
Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)
Eligibility
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invested in affordable housing in Labrador. Single parent families and individuals requiring supportive housing will benefit from these new units.
Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
The Federal and Provincial Governments contributed more than $1,870,000 to this initiative through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement. The project also received $80,000 through the Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS) and $480,000 through the Provincial Homelessness Fund. The project was developed by the Labrador West Housing & Homelessness Coalition.
Since the launch of HPS, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created; and over 82,000 people received support in finding stable housing.
Quotes:
“Our government is providing Canadians not only with safe, affordable housing, but also with the jobs and opportunities they need, so they can strengthen and contribute to our communities. We are proud to support the creation of these new affordable housing units which will contribute to improve the overall well-being of families in Labrador City.”
– Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador
“The development of these new homes shows the true value of partnerships. Working together with all levels of government and our community partners, we’ve created safe, secure affordable housing which can open the door to greater opportunities for more single parent families and individuals in our province.”
– Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“The LWHHC is thrilled to see the hard work and determination of all our volunteers come to fruition with the opening of Courtyard Place. Our on-site staff offer wrap around supportive housing services, such as housing support, a community kitchen program, and learning workshops to both our tenants and to the communities of Labrador West.”
– Labrador West Housing & Homelessness Coalition
Associated links:
Stay connected:
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Media contacts:
Krista Dalton
Media Relations Manager
Department of Children, Seniors and
Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have invested $75,000 in the construction of a three-bedroom home for a low-income family in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), made the announcement today.
The Federal and Provincial Governments invested $75,000 for this project through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement and the home was developed by Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland & Labrador.
By the end of 2017, the Federal and Provincial Governments will have contributed over $2.06 million in funding to Habitat Newfoundland and Labrador through IAH, and created 29 homes for people with low-to-moderate incomes throughout the province.
NLHC has also contributed land and/or labour toward 39 Habitat for Humanity builds in Newfoundland and Labrador, since 1994.
Quotes:
“Our government is dedicated to working in partnership with organizations like Habitat to build the sort of safe, appropriate, affordable housing necessary for healthy, sustainable communities. This new home will make a real difference in the lives of this family, a place they can proudly call their own. This new unit is more than just safe and affordable places to live, it is key to a better life for the family who will call this place home.”
– Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to support Habitat for Humanity as they continue to assist families throughout the province to become homeowners. We know providing safe, affordable housing can help families and communities to grow and prosper. We offer our sincere congratulations to the latest Habitat family as they embark on this new beginning.”
– Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
“Providing a ‘hand up’ one house, one family at a time, that is what we are all about here at Habitat for Humanity, with many thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the generosity of our donors and sponsors we have been able to make homeownership a reality for our new partner family in Happy Valley Goose Bay.”
-Sandra Whiffen, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
Associated links:
CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca 
.
Stay connected:
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Media contacts:
Krista Dalton
Media Relations Manager
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invested in affordable housing and supported services for victims of domestic violence and their families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These four new two-bedroom units will provide stable housing and related services for woman and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
The Federal and Provincial Governments contributed $600,000 to this initiative through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement while the project also received $330,500 through the Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS).
Since the launch of HPS, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created; and over 82,000 people received support in finding stable housing.
Since 1985, Libra House has provided safe shelter and support for women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who experience family violence. Services are available 24 hours, seven days a week, along with a 24-hour crisis phone line.
Quotes:
“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. This is why our government is glad to support Libra House in providing women and children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with affordable, safe and quality housing.”
– Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador
“Libra House assists victims of violence by providing shelter and supports. These new units will enable them to provide more women and children a safe place to call home, helping them to build a stronger future for themselves with dignity and hope.”
– Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Libra House staff and board are very thankful for the partnerships that have facilitated the building of the Libra House Supportive Living Units. Working together, we can help to meet the needs of marginalized women and children in Labrador.”
– Dianne Climenhage, Co-Chair Libra House Board
Associated links:
CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
Stay connected:
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Media contacts:
Krista Dalton
Media Relations Manager
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager of Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca