No. H143/03For release - November 28, 2003
QUEBEC — Justice Minister, Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for Quebec, and Member of Parliament for Outremont, Martin Cauchon, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced $30,000 in funding for a project under the seventh round of the Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program. The project covers a range of initiatives that will contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation system. This funding is part of a federal contribution of $266,650 announced today for seven projects across Canada under the program. Since 1999, $260,000 has been allocated to eight projects under the MOST program in the Province of Quebec.
"This innovative project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging people to use bicycles by improving cycling infrastructure," said Mr. Cauchon.
"The environmental impacts of transportation can affect our health and quality of life. I am pleased that there has been such continued interest in this program to help Canadians adopt sustainable transportation projects," said Mr. Collenette. "That is also why we have committed funds to enhance Canada's transportation system so that it meets environmental, social and economic goals, as set out in our new policy document Straight Ahead."
Vélo Québec will receive funding under the program.
Under the MOST program, interested parties are invited to submit proposals which then undergo a comprehensive evaluation process by an independent advisory committee comprising members from industry, federal departments, non-governmental organizations and academia. Projects are eligible for a maximum of $100,000 over two years and must receive at least 50 per cent of resources from sources other than the Government of Canada.
Since its inception in 1999, the MOST program has allocated approximately $1.8 million to 57 initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation practices among Canadians. Originally slated to last three years, MOST was extended to 2007 in response to ongoing demand for the program, and was given $2.5 million in additional funding.
Funding for this program was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
A backgrounder with further information on the Moving On Sustainable Transportation program and the project awarded funding for the seventh round is included.
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Contact:
Amy ButcherDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
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BACKGROUNDER
MOVING ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
The Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions and business and professional associations that are conducting projects and delivering concrete results in support of Transport Canada's commitment to sustainable transportation. The program seeks to stimulate the development of innovative methods for decreasing the impact of transportation on the environment, and also aims to provide Canadians with practical information and tools to apply sustainable transportation thinking to their daily lives. MOST fulfils a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997.
The successful project submission for the seventh round of funding of MOST is:
Vélo QuébecVélo Québec will receive $30,000 in funding for a project to promote the development of cycling infrastructure in Canadian cities. The project involves hosting workshops across Canada with various groups, including municipal professionals, such as engineers and urban planners, elected officials and representatives of not-for-profit organizations.
Contact:
Jean-François PronovostVélo Québec1251, Rachel EstMontréal, QuébecH2J 2J9Tel: (514) 521-8356
