No. H095/02For release - August 28, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette, and Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding of more than $373,000 for five projects under the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program.
The Government of Canada program, announced in November 2001, will allocate approximately $4.5 million over five years for projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the freight transportation sector. The program is one of 28 initiatives under the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change.
"I am pleased that federal funds are being used for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the efficiency of the freight transport sector," said Mr. Collenette. "Transport Canada is committed to fostering a sustainable transportation system, one that is safe and secure, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Initiatives such as the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program show our commitment to finding ways to meet the transportation needs of Canadians, while helping to protect the environment for present and future generations."
"This is a fine example of the Government of Canada and industry working together to balance economic and environmental needs," said Minister Dhaliwal. "By investing in innovative programs such as the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also contributing to Canadian competitiveness."
Under the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program:
Kelsan Technologies Corp. will receive $227,384 in federal funding for the Top of Rail Friction Control project. This project will demonstrate and measure the effect of top-of-rail friction control on freight locomotive fuel consumption and GHG emissions, and is expected to result in significant reductions in fuel consumption, GHG emissions, noise, and maintenance costs. Project partners include CN, CP, and the National Research Council.
Nexus North will receive federal funding of $50,000 for Nunavut Express Container Service - a new container express service connecting Winnipeg and Thompson with the Port of Churchill and isolated communities in Nunavut. The project will promote intermodal efficiencies by using self-loading container chassis technology, which transfers marine containers to and from different transport modes. The project is expected to reduce GHG emissions.
Athabasca Northern Railway Ltd. will receive $48,000 in federal funding for the GM GP-9 Layover Protection project, which involves the installation of diesel driven heating systems on two GP-9 locomotives. The project is designed to eliminate significant hours of locomotive idling time, thus reducing fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
Southern Railways of British Columbia will receive federal funding of $25,000 for ZTR Control System's SmartStart Technology. The system automatically shuts down and restarts locomotives depending on environmental conditions and the temperature of critical locomotive systems, thus reducing idling time, fuel consumption, and GHG emissions.
Genesee and Wyoming, and Huron Central Railway will receive federal funding of $23,300 for the installation of electric locomotive layover heating systems on two locomotives. These systems allow diesel engines to shut down during layover periods, even in winter, thus reducing unnecessary idling, fuel consumption, and GHG emissions.
Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program contributions will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses to a maximum of $250,000, with applicants and their partners contributing the remainder.
More information on the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program is available at www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/freighttransportation/menu.htm. A backgrounder on the program is also attached.
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Contacts:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Heather BalaDirector of Communications,Office of the Minister of Natural ResourcesCanada, Ottawa(613) 996-2007
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BACKGROUNDER
FREIGHT SUSTAINABILITY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program supports the demonstration and evaluation of innovative tools, technologies, and best practices that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada's freight transportation sector. The program is led by Transport Canada, with the cooperation of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency, specifically the Fleet Smart Program.
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program will allocate approximately $4.5 million over five years (with a maximum program contribution of $250,000 over two years for any given project), for projects that meet the program's criteria. Government of Canada contributions will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses, with applicants and their partners contributing the remainder.
All participants in the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program are required to monitor emissions and report findings from their projects to the program secretariat at Transport Canada.
Information on successful technologies and best practices will be provided at conferences and other venues, and at www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/freighttransportation/demo/menu.htm.
In November 2001, 28 initiatives under the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change were announced, including the Freight Efficiency and Technology Initiative. Its goal is to reduce GHG emissions in the freight transportation sector. The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program is one component of the Freight Efficiency and Technology Initiative. For further information on this initiative, visit www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/freighttransportation/menu.htm.
August 2002
