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A Canadian Dividend Stock Is Leaving Canada — What Algonquin Power's US Move Means for Your RRSP and TFSA

  Published August 9, 2026 Algonquin Power's move to Delaware could change how your dividends are taxed — and whether index funds keep holding the stock at all. If you've owned Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX/NYSE: AQN) in your RRSP or TFSA for the dividend, pay attention this week. On Friday, August 7, the Oakville, Ontario-based utility announced it plans to leave Canada — reincorporating as a Delaware company with its head office moving to Chicago. It's not a rumour or a boardroom leak. It came straight from the company's own Q2 2026 earnings release, and CEO Rod West was blunt about the reasoning: more than 80% of Algonquin's operations are now in the United States, with less than 5% left in Canada. The plan is to align the corporate address with where the business actually lives. What's actually changing Here's the plan as Algonquin has laid it out: The company would formally "continue" out of Canada and reincorporate in Delaware,...

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Ottawa’s “Better Homes” Program: A Dual Solution for Climate Change and Affordability

 

Ottawa, the vibrant capital city of Canada, is stepping up its game to address two pressing challenges simultaneously: climate change and the affordability crisis. The recently launched “Better Homes” program aims to empower homeowners to retrofit their dwellings, making them more environmentally friendly while easing financial burdens.

The Better Homes Program: What You Need to Know

  1. Interest-Free Loans: Ottawa homeowners can now apply for low-interest loans to fund home retrofits. These upgrades include replacing windows, adding insulation, installing heat pumps, or setting up electric vehicle chargers. The loan amount is tied to the home’s value, allowing borrowers to access up to 10% of their property’s value, capped at $125,000.

  2. Long-Term Repayment: The loans are repaid over a 20-year period through property tax bills. This innovative approach ensures that the financial burden aligns with the benefits gained from energy-efficient improvements.

  3. Green Transition: Residential buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on heating, cooling, and electrifying homes and office spaces, Ottawa aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The Better Homes program encourages homeowners to embrace greener alternatives.

  4. Expert Guidance: The City of Ottawa has partnered with the environmental non-profit EnviroCentre to offer free energy retrofit planners to interested homeowners. These experts guide residents through the retrofit process, ensuring effective implementation.

Why It Matters

  • Climate Action: Retrofitting homes directly impacts Ottawa’s emissions. By enhancing energy efficiency, we move closer to achieving the city’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

  • Affordability: The Better Homes program recognizes that affordability and sustainability go hand in hand. It empowers homeowners to make cost-effective changes that benefit both their wallets and the planet.

  • Community Engagement: Educating diverse demographics about available support is crucial. City staff play a pivotal role in bridging this gap and ensuring that every homeowner can participate.

As Ottawa pioneers this initiative, it sets an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges. The Better Homes program proves that tackling climate change need not come at the expense of affordability—it’s a win-win for all.


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