Canada Greener Homes Grant: Layoffs When Program Ends

As the Canada Greener Homes Grant program nears its end, energy audit companies predict significant layoffs in the sector.

According to CBC News, businesses that conduct home energy audits have seen a temporary boom in work since the program’s inception in 2020.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson confirmed in November that the fund is running out of money faster than anticipated, due to the “popularity of the program.”

He said heat pumps have been the program’s most popular retrofits.

As of December 2023, the program had already surpassed 500,000 applications.

What is the Greener Homes Grant?

The Canada Greener Homes Grant, launched on December 1, 2020 and is set to run until March 31, 2027, is a $2.6-billion initiative to support energy-efficient home upgrades across the country.

The grant offers homeowners up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home improvements. Eligible upgrades include:

The grant also provides up to $600 for EnerGuide home evaluations. A homeowner must have an energy audit before and after upgrades are made to the residence in order to access the fund.

Businesses can use funding for the recruitment and training of energy advisors.

Program Goal

The Greener Homes Grant especially aims to make energy upgrades more accessible in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. — helping homeowners save money and aiding Canada’s climate change efforts.

When does the program end?

The Greener Homes Grant is scheduled to end on March 31, 2027. However, the program can end earlier if it runs out of funds.

Wilkinson said on Feb. 5 that the federal government will be closing the portal for new applications in the next two weeks due to the recent spike in demand.

Enbridge Gas, which partnered with Ottawa to deliver the program in Ontario, has already closed its own application portal.

Wilkinson previously suggested that the federal government could decide to invest more funds into the program, but that they “have to exhaust… that envelope before we can ask the minister of finance for additional money.”

Businesses are demanding clear answers from the government and National Resources Canada (NRCan) about the future of the Greener Homes Grant.

Where will layoffs happen when the program ends?

When the Greener Homes Grant ends, layoffs are expected to affect numerous roles, including:

Zeno Renewables, Energy Werx Alberta, and VerdaTech Energy Management are among the companies that told media the end of the program will likely result in large scale layoffs in 2024.

Severance Pay in the Clean Tech Sector

In Canada, non-unionized employees working in the clean tech sector or energy efficiency industry are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

People working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what rights employees have if they are being fired or let go on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Before you accept any severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what the Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for banking sector employees
• Rights to severance for federally regulated workers
• Rights to severance during mass layoffs

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.