Feds don't pay subsidies for energy projects: Environment Mi “We do not subsidize the production of wind energy,” said Guilbeault. “We don’t subsidize the production of solar energy. Right now we do subsidize the production of fossil fuels in this country but we do not directly subsidize the production of renewable energy. The federal government doesn’t develop energy projects. Energy projects are developed by provinces and territories, not the federal government.”
Records show cabinet has paid billions in subsidies with then Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’ Regan promising in 2021 to “look at anything really, you know, if it seems like it’s a good idea and it can help us lower emissions,” in testimony to a Commons committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations.
Among the federal programs are a $9.2-billion Green Infrastructure Fund, $2-billion Low Carbon Economy Fund, $964-million Smart Renewable and Electrification Pathways Program, $400-million Arctic Energy Fund, $220-million Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, $206-million Climate Action and Awareness Fund and $179-million Energy Innovation Program.
To date, there has been no federal calculation of what it costs the taxpayers for direct subsidies to green energy.