Affordability Action Council
@affordabilityac.bsky.social
Championing innovative solutions for an affordable, sustainable Canada. Join our campaign for integrated policies that put people first.
The best climate policy might be affordability policy. Canada's new retrofit program gives low-income families FREE energy upgrades. Lower bills + warmer homes + cleaner air + reduced emissions. No choosing between heating and eating. This is how you build lasting support for climate action.
September 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM
The best climate policy might be affordability policy. Canada's new retrofit program gives low-income families FREE energy upgrades. Lower bills + warmer homes + cleaner air + reduced emissions. No choosing between heating and eating. This is how you build lasting support for climate action.
Affordable clean electricity is the key to affordable housing and clean transportation.
An east-west grid means:
🏠 Cheaper heat pumps for home retrofits
🚗 More affordable EVs for working families
💡 Lower bills = more money for groceries
100+ groups are calling for this affordability infrastructure.
An east-west grid means:
🏠 Cheaper heat pumps for home retrofits
🚗 More affordable EVs for working families
💡 Lower bills = more money for groceries
100+ groups are calling for this affordability infrastructure.
📣 100+ groups are urging PM Mark Carney to build an electricity grid powered by #renewables, not fossil fuels.
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
Updating Canada's grid can:
✅ Bring cheaper, more secure power
✅ Bring good jobs, better health
✅ Uphold Indigenous & workers’ rights
Full release: dsfdn.org/PressRelease...
July 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Affordable clean electricity is the key to affordable housing and clean transportation.
An east-west grid means:
🏠 Cheaper heat pumps for home retrofits
🚗 More affordable EVs for working families
💡 Lower bills = more money for groceries
100+ groups are calling for this affordability infrastructure.
An east-west grid means:
🏠 Cheaper heat pumps for home retrofits
🚗 More affordable EVs for working families
💡 Lower bills = more money for groceries
100+ groups are calling for this affordability infrastructure.
Are massive new transmission lines really the answer to Canada's energy future? Affordability Action Council member @brhaley.bsky.social (Policy Director at Efficiency Canada) raises valid concerns in a recent piece for @policyoptions.irpp.org.
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
A national grid should accelerate – not stifle – the energy transition
Plugging into local, energy-efficient “microgrids” is a national project that can start right now, helping to develop and diversify innovations.
policyoptions.irpp.org
May 29, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Are massive new transmission lines really the answer to Canada's energy future? Affordability Action Council member @brhaley.bsky.social (Policy Director at Efficiency Canada) raises valid concerns in a recent piece for @policyoptions.irpp.org.
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/ma...
Want better affordability and climate policies for all Canadians? First, we need to know how effective messaging works.
Join comms directors from ALL major parties at @irpp.org's free webinar on political campaign messaging.
Don't miss these insider strategies!
Join comms directors from ALL major parties at @irpp.org's free webinar on political campaign messaging.
Don't miss these insider strategies!
🗳️ What does it really take to shape a winning message in a federal election?
On May 22, join us for a webinar with top comms pros from across the political spectrum for a rare insider convo on campaign strategy, storytelling & the war room.
Register: irpp.org?p=20571
On May 22, join us for a webinar with top comms pros from across the political spectrum for a rare insider convo on campaign strategy, storytelling & the war room.
Register: irpp.org?p=20571
May 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Want better affordability and climate policies for all Canadians? First, we need to know how effective messaging works.
Join comms directors from ALL major parties at @irpp.org's free webinar on political campaign messaging.
Don't miss these insider strategies!
Join comms directors from ALL major parties at @irpp.org's free webinar on political campaign messaging.
Don't miss these insider strategies!
A new report by @jimbostanford.bsky.social for Centre for Future Work confirms what we have been saying: volatile oil prices, not carbon pricing, drove inflation.
In fact, their research shows households lost $12K over 3 years to oil price spikes.
centreforfuturework.ca/2025/03/19/n...
In fact, their research shows households lost $12K over 3 years to oil price spikes.
centreforfuturework.ca/2025/03/19/n...
New Report Shows Speculative Oil Markets Drove Inflation Crisis — And It’s Poised to Happen Again - Centre for Future Work
A new report from the Centre for Future Work reveals that financial speculation in global oil markets — not supply shortages or carbon pricing — was the primary driver of Canada’s inflation surge in 2...
centreforfuturework.ca
March 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
A new report by @jimbostanford.bsky.social for Centre for Future Work confirms what we have been saying: volatile oil prices, not carbon pricing, drove inflation.
