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No. H104/99
For release November 8, 1999
TRANSPORT MINISTER ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (ITS) IN CANADA
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced federal funding of
over $7 million for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in Canada. The funding
will be provided to the ITS Society of Canada, the University of Toronto, and the
provinces and territories.
"Intelligent transportation systems can help make Canada’s transportation
system safer and more efficient, productive and environmentally responsible," said
Mr. Collenette. "This initial investment will allow Canada’s researchers and
transportation and ITS industries to advance their work at the forefront of this exciting
and rapidly developing industry."
The ITS Society of Canada will receive $250,000. The not-for-profit association will
undertake the role of principal private-sector technical advisor and partner to Transport
Canada in the development and implementation of Canada’s ITS plan.
The University of Toronto’s Department of Civil Engineering will receive $100,000
toward the establishment of an ITS testbed, which will involve academic researchers,
private sector firms, and transportation-related public agencies at the municipal,
provincial and national levels. This testbed will help researchers and young professionals
develop and train on ITS applications.
The provinces and territories will receive a total of $7 million for upgrades of their
systems to capture, transmit and manipulate motor carrier data to develop motor carrier
safety ratings as required under the National Safety Code. These systems are a first step
in the establishment of an ITS-based strategy for commercial vehicle operations across
Canada.
"The Government of Canada is committed to implementing a comprehensive ITS
strategy for Canada," said Mr. Collenette. "Fostering lasting partnerships among
the public, private and academic sectors is an important first step in finding ways that
Canada can benefit from these important advances in transportation technology."
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Contact: Robert Greenslade, Transport Canada Communications (613) 990-6055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and
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This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual
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