Ottawa - Canada's New Government has
partnered with engineers who are studying roads, buildings and water systems in
every part of the country to determine how climate change is affecting our
infrastructure. Funding of $998,400 to support this project was announced last
night by Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Gary
Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, on the Minister's behalf.
"Our Government recognizes that this is a very important initiative," said
Mr. Gourde, speaking at a dinner held by the Public Infrastructure Engineering
Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC), a professional engineering group.
"Understanding the impact of climate change on our country's infrastructure will
help all levels of government adapt to ensure the safety of our
communities."
The First National Engineering Vulnerability Assessment Report is being
conducted by PIEVC, an initiative of the Canadian Council of Professional
Engineers (CCPE), which is the national organization of associations that
regulate engineers in Canada. PIEVC brings together more than 50 engineers,
25 scientists and other specialists. It is also working with all levels of
government as well as associations with a role in infrastructure.
"Climate change is already a reality in Canada, particularly in our northern
regions. PIEVC will identify and prioritize the most vulnerable types of
infrastructure and their condition, leading to adjustments to infrastructure
design codes, standards and practices," said Marie Lemay, P.Eng., ing., the CEO
of CCPE. "This will enable engineers to use strategies in their designs so that
public infrastructure can adapt to the anticipated impacts of climate change,
enhancing the safety and security of Canadians."
Canadian engineers have relied upon historical climatic data to design
long-lasting, safe and reliable infrastructure. They must adjust their designs
and operations to a changing climate, which could improve energy efficiency and
also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Improved design codes can incorporate more
recent energy-efficiency standards.
The vulnerability assessment report will focus on four types of
infrastructure: water supply systems; buildings; roads and associated
structures; and storm and wastewater systems. It will also identify practices
that can help make structures more resilient to climate change. The report is
expected to be finished by March 2008.
Funding for the project comes from the Government of Canada's Climate Change
Impacts and Adaptation Program. This program provides funding for research and
activities to improve our knowledge of Canada's vulnerability to climate change,
to better assess the risks and benefits posed by climate change and to build the
foundation upon which appropriate decisions on adaptation can be made.
This initiative advances the commitment by Canada's New Government to
ensuring the safety and security of people and resources - delivering real
change and real results for Canadians.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Engineers are studying roads, buildings and water systems in every part of
the country to assess how vulnerable they are to climate change. Yesterday,
Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Natural Resources Gary
Lunn, announced Government of Canada funding of almost $1 million for this
project.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources
CanadaOttawa613-992-4447
Marc BourgeoisDirector of CommunicationsCanadian Council of
Professional Engineers613-232-2474 ext.238Cell:
613-868-0267
Kathleen OlsonActing Director of CommunicationsOffice of the
MinisterNatural Resources CanadaOttawa613-996-2007
And general public may contact:Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 EDTTelephone:
613-995-0947TTY: 613-996-4397(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
CCPE's news releases and backgrounders are available athttp://www.ccpe.ca/
