KELOWNA, BC, June 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians' quality of life — and future growth — are deeply tied to the environment. That is why Canada is investing in clean transportation options while creating well-paying jobs and resilient communities.
Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna — Lake Country, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today announced a $600,000 investment to FortisBC Inc. for 12 electric vehicle fast-charging stations in British Columbia. The announcement was made at the Kelowna International Airport, which houses two of the 12 fast-charging stations.
The funding is provided by Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, which aims to establish a coast-to-coast network of fast-chargers along the national highway system, natural gas refueling stations along key freight corridors and hydrogen refueling stations in major metropolitan areas. It is part of the Government of Canada's more than $180-billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
The Government of British Columbia is also contributing $300,000 towards the fast-chargers through its Clean Energy Vehicle Public Fast Charging Program.
Canada is committed to a clean energy future that guarantees good middle-class jobs and a strong economy and ensures that our country remains a destination of choice for international investment. This builds on the Generation Energy Council Report submitted to the Government of Canada. The report proposed principles on how to build our energy future in a way that ensures the economy and environment go hand in hand.
Quotes
"Electric vehicles are an important part of Canada's clean energy future and we are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles. That is why we continue to invest in infrastructure needed for easy charging where we live, work and play, as well as travelling from coast-to-coast."
Stephen Fuhr
Member of Parliament for Kelowna — Lake Country
"Making the switch to electric vehicles is part of our government's CleanBC plan to cut climate pollution, boost the economy, and create opportunities for communities across the province. This new series of electric vehicle chargers in B.C's interior will strengthen our existing charging network and make it easier to charge up."
Michelle Mungall, Minister Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
"Our goal is to make sure electric vehicle drivers can travel with confidence across our electric service territory in B.C.'s southern interior. Putting charging stations where they are needed most helps drive electric vehicle adoption and is part of our Clean Growth Pathway, our action plan to help the province meet its clean energy goals."
Doug Stout, vice president, market development & external relations
FortisBC
"Airports have a large role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable transportation options. Installing electric vehicle chargers will ensure the airport is accessible for the growing number of electric vehicle drivers in the Okanagan while working towards protecting the natural environment that makes the region such a great place to live.
Sam Samaddar, Airport Director
Kelowna International Airport
Quick Facts
- Transportation accounts for a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, almost half of which come from cars and light trucks. The Government is committed to putting more zero-emission vehicles on the road, which offer the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the longer term.
- To support the transition to a low-carbon transportation system, the Government of Canada has set targets for sales of zero-emission vehicles in Canada, which are as follows: 10 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2025, 30 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.
- Building on previous investments, Budget 2019 provides $130 million in support to expand the network of zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling stations and is creating new incentives for people and businesses to purchase zero-emission vehicles.
Associated Links
Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program – Natural Resources Canada
Zero-Emission Vehicle – Transport Canada
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected]; Vanessa Adams, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-543-7645, [email protected]
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