FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 8, 2025
BRACEBRIDGE, Ontario: Matt Richter released the following statement in response to the Ford government’s Home Renovation Savings Program announcement.
“I’m pleased to see the Ford government finally announce a version of a home energy retrofit program to support people and small businesses to save money by saving energy,” says Richter. “Since my first campaign, the Greens have been calling for the government to support retrofits programs over energy subsidies.”
The Ford Government spends over $7 billion annually subsidizing electricity bills, which are skewed towards higher income households that use more energy.
“Ontario Greens have long-called for a robust retrofit program, but this program will be virtually inaccessible to low and middle income households in Parry Sound – Muskoka. Homeowners are required to pay the costs up front and then wait for an unspecified amount of time to receive a 30% refund,” says Richter.
“It’s frustrating to see the government bring in a program so heavily geared to higher income households right before they call an early election. Graydon Smith actively campaigned against the Greens retrofit program in 2022 and went so far as to spread misinformation regarding the Green’s program.” says Richter’s Campaign Manager, Maureen Balsillie
In May of 2022, Smith’s campaign dropped leaflets and put up Facebook ads falsely saying that the Greens would force Ontarians to tear out their fossil fuel as a part of their retrofit program. After threats of legal action from Richter’s campaign, Smith’s team was forced to pull the ads but little could be done about the flyers that had already been delivered just days before the election.
“The fact of the matter is that Graydon Smith actively campaigned against a home retrofit program in 2022 and was willing to go so far as to lie about our plans in order to win.” says Richter. “The people of Parry Sound–Muskoka have said time and time again that they want programs to reduce cost and environmental impact. It’s time they have an MPP who listens to their needs and not just the whims of our Premier.”