LIEN is joint program of Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) and Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). ACTO and CELA, along with several other organizations, comprise the advisory committee of LIEN, which informs its strategic direction.
LIEN was formed in 2004 by anti-poverty, affordable housing and environmental groups in response to the impact of rising energy prices on low-income Ontarians. LIEN has over 75 members from a broad range of environmental, legal, tenant, affordable housing, and social service organizations across Ontario that have endorsed our mandate. LIEN is directed by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from across the province.
We seek to raise awareness of and propose solutions to, energy poverty through:
- Outreach to community groups to involve them in LIEN;
- Outreach to the public, e.g. through the media;
- Participating in OEB hearings and legislative processes;
- Working with policy-makers and local utilities.
LIEN currently has over 75 member organizations that support our mandate.
Vision
LIEN’s vision is an Ontario where everyone has equitable access to conservation and financial assistance programs and services to meet their basic energy needs affordably and sustainably.
Mandate
Mission Statement
- LIEN aims to ensure that all Ontarians have access to adequate, affordable energy as a basic necessity while minimizing the environmental impacts of energy generation and distribution.
- LIEN promotes programs and policies that address energy poverty and homelessness, reduce Ontario’s contribution to smog and climate change, and promote energy conservation and a healthy economy. These programs and policies must prioritize the more efficient use of energy, a transition to renewable sources of energy, and consumer education and protection.
Advisory Committee
- Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
- Canadian Environmental Alliance (CELA)
- Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP)
- Sisters of Providence of St Vincent de Paul
- Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic
Fifteen years ago, LIEN developed a vision for a comprehensive strategy for reducing energy
consumption and costs for Ontario’s vulnerable, low-income households. Through our persistent advocacy work with the Ontario government and the Ontario Energy Board, LIEN was instrumental in bringing its vision to reality.
