No. H 003/09
For release - January 8, 2009
NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in a project in New Westminster that supports environmentally friendly transportation.
"I am proud that our government supports projects that can be good for our economy and our environment," said Minister Day. "This project will help improve the public transit system, promote eco-friendly transportation and encourage infrastructure investments."
The City of New Westminster will receive a contribution of up to $120,000 for a series of related initiatives, such as promoting Safe Routes to School for nine elementary schools; enhancing the green transportation components of the city's transportation plan; and creating a coordinator position to promote green transportation options.
"Our government is investing in the economic and environmental future of our country," said Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. "Projects such as this one will help cut emissions and promote greener transportation alternatives while also stimulating our economy and creating new jobs."
The ecoMOBILITY program works with provinces, municipalities and regional transportation authorities to help develop initiatives that encourage commuters to choose public transit or other alternatives to personal vehicles. Through the program, the government is taking action to find ways to meet transportation needs, reduce costs to Canadians and protect the environment.
This program is part of the Government of Canada's ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which has three goals: 1) improving the health of Canadians and the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation; 2) contributing to Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness by making critical transportation infrastructure sustainable both economically and environmentally; and 3) promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the high quality of life Canadians expect.
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