441-02451 (Natural resources and energy)

Canada’s homes and buildings are where Canadians live, work, study and gather. They are important to the well-being of Canadian communities, and to the continual development of a strong economy. At the same time, in response to the climate crisis, Canada has committed to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions to 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reaching net-zero by 2050. Through the National Adaptation Strategy, Canada has also set out ambitious goals to enhance the resiliency of communities and buildings to the more frequent and severe impacts of climate change.

Canada’s buildings sector currently represents the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, at the same time, nearly all operating emissions from the buildings sector are attributed to space and water heating. To achieve the related goals of affordability and decarbonization of the buildings sector, we respect provincial/territorial and municipal governments’ approaches to using the tools within their purview to achieve these objectives. 

At the federal level, we are committed to being thoughtful in our approach, to seek winning scenarios where we can simultaneously achieve energy security, affordability, and a sustainable use of our resources. This approach includes Natural Resources Canada’s engagement with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous governments, industry and other stakeholders to develop the forthcoming Canada Green Buildings Strategy (CGBS).  This also includes the holistic approach taken in the recently-announced $800 million Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, which prioritize energy efficiency retrofits and building envelope measures that yield cost savings for Canadians. Support for affordability and emissions reductions can also be seen through a suite of existing programs, including through the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program.

As another example, Canada’s National Model Codes represent a collaborative framework for developing and publishing nationally harmonized building and construction regulations. These codes serve as model documents that come into force once adopted by provincial and territorial governments in full or in part, with or without amendments or supplementary information to suit regional needs.  Code development priorities are set by the federal and provincial/territorial governments, with broad input from industry, code users, the regulatory community, and the public. This consensus-based approach fosters regulatory harmonization and the free flow of trades and the movement of goods, services, and investments within Canada. It also ensures that the codes are aligned with the diverse needs of the communities they serve, with updates that allow for the accommodation of new technologies, materials, construction practices, research, and the changing needs of Canadian society. 

Through these types of engagement and by integrating flexible models that allow for tailored approaches, the Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with governments of all levels, supporting them on the path to affordability and decarbonization of the buildings sector.