Low Carbon Economy Challenge

Launched in 2017, the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) leverages Canadian ingenuity to reduce Canada’s GHG emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and help create jobs for Canadians. The LCEF supports the Government of Canada’s plans to achieve GHG emissions reductions in 2030 and goals for net-zero emissions by 2050.

In 2022, the Government of Canada released the first 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) issued under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. The 2030 ERP includes a recapitalization of the LCEF starting in 2022-23.

The Challenge Fund provides funding to a wide range of applicants to support the deployment of proven, low-carbon technologies that will result in material GHG emissions across sectors. There is now only one stream under the Challenge Fund. There will no longer be multiple streams (e.g., Champions and Partnerships).

• Regional entities delivering municipal type services, local or regional municipal governments established by or under provincial statute or territorial statute, or regional municipal organizations
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities; First Nations, Métis and Inuit development corporations; Indigenous organizations; modern land claim organizations; band or tribal councils; modern treaty signatories; and self-governing First Nations
  • Please note that an Indigenous organization is defined as an Indigenous governing body or any other entity that represents the interests of an Indigenous group and its members

• Canadian public or private institutions dedicated to education and/or research, which may include:
  • Colleges, universities, or other post-secondary educational institutions
  • Research institutes
• Canadian not-for-profit non-governmental organizations, such as provincial and territorial municipal associations, professional and industry associations