February 16, 2018 — Winnipeg — Natural Resources Canada
Reducing reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities will decrease Canada’s carbon footprint, support climate change adaptation, contribute to healthier communities and provide new opportunities for jobs and economic growth.
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today announced a call for proposals for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program. The program will provide approximately $220 million in funding for initiatives to reduce reliance on diesel fuel in rural and remote communities, the majority of which are Indigenous. This funding builds on more than $53 million provided through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and is complemented by Infrastructure Canada’s $400 million Arctic Energy Fund, which is specific to the territories to help improve energy security in the North by replacing or upgrading aging fossil fuel energy infrastructure.
Today’s announcement is part of the government’s larger vision for Canada’s clean energy future, which will provide $21.9 billion over 11 years to support green infrastructure, drive clean growth and combat climate change.
Funding of more than $600 million has been announced in the past few weeks for projects that include renewable power, smart electricity grids, alternative fuel charging stations and more energy efficient homes.