Geoff Regan, M.P. for Halifax West, is calling on the Conservative government to extend funding for the popular ecoEnergy Retrofit-Homes program in the 2012 federal budget.

“This program helps homeowners save money and makes it more affordable for seniors to stay in their homes, while at the same time creating jobs and making a big impact for our environment,” said Regan.

The home retrofit program provides grants for energy audits and home improvements that reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is the type of program the Conservatives should be investing in, instead of wasting millions on gazebos and fake lakes.”

The Liberal MP said he hopes the Conservatives will finally stop flip-flopping on this program and provide long-term funding so that Canadians can have security in knowing the rebates will available when planning home renovations, and businesses in the construction and energy auditing sector will have confidence there will be a demand for their services when hiring or training staff.

“The Conservatives have already cancelled and brought back the program several times. Each time, Canadians have been shut out or left holding the bag for renovation costs they thought the federal government was going to assist with,” said Regan. “Businesses have had to lay off staff right after completing expensive training courses.”

Regan was recently contacted by the Save ecoEnergy Coalition, which said the government once again closed the program on Jan. 31 without any advance warning. He’s contacted the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Natural Resources, asking them to extend funding for the ecoEnergy program for at least three years.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/regan-wants-home-energy-efficiency-program