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A group representing the energy adviser profession says it’s deeply concerned about the sudden closure of applications for the federal Canada Greener Homes Loan program.
Homeowners had been able to borrow up to $40,000 interest-free for certain renovations that would make their properties more energy efficient, such as upgraded windows and insulation.
The Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp. said in a notice on its website Wednesday that the last day homeowners can submit an application for a loan is Oct. 1.
“The Canada Greener Homes Loan has been a success across Canada,” it said. “As a result, program funding is expected to be fully allocated soon and the portal will close to applications.”
It’s unclear whether further funding for the program could be made available again in the future.
The Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors wrote to the federal ministers of housing and natural resources urging Ottawa to continue investing in the program long term.
“The abrupt closure of the loan leaves families stranded and prevents them from moving forward with planned upgrades. Many homeowners have already booked audits into the fall and early winter with the intent of applying for the loan and begun discussions with contractors,” association executive director Cindy Gareau wrote.
“Industry cannot absorb this sudden change, and the financial and reputational impacts on both businesses and homeowners will be significant.”
She warned of further “layoffs and instability” for the sector and that it would affect more than just energy advisers, who are hired to do home efficiency evaluations before and after retrofits are done.
Such evaluations must be done in order for the federal loan to be approved, and in recent years much of energy advisers’ work had centred on the program.
“Manufacturers, contractors, installers, and skilled trades across the retrofit ecosystem will face similar setbacks,” Gareau wrote.
“Much of the progress made in recent years to strengthen Canada’s home retrofit industry will be lost — forcing future governments to rebuild capacity from scratch, as has happened with past stop-and-start programs.
“Without sustainable career pathways, Canada risks losing the experienced professionals and skilled tradespeople required to meet its housing and climate objectives.”
CMHC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Natural Resources Canada does not administer the Greener Homes Loan, but it does back other efficiency initiatives.
Last week, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the launching of the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, which aims to help low- to medium-income households reduce their energy bills and emissions. It is to be developed in partnership with the provinces and territories.
The first agreement has been reached with Manitoba, with funding of nearly $30 million.
Gareau said the affordability program is a “positive step,” but is “limited in scope and eligibility.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.
Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
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