No. H 135/08
For release - June 2, 2008
QUEBEC CITY - Eight new electric buses, designed to easily traverse Old Quebec's narrow streets, were launched into service today, under Transport Canada's Urban Transportation Showcase Program. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for Quebec, along with Mayor of Quebec City, Régis Labeaume and Quebec Minister of Transport, Julie Boulet, unveiled the buses today in Old Quebec.
"The Government of Canada is getting things done, by investing in innovative transportation to deliver a cleaner environment," said Minister Cannon. "Our government is working towards real, long-term solutions to clean up our air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to benefit the health of Canadians."
Launching these electric buses during Environment Week also underscores the government's resolve to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution. In addition to helping people get to their destinations quickly and more efficiently, the buses will help keep the air clean, improve quality of life, and respect the physical heritage of Old Quebec.
The governments of Canada and Quebec announced their commitment of $16.9 million in February last year, to innovative public transit initiatives in Gatineau, Montreal and Quebec City, as part of the Urban Transportation Showcase Program.
In Quebec City, the total cost of the project is valued at $12.2 million. The partners have committed the following amounts:
- $4.2 million over two years from the Quebec government;
- $2 million from the federal government;
- $5.6 million from Quebec City; and
- $325,000 from the Réseau de transport de la capitale.
These commitments help put electric buses into service in Old Quebec as of today, and demonstrate the Government of Canada's commitment to sustainable urban transportation in Canada's cities.
The Urban Transportation Showcase Program funds projects that demonstrate the impacts of strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from urban transportation and expand the range and convenience of sustainable transportation options for Canadians. The program was developed following consultations with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, among others. Eight municipalities were selected from 50 showcase proposals to demonstrate innovative strategies for facing these urban challenges.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for all Canadians. This principle is the cornerstone behind 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, pollution and waste.
The Government of Canada is making the largest investment ever made by a federal government to modernize infrastructure in the country. Building Canada is a $33-billion, 7-year plan to contribute to a competitive economy, a cleaner environment and strong and prosperous communities.
Budget 2008 sets aside $500 million in support of capital investments to improve public transit. It also confirms that the Gas Tax Fund will be extended beyond 2014 and become a permanent measure, providing continuous, long-term, predictable funding to municipalities, amounting to $2 billion a year nationally.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news 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.
