I have received many calls, emails and letters from the constituents of SD & SG urging our Government to renew the ecoENERGY Retrofit- Homes Program. Which is why I am pleased to announce our Government has listened to your concerns, and will be renewing this very popular program. Effective July 13, 2011 until March 31, 2012 home owners may be eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy efficient.

PHOTO CREDIT - GuyLauzon.ca

Cornwall - Jul. 25, 2011 - I have received many calls, emails and letters from the constituents of SD & SG urging our Government to renew the ecoENERGY Retrofit- Homes Program. Which is why I am pleased to announce our Government has listened to your concerns, and will be renewing this very popular program. Effective July 13, 2011 until March 31, 2012 home owners may be eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy efficient.

This program could help up to 250,000 Canadian homeowners lower their energy costs and could generate up to $4 billion in economic activity across the country. This is in addition to the half million Canadians who have already taken advantage of the program in the past. Homeowners who have taken advantage of the program report saving 20% on their annual home heating costs.

The investment for the government amounts to $400 million but, it will generate savings of $1 billion in energy costs for taxpayers. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two mega tonnes. I found it surprising that the opposition parties opposed this program by voting against the budget. I feel as though all parties involved benefit from this program. The homeowner benefits financially by improving their homes and reducing their heating costs. The economy benefits due to the $1 billion of economic activity it generates, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs. The environment also benefits because of the reduction in greenhouse gases due to energy savings.

I encourage all constituents of SD & SG interested in improving the energy efficiency in their homes to apply for the ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes program. Details can be found at ecoaction.gc.ca/homes or by calling 1-800-622-6232.

Guy Lauzon
Member of Parliament,
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry