Government of Canada invests up to $7 million in electric vehicles to tackle climate change and to support good jobs for Canadians
Quebec company AddEnergie gets funding to develop advanced electric-vehicle recharging stations across Canada
SHAWINIGAN, QC, Feb. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to creating the clean-growth economy we need to ensure the health, prosperity, and security for this generation of Canadians—and the next.
That is why Canada is investing in clean and efficient transportation now so that Canadian families can live in healthier, more productive communities.
Today, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, and Minister of International Trade, François-Philippe Champagne, announced on behalf of Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, that the Government of Canada will invest up to $7 million to develop advanced electric-vehicle charging stations across Canada.
The ministers made the announcement at the Shawinigan plant of AddEnergie, the Quebec-based electric-vehicle charging company that will receive the funding. AddEnergie will use the investment for projects to install more than 1,000 new charging stations across Canada by 2019 and to develop the next generation of fast-charging stations and other innovative technologies that will help get more charging stations in homes, businesses, and cities.
Today's announcement follows through on the commitment made in our pan-Canadian plan for climate change and clean growth to expand the number of zero-emission vehicles on Canadian roads.
Developed with provinces and territories, the plan will address climate change and help position companies like AddEnergie as leaders in the global clean-growth economy.
Quotes
"With smart and strategic investments in transportation, we will not only reduce carbon pollution, but we will create well-paying jobs and improve our quality of life at home, at work, and in our communities. Electric cars are becoming cheaper and more efficient and are part of the solution to fight climate change. By investing in charging stations, our government can make these cars an easier choice for Canadians."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Supporting clean-technology investments that significantly reduce GHG emissions, will grow our economy, create good jobs, and help Canadian businesses be at the forefront of the clean-energy revolution."
– Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources
"This federal investment of up to $7 million to support AddEnergie, a flagship of Mauricie, will help position us as world leaders in clean energy in the years to come. That's more great news for economic growth and job creation in our region."
– François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain
"This support will help us strengthen our position as a Canadian leader in charging solutions for electric vehicles and allow us to work with other innovative companies to shape the future of transportation."
– Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of AddEnergie
Quick facts
- Almost a quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions currently come from the transportation sector.
- Canada is continuing to invest in more charging stations. Budget 2016 provides $62.5 million for infrastructure for alternative transportation fuels, including charging infrastructure for electric vehicles as well as natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations.
- Canada's plan for climate change and clean growth calls for federal, provincial, and territorial governments to work with industry and other stakeholders to develop a Canada-wide strategy for zero-emission vehicles by 2018.
- The Government of Canada will continue to support electric-vehicle infrastructure by working with provinces and territories to invest in more charging stations so that more Canadian families can commute and travel longer distances in zero-emission cars.
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For further information: Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)
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