Canada Announces Heat Pump Rebates and Skilled Trades Funding
Canada: The Canadian federal government has announced funding measures to support residential heat pump installations and address labour shortages in skilled trades. The heat pump programme, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, will provide rebates of up to CAD 10,000 (approximately USD 7,200) for eligible middle- and low-income households replacing older, inefficient or failed heating systems. Other eligible households can receive up to CAD 2,000 (approximately USD 1,440). The programme aims to reduce household energy costs and improve residential energy efficiency by supporting the adoption of heat pumps.
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, also announced CAD 258.6 million (approximately USD 186 million) over five years to address skilled labour shortages through industry-led initiatives aligned with federal priorities and industrial strategies. Douglas Cross, managing director of Klimit Mechanical Ltd., highlighted the cost difference between conventional heating systems and heat pumps, noting that a combined air conditioner and high-efficiency furnace system costs approximately CAD 12,000 (approximately USD 8,500) plus taxes, compared with around CAD 20,000 (approximately USD 14,200) for a heat pump system. He said government support could help offset the initial cost and encourage greater adoption, while increased demand could support improvements in technology, efficiency and manufacturing costs.
Source: SNnewswatch
