No. H 248/08
For release - December 22, 2008
SAINT JOHN — The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing in two projects in New Brunswick that support environmentally friendly transportation.
"Our government is proud to support these projects that will help New Brunswickers reduce their reliance on cars and promote the use of green transportation," said Minister Thompson.
The following projects have been selected for funding under Transport Canada's Moving on Sustainable Transportation program (MOST):
- Bathurst Sustainable Development will receive a contribution of up to $21,000 for a project to update the Bathurst Transportation Master Plan.
- Projet Éco-Touristique de la Baie de Bouctouche Inc. will receive a contribution of up to $10,000 for a project to study the feasibility of a public transit service between Bouctouche and Moncton, and to consider the ecotourism potential of such a service.
"The MOST program provides help to reduce the impact of transportation on the environment," said Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. "We are committed to delivering real results for Canadians, creating jobs and boosting our economy. Our government's funding of these projects is a clear example of that."
The purpose of MOST is to provide Canadians with practical information and opportunities to better incorporate green transportation 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.
A backgrounder with further information on the MOST program is attached.
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The Moving on Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program is a Transport Canada funding program that provides financial assistance to non-governmental organizations for 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 achieves results by providing Canadians with practical information and tools to incorporate green transportation into their daily lives. The program also promotes the development of innovative ways 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;
- 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 $150,000 over three years. Applicants must demonstrate that 50 per cent of their eligible project costs are provided by sources other than the program.
Project proposals are reviewed by an independent advisory committee according to published evaluation and eligibility criteria. Transport Canada makes the decision on the allocation of funding, drawing on the recommendations of the committee.
Transport Canada is committed to a sustainable transportation system. Through MOST, the Government of Canada is helping 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 www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/most/menu.htm.
December 2008
