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“The Challenge Fund Launches New Application Period to Fight Climate Change and Build Strong Communities”
Canadians are urging for decisive action to tackle climate change in a manner that promotes economic strength, affords a reasonable cost of living, and ensures clean air for local communities. The Government of Canada, in partnership with communities across the country, is harnessing Canadian innovation to combat climate change, foster clean growth, fortify communities, and generate employment opportunities for its citizens through initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Challenge.
Legislative Secretary Julie Dabrusin recently unveiled the commencement of a fresh application period for the Challenge Fund, which will invest up to $170 million to support initiatives involving proven, low-carbon technologies. These technologies may include energy efficiency enhancements, waste diversion, and fuel switching such as renewable energy production or heat pump installations. Such investments are anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, contributing to Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction goal while simultaneously fostering a healthy and sustainable environment.
One distinguished project that aligns with the Challenge Fund’s objectives involves the University of Victoria in British Columbia. The university, with the backing of the 2022 Challenge Fund, is spearheading efforts to electrify a segment of its district energy system serving 32 buildings across its main campus. By replacing an existing natural gas boiler with electric boilers, the initiative aims to curtail natural gas consumption and overall greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing costs and cultivating a cleaner campus environ.
Applications for the Challenge Fund are now being accepted until February 8, 2024, providing the opportunity for organizations to contribute to innovative solutions aimed at lowering emissions, cutting energy expenditures, and creating job prospects. To learn more about the application process and project eligibility, potential applicants can visit the official Low Carbon Economy Challenge website.
“The Challenge Fund supports local initiatives that drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions while bringing us closer to achieving our national emissions reduction target. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is collaborating with climate leaders nationwide to lower emissions, save costs, and create jobs, and is committed to doing so through this renewed funding,” expressed Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Meanwhile, Kristi Simpson, Vice-President of Finance and Operations at the University of Victoria, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support as it propels the university’s mission to achieve a sharp reduction in carbon emissions and pursue a net-zero campus. The funding empowers them to curtail emissions by 50 percent compared to 2010 levels, positioning the University of Victoria as the world’s third-best institution for climate action and moving them closer to their vision for climate action.
With the Low Carbon Economy Challenge channeling investments into projects that deploy low-carbon technologies, Canada aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and foster a cleaner, more sustainable future. Whether Canada will achieve its ambitious targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 remains to be seen. The launch of the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund also signals a collective commitment to sustainability, as it will invest up to $180 million in clean energy and energy-efficiency projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations.
From initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Challenge to the emerging Indigenous Leadership Fund, Canada’s commitment to climate action is evident. As Canada progresses toward a greener future, these programs will not only contribute to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also establish a precedent for inclusive and sustainable environmental stewardship. Together, these initiatives offer a glimpse into a future where every community is empowered to engage in climate action and transition toward a healthier, more resilient, and cleaner ecosystem.
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