Government and Regulatory Update - Sep 17, 2026
This week’s updates cover manufacturing priorities, workforce initiatives, incentive programs and long-term system planning.
Federal — Advanced manufacturing consultation closes September 20
The National Research Council is seeking industry input as it develops a new Canadian strategy for advanced materials and manufacturing. The consultation asks businesses and industry associations about technology adoption, innovation challenges and future manufacturing needs, with responses helping guide future federal research priorities and collaboration. HRAI member manufacturers working on automation, advanced production, new materials or domestic supply-chain capacity may want to participate. Consultation closes September 20. Read more
Newfoundland and Labrador — considering changes to apprenticeship system Newfoundland and Labrador is consulting employers, apprentices, unions, training providers and industry associations on reforms to its apprenticeship system. The review is examining stronger industry participation in apprenticeship decisions, better workforce-planning data, supports for employers recruiting and training apprentices, and the potential for advisory councils to provide ongoing industry input. Read more
New Brunswick — Oil-to-heat-pump program approaching paperwork deadline
New registrations for New Brunswick's Oil to Heat Pump Affordability advance-payment stream closed June 30, but homeowners already enrolled still have time to complete their projects. To receive advance funding of up to $15,000, customers must complete their initial energy evaluation and submit the required advance-payment form and contractor quotes by October 1. All upgrades and the final energy evaluation must be completed by March 31, 2027. Rebates of up to $2,000 remain available through the Total Home Energy Savings Program for customers who were not registered for advance funding. Read more
Ontario — OEB moves toward standardized planning for heating electrification
On September 10, the Ontario Energy Board released recommendations to modernize regional and bulk electricity planning. The OEB identified inconsistent assumptions about heating electrification as one reason utility demand forecasts can vary significantly and plans to develop a standardized forecasting framework, with future changes expected to become mandatory through electricity-sector codes. The changes could influence how future heat-pump adoption and other building-electrification loads are reflected in grid planning. Read more
Ontario — Cabinet shuffle changes skilled-trades leadership
Premier Ford announced a cabinet shuffle on September 10. Trevor Jones becomes Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, replacing David Piccini, who moves to Infrastructure. Stephen Lecce remains Minister of Energy and Mines, while Matthew Rae becomes Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. HRAI looks forward to working with Minister Jones on a range of files, including apprenticeship and skilled trades, as workforce development and training remain key priorities for Ontario’s HVAC/R sector.. Read more
Manitoba — Net Zero Action Plan advances 5,000-home heat-pump program
On September 9, Manitoba released its first three-year Net Zero Action Plan, including continued implementation of the Affordable Home Energy Program, which is designed to provide heat-pump heating and cooling systems to 5,000 Manitoba families with no upfront cost. Efficiency Manitoba is administering the program and supporting installations in homes and multi-unit residential buildings. The plan also includes a new $4-million provincial investment in a large-scale geothermal district-energy system expected to serve at least 1,000 new homes by 2028. Read more
No material new developments were identified this week in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec or Prince Edward Island.
If we missed something you think is relevant, we want to hear from you. Please send your comments, notes, questions or feedback on any of these issues to Perry Chao, Director of Regulatory Affairs (pchao@hrai.ca); Abhi Kantamneni, Director of Government Relations (akantamneni@hrai.ca); Martin Luymes, Vice-President, Government and Stakeholder Relations (mluymes@hrai.ca)
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