In fact, their research shows households lost $12K over 3 years to oil price spikes.
centreforfuturework.ca/2025/03/19/n...
In fact, their research shows households lost $12K over 3 years to oil price spikes.
centreforfuturework.ca/2025/03/19/n...
Reposted by Affordability Action Council
We hosted a panel on the affordability & climate crises w/ the @affordabilityac.bsky.social. @tylermeredith.bsky.social, @kathleenmonk.bsky.social, & Karen Restoule discussed protecting households from rising costs, minimizing weather impacts & keeping food affordable.
Watch here: shorturl.at/bBp6v
Watch here: shorturl.at/bBp6v
March 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
We hosted a panel on the affordability & climate crises w/ the @affordabilityac.bsky.social. @tylermeredith.bsky.social, @kathleenmonk.bsky.social, & Karen Restoule discussed protecting households from rising costs, minimizing weather impacts & keeping food affordable.
Watch here: shorturl.at/bBp6v
Watch here: shorturl.at/bBp6v
📊 Recent @abacusdataca research reveals a profound shift in Canadian mindsets—from concerns about resource scarcity to deeper uncertainty about our collective future. 🧵
March 18, 2025 at 5:37 PM
📊 Recent @abacusdataca research reveals a profound shift in Canadian mindsets—from concerns about resource scarcity to deeper uncertainty about our collective future. 🧵
"The challenges we face—from housing affordability to climate resilience—are permanent. Our solutions must be too."
AAC members @brhaley.bsky.social and Evan Fraser on Canada's need to address immediate pressures and build long-term resilience to US tariffs.
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
AAC members @brhaley.bsky.social and Evan Fraser on Canada's need to address immediate pressures and build long-term resilience to US tariffs.
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
Economic resilience starts now: solutions for a stronger future
We cannot repeat the pattern of offering short-term Band-Aids while expecting our most vulnerable neighbours to absorb the long-term costs of economic and climate instability.
www.hilltimes.com
March 6, 2025 at 2:49 PM
"The challenges we face—from housing affordability to climate resilience—are permanent. Our solutions must be too."
AAC members @brhaley.bsky.social and Evan Fraser on Canada's need to address immediate pressures and build long-term resilience to US tariffs.
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
AAC members @brhaley.bsky.social and Evan Fraser on Canada's need to address immediate pressures and build long-term resilience to US tariffs.
www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
Starting in just a few moments! Follow this 🧵 for highlights!
Join us in Ottawa (or virtually) on February 24th, where our powerhouse panel will tackle the intersection of affordability and climate challenges:
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
February 24, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Starting in just a few moments! Follow this 🧵 for highlights!
Reposted by Affordability Action Council
🚄The high-speed rail plan aims to improve transit between Qc City & Toronto. But how can rural & remote communities benefit?
We explored this in a policy brief with the @affordabilityac.bsky.social: a hub-and-spoke model could expand access via local bus/van links to rail stops.
🔗 irpp.org?p=18865
We explored this in a policy brief with the @affordabilityac.bsky.social: a hub-and-spoke model could expand access via local bus/van links to rail stops.
🔗 irpp.org?p=18865
February 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM
🚄The high-speed rail plan aims to improve transit between Qc City & Toronto. But how can rural & remote communities benefit?
We explored this in a policy brief with the @affordabilityac.bsky.social: a hub-and-spoke model could expand access via local bus/van links to rail stops.
🔗 irpp.org?p=18865
We explored this in a policy brief with the @affordabilityac.bsky.social: a hub-and-spoke model could expand access via local bus/van links to rail stops.
🔗 irpp.org?p=18865
Join us in Ottawa (or virtually) on February 24th, where our powerhouse panel will tackle the intersection of affordability and climate challenges:
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
February 5, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Join us in Ottawa (or virtually) on February 24th, where our powerhouse panel will tackle the intersection of affordability and climate challenges:
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
* @tylermeredith.bsky.social
* Kathleen Monk
* Karen Restoule
* Moderated by @jenditchburn.bsky.social.
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
With US tariff threats looming, how can Canada tackle affordability + climate? Join us in Ottawa (or virtually!) on Feb 24 at 5:30pm to hear from our powerhouse panel:
@tylermeredith.bsky.social
Kathleen Monk
Karen Restoule
@jenditchburn.bsky.social
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
@tylermeredith.bsky.social
Kathleen Monk
Karen Restoule
@jenditchburn.bsky.social
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
Affordability and Climate: Addressing Intertwined Challenges in Politics Today – Affordability Action Council
www.affordability-action.ca
January 30, 2025 at 9:11 PM
With US tariff threats looming, how can Canada tackle affordability + climate? Join us in Ottawa (or virtually!) on Feb 24 at 5:30pm to hear from our powerhouse panel:
@tylermeredith.bsky.social
Kathleen Monk
Karen Restoule
@jenditchburn.bsky.social
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
@tylermeredith.bsky.social
Kathleen Monk
Karen Restoule
@jenditchburn.bsky.social
www.affordability-action.ca/affordabilit...
