HRAI Calls for Smart Policy and Partnership to Strengthen Canada’s HVACR Future
(Based on a presentation at HRAI’s annual Conference).
September 21, 2026: At a recent industry conference-panel titled “Inside Canadian Politics and Policies,” Martin Luymes, HRAI’s Vice President of Government and Stakeholder Relations, brought HVACR professionals behind the curtain of Canada’s policy landscape and made a compelling case for collaboration and foresight.
From trade tensions to workforce development and the drive toward net-zero, Luymes outlined the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the HVACR sector. “Our industry sits at the intersection of trade, climate, and community,” he said. “Policy decisions made today will determine how effectively we can deliver the comfort, safety, and sustainability Canadians depend on.”
Safeguarding Trade and Supply Chain Stability
Luymes opened with a call for steady leadership amid Canada–U.S. trade uncertainty. With the HVACR sector relying heavily on U.S. imports — especially natural gas furnaces and key components — he cautioned that tariff escalation could raise costs for consumers and disrupt critical services.
“We’re urging government to avoid a cycle of retaliation,” Luymes said. “If trade action becomes unavoidable, essential HVACR products must be exempted. Heating and cooling are not luxuries — they’re lifelines.”
He also called for greater trade diversification and investment in domestic manufacturing, ensuring Canada’s HVACR supply chain remains resilient in a changing global market.
Building the Workforce Canada Needs
A central theme of Luymes’ presentation was the growing HVACR workforce crisis. With an aging trades base and new technologies rapidly reshaping the sector, the industry faces a steep climb. “Meeting Canada’s net-zero goals will require quadrupling our workforce by 2034,” he said, citing BuildForce Canada projections.
Luymes proposed a $100 million, decade-long Workforce Retraining Fund to support training, upskilling, and workforce transition — particularly for emerging technologies like heat pumps. He also urged provincial governments to help certify 5,000 new residential HVACR workers by 2035.
“This transition is being driven by policy,” he noted. “It’s only fair that government partners with us to prepare the people who will make those policies work in practice.”
A Healthier Future Indoors
The pandemic and record wildfire seasons have made Canadians more aware than ever of indoor air quality (IAQ) and its impact on health and productivity. Luymes emphasized that HVACR professionals are uniquely positioned to help.
“Our members already have the expertise to make indoor spaces safer,” he said. “But without standards, Canadians are left vulnerable to misinformation and ineffective solutions.”
HRAI is calling on the federal government to convene experts to set national IAQ standards, establish professional certification programs, and invest $5 million in a public education campaign to promote awareness of indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
“Healthy air should be a national priority,” Luymes added. “It’s a public-health investment that pays dividends.”
Retrofits: Where Climate Goals Meet Practical Action
Finally, Luymes addressed the opportunity in building retrofits — a crucial step toward reducing emissions from homes and buildings, which currently account for nearly 18% of Canada’s GHG emissions.
He urged policymakers to consult directly with HVACR professionals in the design and rollout of retrofit programs. “We know what works in real-world installations,” he said. “When government and industry work together, retrofit programs can deliver measurable energy savings, lower costs, and better outcomes for Canadians.”
A Call for Collaboration
Luymes closed with a message of optimism and shared responsibility:
“This industry isn’t asking for handouts. We’re asking for smart, collaborative policy — the kind that lets our members do what they do best: keep Canadians safe, comfortable, and sustainable.”
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