Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced a federal investment of up to $482,160 for a solar energy project in Edmonton through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.

“Our government is building up our community here in Edmonton by helping local organizations improve their spaces and increase their energy efficiency. With continued federal investment, such as the funding we are announcing today for the Edmonton Food Bank, we’re not just creating new spaces—we’re shaping a brighter, greener tomorrow.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

"Our organization was originally incorporated as the Edmonton Gleaners Association and our first role in the community was gathering surplus food that was deemed edible, but not marketable. This gleaned or surplus food was shared with vulnerable community members through soup kitchens, shelters and other food programs. Our environmental work continues to this day. Thanks to an investment from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, we are able to further our environmental stewardship with the installation of a new solar array on our main warehouse. The benefit to our community is more than just environmental. It will save operating dollars and enable us to serve our community better."

Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank

• The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change. 

• The program launched in 2021 with an initial investment of $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades. 

• Budget 2024 announced an additional $500 million to support more projects through GICB until 2029.

• At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.

• Project funding is subject to the negotiation and signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.

• For more information, please visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website at: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program.

Associated links

• Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Housing and Infrastructure Project Map

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sofia Ouslis 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities 
sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca 
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 

Tamisan Bencz-Knight
Manager of Strategic Relationships & Partnerships
Edmonton’s Food Bank
780-425-2133 ext. 232
780-918-6984

Doug Thomson
Media & Communications Coordinator
Edmonton’s Food Bank
780-425-2133 ext. 235
780-893-5851