🏠 The power plant in your home? AAC member @brhaley.bsky.social and Sachi Gibson explain how households & businesses can help clean up Canada's electricity grid while saving money. When customers help reduce grid costs and improve reliability, everyone wins.
cleanenergycanada.org/pay-people-i...
cleanenergycanada.org/pay-people-i...
Pay people instead of power plants for clean electricity - Clean Energy Canada
The recently-announced Clean Electricity Regulations will reduce pollution in our electricity grids even as the grids grow to meet soaring demand for clean electricity. However, the rules also allow f...
cleanenergycanada.org
January 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
🏠 The power plant in your home? AAC member @brhaley.bsky.social and Sachi Gibson explain how households & businesses can help clean up Canada's electricity grid while saving money. When customers help reduce grid costs and improve reliability, everyone wins.
cleanenergycanada.org/pay-people-i...
cleanenergycanada.org/pay-people-i...
🚨 La prorogation du Parlement met en péril des initiatives cruciales en matière de climat et d’abordabilité. Voici quelques exemples de ce qui est en jeu :
January 15, 2025 at 9:27 PM
🚨 La prorogation du Parlement met en péril des initiatives cruciales en matière de climat et d’abordabilité. Voici quelques exemples de ce qui est en jeu :
🚨 Parliament's prorogation puts critical climate and affordability initiatives at risk. Here are a few examples of what's on the line:
January 15, 2025 at 2:21 PM
🚨 Parliament's prorogation puts critical climate and affordability initiatives at risk. Here are a few examples of what's on the line:
📊 Great to see the AAC's research referenced in this piece about hidden costs of commuting.
Key finding: Transportation consumed over 25% of before-tax income for very low-income households in 2023, leaving families with an impossible choice between affordable housing and manageable commutes.
Key finding: Transportation consumed over 25% of before-tax income for very low-income households in 2023, leaving families with an impossible choice between affordable housing and manageable commutes.
Commuting Costs Families More than Housing as Affordable Homes Drive Occupants Out of Town
As Toronto mortgage broker Vince Gaetano tells it, “driving to qualify” is simply the “normal” price Canadians have to pay to “board the wealth-building train of home ownership.” For many Canadians st...
www.theenergymix.com
January 10, 2025 at 7:01 PM
📊 Great to see the AAC's research referenced in this piece about hidden costs of commuting.
Key finding: Transportation consumed over 25% of before-tax income for very low-income households in 2023, leaving families with an impossible choice between affordable housing and manageable commutes.
Key finding: Transportation consumed over 25% of before-tax income for very low-income households in 2023, leaving families with an impossible choice between affordable housing and manageable commutes.
The Clean Electricity Regulations announced yesterday are a crucial step toward an affordable, resilient energy future. Climate Institute’s research shows clean electricity can lower overall energy costs - but governments must ensure these savings reach everyone, especially those with low incomes. 🧵
December 18, 2024 at 10:48 PM
The Clean Electricity Regulations announced yesterday are a crucial step toward an affordable, resilient energy future. Climate Institute’s research shows clean electricity can lower overall energy costs - but governments must ensure these savings reach everyone, especially those with low incomes. 🧵
December 18, 2024 at 8:09 PM
Reposted by Affordability Action Council
Today's Clean Electricity Regulations gives leeway for gas plants to operate in a "net-zero" grid
That's makes the energy efficiency and demand flex policies in the new strategy all the more important
You can read a review here
#energysky #cdnpoli
www.efficiencycanada.org/energy-effic...
That's makes the energy efficiency and demand flex policies in the new strategy all the more important
You can read a review here
#energysky #cdnpoli
www.efficiencycanada.org/energy-effic...
Where's energy efficiency in the new Clean Electricity Strategy? - Efficiency Canada
The federal government released Clean Electricity Regulations alongside Powering Canada’s Future: A Clean Electricity Strategy and overall, the federal government has recognized our previous calls to ...
www.efficiencycanada.org
December 17, 2024 at 9:49 PM
Today's Clean Electricity Regulations gives leeway for gas plants to operate in a "net-zero" grid
That's makes the energy efficiency and demand flex policies in the new strategy all the more important
You can read a review here
#energysky #cdnpoli
www.efficiencycanada.org/energy-effic...
