S-251An Act to establish a national strategy to end energy poverty

What it does

• Requires the Minister of the Environment, with other federal ministers, to develop a national strategy to eliminate energy poverty in Canada.
• Sets out what the strategy must cover, including national metrics, targets, household supports, housing energy performance, coordination with other governments, research, and regular evaluation.
• Requires the Minister to consult provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies, utilities, housing providers, advocates, experts, and people experiencing energy poverty when developing the strategy.
• Requires the Minister to table the strategy within two years of royal assent and publish it on a Government of Canada website.
• Requires follow-up reports within two years after the strategy is tabled, and every five years after that, on how the strategy is being implemented and whether it is effective.
• Creates an advisory council of up to 15 members to advise the Minister, and requires an annual public summary of the council’s advice.