No. H129/05
For release - June 8, 2005
GATINEAU — A new project in Quebec has been selected to receive funding under the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program to help contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation system.
The Honourable Françoise Boivin, Member of Parliament (Gatineau), on behalf of Transport Minister Jean C. Lapierre, today announced that Vélo-route trans-Québec pour la Table de concertation vélo Outaouais has been selected to receive $15,000 under the program to launch a 16-week commuter challenge aimed at encouraging the public to bike to work.
"Reaching out to the public is such an important element of any environmental program," said Ms. Boivin. "By involving communities in sustainable transportation projects at the early stage, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to finding solutions that Canadians can apply to their everyday lives."
Since it began in 1999, the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program has funded 73 projects aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation practices among Canadians. Originally slated to last three years with more than $1 million to be allocated, the program was extended to 2007 in response to ongoing demand, and was given $2.5 million in additional funding. This is the tenth round of projects to receive funding under the program.
"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable transportation," added Mr. Lapierre. "Communities need solutions that respond to local challenges and the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program provides several innovative options."
Funding for the program was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
A backgrounder with further information on the program is included.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Chris KrepskiCommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
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BACKGROUNDERMOVING ON SUSTAINABLETRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
The Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program is an innovative Transport Canada funding program that provides financial support to help organizations conduct projects that will produce the kinds of education, awareness and analytical tools necessary to make sustainable transportation a reality. Eligible organizations include environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, Aboriginal organizations, and business and professional associations.
The program seeks to stimulate the development of innovative methods for decreasing the impact of transportation on the environment, to achieve quantifiable results and to provide Canadians with practical information and tools to apply sustainable transportation thinking to their daily lives.
The MOST program fulfils a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997. The first phase began in the fiscal year 1999-2000, with more than $1 million to be allocated over three years. In response to ongoing demand, the program was recently extended to 2007 with an additional $2.5 million to be allocated over five years. To date, about $2.6 million has been allocated towards a variety of initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation to diverse target audiences.
The types of projects eligible for funding include:
studies that contribute to greater understanding of sustainable transportation issues;
initiatives to develop new and innovative sustainable transportation tools and practices;
pilot projects that test new sustainable transportation approaches or alternatives;
workshops and information sessions to support new sustainable transportation ideas or approaches; and
education and outreach programs that inform the Canadian public about sustainable transportation.
Individual projects may receive up to a maximum of $100,000 over two years. In keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to partnership, applicants must also demonstrate that 50 per cent of their eligible net costs are provided by other sources.
Project proposals are screened against detailed eligibility criteria. Proposals that meet the initial requirements are sent to an independent advisory committee for further review and recommendations. Transport Canada makes the final decision on funding requests.
Transport Canada is committed to contributing to a lasting and environmentally friendly transportation system. Through MOST, the department is helping to find ways to meet today's transportation needs while protecting the environment for future generations of Canadians.
For more information, visit Transport Canada's MOST website.
June 2005