That's makes the energy efficiency and demand flex policies in the new strategy all the more important
You can read a review here
#energysky #cdnpoli
www.efficiencycanada.org/energy-effic...
Reposted by Affordability Action Council
I certainly wish to complement @trevortombe.bsky.social and @drjenwinter.bsky.social on a solid contribution to evidence-based policy discussion
They show that the impact of the carbon tax is small. Ending the tax (and the rebates) will make most people worse off!
irpp.org/research-stu...
They show that the impact of the carbon tax is small. Ending the tax (and the rebates) will make most people worse off!
irpp.org/research-stu...
Does Emissions Pricing Hurt Affordability? Quantifying the Effects on Canadian Households - IRPP
New IRPP research shows emissions pricing has little effect on affordability
irpp.org
December 12, 2024 at 10:03 PM
I certainly wish to complement @trevortombe.bsky.social and @drjenwinter.bsky.social on a solid contribution to evidence-based policy discussion
They show that the impact of the carbon tax is small. Ending the tax (and the rebates) will make most people worse off!
irpp.org/research-stu...
They show that the impact of the carbon tax is small. Ending the tax (and the rebates) will make most people worse off!
irpp.org/research-stu...
💡 The federal Canada Carbon Rebate helps reduce the impact of Canada’s emissions pricing system for lower-income families. For some households, rebate payments not only cover these costs but also provide a modest financial boost—offering extra support where it’s needed most.
December 16, 2024 at 2:33 PM
💡 The federal Canada Carbon Rebate helps reduce the impact of Canada’s emissions pricing system for lower-income families. For some households, rebate payments not only cover these costs but also provide a modest financial boost—offering extra support where it’s needed most.
🤔 Did you know? New research from @irpp.org shows that emissions pricing isn't the inflation driver many think it is.
Roughly 98% of the increase in consumer prices is due to factors like changes in global energy prices and supply chain disruptions - not emissions pricing.
Roughly 98% of the increase in consumer prices is due to factors like changes in global energy prices and supply chain disruptions - not emissions pricing.
December 12, 2024 at 5:59 PM
🤔 Did you know? New research from @irpp.org shows that emissions pricing isn't the inflation driver many think it is.
Roughly 98% of the increase in consumer prices is due to factors like changes in global energy prices and supply chain disruptions - not emissions pricing.
Roughly 98% of the increase in consumer prices is due to factors like changes in global energy prices and supply chain disruptions - not emissions pricing.
A great piece from Jasmine Ramze Rezaee in the Toronto Star about the false promise of food charity. As she rightly points out: "The root cause of hunger is a lack of income, not a lack of food."
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
What good are human rights if you’re always hungry? We need a new benefit for groceries and essentials
The root cause of hunger is a lack of income, not a lack of food. Too many of our neighbours are finding it hard to live with dignity.
www.thestar.com
December 11, 2024 at 7:07 PM
A great piece from Jasmine Ramze Rezaee in the Toronto Star about the false promise of food charity. As she rightly points out: "The root cause of hunger is a lack of income, not a lack of food."
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
🚨 An Auditor General report reveals Ottawa doesn’t know if its most expensive seniors’ program is working.
As AAC’s Paul Kershaw says: “We could spend differently and achieve many other social objectives, including eliminating seniors' poverty once and for all.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As AAC’s Paul Kershaw says: “We could spend differently and achieve many other social objectives, including eliminating seniors' poverty once and for all.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Department in charge of Old Age Security doesn't know if payments are enough, auditor finds | CBC News
A report from Canada's auditor general says the federal department that delivers Old Age Security (OAS) and other programs to assist seniors "did not have a comprehensive view" of the needs of Canada'...
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2024 at 5:43 PM
🚨 An Auditor General report reveals Ottawa doesn’t know if its most expensive seniors’ program is working.
As AAC’s Paul Kershaw says: “We could spend differently and achieve many other social objectives, including eliminating seniors' poverty once and for all.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As AAC’s Paul Kershaw says: “We could spend differently and achieve many other social objectives, including eliminating seniors' poverty once and for all.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
On #WorldSustainableTransportDay, let's talk about a challenge facing over four million Canadians: transportation in rural and remote communities. Here are three major problems - and their solutions:
November 26, 2024 at 6:28 PM
On #WorldSustainableTransportDay, let's talk about a challenge facing over four million Canadians: transportation in rural and remote communities. Here are three major problems - and their solutions: