Canada's New Government Acting Now to Clean Up the Air we Breathe

MONTREAL, November 14, 2006 – The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, that Canada's New Government introduced on November 2, 2006 new requirements for on-road motorcycles. These new emissions standard will reduce smog-forming pollutants from motorcycles, mopeds and scooters and therefore reduce the risks to health from air pollution.

"Last month our government introduced historic legislation for cleaner and healthier air in Canada. Taking action to reduce air pollution from motorcycles is the first in a series of regulations to be developed as part of our comprehensive Clean Air Regulatory Agenda to deliver real results for all Canadians," said Minister Ambrose.

"Today, Canada's New Government is demonstrating a clear commitment to the establishment of short and medium term industrial pollution targets and is taking actions to compel polluters to respect emissions limits," added Minister Bernier.

The amendments to the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations introduce tighter emission standards and, for the first time, extend the application of emission standards to small scooters and mopeds. It is estimated that smog-forming emissions will be progressively reduced as cleaner products replace an increasing proportion of older in-use motorcycles. For example, it is estimated that air pollutants from the fleet of motorcycles operating in Canada such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons will be reduced by 59% and 45%, respectively by the year 2020.

While the focus of these regulations is to establish limits to control smog-forming emissions, some of the technologies that are expected to be used to this end will also result in collateral improvements to fuel efficiency, which in turn will contribute to minor reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from individual motorcycles.

These stringent new standards are aligned with U.S. requirements and will apply to new 2006 and later model year on-road motorcycles sold in Canada. This approach promotes the competitiveness of Canada's motorcycle industry in a North American market and complements our work internationally. The Regulations do not impact owners of existing products.

These Regulations will come into effect on December 1st, 2006.

For more information, please visit Environment Canada's Clean Air Online site at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cleanair-airpur.

For further information, please contact: