Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson (The Canadian Press)
ENERGUIDE

Metis Nation – Sask. to establish its own Energuide service thanks to federal investment

Mar 15, 2023 | 11:30 AM

The federal government is making an investment to the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan (MN-S) to establish itself as a licensed EnerGuide service.

Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement on Wednesday, pledging $414,000 to the MN-S to establish its EnerGuide Capacity Initiative.

EnerGuide is the official mark of the federal government for its energy performance rating and labelling program for key consumer items like appliances, homes, light-duty vehicles, and other energy-consuming items.

This new project for the MN-S looks to increase awareness of home energy efficiency and build space for Indigenous energy advisors and EnerGuide home energy evaluation services for Métis in Saskatchewan.

“This project will create important employment opportunities for Métis while improving the energy efficiency of Métis homes in Saskatchewan,” said Wilkinson. “This initiative is an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Indigenous communities on the path to net zero.”

As a result of the investment, the MN-S will establish itself as a licensed EnerGuide service organization. This will ensure Métis communities have the capacity to conduct home evaluations for their housing throughout the province.

“Northern Saskatchewan communities are faced with long travel times for energy auditors, which increase costs and create barriers to participation in the program,” said Director of Environment for MN-S Brent Laroque. “Community demand for these services is strong, and the Greener Homes program is an important tool for bringing down the massive home heating costs for Métis living in these communities.”

Laroque added the MN-S will begin the training process for additional auditors starting in Pinehouse, this spring.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow

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