Liberals, Tories pitch green reno benefits

OTTAWA — The Liberal and Conservative parties each extended a hand to homeowners this week, promising to make it more affordable to renovate homes with the goal of increased energy efficiency. Justin Trudeau told supporters in B.C. that, if returned to power, his government would retrofit 1.5 million homes over five years through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The plan involves offering homeowners a free energy audit and interest-free loans of up to $40,000. Speaking in Quebec, Andrew Scheer restated the Conservative Party’s proposal for a two-year income-tax credit of 20% for upgrades to home energy efficiency. The party estimates the refundable credit would permit homeowners to save up to $3,800 on renovations of up to $20,000.