Canadian government backs green energy alternatives for north, Indigenous communities

The federal government is supporting green energy alternatives in Indigenous and northern communities to reduce the reliance on diesel for heating and electricity.

Daniel Vandal, minister of Northern Affairs, and Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, have announced the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program (Northern REACHE) has provided $88,000 to Nihtat Energy Limited to undertake a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of developing biomass district energy systems in Inuvik.

By supporting an emerging northern biomass industry, the government is helping to create local jobs, accelerate the shift to clean energy and keep investments in the north by using local resources to build a regional economy. This will support healthier, more sustainable communities across the north and reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government of Canada has supported 108 projects, with an investment of $20.4 million, through Northern REACHE since its inception in 2016-2017, to assist communities working to reduce their reliance on diesel fuel. These investments are part of Canada‘s nearly $700-million commitment to help rural and remote communities get off diesel, through programs delivered by Natural Resources Canada and Infrastructure Canada.

Through Canada‘s climate plan, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the government is working with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to a changing climate, and support the transition to a clean growth economy.

“The Government of Canada understands the importance of working in partnership to tackle climate change,” Vandal said. “By supporting Nihtat Energy Limited in this project, we will reduce northern communities’ reliance on diesel for heating by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources.”