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Status and purpose

• Bill S-251 was at first reading on October 1, 2026. It would require the Minister of the Environment to develop a national strategy to eliminate energy poverty in Canada.
• It defines energy poverty as a household being unable, or at significant risk of being unable, to access the energy services needed for health, comfort, safety and participation in society.

National strategy

• The Minister, working with other relevant federal ministers, would develop the strategy and consult governments, Indigenous bodies and organizations, utilities, housing providers, advocates, health experts, people experiencing energy poverty and the advisory council.
• The strategy must establish national measures of energy poverty and a national reduction target with interim targets, aiming for eventual elimination.
• It must identify measures addressing household support, energy efficiency, affordability, consumer protection, housing conditions and coordination among governments. It must also assess economic impacts and provide for research, monitoring and regular evaluation.
• It must promote building energy-performance information and disclosure at sale or lease, and collaboration toward minimum standards for rental and social housing. The bill requires these matters to be addressed in the strategy; it does not itself establish those standards.
• The strategy must account for different communities and housing types, including tenants and rural and urban communities, and address Indigenous, northern and remote communities while respecting their rights and supporting energy sovereignty.

Reports and deadlines

• Within two years of royal assent, the Minister must prepare a report setting out the strategy and table it in each House of Parliament within the prescribed sitting-day period. It must be published online within 10 days after tabling in both Houses.
• Within two years after the strategy report is tabled, and every five years afterward, the Minister must report on implementation and effectiveness. These reports must also be tabled and published.

Advisory council

• The Minister must establish a council to advise on the strategy’s development, implementation and evaluation. The Minister may appoint up to 15 members for renewable terms of no more than three years and must appoint a chair.
• Members may include government and Indigenous representatives, advocates, utilities, housing providers, workers, researchers and people with lived experience of energy poverty.
• Members would receive no remuneration for their duties. The Minister must publish an annual summary of the council’s advice and recommendations.

Existing law and costs

• The provided text does not identify amendments to existing laws or specify a funding amount or implementation cost.