No. H005/02For release - January 23, 2002
OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and MP for Toronto Centre-Rosedale, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the commitment of $35,000 in funding for a sustainable transportation project in Toronto under Transport Canada's Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program.
"The creation of a more environmentally friendly transportation system is a priority, and projects to support this goal are of great importance," said Mr. Graham. "I am pleased that Toronto has been given the opportunity to participate in MOST."
The Canadian Urban Transit Association in Toronto will receive $35,000 to organize a forum for75 Canadian youth to increase their awareness of, and to discuss issues surrounding clean air, climate change and sustainable transportation.
MOST fulfills a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997. The program was launched with approximately $1 million to be provided to successful project proposals over a period of three years and four funding rounds. This funding has been allocated to 26 initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation. Final approval for funding is subject to meeting the financial and other requirements of the program.
MOST assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, and business and professional associations. These groups are conducting projects and delivering concrete results in support of Transport Canada's commitment to sustainable transportation. In addition, the projects are helping to improve the public's understanding of sustainable transportation issues.
Through MOST, Transport Canada is able to manage funding requests in a more transparent and equitable fashion. An advisory committee prioritizes projects and recommends funding allocations. Projects may receive up to a maximum of $100,000 over two years and must receive at least 50 percent of resources from sources other than the Government of Canada.
"Transport Canada is committed to fostering a sustainable transportation system, one that is safe, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly," said Mr. Collenette. "Through MOST, the Government of Canada is helping to find ways to meet the transportation needs of Canadians, while helping to protect the environment for present and future generations."
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
Information on MOST, including an applicant's guide and project results, can be found on Transport Canada's web site at www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/most/menu.htm.
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Contact:
Fran GreenCommunications, Ottawa(613) 991-5933
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