"Sometimes government incentives – like the former Eco Energy program – are better than the often-argued push to simply reduce all of our taxes…

Here is a reply from well-known Ontario eco-contractor Ben Polley (Evolve Builders) to John Stefanis’s post re: Why doesn’t Ottawa reinstitute the Home Renovation Tax Credit…

“Agreed, John. My understanding is that the former Eco-Energy program (launched by the federal Liberals, killed by the federal Cons) was demonstrated to drive renovation work, resulted in moderate home-energy savings and, most of all, (helped ensure that) work was all conducted above board – because that was the only way for the homeowner to receive a credit (by way of proofs of purchase). I recall reading that the multiplier effect (i.e., economic benefits vs cost to government) of this program was (substantial).

“In my view, sometimes incentives (and the resulting government spending) are better than the often-argued push to simply reduce all of our taxes which, as discussed above, sometimes has a perversely unintended impact (rather than benefit) on small biz and individuals.”