No. H208/05For release October 28, 2005
HALIFAX, N.S. - A new project in Nova Scotia has been selected to receive funding under the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program to help contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation system.
Michael Savage, MP (Dartmouth-Cole Harbour), on behalf of Transport Minister
Jean-C. Lapierre, today announced that the Ecology Action Centre has been selected to receive
$50,000 to adapt and introduce Active and Safe Routes to School programs in rural areas of
the Halifax Regional Municipality. The project, called Making Tracks, has two
phases. Phase one will help research the barriers and benefits of implementing an Active and Safe Routes to
School program in the area. Phase two will pilot test the program at seven area schools.
"Helping our youth to make smarter transportation choices will reap benefits for
our environment for years to come," said Mr. Savage. "I am pleased that this
program allows communities to get involved in promoting a more sustainable
transportation system."
The Moving on Sustainable Transportation program has funded 84 projects aimed at
encouraging sustainable transportation practices among Canadians since it began
in 1999. 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 eleventh round of
projects to receive funding under the program.
"Since its introduction, the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program has
consistently inspired new and innovative project ideas," said Mr. Lapierre. "I
am pleased that there has been such continued interest in this program."
Funding for the program was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
A
backgrounder with further information on the Moving on Sustainable
Transportation program is included.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Chris Krepski
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date
on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with
visual disabilities.
BACKGROUNDER
MOVING ON SUSTAINABLE
TRANSPORTATION 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, achieve quantifiable
results and 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 of
the program 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 $3 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 Canadians 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.
October 2005
