Bill S-251, An Act to establish a national strategy to end energy poverty, would create a new federal law; it does not amend another Act. The proposed law would require the Minister of the Environment to develop a national strategy, consult specified groups, and report to Parliament. Its stated goal is to reduce energy poverty significantly and work toward eliminating it over time; that result is not guaranteed by the bill.
The strategy must include national measures and interim targets, with the objective of eliminating energy poverty over time.
It must address household support, housing conditions, energy-performance information, research and data, and the circumstances of different communities.
The Minister must consult governments, Indigenous representatives, service providers, advocates, experts and people experiencing energy poverty.
The Minister must establish an advisory council of up to 15 appointed members. The council advises the Minister; its advice and recommendations must be summarized publicly each year.
The Minister must table the strategy within two years of royal assent, then report on its implementation and effectiveness within two years after that and every five years.
The supplied text is a proposal. It does not show that the bill has become law or that these duties are in force.
Households, tenants and people experiencing energy poverty: The strategy must identify measures to support affected households and address housing energy performance. The bill does not itself provide a benefit, require energy-efficiency upgrades, or create a right to assistance.
People buying or renting housing: The strategy must promote standardized energy-performance information and disclosure at sale or lease, and collaboration toward minimum performance standards for rental and social housing. The bill does not itself require disclosure or set those standards.
Provincial, territorial and municipal governments, and Indigenous governing bodies: The Minister must consult their representatives and the strategy must identify ways to coordinate with them. The bill does not require those governments or bodies to adopt or carry out the strategy.
Indigenous, northern and remote communities: The strategy must address their particular circumstances in a way that respects Indigenous rights and supports energy sovereignty. The bill does not specify how they would be involved in decisions or what measures they would receive.
The Minister and federal government: The Minister must develop the strategy with other relevant federal ministers, establish the council, and meet the reporting and publication duties.
Council members: Members would be appointed for terms of up to three years, which may be renewed. They would not be paid for their council duties.
No publicly available information on estimated costs is included in the supplied material.
The bill requires the government to develop, publish and report on the strategy, and to establish and support an advisory council, but gives no cost estimate or funding amount.
Council members may not receive remuneration. The bill does not say whether other expenses would be reimbursed.
The bill defines energy poverty, but does not set a threshold for when a household is at “significant risk” of being unable to access adequate energy services.
It does not set eligibility rules, application processes, funding, or delivery arrangements for household support measures.
It does not make the strategy’s proposed measures binding on governments, utilities, landlords or sellers.
The bill does not guarantee seats for any listed group on the advisory council; the Minister may appoint people with relevant knowledge or expertise.
The supplied material does not describe existing programs or how the strategy would fit with them. No publicly available information.
The bill requires a strategy, not funded services or enforceable household protections. People could remain without direct help unless later measures are adopted and put into practice.
Many proposed measures depend on coordination with other governments and groups, but the bill does not require them to act.
The strategy must set targets, but the bill does not specify target levels, deadlines for meeting them, or consequences for missing them.
Council appointments are controlled by the Minister, and the bill does not guarantee representation for particular communities or groups.