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Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities

Funds clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, remote communities

Offered by
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Official source: canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Who can apply
First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities
See full eligibility

Overview

Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Wah-ila-toos funding status updated

The funding opportunities page now says CERRC is fully committed, stops new applications under that program, and adds a March 31, 2027 closure date.

See more

The funding opportunities page now states that the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program is fully committed and no longer accepting applications under any stream. It also adds an official closure date of March 31, 2027 and says any future proposals or inquiries will be retained to inform future federal programming. The application section still directs applicants to the contact form for access to the available programs, but the intake language has shifted away from an open ongoing window. The overall scope and eligibility messaging remain largely the same, with the main change being the program’s intake status and timeline.

Official source: canada.ca
May 27, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities
  • Indigenous governments and organizations
  • Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
  • Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and benefits for project staff
  • Professional, technical, and contracting services
  • Equipment, materials, and installation costs
  • Travel, training, workshops, and related project expenses

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Land purchase
  • Loan financing charges and interest
  • Costs incurred before project approval

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada
  • Indigenous, rural, and remote communities
  • Northern and Arctic regions

Activities funded

  • Capacity building for clean energy readiness
  • Renewable energy deployment projects
  • Energy efficiency and demand-side management projects
  • Feasibility studies and project planning
  • Research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies

How to apply

  • Step 1: Request application materials
    • Email the program team to request a project application and be assigned a program officer.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Complete the written proposal and statement of work.
    • Review the guidance provided for completing the form.
    • Ensure the application is signed by an authorized officer.
  • Step 3: Submit the application
    • Send the completed application through the contact form or by email as instructed by the program.
  • Step 4: Follow-up and review
    • Wait for the program team to review the submission and provide any further instructions or requests for information.

Documents Needed

  • Completed project application
  • Written proposal with statement of work
  • Application signed by an authorized officer
  • Supporting documentation, if requested

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with program objectives
  • Project benefits and expected results
  • Project governance and team capacity
  • Community engagement and support
  • Project workplan, risks, and financial strength

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility by regional program officers.
  • Eligible proposals are assessed against the program criteria and objectives.
  • Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis while funding remains available.
  • Projects that meet requirements are brought forward for approval.
  • The program may request additional supporting documentation during review.

Additional information

  • Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is fully allocated.
  • The Indigenous Council provides guidance on program and policy development for the initiative.
  • Program officers work directly with applicants and may provide technical and project development support.
  • A pathfinding officer can help identify supplementary or alternative programs and resources.

Contacts

nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca

Official sources

Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities

Program guide

Wah-ila-toos applicant guide
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities Program

What is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?

Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program?

To be eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program, you must: Indigenous, Canadian, or government-related applicants Clean energy or efficiency project Must reduce diesel reliance

What expenses are eligible under Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?

Salaries and benefits for project staff Professional, technical, and contracting services Equipment, materials, and installation costs Travel, training, workshops, and related project expenses

Who can I contact for more information about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?

You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca.

Where is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities available?

The Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program is available the province of Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.

Is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities is a Grant and Funding