No. H 141/08
For release - June 4, 2008
VANCOUVER - The Government of Canada will invest in three projects that support environmentally friendly transportation in British Columbia, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. The announcement was made on Clean Air Day, which is being celebrated during Environment Week.
The University of British Columbia Design Centre for Sustainability in Vancouver will receive a contribution of up to $75,000 for a project that will examine the economic impact of integrated sustainable community design on a region comprising several municipalities. Cowichan Recyclists, based in Duncan, British Columbia, will receive up to $6,000 for a small-scale community project that will make bicycles with trailers available to a predominantly aboriginal community. In addition, a contribution of up to $100,000 will be given to Pedal Energy Development Alternatives (PEDAL) in Vancouver for a project that will focus on the use of bicycles by students in elementary school. These projects will be funded under the Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program.
"Our government is pleased to support these projects that will help British Columbians reduce their reliance on cars and promote the use of sustainable modes of transportation," said Minister Day.
"The MOST program provides Canadians across the country with practical ways to help reduce the impact of transportation on the environment," added Minister Cannon.
The purpose of MOST is to provide Canadians with practical information and opportunities to better incorporate sustainable transportation options into their daily lives. Through MOST, the government is helping find ways to meet today's transportation needs while protecting the environment for future generations of Canadians.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for all Canadians. This principle is the cornerstone of the government's "Turning the Corner" action plan to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, as well as many other environmental priorities, including environmental enforcement, water conservation and reduction of pollution and waste.
A backgrounder with further information on the MOST program and a list of projects selected for funding are attached.
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The Moving on Sustainable Transportation (MOST) initiative is an innovative Transport Canada funding program that provides financial assistance to organizations in support of projects that will help make sustainable transportation a reality in Canada. Eligible organizations include environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, aboriginal organizations, and business and professional associations.
The program aims to achieve quantifiable results by providing Canadians with practical information and tools to incorporate sustainable transportation options into their daily lives. The program also promotes the development of innovative methods to decrease the impact of transportation on the environment.
The types of projects eligible for funding include:
- studies, analyses or plans that make recommendations on sustainable transportation issues and initiatives;
- development of new and innovative sustainable transportation tools;
- small-scale pilot projects or demonstration projects that test new sustainable transportation approaches or alternatives;
- replication of successful sustainable transportation initiatives in additional communities while customizing project details to the new location; and
- workshops and conferences that educate stakeholders (professionals employed in the field, or managers and staff of sustainable transportation projects) on sustainable transportation.
Individual projects may receive up to a maximum of $150,000 over three 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 the allocation of funding.
Transport Canada is committed to contributing to a lasting and environmentally friendly transportation system. Through MOST, the Government of Canada 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 at June 2008
