No. H073/05
For release - April 18, 2005
CALGARY — Two new projects in Alberta under Transport Canada's Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program were announced today by the Honourable Ann McLennan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Transport MinisterJean- C. Lapierre.
The Government of Canada is investing $356,925 in these projects. The selected organizations are Air Canada and Canadian Pacific Railway.
"Projects such as the ones announced today demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting environmental sustainability, innovation and development," said Ms. McLellan. "They also demonstrate the government's willingness to work with industry to balance economic and environmental needs."
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program supports the demonstration and evaluation of innovative tools, technologies and practices that have the potential to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from the freight transportation sector in Canada. The Government of Canada will contribute up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses, to a maximum of $250,000, with applicants and their partners contributing the remainder. Approximately $4.5 million will be allocated under the program between 2001 and 2007.
"Not only do these projects demonstrate the transportation industry's ingenuity, they also have the potential to generate tangible results for Canada's freight transportation sector as well as our environment." said Mr. Lapierre.
To date, the government has announced approximately $3.7 million in funding for 30 projects across Canada under the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program. This program is part of the Freight Efficiency and Technology Initiative that was established under the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change.
More information on the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program is available at www.tc.gc.ca/FSDP.
Backgrounders with information on projects and the program are attached.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Chris KrepskiCommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
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BACKGROUNDERPROJECTS FUNDED UNDER THE SIX ROUND OF THE FREIGHT SUSTAINABILITY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The following projects have been selected for the sixth round of funding under the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program:
Alternative fuelsProject location: Calgary, AlbertaAir Canada will receive $106,925 to convert 58 gasoline powered ground vehicles at the Calgary airport to liquid propane gas. This project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to allow vehicles to operate in locations with limited ventilation. In addition to reducing maintenance and operating costs, the project will demonstrate the suitability of using propane as a fuel in harsh environments, such as Calgary winters.
Efficient Operating PracticesProject location: Calgary, AlbertaCanadian Pacific Railway will receive $250,000 to demonstrate and measure the effects of innovative feedback mechanisms and training for train operators to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Direct feedback will be provided to employees on a regular basis to ensure the best and most fuel-efficient operating practices are being used. To determine if this training initiative can significantly improve fuel efficiency, fuel consumption will be measured on a monthly basis over a 12-month period to assess the impact of feedback mechanisms and training on an employee's handling of the train.
April 2005
BACKGROUNDERFREIGHT SUSTAINABILITY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program supports the demonstration and evaluation of innovative tools, technologies and practices that have the potential to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada's freight transportation sector.
The program, announced as part of the Government of Canada's Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, will allocate approximately $4.5 million between 2001 and 2007 for projects that meet the program's criteria. Projects are eligible for a maximum program contribution of $250,000 over two years. Government of Canada contributions will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses, with applicants and their partners contributing the remainder. Some 30 projects have already been approved for funding.
Transport Canada, together with Natural Resources Canada, selects projects to receive funding under the program, taking into account the recommendations of an advisory committee including representatives of other federal departments, academic institutions, and other not-for-profit organizations. Applications are accepted twice a year, in the spring and the fall. For specific dates, please see the Applicant's Guide on the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program website listed below.
All participants in the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program are required to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and report findings from their projects to the program secretariat at Transport Canada.
Transport Canada will make information on successful technologies and best practices available at conferences and other venues and on the Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program website at www.tc.gc.ca/FSDP.
The Freight Sustainability Demonstration Program is part of the Freight Efficiency and Technology Initiative which includes a range of different initiatives designed to reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in the freight transportation sector.
April 2005
